Centerpiece Ideas for Wedding Tables

Centerpieces for wedding reception tables can be simple, elegant, expensive or affordable depending on your budget, style and creativity. Creating centerpieces that reflect the style and colors of your wedding are, of course, the most important factors, but you could actually save money by taking a little time and doing it yourself.

Flowers

Flowers are the traditional choice for wedding reception centerpieces, although the options you have are endless. You can have one large bouquet of flowers that matches the bridal bouquet, a small group of vases with a single flower in each, or mix up different flowers, staying within the colors of the wedding. You can save money by using expensive flowers sparingly and investing in less expensive in-season flowers for filler.
To display them, you can use clear or colored glass vases in any size or shape with water or decorative marbles, glass, shells or stones. Depending on the theme of your wedding, you can also use baskets, pails, jars or any other container-like object to hold the flowers. Use tulle, ribbon and bows to complete the arrangements.

Candles

Candles are often associated with romance, so they work perfectly as centerpieces. Use different-sized pillars or candle holders to create a visually pleasing arrangement. In addition, jars, vases and mirrors make excellent candle holders.
Use tall, compact vases and fill them with flower petals and candles, or place floating candles in bowls. Sprinkle flower petals, pebbles, shells or confetti around the candles for a more romantic feel. Even if you use colored candles, be sure they are unscented so they don't overpower the food.

Other Ideas

Fruits and vegetables make colorful and creative centerpieces, as well. For an outdoor country wedding you can line the table with straw and add the fruits on top.
Use picture frames as centerpieces, filling them with photographs that tell the story of your relationship, special vacations or a timeline that shows when you met, the first date, your first Christmas together, the engagement, or any other significant periods of the relationship. You can also use inspirational quotes or poems.
Above all else, the centerpieces for your reception should reflect the theme, colors and style of the wedding, as well as the personality of the couple.