Unique Centerpieces for Weddings and Receptions

Who wants a cookie cutter wedding? You certainly don't! You've been scouting websites and magazines for reception decorations that are attractive and fresh. Look no more. These designs range from childlike simplicity to modern elegance.

Best of all, these centerpieces are inexpensive, easy to create, and easy to put together on the big day. A few of my examples double as favors. That means that you will have one less thing to worry about.

Double Duty Favors

What could be more easy? You have beautiful favors. Don't hide them on a side table! Showcase them in these classy, modern centerpieces.

Supplies:

Attractive and durable favors, such as mini-soaps, candles, or small packets of candy (Do not use favors that will smash if piled together!)

Flat glass bowls (1-2 per table)

Flat glass drops

Arrange the favors in the bowls, making sure to showcase the most attractive. Place the bowls on each table and sprinkle the glass drops around them.

Make it Easy:
Add even more glitter to this centerpiece by choosing glass drops with "crackle effects." The tiny cracks in the drops will reflect light, making them sparkle.

Picture Perfect

Today is the day to showcase the bride and groom - literally! With these stunning displays, no one can argue that this couple is made for each other.

Supplies:

Silver or gold photo frames (4 per centerpiece)

Romantic pictures of the bride and groom

Iridescent glitter

Tea light candles

If you can, choose "double" frames, which hold two pictures and are hinged. Fill the frames with photographs and arrange them on each table. Double frames fit together like an "x" with pictures showing from all sides. If you cannot use double frames, place four frames with their backs facing, and consider filling the center with fluffed tulle or a floral arrangement. Surround the frames with sprinkles of glitter and tiny tea light candles.

Make it Easy:
Coordinate with a camera-wise friend to get great romantic shots of the couple. Perhaps she'd like to do this as a wedding gift.

A Truly Pampered Party

This is a favor-centerpiece combination that is fast, easy and inexpensive. Your guests will be soaking away their troubles with these wonderful bath salts... and you'll still have time for some pampering of your own.

Supplies:

Penny candy jars (2-3 per table)

Metal scoops

Coordinating ribbon

Epsom salts (enough to fill the jars 2/3 full)

Sea salt (half as much as the Epsom salts)

Lavender essential oil

Lavender buds

Sachet bags

Tie a ribbon bow around the handle of each scoop. Combine the Epsom salts and sea salt in a metal bowl. If you're making a lot, divide them into batches. Stir several drops of essential oil into the salts and stir with your hands or a metal utensil. Spread the salts out on waxed paper or a baking sheet and allow to dry five to six hours. Stir lavender buds into the dry salts. Fill the jars and place on each table. Scatter the sachet bags.

Make it Easy:
Consider making a small sign to tell your guests to help themselves to the bath salts. Or, attach small cards to each bag with instructions to add 2 tablespoons of the salts to a warm bath.

Surprise!

These adorable centerpieces don't need to be packed up at the end of the night... They'll walk away with the guests! Make each package unique for a look that's coordinated without being boring.

Supplies:

Favors of any kind (1 per guest)

Paper mache, wood and cardboard boxes of varying size and style (1 per guest)

Wrapping paper in wedding colors (2-4 styles)

Coordinating ribbon in varying widths (2-4 styles)

Cake stands (1-2 per table)

Iridescent glitter or confetti

Place each favor in a box, making sure that the boxes are of many shapes and sizes. Wrap the boxes carefully. Tie bows on some boxes. Wrap ribbon flatly on others. Tie leftover ribbon into small bows. Center the cake stands on the tables. Pile each one high with packages. Tuck some packages under the stand to give the impression that they are spilling down. Scatter the ribbon bows and glitter or confetti around each stack of gifts. Invite each guest to take a package.

Make it Easy:
Use double-sided tape to secure the ribbon without a visible seam.

The Perfect Words

Does the couple have a special word they share between them? Are they completely dedicated to "love" or to making two lives "one" life? Use these words instead of "forever" to personalize their day.

Supplies

Large wooden letter that spell "forever" (1 word per table)

Small wooden letters that spell "forever" (3-4 words per table)

Paint

Iridescent glitter or confetti

Paint the large letters in a style that compliments the theme of the wedding. If it's a rustic or country-charm affair, try spray painting them white, then sponge painting another color over the top. Is it a classy, evening event? Silver or gold paint offers special shimmer. Paint the small letters in single colors. Arrange the large letters in the center of each table, spelling the word "forever." Spread the remaining letters on the table so that they are offset but still spell "forever." Sprinkle the glitter or confetti over the entire table.

Make it Easy:
Continue this theme by making the new couple's monogram for the food table, or a "welcome" sign for the guest book table.

Sources: personal experience.