Perfect Wedding

For a nature-inspired wedding, the right centerpieces will really help you create a one-of-a-kind, lovely space. Consider using branches, either real or synthetic, to make unique centerpieces to adorn the tables in your reception area. These branches are considerably more affordable than other floral arrangements, and they create a very earthy, earth-friendly look. Instructions Choose branches that will fit with your wedding design scheme. You can arrange bare branches to look like trees in the center of your table, decorated with items to enhance your wedding theme. Or, you can choose branches with colorful flowers that match your color scheme. Consider painting your branches. You may choose to leave your branches looking as natural as possible, or you can add polyurethane or even paint that match your wedding color scheme. Paints and varnishes will give your branches a more polished look. Arrange your branches according to your desired fullness. For a sparser look, you ...

Orchids, those once-rare, exotic and fragile blooms, are tougher than they look. The colorful petals and graceful stalks hold up well without wilting, and they lend themselves to a variety of wedding colors and centerpiece configurations. Even a few orchids, mixed with less expensive flowers, add an elegant touch to reception decor. Feature them, in inventive ways, as the stars of your wedding centerpieces. Wedding-Friendly Choices Some of the most suitable blooms for wedding centerpieces are also the most widely available orchids. According to American University, there are more than 25,000 different species of orchids and about 60,000 types of known orchid hybrids. Commercial growers focus on the ones most likely to sell, which has the happy side effect of lowering the cost for those orchids. “Bridal Guide” says the three most popular wedding choices are the wide-blooming “moth” orchid, or phalaenopsis, usually white; the dendrobium, which features smaller blooms clustere...

Manzanita branches are a versatile and elegant alternative for wedding reception table centerpieces with their many twisty yet sturdy thin branches that come in several colors. Their shape is compact yet open, making them ideal for displaying small objects, such as photos, or being left bare. Manzanita branches also are ideal as centerpieces because they will not block the view of guests seated at the table and can be decorated to suit any wedding theme or style. Instructions Cut the manzanita branches to the height you’d like the centerpieces; generally 18 to 24 inches will be ideal. Select a vase shape and size that will support the branch and anything that will be hung from it. One manzanita branch and one vase will be needed for each table. Fill the vase with gel beads and water according to the package instructions. Place the manzanita branch in the vase. Make sure the branch is secure. If it is not secure, add more beads or use a larger vase. Determine the number of ...

If you are planning your wedding on a budget, making your own decorations is a good way to cut costs. Making your own centerpieces for your reception tables is easy and inexpensive. Follow these simple steps to create elegant, yet budget conscious centerpieces. Instructions Buy clear glass bowls in a variety of shapes and sizes from the dollar store. Also purchase tealight candles in bulk. Place one bowl on the center of each table and fill it with water. Float three tealights in the water. Purchase flowers from the grocery store instead of from a florist. Pick low cost flowers such as carnations. Cut the stems off the carnations and float the flowers in the bowl with the tealights. Get confetti or silk flower petals from your local craft store. Sprinkle the confetti or petals on each table to add a little color and drama to the tables. Place a disposable camera on each table with a note for your guests to take pictures at the reception, then leave the camera. This way yo...

Decorating a long table with centerpieces for a wedding presents unique obstacles. A large centerpiece will not have the same visual impact on a long table as it will on the center of a smaller round table, so decorations should focus on creating a dramatic statement that continues down the entire table. Layering decorations with texture and color, then accenting them with several small centerpieces creates a sophisticated look with practical benefits for a wedding reception. Instructions Cover tables with long tablecloths to build a colorful, textured base for your decorations. Table cloths do not have to be rented table linens; long lengths on fabric purchased from a craft store can be hemmed for a custom table covering. Unconventional fabrics make creative table cloths as well; rustic country wedding tables can be decorated with long pieces of burlap or unbleached cotton, while plastic table cloths at a beach or garden wedding can be upgraded when layered with swaths of...

Floating candle wedding centerpieces are simple to make, yet they can create a breathtaking scene when lit up on your reception tables. Candles are typically associated with romance, which makes them ideal for wedding decor. The candles provide low lighting and can create a romantic ambiance without costing you much time or money on your centerpieces. Take a few home to utilize in your home decor when the wedding is over to remind you of your special day, or give them to guests after the reception. Instructions Choose your containers for the floating candles. Tall cylinder containers in varying heights are one option, or shallow bowls with wide openings are another. Taller centerpieces are typically more dramatic, though shallow centerpieces allow for easy conversation across the table and provide and intimate ambiance. Choose clear containers for the best results. Fill the bottom portion of the containers with decorative objects. Sink flowers or greenery and hold them in p...

Weddings can be an extravagant and expensive affair. The dress, the venue, the food and the flowers can all cost you an arm and a leg. But with a little creativity you can have a beautiful, welcoming affair that everyone will enjoy. If you are having a spring wedding consider making your own centerpieces. Wildflowers provide the perfect atmosphere and can add a light, whimsical tone to the wedding. Instructions Visit your local farmers market and begin making connections with local farmers and gardeners. You can find out which flowers are in season during your wedding months and what will be available. The grower will be able to help you decide which colors or flowers you want to work with. These types of sellers will be much cheaper than any florist. Put in a bulk order with the local gardener. Go to flea markets and thrift stores searching for beautiful old vases. You don’t need everything to match. In fact, it will appear more cohesive if none of the vases are the same. ...

You can use everyday jars to make cheap wedding centerpieces that are unique and beautiful if you follow these simple steps. Instructions First, start collecting your jars and tell your friends and family to do the same. Your cheap wedding centerpieces will be unique and memorable if you use a variety of sizes, shapes, and heights, so save everything from mayonnaise jars to baby food jars! Glass is preferable as it looks nicer than plastic. Second, you’ll need to peel off the labels. Try a solution that’s half vinegar and half water, or purchase some product from your home improvement store – it’s usually very affordable. Spray it on the label, let it soak for several minutes, and then use a straight edge to peel off the glue. Third, you want to wrap the neck of the jar with some wide and festive ribbon or trim. Try your fabric supply store for the best choices. You want your cheap wedding centerpieces to look as professional as possible, so use ribbon that’s wide enough t...

How to Use Mirrors in a Wedding Centerpiece. Using mirrors is a beautiful touch when decorating your wedding reception tables. If you are making your own wedding centerpieces, use mirrors to make your centerpieces appear larger and more dramatic. Here is how you do it. Instructions Purchase one-foot-square mirror tiles from your local craft store or home improvement center. These affordable mirrors come in a variety of styles, including smoked glass. (See Resources below.) Place several mirrors on each table to form a base for your wedding centerpiece. You can use as many mirrors as you like. Depending on the size of the table, four mirrors usually works best, creating a 2 x 2-foot square. Put a bowl of fruit or vase of flowers in the center of the mirrors. Use colorful fruit and flowers that will reflect nicely off the mirrors. Sprinkle flower petals, glitter or confetti on the mirrors. You can stick to the color theme of the wedding or go for something neutral like gold...