DIY: Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Centerpieces tie in the wedding theme.

A wedding centerpiece should add to the overall decor of the room. If the wedding has a theme, such as an island theme, the centerpiece should correspond to it. The flowers or items in the centerpiece should also coordinate with the wedding colors, typically the colors of the bridesmaids' dresses. Creating the centerpieces yourself will be more time consuming, however it will also be more cost effective. Homemade centerpieces allow you to add a personal touch to the tables and create a decoration that incorporates your own style and flair.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers
• Scissors
• Vases
• Florist tape
• Ribbon
• Bowls
• Gemstones
• Floating candles

Instructions

Flowers

1. Gather the flowers you will use in the centerpieces. You will need approximately 50 stems. Consider flowers such as roses, tulips or Gerber daisies.

2. Snip off any excess leaves or stems from the flowers to leave only sleek stems and blooms.

3. Trim the stems approximately 2 inches from the ends. Cut at an angle and keep the stems under running water while you cut. Soak the freshly cut stems in water prior to making the arrangement.

4. Gather four flowers to create the center of the arrangement, forming a square shape. Assemble the other flowers around the center four to create a domed shape.

5. Tie the arrangement with florist tape. Tie a ribbon over the tape if desired, to add a more aesthetically pleasing touch.

6. Add water to the vase and place the bouquet inside.

No-Flower Centerpiece

1. Fill a low and wide bowl with water. The bowl can be round, square or oval, depending on your preference.

2. Fill the bottom of the bowl with glass gemstones. The color of the gemstones will depend on the wedding theme. For a fall wedding you may want to use red, orange and yellow stones or beads. A Christmas wedding would make red or white stones appropriate and a beach-themed wedding would dictate golden or tan stones.

3. Add other visual elements depending on your theme. For a fall wedding, this could be plastic foliage leaves. For a Christmas wedding, this could be glass snowflakes or colorful ornaments. For a beach wedding, this would mean seashells and starfish.

4. Place floating candles in the coordinating wedding colors atop the water. This adds an illuminating touch that ties the ensemble together.

References

• The Knot: Whats Hot for Wedding Centerpieces
• The Knot: Homemade Centerpieces Basics