Festive Wedding Celebration Decorations

Weddings don't have to be necessarily that of pastels, ribbons, lace and tiny little rings with butter mints. No, as a matter of fact, they can be much, much more. With only your imagination and perhaps a budget to stop you, you can create some of the most festive table decorations that wedding goers have ever seen and supply party favors at the same time.

This one is one I'd call "festive wedding celebration" simply because it takes simple items and turns the reception tables into a display of glitz, glitter and excitement that matches the mood of the celebration while adding color which is easy to match to any wedding décor. With a little bit of planning, pre buying and sorting, this project is one that looks fantastic but actually takes little time to accomplish and despite the festivities length, looks good from start to finish. Though I will warn you, this is one decoration that will leave with the celebrants and well it should. It is one that is meant to be shared and one that will bring smiles to faces and memories of your happy day months down the line when the favors are seen once again.

Supplies needed:

Decorative glass bowl, an oval in shape works fantastic for a long reception table, round for a round one. The choice is obviously up to you.

Lace runner for the table. These can be purchased at dollar stores and even dyed to match your color scheme but I actually prefer an ecru shade to frame the rest of the decorations.

Various Mardi gras beads. These can either be purchased at a dollar store in the kids dress up aisle or by shopping online at a store such as Oriental Trading. Purchase in bulk and purchase about 2 per guest. They will be snatched up and worn, hung from rear view mirrors or kept long after the reception so make sure there is an ample supply on hand.

Silver wrapped heart chocolates, kisses or small foil wrapped candies. The secret here is in the glitz and foil wrapping so anything goes but hearts do tend to carry the wedding theme quite well.

Small white candle which can also be purchased at dollar stores. The size is also your choice as it will differ as to the size of the bowl purchased.

How to:

Place candle in the bottom of the bowl, securing it to the bowl with melted wax, putty or even glue for stability.

Arrange around the candle the beads, mixing colors and letting some hang over the edges of the bowl. Do not place too high because as the candle melts, you do not want the beads to melt also. Most likely someone will blow out the candle before it gets too low but you need to be prepared in case they do not. Another option is not lighting the candles at all but using them as a mere decoration...again that is up to you.

The candles can also be decorated by writing the bride and grooms names on it with fabric paint. In this case, do not light the candle but let it serve as a decoration piece only.

After draping the bowl, scatter beads on the table runner in a random pattern. Do not skimp on adding these beads, they will be taken from the pile and too few ruins the festive feel of the table.

Scatter foil wrapped candies over the runner as well making sure the are place in an appealing upright position.

And that is it....a simple table decoration which with the simple decision of what color beads to use will fit any wedding décor and will also serve as interesting wedding favors afterwards as well. For something really fun, the bride and groom can even throw beads into the crowd before they leave. Kids love this twist on the 'throwing of the bouquet' and feel more a part of the celebration when they can participate as well.

Have fun, be creative and enjoy. That's what a wedding reception is supposed to be, a place to have fun and celebrate a new couple and their new life together!