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Simplicity and elegance are the best way to make a wedding reception look expensive, even when it isn't. Think of the beauty of a single flower in a vase or the dramatic impact of a large stylised flower arrangement. Both approaches can be extremely effective if customised to the reception venue as part of an overall room design plan. When planning an event to remember, keep these top ten hints in mind.

1. Think like a film director. One of the best ways to save money is to decorate strategically. Pretend you're John Huston on a limited studio budget and survey your reception venue with a critical eye. Make a map and note the spots that look bare and those areas that are instantly attractive to the eye. Determine the reception's focal points and design a room blueprint accordingly. In terms of an overall look, think about which individual items will give you the most bang for your buck!

2. Look to the professionals. Although florists, hotels and other service providers are in the wedding business to make money, most will offer less expensive options if the couple clearly state they are on a tight budget. For inspiration, take note of effective theatre and film sets and scan fashion and decorating magazines for appealing images.

3. Light up your life. As any good theatre designer or fashion photographer will tell you, lighting really sets the mood. Ask the venue if lights can be positioned to highlight the flowers or centrepieces on tables or on strategic points throughout the room. If this isn't possible, consider using romantic candle light to attract attention. Anything from pillar candles to votive candles help create a warm, intimate look. Lucky couples with artistic friends should ask for their assistance in laying out a lighting pattern for the room.

4. Scents and sensibility. Scents are very important for enhancing a festive mood and thankfully this is one of the least expensive ways to "posh-up" a wedding. Consider scented candles in the cocktail area or a small potted lavender bush at the reception entrance. As an alternative, small bunches of lavender or lilac, in season, can be placed around the room. Winter wedding couples might consider the comforting scent of apples or cinnamon. Warning: do not place scented items in the room where guests are eating as it may conflict with the food aromas and put people off their meals.

5. Turn the beat around. Ask the hotel to play a classical music CD or cassette in the background as guests arrive. Most people won't realise it's not live. Choose a band that specialises in disco, salsa, big band, seventies or other music that'll be sure to get toes tapping and all ages up on the dance floor. Unless you're going for a lounge lizard sound, avoid bands that use synthesisers or don't play their own instruments. Most bands cost around the same amount unless they have many members.

6. Something borrowed. Using items loaned by friends or family is a good way to add an original, and free, touch. Helpful accents include linen, silver candle sticks or candelabras and flower vases. Assign a trustworthy friend to secure the items in a safe place after the reception.

7. Floral practicalities. Ask your florist for a list of the most inexpensive, in-season, flowers available on your wedding date. Use some of these types in larger hanging or free-standing floral arrangements. For smart and less costly centrepieces, try vases with tight bunches of one type of flower in several colours or a variety of flowers in the same shade. For a different touch, name tables by flower name (Gerbera) or shade (pink) rather than by number. Since guests may not know all the flowers, attach a simple label or card to the centrepiece. To fill in the room's bare spots, consider renting plants and trees from local nurseries. In many cases, this is less expensive than hiring them from a florist but you must arrange the greenery's transport and return.

8. Culinary performance art. Ethnic food is a big hit with guests if presented as entertainment. If possible, hire a local chef skilled in the art of either Japanese sushi or tempura, Chinese dim-sum or wok cooking or Indian style hors d'oeuvres. Set aside a subtle place in the drinks reception room where guests may watch the chef at work and then sample the resulting goodies. Ensure that your choices include options for even the most culinary-conservative guests. Catering companies and local ethnic restaurants are the best place for referrals.

9. Food with flair. If an ethnic hors d'oeuvres station is out, food with an unusual touch adds class at very little cost. Work with the venue's chef or your catering company to develop the menu. For example, a pumpkin or melon filled with soup are both tasty and memorable. Choose food with panache and a reasonable price tag such as game hen rather than chicken.

10. Last call. One of the best ways to show some originality is having a very basic bar and serving unusual drinks made from sparkling wine or no-brand liquor and juice. Kir Royales, Bellinis, Mint Juleps and Blue Whales are fun and colourful choices. The addition of berries or fruit, in moderation, can also be a nice touch. As long as wine, beer and mineral water is served, most people won't notice the limited bar.

Above all, keep the environment simple and focused. Nothing beats the elegance of crisp white linen, white china and candles accented by simple touches such as lavender or rosemary napkin rings or flower petal-filled ice cubes. Remember, memorable events are all in the details.

Margaret E. Ward is The Irish Times' personal finance columnist.