Beautiful wedding centerpieces may look expensive but do not need to be. The purpose of a centerpiece is to tie the overall wedding theme to individual tables, and to ensure each wedding reception table stands out. They should depict the overall character of the day and grab the guests attention as they sit down but even wedding centerpieces on a budget can do this perfectly well.
So if you can get the same effect for less money, why would you want to do anything else? If you have some time to research and plan out an attractive display that will coordinate with your theme and color scheme, you will feel much more involved than if you just hire a florist to do it for you. You can even completely immerse yourself in the process and create the masterpieces with help from family and friends. What better way is there to get you all in the wedding mood?
When starting on this do it yourself wedding centerpieces journey, your overriding thoughts should be on the wedding theme. The table decorations must not only tie in with the theme but also enhance it, so think colors, textures and objects that are associated with what you are trying to achieve.
Glass vases, water, candles and flowers are staple ingredients of centerpieces. However if your wedding is themed on a sport or activity rather than just a season or a color, you will need to be more creative. Ensure your materials match your color scheme or are a good contrast. Then try and make your centerpieces more interesting by finding glass vases that are unique shapes, by adding coloring to water, by using varied shapes and sizes of candle or by taking flower heads or petals rather than bunches of flowers.
Martini glasses are good examples of more unusual shaped containers for your water and floating candles. Using ribbons or tulle bows at the stem and flower petals around the base will enhance this simple and inexpensive look. Other interesting bowls include goldfish bowls that can be filled with colored stones or pebbles before adding water, or even coffee beans, cranberries or M&Ms if you are going for a dry look.
Consider other containers outside of the glass vase arena. You could paint or decorate old tins, plant pots, terracotta pots, watering cans, birdcages, lanterns – the list is endless. Personalise your new paint job with a personal message to the guests.
So do not get drawn into spending a fortune on your wedding reception centerpieces by browsing those adverts in the back of wedding magazines. Be unique and remember that by adding your personal touch to the centerpieces they will be all that more special.