Five Easy Do-It-Yourself Wedding Centerpiece Ideas
A great way to save money on your wedding budget is to do your own wedding reception centerpieces. If you keep it simple, you can have elegant centerpieces without breaking the bank.
Here are five simple do-it-yourself centerpiece ideas:
Shimmering Silver
This is probably the cheapest do-it-yourself centerpiece of all! Gather up branches, driftwood, leaves or pine cones. Spray them with metallic silver spray paint and arrange in the center of the tables. Add a few tea lights and you have a shimmering centerpiece perfect for a winter wedding. Looks stunning against a black or dark colored tablecloth.
Tissue Paper Mason Jars
Here are surprisingly elegant centerpieces that cost under $10. Gather assorted mason jar sizes and wrap them in colored tissue paper, add a few flowers and you have cheap centerpieces.
Skip the Flowers
Consider using unusual things for your centerpieces such as peacock feathers, small sculptures, wooden carvings, glass vases full of beach sand or large rocks.
By choosing things that can simply be arranged, you'll save a ton of time and have do-it-yourself centerpieces that everyone will remember.
Think Functional
A centerpiece of candles gives off romantic light and can easily be set-up ahead of time. Likewise, food can be used as an attractive yet functional centerpiece. Consider arrangements of tropical fruits — including star fruit, pomegranates cut in half, melons and citrus — for a lovely summer centerpiece sporting bright colors.
Mix and Match
Helpful tip: always remember to do a mock-up centerpiece a few weeks before the wedding, so you're sure it lives up to your vision. It's also a smart idea to enlist the help of a few friends if your centerpieces are even slightly labor intensive. With a little creativity and a little effort, you'll have unique wedding reception centerpieces in no time!
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Hi,
I am getting married at the end of July 2010. The venue is an historic train station that was built in the 1700’s. It looks nothing like a train station but just like my grandmother’s house. Furniture is vintage, antiques, hardwood floors, and is about 2000 sq feet. There is also a fireplace at both ends. We are having the wedd and recept there. Any ideas for centerpieces? My dress is tea length and i am not wearing a veil, just a flower and feather ornament. Thanks!
How about drilling holes in old railroad ties (12-18″ of old, weathered, wood) and making them into votive holders? Add some fresh flowers or greenery, and it could look cool.
Old RR spikes seem to have lots of potential, too, but I just can’t think of what you could use them for.
Where wud i get that I wonder…thanks!
i am getting married in june and my colors are pool blue , wine and white. i am stuck on what i should do for all decoration/centerpeice at the ceremony and reception. I am on a very very low budget, but i want it to look beautiful not cheap. can anyone help me out with ANY ideas they have PLEASE! thank you
HELP!!!! I’m getting married on 9/4/2010 our colors are carolina blue, Chocolate, & Ivory….i need help finding flowers that would work and centerpiece ideas. The venue has a really high ceiling so we were thinking of tall centerpieces but we are on a SERIOUS budget. Any help would be GREAT!!!!!
JenN,
Can I get a link or pic to your venue. That way I can see what it needs, it can help with overspending. it coudl be your veneu is ornate not needing alot. Can’t wait to see it!
Please help - I am getting married 10/10/10 and it is on a 186 acres plantationon the Edisto River. Our colors are chocolate brown, burnt orange and yellow. We are both very layed back, go with the flow people. I am planning this my self and need some pointers. The plantation has huge oak trees wih moss hanging from them. I need help on center peices. I dont want flowers at all - the land is beautiful itself. The only flowers will be what the wedding party has. This is what the flowers will be!!
Thank you so much for the help!
I went to an October wedding a few years ago, and the bride carved out pumpkins, spray painted them gold and put candles in the center. It was really really pretty. You could go without spray painting them, since orange is one of your colors.
Mandi,
Beautiful! love it! To keep the centerpieces flowing with the scenery, you could have simple urns of fresh greenery. This wouldn’t compete with the bridal party flowers. Candles are another choice, making sure they are protected from the air, what about oranges or lemons? would be perfect for this type setting both in decor and history. edible? what about tiered stands with cupcakes or cookies/candy?
Acorns in a vase with candle…
* here
or go with a very simple crystal salt and pepper shaker/necessities, just like they would have had on the table long ago, think family style setting.
I’m getting married in a few weeks and I didn’t want any flowers except what the bridal party carries. My centerpieces are going to be long spiral twigs in large vases. I’m spray painting a few of the limbs and sprinkling w/fine glitter. Just a thought!
We are getting married October 2010. I have champagne taste on a very egg noodle budget! Looking for some glamorous centerpieces we can make to wow our guests. Any help appreciated.
Colors are black and silver, but wouldn’t mind some red
heather,
* pics
* love this!!
* and these
* more
* xtra pics
hi my sister is getting married in july 24,2010 and she wants her colors to be red-white-and silver to add a bit of sparkle..and red for romance love etc…so do you think these colors are fine for a july wedding ? oh and what would be a good centerpiece ideas ?
sonia,
* red and silver
* pics/boards
* this is pretty
* these would be seriously romantic,
Sonia,
One thing you could do is name each table after famous romantic couples throughout history; Romeo/Juliet, Cleopatra and Marc Antony, etc. Or name each table after a romantic quote or word. set with candles and flowers.
I think the colors are perfect for a july wedding! One thing you could have her do for a little extra thing since it is in July at the end of the night have someone pass out little baggies with sparklers in them and matches that say thier names and wedding date on them and when they are exiting have everyone light them out side as they leave! Im actually doing this at my wedding…i think its a cute idea!
I am getting married January 15, 2011. My theme is winter wonderland adn my colors are emerald green, silver and white. I want my reception to look as if you went into a womderland with lots of white and many candles. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, I am on a very tight budget as I am paying for this out of pocket. Thanks!! Anyone can e-mail me personally with suggestions on everything at kmb103102@yahoo.com . Just put wedding ideas in the subject so I do not delet it. Very much appreciated!!!
melissa,
* ideas
* great lil’ board with tips!
I am getting married December 2010 and having a lot of trouble deciding on centerpieces. My fiance and I are on a very tight budget and we can get roses for wholesale from a friend however this leaves us to do the centerpieces ourselves. I am going for a very romantic traditional feel. My bridesmaids dresses are a burgundy color. I am attracted to the color combination gold, dark red, and cream…. Any ideas?!?!?
We just had our 25th wedding anniversary. Because we never had a real wedding reception, we did everything as if it were a wedding. Our colors of course were silver (25th anniversary) Burgandy(the color of my original wedding dress) and white because it was winter. It was so beautiful. I am sure you could use your colors to make it very elegant. I made all the centerpieces. I bout tall cylinder vases 1 per table, I put a few silver ornaments in the vase, put a silver snowflake ribbon on it, and put a white glitter branch..to add the burgandy, we took a cranberry branch glittered it slightly and added it to the vase. We set votives, glittered pinecones and a few silver ornaments around the vase on the table. it was beautiful..you coud use gold ornaments, ivory votives. if you would like pics, I can try to send them. email me at nita_bertram@hotmail.com. I also made over 100 silver glittered snowflakes that we hung from the ceiling. our cake was white with silver snowflakes(our daughter did the cake)…Happy planning
nita,
Your message caught my eye! We are renewing our vows for our 30th anniversary in December and I would like to make snowflakes to hang from the ceiling. How did you make them? I am thinking of going with your idea for centerpieces too but I was going to add some battery operated lights to the vases because our venue doesn’t allow candles. Would you mind emailing me a picture of yours? (asgoodasitgets3@gmail.com) Thanks very much! Linda
Hi Linda, I will try to get you pictures soon..Also, if I can help in any other way please let me know. Some of the snowflakes were ornaments, that we sprayed with fake snow, and then glittered them..some were made of stiff white paper that we (I run a day care) cut out ourselves, sprayed glue on them and then shook silver glitter..they were all different in shape and sizes. we hung them with paper clip on one end, and fishing line so that they looked as if they were falling from the sky. The cylander vases we bought at the dollar store, we sprayed fake snow around the very top of them, put a wide/wired silver snowflake ribbon around the bottom as to hide the end of the branches(white/silver ,and cranberry) that we put into the vases. We put a few clear weight things in the bottom of the vase, then a few silver ornaments. They were beautiful. I will get pics to you as soon as poss. Congrats!!
Thanks nita…looking forward to seeing pictures!
kaila,
When I think of tradition, I think of simple roses standing in glass or crystal looking vases marching down a table, even surrounded with votives. Cream or burgundy roses need no other embellishment to be breathtaking. Check dollar stores for matching vases and votives/votive holders.
i need help on center pieces ideas and also for the ceremony.. we are getting married inside a church..
our date is Feb. 12 2011 and our theme is valentines.. our main colors are red and white with a hint of pink
please help
Hope,
* some ideas
* whimsical
* ideas
I love the idea of having footed hurricane candleholder fill bottom with rose petals and sit pillar candle in center. Sprinkle table with rose petals.
Hope,
* line your aisle with candles and rose petals
* gorgeous!
HELP!!! I am getting married July 17 2010, my colors are watermelon pink and chocolate brown. I need ideas for centerpieces for my wedding reception. We are on a tight budget. I have 17 guest tables that seat 8 they are round. We are using wild flowers. I need a cheap yet beautiful idea for centerpeieces any ideas?
Stephanie,
* this would work beautifully!
* or these
* you can get mason jars for cheap
* thrift stores have any container you want for cheap
Hi my name is Sarah. My fiancee an I are on a tight budget and doing a DIY wedding and reception in a barn. Any ideas on how to decorate?
Sarah,
*I didn’t know your colors but here are are some ideas
* more ideas
* wedding receptions
* barn receptions
Hi, I am getting married on Aug.21st 2010. I am getting married at a state park and we are going to rent a cabin where the reception will be held. I am doing all the planning and the reception myself. I was wondering if you had any cost effective ideas for food and decorations. We are very laid back people with a small intimate wedding. I want it to be very sweet and simple but yet fun.
I would really appreciate any ideas. Thank you
Nikki,
Can I get your color scheme and what type of wedding you want? rustic or non rustic? I think do to the nature of your wedding a wildflower theme would suit all this. not only are they simple, sweet, cost effective, they also make you smile and laugh! also with wildflowers you dont have to mind boggle over colors. put a simple background with it like white and you have it made!
* here are some cabin weddings
* wildflower wedding
* loads of links
* i like this
Nikki,
* LOVE THIS!
* real wedding 1
* colors make this one look fun!
* wedding 4
* wedding 5
Nikki,
I am back again! LOL.
* be sure to check out everything real weddings on this! You will be glad you did!
* this is great! check out part 1 too
Oh yeah, make sure you see if there are more than one part to the previous post, I think on some there at style me pretty. if there are they will be listed at the end.
Stacey,
Thanks for all your ideas. My color scheme is purple and green. I have no idea what the difference is between rustic and non rustic..lol.. All I know is that my mind and wallet are overwhelmed. Thank You!
Nikki,
Rustic is more earthy and woodsy. Like using a cut slab from a tree to place a cake on, pinecones, anything nature.
Stacey, I am definitely the rustic..
Ladies I’m getting married September 15 and we are wanting sort of a fall themed wedding. Bright and bold colors oranges reds yellows… anyways we are on a budget
and I figure the more money we save on the wedding the more we can put towards the honeymoon!!!! 
lol I’m going crazy trying to get ideas I like for diy centerpieces!?! I like the candles and bowls filled with water and flowers etc… But anyone have anything more I guess the word is glamorous?… Or kindor more eye catching… all ideas appreciated I’m open to anything that helps save money you ladies know how it is
Taylor J,
* fall wedding centepieces
* this is amazing
* what about using feathers
* you can even add them to your bouquet like here
* this is so budget friendly!
* or like here
* another great one? floating cranberries
Taylor,
* look at this slideshow, bride leaning up against wall. Pomanders suspended from satin ribbon over tables, if venue allows and simple votives on tables.
Get pretty glass jars and fill them with apples of all colors, pinecones, nuts, and any other fal/seasonal fruit… for a natural vase use pumpkins… little pumpkins and gourds can be carved out for tealights…. and if you have a talented carver,.. you can have them carve your name and wedding date into a pumpkin (white pumpkins are a great wedding accesory as well as painted pumpkins!)
ONe of the easiest and cheepest ideas i have are Sun flowers bouquets, boutiners and yes even centerpieces. Anyone can grow them they are so easy and they sell different kinds of seeds from baby to some that grow to be 12+ in long. Different colors too.
Candy, carmel and chocolate covered apples could be your favor just put them in a cupcake holder tree and alternate tea light and apple.
i need help with finding some reasonable site for silk flowers…
Budget on a wedding :)
I have 300 guests (indian) and a empty community center with just tables and chairs….
I need ideas on
1. chair covers,
2. table linens
3. centerpeices (was thinking vases with fruit in them?) anyone know a place to get cheap vases where they still look nice. I need a do it yourself idea for sure!
4. any other place you might see to make the room look pretty and spend a little less money…
i’m VERY open to ideas :)
Ashika,
What is your colors?
If you go to dollartree.com they have cases of vases that come with 12 in a case for like 20 dollars. It may take a while of looking to find the vase you like. Good luck! And as for table linens I like the rich blues, reds and greens with gold sticthing for a indian wedding theme
hi im getting married in 2011 april 16 and i am doing a spring theme like bright colors like red pink orange yellow green. and candles like lanterns and chandeliers its going to be at sunset. i want different stuff i dont like to be the same.i have lots of ideas but i know im forgetting all the little stuff so if you could give me some more ideas plz
morgan
morgan,
* look at this, its gorgeous!
* galleries
* wedding board
* board 2
* I thought you may like this
* LOVE this. I love how they made the bold colors so calming!
* just beautiful
*WOW!
I am getting married on July 3rd 2010. I am having a tropical themed wedding. My colors are a Watermelon pink, a Tangerine orange and little bits of green. I want to use fruits and tropical flowers. My reception is at a clubhouse on a lake. Can anyone help with some ideas for centerpieces and decorations?
Im doing a tropical wedding as well and we wanted to have different things instead of flowers we are using conch shells with pink and orang leis around them its a simple centerpiece, we didnt want a huge centerpiece since the tables we are using only seat 4 people. And also were are using sandcastle centerpieces, these are perfect size for us…dont know if thats something your interested in but thought I would offer the idea
hey, im getting married in 2011 may, in the country, and we want to have a Scottish country garden wedding, but cant come up with any ideas…any hints??????
Katrina
xx
Hi Katrina, congrats!
Check out this Scottish country board, it should give you some ideas. Happily, Scottish weddings tend to be very country and very elegant. Check the pics and the credits and you’ll see things like simple flowers in beautiful vintage cans, thistle and rose arrangements, mini bottles of scotch or scottish tablet for favors, gummie scotty dogs and other ideas that are authentically Scotch without looking overdone or garish. Then, just a touch of tartan ribbon here and there. Also pop over to Jessica Claire’s wedding; while not scottish, it’s a beautiful country-elegant with tons of great ideas. I hope that helps!
Hi, I am having an English Country wedding, in England and in the country! But I want really natural country flowers and ideas! I had a couple of thoughts of jam jars in the center of tables, along with flowers and candles - as I only want candles and fairy lights to be the only source of light. It will be in my fathers barn. My colour scheme is kiwi/sage green and lace. Can you give me any other ideas?
Susie,
oh! a english country wedding? how romantic! i love english country. please post pics after your wedding.
* ideas
* real weddings
* wedding boards
have you thought about using lanterns? and putting flowers in mix- match pitchers?
* barn wedding
* barn wedding decor
*great website
* beautiful!
* barn reception
* teapot centepiece (this would be pretty with nothing but ivy spilling onto the table)
* lighting ideas
suspended paper lanterns would be gorgeous.
* like here
* more ideas
One of my favorite websites Style me Pretty just showed a country wedding that I loved. The reception was in a barn too. Maybe you could get some ideas from that?
http://www.stylemepretty.com/
Bird Cages for centerpieces with old fashioned roses inside. you can find all kinds of birdcages in thrift stores spray paint gold or leave natural and place your tea lights around. also google Bulk roses many vendors have bulk old fashioned roses! Also everyone go to:
http://www.save-on-crafts.com! great website for all your DIY needs! I am doing my sons wedding in June this site has by far the best pricing on Vases and anything you need! They have moss frezed dried roses great containers tools!!
Hope this helps Ya’all!
i am about to reach my 6 month countdown…the wedding is june 5,2010 we are having a victorian theme and our colors are pool,honeydew,n white we are have the hardest time coming up with cute, simple, cute centerpieces…We were leaning towards floating candles champgne glasses but the glasses r 8.99 a piece and we have 25 tables……PLEASE HELP
Charmaine,
8.99 for champagne flutes? Seems high! Is there a dollar store or discount resturant supply store near you?
Another thing that would work really well with your colors and victorian theme would be tissue or crepe paper flowers! There are hundreds of tutorials on how to make all kinds of flowers online (try google and youtube)! Here are some examples:
* Tissue paper flowers for mothers day
* Tissue paper party decorations
* Paper Flowers - One
* MS: Crafted Bouquet
When i hear victorian i think tall candle holders. My idea would be tons of vintage candle holders ( garage sales always have these and thrift staores as well) with candles of your colors. Cluster these in groups of 4 or 5 on the table with strings of pearls and to had a little more of the theme i would use a lace overlay on the table. Hope this helps
Go to the web site I posted they have Apothecary Jars cheap you will see the jars that have flowers stacked inside and the top has a ribbon tied Floating candles in fish bowls tacky!! Go to thrift stores pick colored vases. Think outside the box! old teapots with out lids go to garage sales in your area or Good Will. Do staggered height containers of 3 one big, one middle sized and one small add flowers and BAM! your good to go place tea lights that are frosted in different colors around. Do place cards that have a wax seal with monogram which you can buy at any Hobby store.
Your good to go!!