If your party is in the morning or early afternoon, consider a brunch menu. You can serve food like bagels, muffins, quiche, fruit salad and the like. For beverages, think about juices, coffee, tea, and if you want something alcoholic, mimosas.

If you're hosting a tea party, think finger foods, like cookies, muffins, quick breads and finger sandwiches. Be sure to have lots of tea choices and coffee or soda for those who don't like tea. Another take on this idea is to have a dessert and coffee party.

Serve hors d'oeuvres if your party is at an odd time or between meals. Your choices here are endless: chips or veggies and dip, chips and salsa, party-size subs, cold cut platters, cheese platters, fruit, cookies, etc. Punch goes well at this kind of party.

If you're planning a party around a theme, serve foods related to the theme. If you're playing off the couple's honeymoon in Italy, serve pasta and good wine. If you're celebrating their love of the great outdoors, hold a barbecue.

If your party is after dinner, consider a cocktail party with drinks and hors d'oeuvres or a wine and cheese party. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic alternatives to those who don't want to drink.

Another alternative is to throw a potluck dinner. Ask each guest to bring a dish to share - you can even ask them to bring the recipe to give to the bride. As the host, you should provide basics, like beverages, rolls and a salad.