How to Make Outdoor Wedding Centerpieces

Floral centerpieces are the most traditional choices for weddings. A summer garden wedding is a perfect setting for tiny potted blooming plants at each table setting. These 2-inch plants are economical, look festive and serve as keepsakes for each wedding guest to take home. Here's how to achieve a colorful garden party theme for your outdoor wedding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide on a variety of colorful annuals. You will need one plant for each guest.
2. Call nurseries and garden centers to get prices. Discounts for large amounts should be available. Ask for blooming and budded plants that look healthy. Order and arrange to pick up the plants two weeks before the wedding date.
3. Purchase ribbon and tissue paper or material in colors that coordinate with the wedding theme. You will need enough paper or material to cover each pot in an 8-inch by 8-inch square. Buy several rolls of 1/4-inch satin ribbon, enough for each pot to have two 14-inch streamers of different colors.
   
   
   
4. Cut tissue paper or material into 8-inch squares using pinking sheers scissors that create a fancy cut. You will need one square for each pot. Cut ribbon into 14-inch lengths. Cut enough ribbon to use at least two colors for each plant.
   
5. Pick up the plants 2 weeks before the wedding date and place the pots in plastic crates with good drainage. Keep them in a protected area and check often.
   
   
6. Keep the plants groomed by taking off dead leaves and flowers and water as needed.
7. Water plants well and groom them for the final time 2 days before the wedding. Let them drain well.
8. Decorate the flower pots the day before the wedding. Place each clean, dry pot in the middle of a pre-cut 8-inch square of tissue or material. Draw the material up around pot and tie it with two coordinating colors of ribbon, making a bow.
   
9. Place one colorful pot at each place setting for the wedding reception.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a close eye on the tiny plants to keep them watered and blooming. If plants aren't blooming well, make sure they are getting adequate sunshine, but protect them from getting too much sun and drying out.