How to Plan a Valentine Day Wedding

Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year, so what better date to plan your wedding? Plan a traditional red heart theme, or opt for less traditional colors and decorations for a new twist on a classic wedding day.

Instructions

Colors and Decorations

1. Select a traditional Valentine Day color scheme of red and white for invitations, bridesmaid dresses and table linens.

2. Use red, white and pink roses as the main flower for bouquets, boutonnières and floral centerpieces.

3. Place white pillar candles throughout the ceremony site and reception venue to create a romantic glow.

4. String white and red lights around the reception hall for more subtle lighting.

5. Use strands of faux pearls as part of table dressings and centerpieces.

6. Place guest name cards in antique-looking silver picture frames.

Food and Beverage

1. Offer guests red and pink cocktails, such as cranberry margaritas, pomegranate champagne mimosas and old fashion fruit punch.

2. Choose dainty appetizers to pass during the cocktail hour. Serve smoked salmon spread on heart shaped toasts, or the well known aphrodisiac, oysters on a half shell.

3. Serve hearty prime rib au jou or beef tenderloin as a main course to help take the chill off the winter weather for those in cold climates.

4. Accompany the main dish with creamy mashed potatoes, lemon infused asparagus and heart shaped dinner rolls with heart shaped butter pats.

5. Select a decadent heart-shaped chocolate wedding cake. Use a brilliant red filling, like raspberry or cherries, to add a splash of color and flavor. Decorate the cake with gold leaf accents.

6. Send guests home with small white boxes of chocolates, tied with a red velvet or gold organdy ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Other, less traditional Valentine's color schemes include red and pink, red and gold, red and black or burgundy and gold.