By Georgina Clatworthy

Table decorations or centerpieces are an integral part of the decorations for your wedding reception.  Your tables would look bare without them.  And whilst many would initially think of beautiful floral arrangements for their centerpieces, there is in fact a wealth of choice for your tables.

For the creative bride making centerpieces is one of the enjoyable parts of the wedding planning process.  You should also consider your centerpieces along with the style &/or theme of your wedding.

Here are some fabulous centerpiece ideas to get you started:

Floating flowers & candles

Possibly the simplest centerpiece to put together.  Look for some pretty decorative bowls or containers, fill them with water to about three quarters of the way up & then add some floating candles & flower heads.  Once lit they look beautiful & help add a romantic touch to your wedding look.  This style of low arrangement will also help to keep your tables from looking cluttered.

Wedding Favors

Use your wedding favors as table decorations too.  Again look for a decorative bowl or container & pile your favors up on top.  Your guests can then help themselves from the center of the table.  You can also add extra decoration by scattering flower petals & tea lights around the table.

Simple Flowers

Choose just one type of flower & arrange in a pretty vase.  This is a nice idea for an informal wedding & the choice of vases will make it easy to coordinate with any style of wedding, be it formal, modern or vintage.

Contemporary Arrangements

Floral arrangements in glass vases of unusual shapes are a common feature in modern weddings.  Imagine a square tank vase, lined with large leaves & filled with a symmetrical arrangement of rose heads.  Another suggestion is to use pomanders as your table centers; if you are having a lot of bridesmaids then you could use their bouquets as centerpieces too.

Candles

Candles are perfect for weddings & an arrangement of different sized pillar candles looks wonderful on reception tables.  Alternatively choose a pillar candle & have your florist make floral candle rings to go around the base.  How about placing a large candle inside a glass hurricane lamp part filled with colored crystals or pebbles.  Candelabra’s are also a great idea for a traditional or themed wedding, where a touch of glamour or luxury is wanted.

Unusual Containers

Why not put your floral arrangements in some unusual containers?  Think about enamel jugs, teapots, hat boxes, large glasses or large tea cups. Even books with the pages cut away inside can create unusual & beautiful centerpieces when filled with flowers.

Fish Bowls

Yes you do read right!  How about using round fishbowls complete with goldfish as your centerpieces?  You could even provide some plastic bags & a net so your guests can take one home with them.  Centerpieces & wedding favors in one go!

Recycle It

Do your bit for the environment, whilst creating stylish centerpieces at the same time!  Use old tin cans, jars & bottles for your centerpiece arrangements. You can decorate them with ribbons, labels, stickers & even paint them to coordinate.