Creating Wedding Centerpieces: Cost-Effective Diy Or Professional Job?

Wedding centrepieces can be expensive, but they don't have to be. If you're willing to get creative, there are plenty of ways to save money on your centrepieces without sacrificing style. One way to cut costs is to make your own centrepieces. DIY wedding centrepieces can be cheaper than pre-made decor or florist arrangements. With a little effort and some basic supplies, you can create beautiful arrangements that rival more expensive options. However, it's important to plan carefully, as the costs of supplies can add up quickly.

Choose affordable flowers and vases

Flowers and vases are essential components of wedding centrepieces. Choosing affordable options can help you stay within your budget without compromising on style and aesthetics. Here are some tips to help you choose cost-effective flowers and vases for your wedding centrepieces:

• Select seasonal and local flowers: Opt for flowers that are in season and readily available. Local farmers' markets or wholesale flower markets usually offer a wide variety of fresh and affordable blooms. For instance, roses, daisies, carnations, and baby's breath are popular choices that are not only budget-friendly but also long-lasting.
• Consider greenery: Foliage such as eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy can be a beautiful and cost-effective alternative to elaborate floral arrangements. Mix and match different types of greenery to create a lush and natural look.
• Choose inexpensive vases: Instead of traditional vases, consider using non-conventional containers such as mason jars, vintage bottles, teacups, or tin cans. These unique vessels can add a charming and personalised touch to your centrepieces. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to finding budget-friendly options.
• Repurpose ceremony flowers: After the wedding ceremony, repurpose the bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets as table centrepieces. Simply place the bouquets in vases or containers, and you're done! This is a simple and cost-effective solution.
• Buy in bulk: Buying flowers in bulk from local flower marts or wholesale markets can often get you close-to-wholesale prices. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing glass vases in various sizes from dollar stores or thrift stores.
• DIY floral arrangements: Creating your own floral arrangements can be a fun and economical option. Gather supplies like flowers, vases, floral foam, floral tape, and cutting tools. Follow online tutorials to learn how to arrange the flowers beautifully.
• Use smaller blooms: Opting for smaller flowers or buds can be more affordable. Grouping them together can create the illusion of larger blooms.
• Share supplies: If you're collaborating with others on the centrepieces, consider sharing the cost of supplies. This reduces individual expenses while still allowing for creativity and personalisation.

DIY floral arrangements

Planning and Preparation:

Start by searching for inspiration on Pinterest or other platforms to find a look that you like and that fits your wedding theme. Decide on a colour scheme early on to help guide your floral choices and ensure they complement your wedding dress. Consider the size and shape of your tables when planning your centrepieces. For round tables, groups of three containers of different sizes can work well, while for rectangular tables, plan for one centerpiece for every four guests.

Choose Your Flowers:

Decide whether you want to use fresh flowers or potted plants. Fresh flowers can be more expensive, especially if your wedding is in the winter. Consider using flowers from your own or your friends' and family's gardens to save money. If you want to buy wholesale flowers, try local flower markets, clubs like Sam's Club, or online delivery services like FiftyFlowers.

Containers and Greenery:

Recycle glass bottles, small vases, and candle holders, or repurpose household jars and cans as containers for your floral arrangements. Ask your family and friends to save these for you as well. Using your own greenery or purchasing extra eucalyptus or other greens can also help to fill out your centrepieces and save money.

Putting It All Together:

Plan to have a dedicated space to store and arrange your flowers before the wedding. You'll need large buckets to store the flowers and keep them fresh. Strip the flowers of any leaves and thorns below the waterline and cut the stems at an angle to allow for optimal hydration. Use floral tape to create a base for your bouquets, then add stems to create the desired shape. Wrap the finished bouquets with ribbon, burlap, or lace.

Transport and Setup:

Use the boxes that the flowers were delivered in to transport them to your venue by cutting holes in the tops to hold the flowers and vases. Assign someone who is not in the wedding party to be in charge of transporting the flowers to the venue and setting them up.

Non-floral centrepieces

Making your own wedding centrepieces is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas for non-floral centrepieces that are both stylish and affordable:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables: Create a vibrant and unique display with produce like purple cabbage, grapes, or even lobsters!
• Crepe paper faux flowers: Opt for paper flowers instead of fresh blooms. Crepe paper flowers are a fun and budget-friendly alternative.
• Lamps and silver lampshades: A candelabra-style lamp with silver fringe lampshades adds a glamorous and elegant touch to your tablescape.
• Pinecones in rustic baskets: For a rustic wedding theme, gather dried pinecones in autumnal wood baskets.
• Star Wars figurines: If you're a fan of Star Wars, why not showcase your love for the franchise with figurines of spaceships as table decor?
• Glass cloches with moss and calligraphy: For a whimsical woodland theme, pair glass cloches with moss and calligraphed table numbers.
• Fresh herbs: Herbs like thyme make a fragrant and eye-catching centerpiece. Surround them with candles for added ambience.
• Pillar candles and vintage trays: Decorate your tables with groupings of white pillar candles presented on ornate silver trays for a vintage flair.
• Terrariums with succulents and air plants: Even without flowers, a florist can help design your centerpieces by providing greenery, wood slabs, candle holders, and votive candles.
• Vintage books and metal tins: Visit thrift stores to find decorative books and objects to create budget-friendly and eclectic centerpieces.
• Lanterns: Metal lanterns and bird cages make great table decorations. Spray paint them to match your wedding colours if needed.
• Nautical glass orbs with rope: For a beach wedding, these nautical orbs are an unexpected and creative centerpiece idea.
• Driftwood: Another great option for a nautical-themed wedding, driftwood adds a rustic and seaside touch to your tables.
• Calligraphed table numbers: A simple yet creative idea is to display a calligraphed table number sign, adding interest and a personal touch.
• Potted herbs: Potted herbs and plants make lovely centerpieces and can double as wedding favours for your guests to take home.
• Greenery, antlers, and lanterns: Combine eucalyptus garlands with antlers and lanterns for a rustic and elegant look.
• Matte black vessels with greenery: For a modern and sleek look, use matte black vessels to showcase your greenery, creating a dramatic contrast.
• Tall palm fronds and banana leaves: If you're concerned about guests being able to chat during dinner, opt for tall centerpieces that don't block their line of sight.
• Elegant ferns: Ferns offer a dramatically textured and natural look for your tables.
• Potted plants and gold vases: Add a touch of drama and colour to your centrepieces by pairing gold vases with potted plants in terracotta pots.

Incorporate candles

Candles are a great way to create a romantic and sparkling atmosphere at your wedding. They are also a good option if you're looking to save money on your centerpieces, as they can be purchased at a modest price or even made yourself. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating candles into your wedding centerpieces:

Types of Candles

There are several types of candles that can be used for wedding centerpieces, including taper candles, pillar candles, votive candles, and floating candles. Taper candles are thin and elegant, while pillar candles are wider and often used as a base for taper candles. Votive candles are small and usually placed in a holder, and floating candles are designed to float in water, adding a unique touch to your centerpiece.

Candle Holders and Displays

When incorporating candles into your wedding centerpieces, it's important to consider the type of candle holder or display you want to use. Here are some ideas:

• Candelabras: Candelabras are a classic and elegant way to display multiple taper candles. They can be made of various materials such as brass, gold, or silver, and can be found in vintage or thrift stores.
• Glass holders: Glass candle holders, such as cylinders, vases, or chimneys, add a modern and sleek touch to your centerpiece. They can also be used to create floating candle displays.
• Lanterns: Lanterns are perfect for outdoor weddings or venues with strong air conditioning. They protect the candle flame from wind or drafts while adding a cozy and whimsical feel to your decor.
• Disco balls: For a fun and quirky touch, incorporate disco balls into your candle display. This unexpected combination will surprise your guests and create a unique atmosphere.

Color and Scent

When choosing candles for your wedding centerpieces, consider the color and scent options. Candles come in various colors, allowing you to match your wedding theme or color scheme. For example, you can choose classic white or cream-colored candles or opt for bolder colors such as peach, green, or even black. Scented candles can also enhance the ambiance and create a lasting impression. However, it is important to consider any guests who may have scent sensitivities and opt for unscented candles if necessary.

Safety Considerations

When using candles as centerpieces, it is crucial to follow your venue's safety guidelines. Some venues may not allow open-flame candles due to fire hazards. In such cases, consider using battery-powered flameless candles, which can still create a romantic ambiance without the risk of an open flame. Additionally, ensure that candles are placed away from any greenery or floral arrangements to prevent accidental fires.

Combining with Other Elements

Candles can be combined with other elements to create unique and personalized centerpieces. Here are some ideas:

• Flowers: Combining candles with flowers creates a romantic and elegant display. Use bud vases with a few blooms or suspend flowers from the ceiling above the candles for an enchanting greenhouse effect.
• Fruits: For a unique and whimsical touch, incorporate fruits such as figs and grapes into your candle display. This adds a touch of nature and creates a still-life painting-like centerpiece.
• Ribbons: Ribbons can be used to decorate candle holders or to tie around the base of taper candles. They add a silky texture and a touch of color to your centerpiece.
• Greenery: Using greenery, such as eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy, is a cost-effective alternative to flowers. It adds a natural and rustic elegance to your candle display.

Incorporating candles into your wedding centerpieces is a great way to create a romantic and sparkling atmosphere while also being budget-friendly. With various types of candles, holders, and display options, you can customize your centerpieces to match your wedding theme and style. Remember to keep safety in mind and be creative with your combinations for a unique and memorable effect.

Repurpose and upcycle

• Vintage books: Stack old books to create a unique, literary-inspired centrepiece. Tie them together with a ribbon or lace for an elegant touch. You can also place a vase of flowers or candles on top of the book stack to enhance the visual appeal.
• Wine corks: Collect wine corks and display them in glass vases, jars, or bowls for a whimsical and eco-friendly centrepiece. You can also attach the corks to a foam wreath or base to create a wine cork centrepiece that doubles as a conversation starter.
• Tin cans: Clean and paint tin cans to create rustic vases. Use them to hold flowers, greenery, or even small potted plants. Wrap twine or ribbon around the cans for added texture and style. Stack the cans in varying heights for an eclectic and eye-catching display.
• Mason jars: These versatile jars can be filled with flowers, candles, or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Paint or embellish the jars with ribbons, lace, or glitter to match your wedding theme.
• Recycled glass bottles: Look for unique glass bottles, such as soda or milk bottles, and repurpose them as centrepieces. Clean and remove the labels, then fill them with single stems or small bouquets of flowers. Cluster the bottles together for a charming and eco-friendly display.
• Wooden pallets: Turn wooden pallets into rustic centerpiece platforms. Place flower-filled mason jars, lanterns, or candles on the pallets to create a visually appealing arrangement. You can also attach hooks and hang small vases or decorations from the pallet for added dimension.

Frequently asked questions