Wedding Reception Centerpiece

By Amy Hoover

Reception centerpieces are not an optional accessory. While they can be as simple as tea light candles arranged in a group of three or as lavish as a crystal wedding tree, they are necessary for taking a plain table and turning it into one fit for a wedding reception.

Choosing a Centerpiece

The centerpiece you choose should match the rest of the wedding reception decorations in both color and style. For example, you wouldn't pair red wedding centerpieces with a blue ocean themed wedding. The centerpiece needs to fit in with the rest of the wedding scheme.

Traditional Centerpieces

Traditionally most couples go with flower centerpieces, but this doesn't have to be the case. The only rule for a centerpiece is that it adorns a table. Try one of these alternative traditional centerpieces for your reception tables:

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. 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.
Baskets: A versatile aspect of baskets for wedding reception centerpieces is they can be filled with just about anything. Flowers, potpourri, candy, fruit, marbles or even your favors will fit into small baskets in the center of the table.
Bird cages: Like baskets, bird cages can be filled with almost anything, including flowers. They're also great on their own with 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.

Holiday and Seasonal Centerpieces

Fall Centerpiece Ideas

Weddings that take place near a particular holiday or during a season offer plenty of simple ideas for centerpieces.

In the fall, the harvest is perfect inspiration for a centerpiece. Choose pumpkins near Halloween or Thanksgiving, or consider apple themed centerpieces in September.
Weddings taking place around Christmas time can incorporate holly, miniature Christmas trees or elegantly wrapped "gifts" as wedding reception centerpieces.
Heart shaped soaps, candles and even balloons make cheap and simple centerpieces for a February wedding.
Easter weddings should take advantage of pastels. A crystal bowl filled with colorful eggs adds a lighthearted yet elegant touch.
Straw hats decorated with ribbon, lace and silk flowers and placed in the middle of the table are a great spring or Easter centerpiece.
Place large stars on picks into small decorated Styrofoam holders during July for a patriotic centerpiece.
Brightly colored Gerber daisies or tropical centerpieces are perfect summer centerpieces.

Creative Themed Centerpieces

Couples who are planning a themed wedding should coordinate their centerpieces with the theme. Try one of these creative ideas:

Add some feathers and rhinestones to a floral arrangement for a peacock themed wedding.
Disco balls with LED lights are perfect for a reception if the bride and groom enjoy getting their groove on.
Small ice sculptures may be expensive, but they will make an impression on everyone at your winter wonderland themed wedding.
Rustic spurs surrounding a cowboy hat or boot filled with simple flowers is a great centerpiece for a country wedding.
Large fuzzy dice interspersed with playing cards are great to run down long rectangular tables at a Las Vegas or casino themed wedding.

Any theme you could dream of for a wedding will have one or two items associated with that theme. Use those items to build a centerpiece that is sure to wow everyone at the reception.

Do-It-Yourself Centerpieces

Making your own centerpieces is a great way for couples to save money or show off their crafty skills. Pick up supplies at craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Online craft stores, party supply stores and wedding retailers that carry supplies include Anvente Enterprises, Wedding Reception Store and Your Wedding Company.

If you want to make your own centerpieces, but are stuck for ideas, check out these helpful articles and slideshows for ideas:

Ready Made Centerpieces

More Centerpiece Ideas

Not everyone is a do-it-yourselfer or has the time to spend on creating centerpieces. In these instances, it may be beneficial to find some ready-made centerpieces that require very little work once they've been purchased. The easiest centerpiece solution is to simply have your florist create a wedding flower arrangement for each table. You won't need to do anything - just pay for the flowers and she will deliver them to your reception, where they will be placed upon the tables.

Local wedding planning supply stores and party stores may also offer centerpieces that can be rented for a small fee. Ask your wedding planner or call area stores for more information. This is a good solution if you need a lot of centerpieces but don't want to purchase them. Just make sure you return them all to the store after the celebration is over.

Finally, online wedding stores often have centerpieces available for purchase. You may need to customize them for your own wedding by adding a ribbon, or you may need to put a few items together once it arrives. However, these are still much simpler than making your own. Check out ForeverWed and eFavorMart.com for ideas.

Cut Centerpiece Costs

While finding or making the perfect centerpiece can be time consuming, it does not have to be budget consuming. Remember that while centerpieces are necessary, it isn't necessary to spend a fortune on them. Look for inexpensive ideas for centerpieces, such as single faux flowers in a plain tall glass, that are cheap yet still elegant. No matter what your wedding style or theme is, you shouldn't break the bank to pay for table decorations.