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9. Spend time looking for stationery in color combos that inspire you. There's no rule that formal invitations need to be black and ecru. Rather, fit your stationery style with the feel of the reception -- rich violets, oranges, and teals for a Mediterranean or Near East flair, or pink and green for a preppy summer affair.

10. The most obvious way to add color is with flowers. But first, you need to get familiar with the different varieties and families of flowers -- especially your favorites -- and the colors they come in. If you want an all-blue wedding, your petal picks will be more limited than if you went with a red celebration.

11. Can't settle on one scheme? If your wedding will be taking place in multiple rooms, each can have its own palette. But choose one consistent color to keep it from looking like a kaleidoscope.

12. Inject some flair into table settings with your linens. Look through party rental catalogs for colorful cloths like napkins and overlays that you love. Use them on guest, cake and buffet tables, underneath the escort cards, and more. Or, focus on the table accessories. Maybe a beloved china pattern could set the palette for your reception tables. Colored glassware is also huge right now and can be rented. Do most of your glasses in clear, and select one or two to be blue, pink, or green -- you get the idea.

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