Thinking Outside of the Vase: Ideas for Non-Floral Wedding Centerpieces

You have waited to exchange your vows your entire life, and as perfect as you want that moment to be, you are more concerned with planning for the reception afterwards. It's only logical - this is the part of the celebration that consumes the most time and budget on your big day. For modern day weddings, brides are opting for more stunning and unexpected centerpieces for their receptions. Whether you're choosing this route to steer away from costly floral centerpieces, or simply for a more personal touch, here are 5 tips designed to aid you in creating an affair to remember:

1. Fruit

Displaying various fruits (lemons, limes, apples, etc.) in clear glass vases is a festive and colorful way to celebrate a summer wedding. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, selecting citrus fruits will also leave an amazing smell lingering for your guests.

2. Candles

Create a stunning centerpiece for a nighttime reception by bunching several candles in varying heights in the center of the table. Another dramatic effect for an outdoors wedding is to place floating candles in large bowls filled with marbles or tinted water.

3. Food

Displaying food as a centerpiece serves as a unique decoration and an appetizer for your guests. With their bright and beautiful colors, fruit and vegetable trays add the perfect punch to tables.

4. Seasonal

If you are planning a wedding near the Christmas holidays, decorate miniature Christmas trees to echo the colors of your wedding, or fill a glass bowl with star-shaped ornaments. On the other hand, if an outdoor summer wedding is more your style, use fish bowls complete with live, colorful fish, floating candles, or beautiful seashells.

5. Party Favors

Place silver cake stands filled with party favors in the center of each table, instead of sticking to the traditional method of leaving by the door for departing guests. Disposable cameras stacked in a pyramid engage your guests in capturing memories and create a unique centerpiece.

As you can see, opting for a unique addition to your tables over elaborate floral creations not only saves on your budget, but displays your personal creativity as well.