About Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces

The elaborate centerpieces gracing each table at the wedding reception can rack up quite the bill. These often involve large bouquets of fresh flowers surrounded by wedding favors for each guest. Though these elaborate decorations are a charming addition to the reception, you need not spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on them. By putting together the centerpieces yourself you can easily create an inexpensive decoration that is truly unique and perfectly suited for your wedding celebration.

Flowers

Flowers are the most traditional centerpiece for weddings. To quickly cut your costs on flowers, you should select a variety that are in season and grown locally. For an even more inexpensive option, use silk flowers. These are not only beautiful, but will stay fresh-looking throughout the celebration and last forever. To combine the centerpiece with your guest favors, wrap the flowers individually in a series of small bouquets. Place these bouquets together in a large vase for your centerpiece and let each guest take a small batch of flowers home with them.

Candles

The flickering of candlelight adds a romantic ambiance to any event. Purchasing your candles in bulk online or from an outlet store can cut down your costs. If you prefer larger candles, consider arranging two or three of varying heights and thicknesses together on each table. You can also achieve a simple and elegant effect with a single taper candle or a small collection of tea-light candles.

Edible Centerpieces

A creative and delicious solution to the centerpiece conundrum is creating a centerpiece that also doubles as a delicious appetizer, snack or dessert. A tower of cupcakes or colorful selection of candy can double as dessert for the nontraditional couple that doesn't mind forgoing the wedding cake. For an autumn wedding, you can use squash, pumpkins or acorns to craft your centerpiece. Fresh fruit is another mouthwatering option. Citrus fruits will give off a lovely aroma. If you select a food that guests probably won't eat during the reception, let them take home whatever they like. You can also use fake fruit for the same aesthetic effect.

Photos

To give your reception a truly personal touch, decorate your tables with photos of the bride and groom. These can be baby or childhood photos, or pictures of the couple together throughout their relationship. These can be arranged in photo blocks, picture frames or small easels. For a real conversation piece, place different photos on every table. If you don't want that many pictures of yourself floating around the room, consider filling a photo cube with other images. These could be pictures of flowers, scenic views or something that goes with the theme of your wedding, such as snowflakes for a winter wedding.

Water Features

Centerpieces that feature water are especially well-suited to beach weddings or other similar themes. You can place a shallow dish of water on each table and fill it with decorative pebbles and floating flowers or candles. For a small wedding with a limited number of tables, you could consider placing a small fishbowl with a single Siamese fighting fish or a couple of angelfish on each table. Just make sure that your fishy friends have homes waiting for them after the event.