VILLA MONICA

Events by André Wells designed and produced the January 11 BET Honors Dinner in Washington. The event's signature color is purple, which Wells used in several sequined tablecloths from La Tavola. The linens provided sparkle, which was essential because the venue, the U.S. Library of Congress, did not permit candles or any open flames.

The theme for DirecTV Super Saturday Night Super Bowl party in New Orleans in February was "Eyes Wide Shut," which CL22 Productions created with S&M touches such as costumed characters wearing feathers, latex, leather, and chains—and black sequined tablecloths from Town and Country Event Rentals.

To divide up or lend warmth to a sprawling reception space, planners are using fresh alternatives to draping. At the Knot Gala in New York, ribbons and bistro lights offered the illusion of a lower ceiling.

Lace is also showing up in wedding decor. At a Los Angeles luncheon hosted by Beverly Hills event planner Mindy Weiss and Wedding Paper Divas, a room with heavy draping by Revelry showcased a lace-topped table.

Wedding cakes are being lavished with gilded touches. Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York creates confections tinged with lace patterns and metallic hues.

Invitations are straying from more classic designs to embrace quirkier patterns and themes. For a “sci-fi circus”-theme commitment ceremony, designers Arley-Rose Torsone and Morgan Calderini of Ladyfingers Letterpress in Black Forest, Colorado, created an invitation design featuring funky hand-drawn characters.

Instead of, or in addition to, traditional flowers, some couples are incorporating paper floral backdrops into their wedding decor. Lil Epic Event Design in Chicago provides such structures.

San Francisco firm Events of Distinction incorporates custom fabrics based on clients’ preferences into bar façades, lounge furniture, and pillows for receptions.

Some couples are opting for daytime weddings and serving brunch instead of dinner—or serving brunch items at cocktail parties. Toronto catering firm Eatertainment serves elegant, miniature versions of breakfast dishes such as French toast and pancakes.

Instead of traditional wedding favors, couples are donating to charities on behalf of their guests, says Jessica Jordan, Trump SoHo New York’s senior catering manager and certified professional bridal consultant. Many are also including philanthropy as part of their registries with help from organizations like the I Do Foundation.

Chicago-based event planner Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event put a new spin on a bride’s “something blue,” designing a thematically hued “hers” cocktail.

Austin, Texas-based Caplan Miller Events set up a personalized whiskey bar cart in honor of the groom at a wedding at the Four Seasons Austin.

The Knot Gala also featured a fresh method for engaging guests during the cocktail hour. At one food station, globes filled with tuna ceviche hung from trees, and guests were encouraged to “forage” for the items with help from staffers.

A Perfect Event has also worked on wedding receptions featuring high-end sweets as an alternative to cupcakes or a wedding cake. One example: ending a meal with the delicate French pastry croquembouche.

Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event also designed a tabletop for the show. Lilly's inspiration was "the new, green Garden of Eden." Her installation used vintage cutlery and glassware and lush, springy floral arrangements. There were also individual flower-topped cakes on each place setting.

In Orlando, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival features topiary shaped like familiar characters. In one such arrangement, a leafy Miss Piggy sits atop a suitcase, waving at passersby. The show runs through May 17.

The teepee-style tents can hold as many as 400 people.

Grilled corn on the cob with assorted toppings; roasted potato salad on chive sticks; watermelon cubes with feta and spinach; spinach salad with chopped eggs and microgreens in bacon cups; “hot dog” and “hamburger” macarons; and apple pie parfaits, by Windows Catering Company in Washington