Fast and Easy Centerpieces for an Intimate Wedding

Rural weddings have a wonderful charm. In my hometown in the Midwest, families come together to share the expense of the celebration. Many of the aspects of a wedding - music, photography, catering and décor - are provided by relatives and friends as gifts to the couple.

If you're planning a simple, wholesome event, you'll find that the bridal magazines aren't tailored to your situation. Wedding coordinators may push expensive products that aren't in keeping with your theme. Don't let gaudy crystal sculptures and enormous bouquets distract from the beauty of your day. Your intimate, informal ceremony calls for tasteful reception centerpieces.

Fortunately, informal weddings lend themselves to handmade treasures. These centerpieces are simple and adorable. They capture the spirit of a homespun wedding: family, fun and simplicity. Consider making them a part of your unique celebration.

Big Happy Family Tree

This theme is so warm and inviting. It gives the bride and groom a chance to honor couples who have taught them what marriage is. And honorees can have a great time remembering their own special day.

Supplies:

Cake toppers (1-2 per table)

Photographs of couples in the family, such as grandparents

Printed wedding word sheets

Scrapbook scissors with an embellished edge

Choose a topper to represent each couple. Make copies of the photographs in varying sizes. On your computer, type words that describe the couples' marriages or lessons they've taught the bride and groom, such as "Honesty," "Loyalty," and "Fun." Print and cut out each word, using scrapbook scissors. Place each topper on a table and surround with photographs and sprinkled words.

Make it Easy:
Ask relatives if you can borrow the cake topper they used at their wedding.

Memories in the Making

These fun, flirty centerpieces are a great way to document the big day. Look for mini scrapbooks in the children's section of the craft mall.

Supplies:

Mini scrapbooks (2-3 per table)

Photographs of the couple

Scrapbook paper

Scrapbook pens

Fun confetti

Make copies of several romantic photos of the couple. Place one photo on the front page of each scrapbook. Trim the rest, perhaps leaving only their faces, and set aside. Fill the rest of each scrapbook with paper if they are not pre-filled. Stand each book on its edge and scatter pens and cropped photos on the tables. Add a little confetti for sparkle, and wait for friends and family to leave their mark.

Make it Easy:
Can't get good photos? Use one of the scrapbook pens to write on the first page instead. Use a phrase that will prompt guests, such as "My Advise to You..." or "I Remember When..."

Bridal Bears

These classic cuddlies take a little work, but they're such sweet guests at the reception. If the bride and groom like another animal, such as tigers or puppies, find plush versions to replace the bears. Mini top hats are often sold as favor containers.

Supplies:

Teddy bears (2-4 per table)

White tulle

White fabric rosettes

Black ribbon (width depends on the size of the bears)

Pearl trim, optional

Wedding ring confetti

Mini black top hats

Hot glue gun and glue

Pair the bears into brides and grooms. For each bride, cut a piece of tulle that will flow from her head to her waist. Gather it at the top and tack on her crown. Cover the seam with a row of rosettes. Glue 3-4 additional rosettes to one hand. If desired, cut a length of pearl trim for a necklace. Use a drop of glue at the back of her neck to secure both ends. For each groom, use the black ribbon to form a bow tie and glue into place. Tack a hat on top of his head, or over one ear for a whimsical look. Glue two wedding rings to one hand. Sit the pairs on the tables and surround with the leftover rings.

Make it Easy:
Can't find a top hat? Add a boutonnière and cuffs instead: Wrap a length of white or black ribbon around each groom's wrists and tack into place. Add a gold button on the side. Glue a rosette to the groom's chest, where the pocket would be.

Down on the Farm

Even if the bride and groom are more at home in the barn than a banquet hall, their reception can be beautiful while staying true to who they are.

Supplies:

Antique milk pails, buckets or weather vanes (1 per table)

Small brown paper bags (2-3 per table)

Juice glasses (4-6 per table)

Dry beans, corn or seeds

Silk wildflowers

Fold the tops of the paper bags down so that there is a small lip. If you need to, cut the bag and secure the flaps with double-sided tape. Fill each bag 2/3 full of dried beans or corn. Trim the flowers so their stems are only ¼ to 1 inch higher than the juice glasses. Arrange 3-4 individual blooms in each glass. Center an antique piece on each table and tuck one or two flowers onto it. Surround it with the paper bags. Place the juice glasses in a row down the center of the table. Sprinkle the tables with any remaining flowers, and some dried beans or corn, if you'd like.

Make it Easy:
Hit a flea market to collect the perfect antiques. They should be small enough for guests to see around, but large enough to attract attention.

Sources: personal experience.