Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Non-Floral Centerpieces

Using flowers as centerpieces is something that many (most?) brides assume is a given. It doesn't have to be. We all know how expensive flowers can be and of course they only live for a short time. Nothing can replace the look and ambiance of fresh flowers, but there are some alternatives that will make your tables just as spectacular. Here are some ideas I was considering when I realized that fresh flowers were not going to be able to fit into our budget:

Candles:
This is probably the most common flower alternative. I love the soft light given off by candles and they are simply romantic. The problem I encountered was cost. I had a hard time finding the quality and quantity (plus holders of some sort) I would need to make an impact, without spending more than flowers may have cost. Eventually, I found a great deal on pillar candles at Ikea.
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Fruit:
Often fresh fruits are paired with flowers in centerpieces, but they hold up pretty well on their own too. These would be especially fun for a summer or outdoor wedding.
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Plants/Rocks/Mother Nature:
If you still want the look of life and nature in your centerpieces there are many options that wont break the bank.

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Wedding Favors:
If you are going to have them on the table anyway, why not make wedding favors work double duty?
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{from etsy seller: daisys and dots}

Photos:
Here is another chance to do something with those engagement photos taking up space on your hard drive. Or maybe better yet, photos of family weddings, childhood snap shots or show case your furry friends.
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Are you using non-floral centerpieces? What are some of your favorite ideas?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are doing the flower/candle combo on some tables, and then snifters filled with water and glass beads, with a floating orange lily on other tables. ALL tables, however, are going to have an element which is neither flowers nor candles...we are having our florist sprinkle silk fall leaves on each of the tables. Not so many that it looks trashy and cheap, but enough to give the room color. My goal for the reception was color. Oh, and all tables will have 2 small votive candles as well, so each table will have a bit of candlelight, no matter what their centerpiece. So the combination of flowers on 8 of the 16 round tables (those floral centerpieces are going to be elevated, in those really long vases, so the flowers will appear as if to be suspended in mid-air - I am very excited about this!) and then the snifters with the candles on the rest of the tables (the other 8 round tables, plus 12 long tables), plus all of the silk leaves - the color should be the thing that people notice. At least I hope so. Flowers are SO expensive.

Emily said...

oooo! sounds so pretty tiffany! I can't wait to see photos!