Oh watermelon, how we love devouring your sweet, refreshing flesh--especially if you were grown in the city of Green River, Utah. Come late August and September, the small town on the Eastern edge of the state produces some of the juiciest, plumpest, sweetest watermelons in the West. Yup, when it come's to picking our favorite summer fruit, the watermelon takes top honors. (Sorry, cherry.)

If you're planning a summer or fall wedding, why not incorporate some home-grown melon in your reception menu? Watermelon is an ideal ingredient for crowd-pleasing drinks, desserts, appetizers, and salads. Check out 12 of our favorite recipe ideas:

Watermelon-strawberry pops

What are some of your favorite watermelon recipes? Will watermelon be making an appearance in your wedding catering? Are you a fan of Green River watermelons? Weigh in on all things watermelon below!

{Photos + recipes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 11 via Martha Stewart; 2, 12 via Southern Living; 4, 9 via Food Network; 6 from Green Wedding Shoes via Culinary Crafts; 7, 10 via Bon Appetit}