Creating Wedding Centerpieces: A Guide To Diy Magic

Wedding centrepieces can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of tables to decorate. If you're working with a tight budget, a great way to save money is to make your own centrepieces. Not only will this be fun, but it will also add a personal touch to your wedding. There are plenty of DIY options to choose from, whether you're looking for something traditional or unique. For example, you could opt for a floral arrangement, a stack of books, or a simple collection of candles. The possibilities are endless!

How to make a fruit table runner

A fruit table runner is a great way to add a unique, colourful, and cheerful touch to your wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Step 1: Choose your fruit

Select fruit that is in season and preferably locally sourced. Consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. For example, if you're going for a summery, playful look, choose colourful fruits like peaches, oranges, cherries, and berries. For a tropical or destination wedding, pineapples or citrus fruits can be a great option.

Step 2: Prepare the fruit

Wash and dry the fruit to ensure it looks fresh and vibrant. If using larger fruit, consider cutting them into halves or slices to create a more interesting display. You can also get creative and paint the fruit with non-toxic paint to match your wedding colours.

Step 3: Create the base

Use a neutral linen or burlap table runner as a base for your fruit display. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding colour scheme and table setting. Cut the fabric to the length of your tables, leaving a little extra on each end to hang elegantly.

Step 4: Arrange the fruit

Start by placing the fruit in the centre of the table, creating a long garland or row down the middle. You can arrange the fruit in a variety of ways, such as grouping them by type or colour, or mixing and matching for a more eclectic look. Play around with different compositions until you find one that you like.

Step 5: Add extra touches

To enhance your fruit table runner, consider adding some extra decorations. Fairy lights, candles, or small vases with flowers or greenery can all add a romantic and elegant touch. You could also include vintage or handmade items, like vases or lanterns, for a more personalised style.

Step 6: Final touches and maintenance

Once you're happy with the arrangement, make any necessary adjustments to ensure the fruit is securely in place and won't roll away. Periodically check the fruit throughout the event and replace any pieces that may be looking bruised or damaged.

A fruit table runner is a simple yet effective way to decorate your wedding tables, adding a touch of nature's beauty and a unique twist to your special day.

Using candles as centrepieces

Candles are a great way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding. They can be used as the main focal point of your centrepiece or as an accent to floral arrangements and other creative designs. Here are some tips and ideas for creating candle centrepieces for your wedding:

Types of Candles

There are several types of candles that can be used for centrepieces, each offering a different look and feel.

• Pillar Candles: Thick, column-like candles that can stand on their own. They come in various heights, allowing you to create a visually interesting display by mixing different styles.
• Tea Lights: Small candles that sit in a rounded dish, about 1.5 inches in diameter. They add a cosy glow without overwhelming your other decorations.
• Votives: Slightly larger than tea lights, these small white candles sit in glass containers and are often used in religious ceremonies.
• Tapered Candles: Long and narrow candles with a tapered tip. They are the quintessential romantic table candle.
• Flameless Candles: These candles use batteries instead of fire, making them ideal for places where an open flame is not suitable.
• Lanterns: You can place any type of candle inside a lantern to amplify the cosy lighting with minimal effort.

Displaying Candles on Tables

When it comes to displaying candles on tables, there are a few things to consider:

• For round wedding tables, candles are typically placed in the centre.
• For rectangular tables, candles work well across the length of the table.
• Play around with different types of candles and vessels to find the perfect combination.
• Consider using candles that tie into your wedding theme or colour palette.
• Think about the height of your centrepiece and whether you want candles to be the focal point or an accent feature.

Creative Candle Centrepiece Ideas

• Greenery-Draped Lanterns with Floral Accents: Combine the ambient light of glass-encased lanterns with arching greenery and romantic roses for a stunning and impactful centrepiece.
• Elegant Tapers with Repurposed Stemware: Add height to your tables by using delicate tapered candles in stemmed glassware. Customise the colour scheme to fit your wedding theme.
• Dusty Rose & Blush Wreath with Votives: Create a low-lying floral and candle arrangement that fills the table and leaves space for conversation during the reception.
• Rustic Simplicity with Bud Vase Accents: Minimalist bud vases filled with flowers and flanked by the warm light of pillar candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Dramatic Elegance in Dusty Blue & Navy: Combine towering candelabras with abundant, elegant flowers for a breathtaking and intricate-looking arrangement.
• Vineyard-Inspired Wine Bottle Decor: Transform leftover wine or champagne bottles into unique candle centrepieces by adding floral foam and flowers, with the top serving as a pillar candle holder.
• A Festive Holiday Candle Display: For a winter wedding, create a centrepiece with pillar candles, florals, evergreens, and extra bling to add sparkle and light to your table decor.

Quick Tips for Candle Safety

When using candles as centrepieces, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Keep florals and greenery away from direct flame.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Utilise heat-resistant surfaces for your candles.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for lighting candles.
• If your venue doesn't allow open flames, opt for battery-operated flameless candles, which come in various styles such as tealights and tapers.

With these ideas and tips, you can create beautiful and romantic candle centrepieces that will illuminate your wedding reception with a warm and elegant glow.

DIY greenery table runner

A greenery table runner is a great way to add a fresh, organic pop of texture to your wedding tablescape. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a DIY greenery table runner using eucalyptus:

Materials:

• Silver dollar eucalyptus ($1-2 per piece)
• Leather leaf fern ($0.25 per piece)
• Salal ($0.50 per piece)
• Baby's breath ($3 per bunch)
• Wired paper cord
• Floral wire
• White roses (optional)
• Flower water tube (if using roses)

Instructions:

• Divide any greenery that might be too full.
• Start by laying down the leather leaf fern as your base. You can create a centerpiece that comes out from a centre point by switching directions halfway.
• Next, lay down the salal, followed by the eucalyptus, and then the baby's breath for a pop of white.
• Cut the wired paper cord to the length you want your centerpiece.
• Gather a small bunch of greenery and secure it with floral wire. Try to grab one piece of each type of greenery.
• Attach the bunch to the paper-covered wire.
• Repeat this process, overlapping bunches, from one end to the middle. Then, start at the other end and work your way back to the middle.
• Use any extra pieces to fill in any empty spots.
• (Optional) Add some white roses. Place the stems in a flower water tube to prevent wilting. Secure them with floral wire if you are transporting the centerpiece.

This eucalyptus table runner will add a natural, rustic touch to your wedding décor. You can also enhance the look by incorporating candles, complementary tableware, and other decorative elements.

Using flowers in colourful Kilner jars

For the flowers, you could opt for real wildflowers or faux ones if you want to plan ahead. You can buy your favourite flowers or a mix of up to four different kinds from a floral shop or grocery store. To save some money, select in-season options.

If you're short on time or want to save money, you could opt for single-stem displays. Alternatively, you can create more complex arrangements by cutting the stems (at an angle) and placing them in a block of wet floral foam for easy assembly.

Creating a stacked boxes centrepiece

Choose your boxes

Select boxes in varying sizes and shapes that complement each other. You can use vintage boxes, wooden crates, suitcases, or even stacked books to create this look. If you're feeling creative, you can decorate the boxes with paint, ribbon, or other embellishments that fit your wedding theme.

Source your flowers or decorations

Flowers are a popular choice for centrepieces, and you can choose blooms that match your wedding colours or theme. If you're using fresh flowers, be sure to select ones that are in season, as they will be more affordable and widely available. You can also use artificial flowers or other decorations like candles, fairy lights, or greenery.

Assemble your centrepiece

Start by placing the largest box in the centre of your table. You can fill it with flowers, moss, or other decorations. Then, stack smaller boxes on top, varying the heights and sizes to create a visually appealing display. You can also add candles, fairy lights, or hanging decorations to enhance the look.

Add the finishing touches

Once you've stacked your boxes and added your decorations, take a step back and see if there are any gaps or areas that need filling. You can add small details like pearls, vintage keys, or lace to give your centrepiece a unique and personalised touch.

Create consistency

Repeat this process for each table, ensuring that the centrepieces are similar in style and height. This will create a cohesive look throughout your wedding venue.

Stacked boxes centrepieces are a great way to add dimension and interest to your wedding tables. By choosing the right boxes, flowers, and decorations, you can create a stunning display that reflects your style and theme. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions