Unique, Romantic Wedding Decorations

Every wedding is built on romance. Many couples are choosing to move away from traditional expressions of love in favor of exotic themes and unique elements. But the same elegant beauty that has been a staple of weddings for decades has not disappeared.

Traditional brides can still order large flower arrangements to adorn their tables. Unfortunately, they are expensive. And those couples who choose commercial floral centerpieces can find their unique touches oppressed by the huge bouquets.

Why not bring the feminine elements of your favorite weddings together? Consider the designs below: elegant, romantic and beautiful. The supplies for each centerpiece can be found at craft or department stores or online for reasonable prices. With a little effort, you can assemble these show-stopping displays for your special day.

Elegant Stemware

This understated design is great for intimate weddings, and can also be used for engagement parties and anniversaries. It combines feminine sparkle with a sweet fragrance that really sets the mood.

Supplies:

Stemware (2-4 glasses per table)

Potpourri (¼ to ½ cup per glass)

White tulle

Thin or medium-width ribbon

Tiny silk rosebuds with leaves attached (optional)

Iridescent glitter or confetti

Choose a potpourri that coordinates with your wedding theme in both scent and color. Cut the tulle into circles or squares large enough to hold the potpourri and have an overhang. Meanwhile, cut the ribbon into medium lengths. Tie a small bow around the base of each glass. If desired, tuck a rosebud behind the bow. Press a piece of tulle into a glass, fill with potpourri, and fluff the edges. Place the stemware along the center of each table and sprinkle iridescent glitter or confetti around each one.

Make it Easy:
Assemble the glasses ahead of time, using rubber bands to hold the tulle around the potpourri. When you get to the reception site, simply take the bands off and fluff the tulle.

Make it Easy:
Consider getting an essential oil that matches the potpourri closely. On the big day, add a drop or two to each glass, instantly pepping up the scent, even if the centerpieces have been stored for weeks. (Some companies now offer "potpourri refresher," which is specifically made for this purpose.)

Flutter-By Fantasy

Butterflies have all the elements of a fairytale reception: grace, beauty and understated elegance. Even if butterflies weren't in the original theme, consider this centerpiece as a way to bring lift to the party.

Supplies:

Small woven baskets or wooden bowls (2-4 per table)

Spanish moss

Silk violets or other tiny flowers

Larger coordinating silk flowers

Feather butterflies

Craft or hot glue

For each centerpiece, fill a basket with moss, allowing it to heap in the center. Arrange small blossoms in the moss, and add butterflies to both the moss and the lip of the basket. Use hot or craft glue to attach several larger silk flowers together. To each flower piece, add another butterfly. Place the baskets on the tables and surround with remaining tiny blossoms and larger flower pieces.

Make it Easy:
Look for butterflies around Easter. Craft malls are flooded with spring accents, including these delicate beauties.

Love Sonnets

You don't have to be a bookworm to appreciate the classic romances. These centerpieces capture that magic with an offbeat look that's perfect for any literate couple.

Supplies:

Old books (3-5 per centerpiece, at least one with a romantic title)

Quill pens

Reading glasses

Wax stamps

Card stock

Hole punch

Thin coordinating ribbon

First, make bookmarks. Use a desktop publishing program, if you have one, or tinker with the settings on a word-processing program. Each bookmark should have a quote from a famous author on the subject of love, romance and marriage. If you'd like, add a clip art rose. Print the bookmarks on card stock and cut them out. Punch a hole at the top of each one. Cut the ribbon into long pieces. Fold each one in half, thread the folded end through the hole in a bookmark, and tuck the tails through the loop. Stack the books in offset piles on the tables. Make sure the book on top has a romantic title. Set a few quill pens, reading glasses or wax stamps on the table. Scatter the bookmarks.

Make it Easy:
Consider making bookmarks as favors. Print a romantic quote on one side, and the couple's names and date on the other.

Wedding Wonderland

If the wedding party is outdoors in the evening, or the lights will be dimmed, these centerpieces will attract everyone's attention. The only thing more beautiful and glowing will be the bride.

Supplies:

Long, shallow containers (1-2 per table)

Glow sticks (2-5 per container)

Silk flower petals

Glass drops, rhinestones, acrylic aquarium stones, and/or acrylic or glass beads

Place the containers on each table. Arrange the activated glow sticks evenly across the bottom and cover completely with filler material, such as glass drops. Fill the containers with water. Float the flower petals on the surface. Scatter any remaining petals and glass drops around the centerpieces.

Make it Easy:
All you can find are those obnoxious yellow glow sticks... and you had your heart set on soft amber light. Remember your color wheel and try wrapping each stick in pink or red plastic. Experiment with an extra stick until you find just the right shade.

Sources: personal experience.