How to Create a "Sand & Seashells" Beach Themed Wedding Centerpiece

Whether you live on Miami Beach or in central Alaska, a beach themed centerpiece is a very simple project to undertake. Once all of your materials are gathered and prepared, you will be able to put together a "sand and seashell" centerpiece that is elegant and festive in under five minutes. For this project you will need a round glass votive candleholder (the larger the better), opalescent acrylic paint, wax paper, a wide paintbrush, hot glue, seashells, a blue scented votive candle, a bit of sand and a bag of finely cut glitter in a color that matches your wedding. All of these items can be found at almost any major craft store. If it is not in stock within your local craft store you may wish to check online, as many stores carry more merchandise on their websites.

First, understand that simplicity is the key when designing this particular centerpiece. This project is meant for weddings with low key themes and casual but romantic ceremonies. Now, the first step to take is to apply your opalescent paint to your seashells, which have preferably been hand selected from a nearby beach. However, if you do not live near a beach, there is no reason for concern. Seashells can be purchased quite inexpensively at craft stores by the bag. Now, carefully cover each shell in one or two coats of paint on the top only, leaving the smooth underside natural. Then, place them on the wax paper and allow them to dry overnight. If you prefer, you may apply a few more coats after the first have dried, however be careful not to smear or cake on the paint. The point is to have the shells appear natural, yet shiny enough to catch the attention of your guests.

Next, select the votive candles that will fill your candle holder. The color should be in the blue family, with preference given to lighter blues for morning and afternoon weddings and darker blues for evening (or more formal) weddings. Now, part of the effect of this centerpiece lies within the scent that will be cast off from the candles. You might consider Yankee Candle Company's Ocean Water candle, but any candle with an ocean themed scent will do perfectly.

Now, combine ½ cup of glitter in whichever color you choose (preferably a neutral color that coincides with your wedding's theme) with ½ cup sand. If the sand is coming directly from the beach rather than being store bought, be sure to check for impurities such as rocks, dirt, etc. Now you will create a "beach" for your painted seashells by scattering this combination of glimmering sand in a circle around the base of your candle holder. The sand should extend to approximately four inches around the candle holder base. Next, place a single layer of seashells around the candle holder, with the back of each one actually touching its base. There should be a minimal amount of space between each shell. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach four shells to the candle holder itself, one for each side that will face your guests. If you like, you may continue adding circles of seashells. Also, you can transfer this idea to a hurricane candle holder (using a larger candle, of course) by extending the diameter of the circle's sand layer and by adding extra layers of seashells.

After you have created your first centerpiece, you will find that making enough for each of your reception tables will be a breeze. A quick tip to keep in mind would be to refrain from lighting the candles until just a few moments before your reception. Also, you might wish to keep the candles unlit altogether in order to sidestep any fire hazards. Either way, keep your wedding coordinator aware of your wishes so that she may carry them out properly, and enjoy your "sand and seashells" centerpieces!