Non-Floral Wedding Centerpieces

Instead of the traditional flowers on the center of each of your guests' tables, why not try something a little different. I have come up with a few ideas for non-floral wedding centerpieces that you may find interesting, or at least give you ideas to something similar.

Have a Bride and Groom centerpiece. If you really want to keep costs down, this idea can be much cheaper than you think, or if you just want something different, and cost isn't an issue, this is a fun idea.

What you will need to start with are 2 11 l/2 " standard size dolls. You can buy a real Barbie and Ken doll for each table, or you can go to a dollar store or craft store such as a Michael's , and just pick up the plastic non-bending limb dolls from there. After you purchase the amount of dolls you need, 2 per table, plus don't forget your head table. A suggestion here would be to have a set for each in your bridal party too as a thank you to them for sharing your special day.

Once you have the dolls, you will now need to buy the appropriate sized outfits. Again, to keep costs down, you don't necessarily have to purchase the Barbie brand wedding outfits. Any brand will do. Most bride outfits come complete with shoes and a little bouquet as well as the veil. The tux or suit outfit will also come with shoes for the male doll. You can find these at any store that sells toys. K*B Toys, Toys R Us, Walmart, K-Mart, etc. If you are talented enough to sew, or know someone that is, you can make the outfits yourself and save probably even more. Your local craft and hobby store, or Rag Shop type store will have numerous patterns and fabrics to choose from. You will need to buy a bride and groom pattern kit, Simplicity for an example has doll patterns. The directions will tell you exactly how much material you will need. Multiply that by the total amount of outfits you need and you will be able to figure out the exact amount of yards total to purchase. Plan well enough in advance to get these all done, remember sewing small for a doll can take time. Be creative. There are many fabrics to pick from. You can make your gowns as plain and simple as you want, or embroider on flowers, add color, etc for a more updated look.
You will also need to get the same number of doll stands so they will stand on display on your tables. There are wooden ones which cost more, but simple metal ones are cheaper. Your local craft store should have these too.

If you choose, you can set your dolls on top of a doily, a satin scarf or even a cloud of cotton - a match made in heaven, or perhaps you're on cloud 9? You can really go all out and find a doll's coach and sit them in that on each table. This would bring height to the display and a definite eye-catcher when entering the reception. The coach can be Mattel brand, or even a simple plastic one. Try all the doll and toy stores, even check eBay. They don't all have to be the same, either. Maybe you'd like to have a white horse carrying them. Use your imagination, the ideas will come. Whatever you decide to hold your little bride and groom, just remember it shouldn't over-power the table.

One other suggestion I have is to surprise your bridal party girls. Make them their own Bridesmaid doll in the same color scheme that they are wearing. If you plan on giving your girls a thank you gift, you can prepare these dolls ahead of time, have them ready for your shower if you know one is coming, or perhaps if you have your rehearsal dinner, give them out then. If you choose, you can place a real necklace around the doll's neck for each girl as an added gift, too, that they can wear on your wedding day. You can wrap the necklace or earrings or any other piece of jewelry you may be considering giving into small jewelry boxes and have the dolls holding the package.

Another non-floral wedding centerpiece idea is by using candles. If you love candles, what a better way to bring romance into the atmosphere. You can easily make this type of centerpiece without having to go anywhere else but your local craft store. There are many types of displays you can do. The cheapest would be to buy 3 3" round pillar candles and a tray or round dish to place them on. If you have access to someone's china, or perhaps you've gotten china at your bridal shower, you can use the plates from that. The guest that bought your china would be delighted! Choose your candles in different heights. Use multi colored or plain white. I wouldn't suggest buying scented ones or a different scent for each table either. Remember, not everyone likes scented candles and there are those with allergies to consider. Keep them plain or use basic vanilla. If you choose to go a little more creative and have more money to spend, you can insert these pillar candles in a glass vase, urn or goblet. Party stores may have wedding craft ideas there too. Whether your reception lasts an hour or several hours, be sure to buy candles that will last the duration of the celebration. Fill the bottom with sand to keep the candles secure.

Beach wedding? Hawaiian wedding? Place a large glass goblet on each table. Fill partially with sand, then put seashells in them. You can hunt for your own shells at the beach or buy a bag from your local craft store. You can put a 12" tapered candle in the middle, surrounded by small seashells. You can put artificial orchids in the goblet with the candle or any other flower of your choice. Be sure and buy dripless candles. You don't want the wax dripping onto the flowers.

Whatever you choose to put in the glass vase or goblet, use a little sand in the bottom to support your contents and prevent them from falling over. You made need to use tacky wax or hot glue to keep a tapered candle in place just for extra security. You can match your bridesmaids dresses by using the same colored sand. You can use gravel or stones. Need to buy bulk? Talk to your local craft store with enough time for them to possibly order what you need and hopefully at a discounted price, or do a search for wholesalers on line. You may need to use a box or cubed styrofoam to raise your displays if you feel they are sitting too low directly on the table. Just cover whatever you use with fabric, cotton, etc.

You can spend as much or as little as you'd like and still have great looking non-floral wedding centerpieces.