Want an unforgettable reception? Here's a little secret: It's all about the food.

1. Playful colors
Chefs can play with food to match your signature hues. Like red and green? One caterer filled shot glasses layered with edamame (green) and lobster trifle (red).

2. Let your guests play bartender
For a bubble bar, set out champagne, prosecco or other sparkling wine. Offer liqueurs like Chambord and Schnapps plus juices and fresh fruit purees. Don't forget garnishes.

3. Family-style
Serving your guests family-style takes the stuffiness out of a sit-down meal and encourages guest interaction. Save money by nixing centerpieces-the food is your decor.

4. Go green
Serve organic mixed green salads or free-range chicken with sides of organic string beans. Drink organic tequilas and vodkas or even biodynamic wines.

5. Kick up the kids' menu
Children these days will eat sushi (yes!) and ravioli in a nice brown butter sauce. Parents will relax knowing their kids are getting a healthy meal-not chicken fingers. Just don't forget the milk!

6. Get global
Exotic ingredients like wasabi salt, Middle Eastern herbs and tahini sauces add a zing or richness to a dish. People won't recall what flowers you had, but they'll remember the food.

7. Trim the fat
For the cocktail hour, think small-like little antipasto skewers. Add vegetables to your menu to save calories and money.

8. Try a taste
Tasting menus are showing up at black-tie weddings. Serve five to seven mini courses-even pair a different wine with each course. Best for foodie couples willing to sacrifice time on the dance floor.

9. Spring into the action
Caterers are creating "interactive culinary kiosks." Chefs at different stations give pairing tips. One hot station is the ceviche bar, which offers a variety of fish in savory cones.

10. Night snacks
Around 10 p.m., brides and grooms are serving espressos or mini cartons of milk and cookies. Get sliders delivered from White Castle, which are sure to be a hit.