Affordable Yet Elegant Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Even though some popular wedding organizers are constantly in high demand, more and more couples are planning their own weddings and it’s easy to understand why. Not only can a Do It Yourself wedding offer substantial savings, it can give you the ability to add your own personal touch to everything from your save the date cards and invitations to the wedding favors.

Create Centerpieces They’ll Remember

The wedding reception is nearly as important as the ceremony itself. After all, it is where your family and friends will celebrate your new union with plenty of fun, food, and entertainment! Wedding reception tables can range from overly schmaltzy to gracefully simple, but one thing is for certain: it’s completely possible to create your own elegant centerpieces that won’t break the bank. The possibilities are nearly limitless, but these five centerpiece ideas can be incorporated into just about any wedding, regardless of your budget, color scheme, and overall wedding theme:

1. Mismatched vintage vases full of wildflowers. Spend a day visiting discount stores, flea markets, or local thrift stores to find a variety of non-matching vases of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Display multiple vases of wildflowers on all of the tables—your local florist can help advise you on which are in season and therefore get you the most bang for your buck.
2. Candle arrangement. A variety of clear glasses and candle holders can be used to create custom candle arrangements for the center of each table. White or ivory candles are a chic choice, but many brides prefer to use candles that match their bridesmaids’ gowns. Whatever you decide, be sure to choose candles with burn times long enough to last throughout your entire reception. As a precaution, you may want to avoid scented candles, as they may irritate allergies in guests with sensitive noses.
3. Bowls of fruit or vegetables. Some companies create commercial fruit bouquets, which are beautiful yet have hefty price tags. You can easily make your own centerpieces from fruits and even veggies, such as pumpkins and gourds. Not only can glass bowls of fruits and vegetables add color, depth and beauty to each table, guests can enjoy the fruit at the reception or take pieces home for later. If you have plenty of leftovers after the ceremony, consider donating them to local food banks.
4. Wedding favor centerpiece. Wedding favors are often distributed as the reception winds down and guests prepare to head home, but the favors can also be used as decorations. Display whatever goodies you are giving your friends and family on a platter in the center of each table or on a tiered holder, such as a cake stand. Small sacks of candies embellished with ribbon look beautiful when they are placed on display.
5. Fishbowls. One final centerpiece suggestion is to place two to three fishbowls on each table—no fish required. Just place pebbles or gravel at the bottom, fill with water, and add a floating candle if desired. And if you wish to distinguish the bridal party’s tables from the wedding guests’ tables, consider using handmade centerpieces from B In The Center BITC. Your guests will be amazed and your special day will seem even more special.