Your Solution to Elegant, Customized and Affordable Wedding Reception Decor

Weddings are huge business. According to the latest Wedding Industry statistics there were approximately 2,160,000 weddings in 2006 with U.S. bridal couples (or their parents) spending approximately $86 billion on everything weddings, not including the honeymoon which most likely defers to Travel Industry numbers.

Flowers are at the top of the list when it comes to major wedding expenses, with an average couple spending approximately $2000, depending on where you live. This includes all flowers from bridal party bouquets and boutonnieres to ceremony and reception decor. Whether you choose to adorn the church altar, or decorate the reception venue, beautiful florals create the sense of romance and fantasy that most brides aspire to when planning the wedding of their dreams - but that part of the dream comes at a very high cost.

I love to watch the reality television shows that give us a glimpse into the planning of other people's weddings. I have also been a guest (and twice a bride!) at numerous weddings over the years. The ceremony was beautiful, bridal couple is glowing, the food smells scrumptious, and then the bride takes a peek at her reception...only to discover that the centerpieces are disappointing; flower delivery was late, the shade of the bride's color choice is off, the flowers are almost wilted, or the arrangements are much smaller than expected.

An estimated cost of $75 or more for reception table centerpieces is too high for most budgets. By creating these lovely, romantic candle-lit table centerpieces, a bridal couple will spend much less than they would for floral centerpieces, and they can spend their floral budget on upgraded florals for the church, the bridal party, and the mother's corsages.

These centerpieces look spectacular on clean white tablecloths and work well with round tables as well as family-style set ups. They are tall and elegant, and will add height to the table, but will not obstruct conversation between guests. In addition, they can be used for another event such as your sister's wedding next year because she can personalize them to her own color scheme, or they can be used for any other banquet-like occasion that demands several table centerpieces. Additionally, they will create a memorable take-home keepsake for the moms and aunts after the wedding if you choose to give them away.

Materials Needed:

14" Round Tray or Charger: follow the theme of your wedding. Formal or casual? For my more formal affair, I found beautifully embossed chrome trays - that look just as good as your grandmother's fine silver - in the catering section of my favorite restaurant supply for about $6 each. You may have seen these same trays at hotel catering events. Make sure that the tray you select has a flat surface, as opposed to a curved in one to ensure that the candleholders will stand firm.

Set of Three, Clear Glass Candleholders: Bed, Bath and Beyond, and similar national home products retailer carry a wide selection of candleholder sets of different sized holders, generally starting at around $9.99 a set.

3" Unscented Pillar Candles: in pearlized white or cream, or a color to match your wedding color scheme. Small pillar candles are available at most craft or party supply retailers, in the wedding supply aisle. If you can find them in multi-packs, you will save more money. Avoid scented candles as they will take over the aroma of your dinner, and some guests may actually be allergic to scented candles, just like fresh flowers!

Optional - Silk rose or other flower petals are readily available in craft shops and add a splash of color, decorative crystals add dimension, or if you are having a casual outdoor or beach-themed wedding, smooth pebbles or clean, sifted sand are a nice way to add texture.

Assembly: Place the tray in the center of the table. Arrange the candleholder on the tray, and place one pillar inside each candleholder. If desired, sprinkle the flower petals or other decorative matter around the base of the candle holders.

Helpful Hints:

Check with your reception venue to make sure they allow lit candles. I had my reception at a hotel that did allow candles, but only if a guest or member of the wedding party lit them. Hotel staff was not allowed to light candles...I do not know the exact reason why, although my guess is that it has to do with liability issues. Church reception halls, community centers and the like may be less restrictive, but do double-check their policy on candles to avoid any last minute surprises.

If you must wait until wedding day to decorate the reception venue, assign a trusted friend or relative to assemble the centerpieces for you. Meet with him or her a few days in advance and show them an assembled prototype to avoid confusion. Note: A hotel or other catering venue may charge you if they have to assign a staff member to assemble your centerpieces.

Time savers! - Another reason these centerpieces are so great is that they can be assembled at the reception site at any time - even the day before or the morning of the wedding, if the site allows - unlike flowers that may droop and fade if set out too soon. No mess, no flowers to cut or water to deal with...these candle-lit centerpieces are virtually hassle-free!

Bridal couples today have too many details to work through in the months, weeks and days leading up to the wedding, and the centerpieces featured here are lovely yet economical, hassle-free, and one less detail to worry about. Good Luck and Best Wishes with planning your wedding or other event, and enjoy the day! Finally, if you use this centerpiece idea I would love to see a photo from your wedding table. Cheers!