Creative Diy Centerpiece Ideas For Your Wedding Reception

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to make their own centrepieces. Not only is it a fun and creative way to personalise your big day, but it can also save you money. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or prefer to keep things simple, there are endless DIY options to suit any wedding theme and skill level. From floral arrangements to lanterns, painted wine bottles to stacked books, the only limit is your imagination. So, if you're looking to add a unique touch to your wedding reception, read on for some inspiration to create centrepieces that will wow your guests.

Sourcing flowers and foliage

Flowers and foliage are key components of wedding centrepieces. Here are some tips for sourcing them:

• Buy from a florist or grocery store: You can purchase your desired flowers or a mix of up to four different kinds from a florist or a grocery store.
• Choose in-season flowers: Opting for in-season flowers, such as summer hydrangeas, can help you save money.
• Buy local: Visit your local farmer's market or florist shops to source local flowers and reduce shipping emissions.
• Grow your own: If you have the time and space, consider growing your own flowers and foliage.
• Forage locally: Look in your backyard or local area for flowers, greenery, herbs, vines, and more.
• Order online: Websites like Etsy and Afloral offer dried flowers and paper flowers for centrepieces.
• Mix inexpensive and expensive blooms: If you have your heart set on a pricier flower, use it sparingly in combination with cheaper flowers.
• Use fillers: Create bigger arrangements by using inexpensive fillers, such as baby's breath.
• Buy wholesale: Buying flowers in bulk from wholesalers can often be more cost-effective.
• Choose affordable flowers: Stock flowers, wax flowers, snapdragons, hydrangeas, spray roses, and sunflowers are all beautiful yet affordable options.
• Research local growers: Do some research to find local growers and suppliers, who may offer lower rates.
• Buy in-season: Flowers that are in season are typically more readily available and inexpensive.
• Mix real and artificial flowers: Combine real flowers with paper blooms or other artificial flowers to reduce costs.
• Rent flowers: Some companies allow you to rent flowers for your event, which can be more cost-effective than buying them outright.

Using fruit and vegetables

For a rustic vibe, run a garland of apples down the centre of the table or combine grapefruit and blackberries in a vintage vase for a charming look. For a more elegant look, consider a silver gravy boat as an alternative vase, shining against the romantic colours of the fruit and florals.

For a summer fête, fill a two-tiered bowl with decadent grapes, pears, and apples, along with bold blooms. Or, for a more relaxed backyard wedding, use peaches, roses, and dahlias in a red and yellow palette.

If you're looking for something more elegant, try a simple yet sophisticated look with a vintage Art Deco-inspired gold tray housing vibrant limes. Or, for a fall wedding, fill vases with red and green apples to bring some autumnal flair to the tablescape.

For a tropical island vibe, accent a trio of pineapples with unique flowers, like pincushion proteas or ginger torch. Or, for a more exotic summer-meets-fall-harvest vibe, place tropical melons and artichokes at the edges of garden rose, ranunculus, lace leaf, and wild berry centrepieces.

Fruit is a naturally beautiful addition to any table, infusing colour, height, and texture.

Painting and decorating

Painted Wine Bottles

Save wine bottles in the months leading up to your wedding, then paint them in your chosen wedding colours. Top each bottle with a taper candle for a simple yet effective centrepiece. This is also a great excuse to open a bottle of wine while planning your wedding!

Painted Autumn Pumpkins

If you're having an autumn wedding, pumpkins can be a lovely seasonal addition to your tables. Paint them in metallic gold or other colours, or use them as vases for your flowers. You can also carve your initials or another design that matches your wedding theme for a unique touch.

Colourful Kilner Jars

Buy colourful Kilner jars or paint clear ones and fill them with real or faux wildflowers for a simple DIY centrepiece.

Painted Taper Candles

Add a pop of colour to your tablescape by painting plain taper candles in your chosen shades. Then, plant single-stem flowers that you personally source in vintage vases. For a unique composition, arrange the colourful candles at varying heights and encircle them with bud vases.

Painted Wooden Candleholders

Create a festive and colourful centrepiece by spray-painting wooden candle holders of varying heights to match the candles in the same hues.

Painted Glass Centrepieces

Snip plastic strips of hot pink vinyl to the same height as your vases, roll them up, and slip them inside to add a pop of colour. You can also use other colours of vinyl to match your wedding theme.

Candles and lighting

Floating Candles

Floating candles are a unique way to add a magical touch to your wedding reception. Place them in clear vases or bowls filled with water and add some floating flowers or greenery for a whimsical effect. This idea is perfect for creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

Taper Candles

Taper candles are versatile and can be used in various ways to create elegant centrepieces. For a classic look, opt for gold or brass candlesticks. For a modern twist, try colourful taper candles in quirky holders, such as disco balls or funky bud vases. You can also pair taper candles with other décor pieces like flowers or greenery for a more natural look.

Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are perfect for adding height and visual interest to your centrepieces. Try using tall, thin pillar candles in elegant glass vases or mix and match different colours and sizes for a bold statement. Pillar candles can also be used to support other décor elements, such as table numbers or floral arrangements.

Candelabras

Candelabras are a traditional and elegant way to incorporate candles into your wedding reception. For a vintage or eclectic look, scour thrift stores or flea markets for unique candelabras in different styles and finishes. Mix and match gold and silver candelabras for a collected, European estate-inspired look.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are small, elegant candles that can add a subtle glow to your tablescape. Mix and match clear and coloured glass votive holders, or opt for simple white votives for a minimalist look. Place them in clusters or line them up along the centre of your tables for a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Centrepiece Combinations

Combine candles with other design elements to create unique and unexpected centrepieces. Try pairing candles with flowers, greenery, or fruit for a natural and elegant look. Use candles to complement your colour palette or add a pop of colour with brightly coloured candles. For a whimsical touch, suspend flowers or greenery from the ceiling, allowing the candles to shine on their own on the table.

Jars, vases and bowls

Jars, vases, and bowls are a great way to showcase your wedding centrepieces. The options are endless, from different materials, sizes, and shapes to choosing what flowers or greenery to use. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Glass Vases

A glass vase is a neutral option that works with any flowers or plants, and you won't have to worry about clashing colours. A plain cylindrical vase is understated and elegant, and it's easy to style. For a more vintage feel, opt for an etched vase or a glass vase with a gold handle. These vases also make great candle holders.

Metal Vases

Metal vases can fit a variety of themes, depending on the colour, shape, and finish. Antique, galvanized, or brushed finishes create a homely display, while shiny finishes offer a modern look. For a sleek and elegant option, consider nickel-plated aluminium cylinder vases.

Low Bowls

Low bowls are a great way to display flowers without obstructing your guests' view. Scalloped-edge gold bowls have a classic vintage look, and the brushed gold would look incredible with red roses. These bowls are also versatile and can be reused after the wedding.

Zinc Buckets

For a rustic or DIY-style wedding, zinc buckets can be a fun and versatile option. They are perfect for wildflowers, sunflowers, or daisies, and can even be reused for potted plants or filled with ice and drinks for an outdoor party.

Ceramic Vases

Ceramic vases come in a variety of colours, designs, and shapes, so you can find something that suits your wedding theme. A shiny black vase is an excellent option for bright-coloured flowers, while a light blue potter's vase would be perfect for a beach or coastal wedding.

Wooden Vases and Bowls

Wooden vases and bowls evoke a natural and rustic quality. For a modern and refined look, opt for a wooden vase with harsh angles or a dark brown finish. Teak bowls filled with flowers or greenery would be a unique table centerpiece, especially for a more relaxed reception with fairy lights and wildflowers.

Frequently asked questions