I know it’s the heat of summer so it may seem too soon to be thinking about bundling up with warm beverages. But as many brides know, you need to be picking out all your wedding details at least a season ahead of the actual ceremony so you have a chance to order it and put things together (and order a backup plan if necessary). So in the spirit of my purple, green and brown fall wedding plan I have chosen two very simple and do-it-yourself wedding reception elements.

truffles instead of wedding cake

I absolutely love the idea of having truffles in lieu of a wedding cake. They are easy to eat, simple to clean up and even more delicious to eat. Plus these truffles come with do-it-yourself directions to keep within your wedding budget. You can also make these a few days ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about assembling these cuties the night before your wedding. I love the modern bride option of skipping a huge, tiered wedding cake and these tiny delectable bites offer so many shades from my wedding color palette.

hot cocoa packet favors

And once you’ve started incorporating rich chocolate into your ceremony, why stop? Send your guests home with another easy do-it-yourself project – hot chocolate mix and red wine hot fudge favors. Check out Nonpareil’s online magazine for other great wedding tips and ideas.