How to Make Photo Centerpieces

Photos are not your typical centerpiece items, so they must fit the theme of your party or event or they might seem out of place. Types of events where photo centerpieces would be appropriate include weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, family reunions, retirement parties and business parties that celebrate milestones.

Things You'll Need

• Photos
• Frames
• Flowers
• Candles
• Ribbons
• Glitter

Instructions

1. Choose the photos. You may decide that each table will have the same photo or photos, or use different photos for each table. For a wedding, photos of the bride and groom during all phases of their life, including some from their courtship and from their childhood work well. Using different photos on each table will encourage the guests to mingle and move around so they can see all of the pictures. For a smaller party, or if the photo centerpiece will be used just on one table such as the food table or the gift table, you can choose just one special photo of the person or couple being honored.

2. Print the photo(s). You may already have prints, in which case this is an optional step. You will need copies if you are using the same photo for every table, or if you are creating a centerpiece that would destroy the original. You may opt to print the photos on a computer printer or you can order them from a photo printing company. Using digital photos gives you flexibility to re-size the pictures to the size that works best with your centerpiece plan, while if you start with printed photos you are more limited as to the size of the photos.

3. Assemble the parts of the centerpiece. If you are using picture frames, put the photos in the frames. If you are making a vase that will display a photo, put the photo on the outside of the vase. You can decorate the vase with ribbons and bows to cover the edges of the photo and give the centerpiece a more decorative look. If you are using many tables, group the photos by which table they will be displayed on, and gather other items such as candles so you have them ready when you arrive at the location where the event will be held. If your centerpieces will be one piece, you will have them ready and done before the event starts. If they are several pieces grouped together, such as a group of frames with candles or flowers, you will probably assemble them as you decorate the tables. In that case, plan to store and transport them in boxes or bins that will protect them and make it easy to move them to the event location.

4. Add final touches. If you haven't done this already, you may want to decorate the table with glitter or confetti as a final touch.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many ideas for a photo centerpiece, and your choice will be affected by whether you are making just one centerpiece or if you are planning for an event such as a wedding where there are many tables. Many of these can hold several photos and would be a fitting centerpiece for a birthday party.

• Decide whether you want your centerpiece to be mostly about the photos, or to have the photo be just part of the centerpiece. Wrapping a photo around a vase that holds flowers, or creating a centerpiece out of photo frames and votive candles are both examples of ideas that would work for a wedding, anniversary party or retirement party where there are guests at many separate tables.

References

• Martha Stewart -- Photo Centerpiece
• Fujifilm Photo Crafts
• Frame-taztic -- Shadow Box Frame

Resources

• Sendaframe.com
• Pottery Barn -- Silver-plated Horizontal Photo Frame Carousel
• TheFind.com -- Photo Centerpieces