Pick-Your-Own Wedding Centerpieces

At this time of year, many hearts turn to picking strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, etc. There are so many ripe and juicy treats just waiting to be plucked. With today's economy, many couples are paring back their wedding plans, opting for simpler, more traditional ceremonies in rustic and natural settings. Eco-friendly brides and grooms are also blazing a path for organic hors d'oeuvres and biodegradable dinnerware.

If you fall into some of these categories, perhaps you'll find your perfect centerpieces out in the fields. There are so many ways fresh-picked fruits and veggies can be situated that will add pizzazz to your tabletop and charm to your event. A footed glass heaped with strawberries can be as beautiful as a bouquet of roses. Try sinking blueberries in a clear vase to add some pop and surprise to a simple daisy arrangement or a floating candle. Carve table numbers into medium-sized pumpkins for a romantic fall feel.

Talk about funky flowers; create your own edible arrangement by skewering berries on a wooden kabob. Cut flower shapes out of larger fruits for a whimsical, and tasty, centerpiece/snack. Use a few berry kabobs or fruit flowers to sweeten a floral display, or create wholly edible masterpieces by cutting watermelon baskets to hold your pickings.

Supply guests with fondue or chocolate dipping sauce for the fruits to turn a centerpiece into an appetizer in just moments. This interaction between guests can also help to break the ice and get folks talking. Small wicker baskets of apples can be grouped together to serve as a centerpiece and then taken with each guest as a favor to savor.

Pick-you-own farms can be found all over the country and would be a great day outing for family that's traveled in for the wedding, as part of a day-long bachelorette party, or as a time to get to know your in-laws. Prices are usually very reasonable, but be aware that many farms of this nature don't take credit cards. Also be prepared to pick a good deal of fruit with plenty extra in case of casualties in decorating (like eating the arrangements!). With fresh fruits and veggies, you'll need to properly store them until the wedding and it's best to pick them as close to the date as possible to prevent spoiling and maximize flavor.

So grab your baskets and head to the farm for a back-to-nature centerpiece that will have guests ohhing and ahhing and mming all without breaking the bank.