Lit Decorations for Weddings and Receptions

Picture your wedding. Is it a starry evening affair, or a glittering spring celebration? Will you be sharing your first dance in the moonlight, or in the warm glow of a fire? Every couple deserves the right kind of light for their reception. Proper lighting sets the mood for the affair.

Have you thought about adding light to your tables with unique centerpieces? These designs will allow you to create your own luminescent décor. You can assemble these impressive, economical centerpieces yourself, even if you're short on time and experience.

You have a choice when it comes to table lighting. Candles are the romantic standby, and they are inexpensive. But you must remember that candles have open flames. They're not appropriate for many receptions, including those where children may be present. A better alternative can be found in craft shops: electric candles. These compact lights are designed to mimic candlelight without the danger of fire. They are more expensive than candles, but are more versatile and can be reused for other occasions.

Consider the look of your reception, the kind of overhead lighting that will be present, and the needs of your guests. You may find that these centerpieces aren't exactly what you're looking for. If that's the case, feel free to adapt the style and placement of the lights to create an entirely new treasure.

Match Made in the Heavens

Every time she sees him, the stars come out. He thinks her eyes are the moon. Capture that romantic evening atmosphere with a celestial centerpiece.

Supplies:

Medium flowerpots (1-2 per table)

Branches, painted white (1 per pot)

White craft sand

Full silk flowers, such as roses or chrysanthemums

Silver star-shaped pendants or charms

White tulle

Coordinating medium-width ribbon

Electric tea lights (3-5 per centerpiece)

Large mirrors (one per centerpiece)

Acrylic aquarium stones

Craft or hot glue

If you'd like, paint the pots. Remove the flowers from their stems. Use the sand to anchor each branch in a flowerpot. Tuck flowers into the crooks in the branch, wherever it looks too "naked" and glue into place. Cut the tulle into squares or circles large enough to form a pouch around a tea light. Use two layers of tulle for each tea light and tie with ribbon. Using more ribbon, hang the tea lights, star charms and smaller silk flowers, if desired, from the branch. Set each centerpiece on a mirror and surround with acrylic stones.

Make it Easy:
Add a little extra sparkle by sprinkling the sand and table with iridescent glitter.

Make it Easy:
Make sure you can turn the tea lights on when it's time. If the switch is too difficult, make the pouches right before the reception, while the lights are already on.

To a Tea

This sweet, understated design evokes Victorian elegance. It is especially appropriate at a more formal reception, or one that features teatime treats, such as cucumber sandwiches.

Supplies:

Teacups and saucers (4-6 of each per table)

White beeswax pearls

Pre-waxed votive wicks

Mini cupcake liners

Decorative sugar cubes

Table runners in a coordinating color (1 per table)

Center a wick in each teacup. Pack beeswax pearls around the wicks, then trim to ¼ inch. Dress each table with a runner. Line the center with teacup candles on their saucers. Place decorative sugar cubes in cupcake liners and scatter alongside the candles.

Make it Easy: Short on time? Purchase tiny floating candles for the cups instead of beeswax pearls.

Rose-Colored Glasses

Vellum sheets with a floral print tie this look together. Use a print that works for your theme.

Supplies:

Tall hurricane covers or vases with straight sides (3 per table)

White place mats or cloth napkins (3 per table)

Printed vellum sheets (1-2 per hurricane)

Electric lights or candles (1 per hurricane)

Double-sided tape

Glass drops

Silk flower petals

Cut each vellum sheet so that it will wrap neatly around a hurricane. Secure in place with double-sided tape. Place three place mats on each table, setting them diagonally and overlapping slightly. Center a hurricane on each mat and place the lights inside. Sprinkle the table with the glass drops and petals.

Make it Easy:
Don't clean up broken glass on the big day! If your containers are vases, use an electric light. Some glass containers can break from the heat of lit candles.

Love is a Lady

This posh design speaks of timeless beauty on the happiest day of a woman's life, and adds class to any reception.

Supplies:

Silver or gold trays (1-3 per table)

Long gloves, perfume atomizers, wooden hairbrushes and other ladies' items

Pearl Necklaces and earrings

Small glass tea light holders (3 per tray)

Tea light candles (3 per tray)

Arrange the trays on the tables. On each tray, place one or two ladies' items, such as a silver compact mirror and a pair of opera gloves. Set the tea lights, in their holders, on the trays. Sprinkle the trays with a few earrings. Place pearl necklaces between the trays, in the center of the tables.

Make it Easy:
Large pearl trim can replace the jewelry in this centerpiece for an even more affordable collection. Instead of earrings, snip one or two pearls from the trim and scatter on the trays. Wind lengths of trim in place of the necklaces.

Floating on a Cloud

These soft centerpieces have a family-friendly feel without sacrificing elegance. Dim the lights and enjoy the evening.

Supplies:

Rose bowls or other glass containers (2-3 per table)

Electric tea lights (1 per bowl)

White tulle

Coordinating ribbon

Acrylic aquarium stones

Iridescent glitter or confetti

Wrap each bowl in a double layer of tulle, gathering it at the top. Tie with a ribbon bow. Fluff the edges for a soft look. Insert a tea light. Arrange the lanterns on the tables and surround with acrylic stones. Sprinkle glitter or confetti over the entire table.

Make it Easy:
Wrap a white rubber band around the tulle to hold it in place while you tie the ribbon. No need to take it off; it's not visible.

A Love Trend

This edgy look is more modern than most, but still conveys a sense of elegance. It works well in bold, contrasting colors.

Supplies:

Large, tall angular vases or containers (2-3 per table)

Vellum sheets in a coordinating color

Double-sided tape

Wide ribbon in the same color as the vellum

Electric tea lights (1 per vase)

Foam blocks, half as tall as the vases (1 per vase)

Glass drops or acrylic stones in the same color as the vellum

Cover each vase with the vellum, using double-sided tape to hold it in place. Trim the foam blocks so that they will stand in the vases. If the blocks can be seen through the vases, consider painting them white, if necessary, and covering them with vellum. Arrange the vases on the tables. Use the ribbon to continue the lines of the vase to the end of the tablecloths. (Lay the center of the ribbon against one edge of the vase and cut it at the edge of the tablecloth. Continue with the vase's other sides. The ribbons will likely overlap geometrically.) Fasten discretely with safety pins on the underside of the cloth. Place a foam block in each vase and top with a light. Scatter the glass drops or stones between the ribbon.

Make it Easy:
You can use inexpensive white ribbon, vellum and accents if you choose tablecloths in a darker color. The contrast is key. Using two light colors together is lovely, but not as striking.

Sources: personal experience.