Easy, Impressive Decorations for Theme Weddings

Theme weddings seem to be just as popular as traditional events. The Internet is a wonderful resource for couples who are looking for a different kind of décor. Because your theme is tailored to your interests, commonalities and experiences, it may be difficult to find ready-made centerpieces that meld seamlessly into your plan.

Consider making your own pieces for your reception tables. You don't need a big budget; many craft items can be purchased in bulk. If you have little or no experience with crafts, you need not feel intimidated. Many centerpiece designs require very simple skills: gluing, cutting, nesting and sprinkling.

The treasures below are no exception. They are easy to build, inexpensive, and certainly unique. If your wedding has an Eastern, meditative or worldly theme, these centerpieces may be what you're looking for.

Exotic Flair

This unique centerpiece idea is as colorful as the couple. It makes a bold, fun statement about a bride and groom who intend to enjoy every moment of their marriage.

Supplies:

Tall glass, wood or stone vases (1-2 per table)

Peacock feathers (5-8 per vase)

Natural grass or bamboo place mats (1 per vase)

Mini peacock feathers

Acrylic aquarium stones or smooth river rocks

Set the stage with grass or bamboo place mats in the center of each table. Place the peacock feathers, trimmed to different lengths, in a vase and center on the mat. Scatter mini feathers and stones along the length of the tables.

Make it Easy:
For a more subdued look, use white ostrich feathers instead of peacock plumes. They add a wispy elegance to the reception hall.

Festival of Light

Give an Eastern-themed wedding the lively color, romantic light and youthful hope it deserves. Fold the cranes yourself, using origami paper, or purchase them ready-made.

Supplies:

Free-standing Japanese lanterns (1-2 per table)

Candles or electric lights, if lanterns are not already lit

Small paper fans

Origami cranes

I Ching coins

Place the lanterns on the tables and surround with fans and cranes. Sprinkle I Ching coins to add shine to the table.

Make it Easy:
Your lanterns just arrived, but they have to be hung! Don't send them back. Bend one or two metal coat hangers into an arch. Anchor the ends in sand-filled cans or flowerpots. Wrap an ivy garland around the weights and the arch. If you'd like, you can even tuck paper cranes into the ivy for a very professional look.

Wedding Wisdom

This centerpiece has an Eastern appeal. It's serene and unique, but it won't break the bank. Go ahead and impress your guests with a touch of Zen.

Supplies:

Square bowls (1-2 per table)

Saucers (1 per bowl)

Silk orchids (1 per bowl)

Epsom salts

Clay

Spanish Moss

Smooth river stones

Make sure that your saucers are smaller than your bowls. They should be able to sit just inside the lip of the bowl. Cut the orchids to the height you'd like. Using the clay, attach each flower to a saucer. Arrange the bowls on the tables. Fill each one with the coarse salt. Set a saucer in each bowl, letting the salt show from beneath. Cover the clay with Spanish moss and a few stones. Scatter the remaining stones around each centerpiece.

Make it Easy: Let your centerpieces infuse the room with fragrance. Use the technique below to turn plain Epsom salts into delightful bath salts. When the party is over, take some along on the honeymoon.

Bath Salts:

Combine the Epsom salts with sea salt or kosher salt in a 2:1 ratio. Add a few drops of essential oil, potpourri refresher or perfume. Be sure to use a metal bowl and spoon; plastics absorb scents and glass could be scratched. Let the salts dry overnight in a single layer on parchment, butcher or craft paper.

I'd Go Anywhere With You

This is perfect for a worldly couple who love to see the sights. Choose a different destination for each table and coordinate the centerpieces under a travel theme.

Supplies:

Statues or art that represent each location (1-2 per table)

White place mats or cloth napkins (1 per statue)

Sprinkling medium that represents each location, such as craft sand for a Cairo table or silk rose petals for a Paris table

Universal sprinkling medium, such as glass drops

Arrange the place mats and art on each table. Surround each piece with the table's unique sprinkling medium. Use the universal sprinkling medium on all of the tables to bring the look together.

Make it Easy: If your reception has a seating plan, even a loose one, themed tables make it easy to enforce. Simply let each guest know what city they should look for.

Sources: personal experience.