Wedding Reception Centerpiece

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Your wedding reception centerpieces can set tthe mood for the evening's festivities. When you consider there will be a centerpiece on each table you'll want to choose something appropriate. You'll also want to choose a centerpiece that is elegant and decorative.

Choosing a Centerpiece

Traditionally most couples go with flowers for their wedding reception centerpiece, but this doesn't have to be the case. The only rule for a centerpiece is that it adorns a table. There's nothing in the rule book stating a wedding reception centerpiece has to be flowers. What follows are some suggestions.

Candles – Candles make wonderful centerpieces, especially for evening weddings. In fact, the type of candle holder you choose makes all the difference. Some suggestions for wedding reception centerpieces with candles are hurricane lamps, candelabras and decorative crystal votives grouped together.

Baskets – The great thing about using baskets for wedding reception centerpieces is they can be filled with just about anything! Flowers, potpourri, candy, fruit or marbles, the sky is the limit!

Birdcages – Like baskets, birdcages can be filled with almost anything including flowers. They're also great on their own with perhaps a decorative ribbon tied around the center.

Potted plants – Instead of your basic floral arrangement, potted plants can be used. Small potted plants in decorative containers can be grouped together to form a centerpiece and then taken home individually as wedding favors.

Small goldfish bowls – Marbles and candles can turn a small goldfish bowl into a stunning wedding reception centerpiece. Potpourri, acorns, pine cones and pine branches make for an aromatic table.

Straw Hats – Decorate with ribbon, lace and silk flowers and place in the middle of the table.

Holiday Themes

If your wedding will be taking place on or around a holiday, your decorating is done for you. Weddings taking place around Christmas time can incorporate holly, miniature Christmas trees or elegantly wrapped "gifts" as wdding reception centerpieces.

For a Halloween wedding, why not try a whimsical approach with a carved Jack O' Lantern? Don't forget a candle for the center!

Easter weddings should take advantage of pastels. A crystal bowl filled with colorful eggs adds a lighthearted yet elegant touch.

Important to Note

When choosing a wedding reception centerpiece, make sure your guests will be able to communicate comfortably around it. For instance, will they have to move it to one side or raise themselves up on their chairs to talk to someone across the table? Don't make centerpieces so tall they block out half of the guests.

When using centerpieces that contain candles, make sure there is nothing flammable within reach of the candle. For instance, a basket or straw hat is not a good candidate for a candle holder.

Be Creative

Be creative when choosing wedding reception centerpieces. Instead of visiting a florist, visit a craft store or home center. Don't forget to bring an open mind; you're only limited by your imagination.

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Comments

Valerie and Rebecca - Communication is key in any committed relationship, and while the bride may be upset about this situation, there isn't anything that can be done about it after the fact. She could mention it (gently) to her husband just to clear the air, so to speak, but it wouldn't be appropriate to bring it up with the individuals who did take the centerpieces.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

I would have to disagree with Valorie, you cant start ur marriage off with a lie its just bad luck. You should be able to voice ur opinion around him no matter what but then again if he didnt know u wanted to keep them then thier is a communication problem.

-- Contributed by: Rebecca

I'm quite surprised it was the groom's family that took the centerpieces. If anyone was going to leave with them I would think it would be the bride's family, because they would most likely know what she wanted done with them as they had probably been with her through most of the wedding planning and the groom's family had not. Fot the sake of a new marriage, though, I think I'd swallow my justifiable annoyance and not mention it to anyone, particularly the groom. -- Contributed by: Valerie

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