The guest list was around forty, a manageable group. To me that meant beautiful fresh food, elegantly presented and served cold or at room temperature. First, appetizers to be served with drinks. The fourth page is drinks.What makes simply served foods work is the PRESENTATION, that is the way it's served. For example, sliced tomatoes carefully arranged on a pretty platter with a few sprigs of parsley is attractive and a worthy dish on an elegant table. But let's get back to that list.For my summer party, I kept things light - not the kind of food you might expect at a Super Bowl party. Tiny grape tomatoes in a bowl. Remember that cheese tastes best at room temperature - most cheeses are tasteless when cold. Consider buying a few prepared dishes. I chose sliced cold turkey breast and a big side of poached salmon. The turkey and salmon were served on big beautiful platters. For my centerpiece I created a large, pasta dish which was served room temperature and prepared just before the wedding party began. I suggest covering and hiding this beautiful dish lest your family pick away at the top. Back to your list. On you main course page, list several candidates. If you decide to cook the entree yourself, consider carefully and eliminate from the list those that will not work well. Choose a dish that benefits form advance preparation and will be the least work at the last minute.
Next, the third page is the wedding cake. If you wish you can also serve chocolate covered strawberries, sliced pineapple, mangoes or whatever else is available or traditional for your family.
Coffee? How about after dinner drinks? Lacking a trustworthy friend or family member, you will have to assume this as well.Let's get back to that list.
Once you are settled on what you will serve, the next list is your shopping list. Go over the ingredients for each dish from the recipe pages and make a shopping list. If a trip to the liquor store is necessary, this is a separate list.
On a clean piece of paper start another list for serving platters. A time line is next - working backward from the day of the wedding.
Remember where I said the pasta dish was assembled just before the party -once the pasta was cooked? Say your party is on Saturday.
Plan how you will arrange your platters on the serving table. Also think about table cloths and linens. Have a separate box for each dish with the prepared components, recipe page and any last minute notes and special kitchen tools packed into each box.
Lastly, if this is a large group you will need help.
Planning an Elegant Buffet - How I Catered My Daughter's Wedding From Three States Away
In creating a wedding using an Asian theme it will be full of richness with messages for this same good fortune.
Wedding gifts in general, and shower gifts in particular, were meant to be staples that helped the young couple set up housekeeping. The wedding party members are not expected to bring multiple gifts, either. 
Color Coordinate--If you're unable to find inspiring floral designs even after all that browsing, begin with a color scheme. For example, daisies or pansies would be far too casual for a white tie and tails wedding. If you are planning a fall wedding, begin thinking in terms of rich, earthy colors, such as amber, burgundy, and rust. Wedding gowns come in many shades of pale, from pure white to ecru, so don't just describe you wedding dress. If you are petite, have your florist design a bouquet that complements, rather than overpowers, your size. Devote a little time to reading up on wedding traditions--perhaps in different cultures, especially if that will lend something particularly appropriate to the ceremony. One Memento, Please--Would you prefer to keep your wedding bouquet as a memento, rather than toss it away? 