Affordable Diy Wedding Centerpieces: Creative Ideas On A Budget

Wedding centrepieces can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make your wedding day look spectacular. One option is to use tin cans, which can be collected over time at various sizes, and are therefore practically free. All you need to do is spend a little on lace, flowers, and candles. Another option is to use wine bottles, which can be painted in your chosen wedding palette colours and topped with a taper candle. If you're looking for something more rustic, you can use jam jars wrapped in hessian and lace, and filled with either a candle or wildflowers. For a summer or destination wedding, a DIY lemon and bell jar centrepiece with cut flowers is a striking choice.

Tin cans, lace, and flowers

Tin cans are a great way to tie your wedding theme together, especially if you're going for a rustic or country vibe. They can be used as table centrepieces, placed on guest tables, on the sweetheart table, or even at the dessert bar. They can also be incorporated into other areas of the ceremony and reception, such as a backdrop or to mark the entrance to the event.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful tin can centrepieces on a budget:

Materials:

• Tin cans of various sizes
• Lace
• Spray paint (copper and gold)
• Floral foam for fresh flowers or faux flowers
• Fresh flowers or high-quality faux flowers and water
• Flower petals (optional)
• Gardening shears
• Hot glue gun
• Moss (optional)

Instructions:

• Remove any paper labels and sticky residue from the tin cans.
• Wash the cans and let them dry overnight.
• Spray paint the cans in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. You can use different colours or create an ombre effect by mixing metallics.
• Measure and cut the lace to fit around the cans.
• Wrap the lace around the cans and secure it with glue.
• (Optional) Add moss to some of the cans by gluing it onto the can in a design of your choice.
• Soak the floral foam in water. If using faux flowers, be sure to use foam specifically made for them.
• Trim the flower stems at a 45-degree angle.
• Place the soaked floral foam inside the tin can.
• Arrange the flowers and greens in the floral foam, covering it completely.
• Add the largest flower first, then fill in with smaller flowers.
• Repeat the process for all your centrepieces.
• Set the table with your centrepieces, adding candles, faux petals, table numbers, and menus.

With a little creativity and some DIY magic, you can have gorgeous wedding centrepieces that won't break the bank!

Painted wine bottles

Choosing the Bottles

Start collecting wine bottles in different shapes and sizes. Wine bottles are great for creating larger vessels, while beer and medicine bottles can be used for smaller sizes. Remove any labels from the bottles and clean them thoroughly.

Painting the Bottles

Spray paint is a simple and effective way to transform your wine bottles. Metallic shades like rose gold, yellow gold, and silver give an elegant and modern look. You can also try specialty spray paints, such as sea glass spray paint, for a unique finish. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider bold green or deep burgundy bottles. For a dreamy and elegant look, group metallic bottles with white accents.

Decorating the Bottles

• Table Numbers: Write table numbers directly on the wine bottles. It's an easy and affordable DIY project that blends seamlessly into most wedding decor.
• Flowers: Place single stems or small bouquets of flowers in your wedding colours inside the bottles. Wildflowers work particularly well and add a romantic, whimsical feel.
• Candles: Top off the bottles with taper candles for a simple and elegant touch. Long candlesticks placed in the bottle openings add a romantic glow to your tablescape.
• Custom Labels: Design custom labels for the bottles, incorporating your and your partner's initials or other personalised details.
• Greenery: Pair the bottles with simple greenery to create a woodland vibe. Place each bottle on a piece of wood for a rustic touch.
• Height Variation: Play with different heights by using extra-long floral stems in the bottles to create a statement.
• Grouping: Group bottles together to make a lovely statement. Try wrapping twine around clear bottles to enhance the arrangement.

Additional Tips:

• DIY Project: Painted wine bottle centrepieces are a great DIY project, but ensure you have the time and energy to commit to it. Consider enlisting the help of your bridal party, friends, or family to make it a fun group activity.
• Practice: If you plan to use fresh flowers, it's a good idea to practice arranging them in advance. Source your flowers from local flower marts or grocery stores to save costs.
• Transportation: Assign someone to transport and set up the centrepieces on the day of the wedding, so you don't have to worry about it.

Painted wine bottle centrepieces offer a creative and budget-friendly option for your wedding. With a little time and creativity, you can achieve beautiful results that will wow your guests.

Hessian-wrapped jam jars

If you want to make them yourself, you will need to source the following items:

• Jam jars (or mason jars)
• Hessian fabric or ribbon
• Lace (optional)
• Twine (optional)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Flowers, candles or fairy lights to go inside the jars

First, collect your jam jars. You can use any size, and it is a good idea to vary the sizes for a more interesting display. Remove any paper labels from the jars and clean off any sticky residue. Wash the jars and leave them to dry overnight.

Next, measure and cut the hessian fabric or ribbon so that it wraps around the jar with a small overlap. You can either glue the hessian directly onto the jar, or wrap it around and secure it with twine. If you are using lace, cut it to size and glue it around the jar first, then wrap the hessian around the outside.

Finally, add your chosen decorations inside the jars. You could use fresh or faux flowers, candles, or fairy lights. For flowers, you will need to soak a block of floral foam in water and place it inside the jar. Cut the stems of the flowers at a 45-degree angle and arrange them in the foam. For a more rustic look, you could add some moss to the jar first, using hot glue to secure it.

And there you have it! A beautiful, budget-friendly wedding centrepiece.

Vintage books

If you're a book lover, a vintage book centerpiece is a lovely way to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding tables. Here are some ideas for creating these centerpieces on a budget:

Sourcing the Books

Start by collecting vintage books from second-hand bookstores, thrift shops, or friends and family. Look for hardcover classics with interesting covers and spines that fit your wedding colour scheme. You don't need to worry about the books matching or being the same size—variety will create a sense of eclectic charm. If you're having round tables, plan for five to six books per table.

Embellishments and Accents

Add some pretty ribbon or lace to the books by wrapping it around the covers and tying it in a bow. You can also use twine or burlap ribbon for a rustic look. For a more natural, whimsical feel, consider gluing moss onto the book covers.

Floral Accents

For a romantic touch, add some small floral arrangements or bud vases with flowers on top of the stack of books. You can use fresh flowers or opt for faux flowers, which can be more cost-effective and allow you to prepare the centerpieces further in advance. If you're crafty, you can even make book page flowers by carefully taking apart old paperbacks or books you don't mind cutting up.

Candles and Lighting

Candles are a great way to add ambiance and elegance to your tables. Place a few LED tea lights or votive candles around the books, or intersperse mercury glass or crackle glass votives among the stacks. For a rustic touch, use mason jars filled with tea lights or fairy lights.

Table Numbers and Place Settings

Incorporate the vintage book theme into your table numbers by using book-themed place cards or bookmarks with each guest's name and table number. For a creative touch, use vintage books as chargers or place settings, with smaller stacks of books and floral accents on top.

Other Ideas

If you want to get really creative, you can hollow out the books to create hidden compartments for small vases or tea light candles. You can also use books as a base for a wooden slice or rustic wood planter filled with greenery or succulents.

Remember, the key to creating beautiful centerpieces on a budget is to get creative, mix and match different elements, and don't be afraid to DIY and upcycle!

Wicker baskets with flowers

Sourcing the Wicker Baskets:

Start by heading to local car boot sales, antique shops, thrift stores, or even your own home to source a variety of wicker baskets. You can also try online marketplaces, such as Etsy, which offer a wide range of wicker baskets in different shapes, sizes, and styles. Look for baskets with handles, vintage finds from the 1970s, or rectangular baskets for a unique look.

Preparing the Baskets:

You can line the baskets with a material of your choice, such as lace, hessian, or ribbon, to add a touch of elegance and charm. This is also a great way to incorporate your wedding colours or theme into the centrepiece.

Filling the Baskets with Flowers:

For the flowers, you can opt for either fresh or artificial blooms. Fresh flowers can be purchased from local florists or nurseries, while artificial flowers can be found at craft stores. Wildflowers, in particular, can add a rustic and natural touch to your centrepieces. When arranging the flowers, consider using floral foam to help secure the stems in place. You can also add other decorative elements, such as fairy lights, to enhance the overall look.

Presentation and Display:

These wicker basket centrepieces can be placed directly on the reception tables or elevated on a stand or pedestal for added height and visual interest. They can also be paired with other decorative items, such as candles, to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Timing and Preparation:

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to source the baskets, prepare them, and arrange the flowers. Crafting these centrepieces can be a fun activity to do with your wedding party or creative friends, but it may take longer than expected, so start early to avoid last-minute stress!

Frequently asked questions