Do-It-Yourself Wedding Centerpieces: Beach Theme

Building your own centerpieces is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding while saving a little bit of money in the process. If you are planning a beach-themed wedding, creating your own centerpieces is easy. Once you have a basic idea of what you want, all it takes is a little patience and creativity.

Step 1: Choose a Container

Depending on the feel and level of formality you are trying to achieve, there are several options when choosing a container for your centerpieces. The most popular choices are clear glass containers or children's sand pails. As we will discuss in the next step, what you are planning to fill your container with will influence your choice. You want to choose something sturdy that compliments the size of banquet table you will be using. You will also need to consider height. Guests at the wedding will want to talk to one another and a colossal, opaque object in the center of the table doesn't really lend itself to that. Try to pick something low that people can talk over or something high that has most of its bulk above your guests' heads.

Step 2: Choose a Filling

If you decide to use a children's pail, you can fill it with sand, seashells or a combination of both. You can also use a candle, but beware of a hot flame next to a plastic pail. If you prefer a glass vase, you will have a variety of options for filling. A single pillar candle with sand and seashells at its base is very fitting, although be sure your vase is at least twice as wide and a few inches taller than your candle. You will also need to check with your venue regarding their policy on open flames. Most indoor venues will require the flame be contained or in water, so check before you make any definite centerpiece plans. In addition to candles, you can also use sand and shells to create a scene inside the vase, or you can place pebbles at the bottom, fill the vase with water and float an orchid or other tropical flora. Whatever you decide, the filling is your chance to express yourself and really draw in the beach theme.

Step 3: Expanding the Centerpiece

If you are happy with your beach centerpiece but it still looks a little small on your banquet table, you can place the finished centerpiece on a larger plate. Then add sand, shells or tropical flowers on the plate at the base of your container. You may also want to consider setting your container on a piece of aqua fabric or fish netting to carry the theme onto the table. Scattering seashells around your container is another way to fill space and boost the impact of your centerpiece.

References

• Beach-Themed Wedding Centerpieces
• How to Make a Beach-Themed Wedding Center Piece