By Georgina Clatworthy

Your wedding reception centerpieces will be one of the main elements of your wedding decorations and will be important for unifying any theme or scheme you want to create.  Whilst traditional centerpieces are usually floral arrangements made by your florist, there is a growing trend for brides to make their own, and many come up with some novel and creative ideas.

Your first consideration needs to be your budget.  If you have a lot of tables to fill, not forgetting the top table, then elaborate centerpieces will cost you a lot to achieve.  Likewise, even small floral arrangements made by your florist can cost you a couple of hundred dollars if you need a lot.  You also need to consider the style of wedding you are having and if you need to create formal looking arrangements or something less formal with a slightly whimsical appearance.

Your top table also needs careful consideration because traditionally the top table is a long table at the top of the reception room, whilst your other tables will often be round.  You will need to calculate how many centerpieces you will have on the top table and whether or not your bouquet will take center stage in front of you and your groom.  Think about the size of your centerpieces as well.  Those on the top table will need to be narrower than those on your other reception tables. 

Height and width are important considerations.  Tall centerpieces can prohibit your guests talking with each other across the table, whilst small centerpieces can look lost on large tables.  Conversely you don’t want your centerpieces to swamp the table because they are very wide, it would leave too little room for your place settings and glassware.

Begin by looking at what you will put your centerpieces in.  Vases, footed bowls, novelty containers, dishes, plates etc there is a wealth of vessels to choose from.  If you want to use fresh flowers then your containers will need to be water tight.  Color will be important too so your centerpieces match your wedding colors.  Clear glass is obviously the easiest choice and can be lined with leaves or colored fabric to match your color scheme.

If you want to use candles for your arrangements then ask your wedding venue if it is ok to light them.  Some venues will not permit because of the fire hazard.  Fresh flowers are wonderful but expensive, so consider alternatives such as silk, fabric or paper flowers, or dried flowers.   If you really want fresh flowers but are worried about your budget, then there are a couple of tricks you can employ.  Firstly use more green foliage and have a handful of large flowers in your arrangements.  If you are having lots of bridesmaids then use their bouquets as centerpieces, just arrange for some vases to be in position before you arrive at the venue.  Alternatively use garden flowers or potted plants such as mini roses, violets or hyacinths.