Wedding Reception Table Decorations & Centerpiece Ideas

There are a multitude of options for brides and grooms decorating their wedding reception tables. You don't have to go traditional---instead personalize your tables with original displays that won't only be the center of your table, but also of your guests' conversations.

Fruit and Flowers

Spice up traditional floral bouquet centerpieces by halving colorful fruit such as oranges, lemons or limes and inserting them in the bottom of vases with the insides of the fruit facing out for a charming effect. (See Reference 1) Forgo flowers altogether and fill vases or other glass containers with fruit, halved or whole.

Topiary Trees

Tree centrepieces are becoming more common for weddings. Topiary trees are small trees that can live in planters and make for an elegant wedding centerpiece. Trees have the added benefit of branches, off of which you can hang ornaments or string garland.

Take-Home Centerpieces

Reception table centerpieces can double as favors the guests take home. Fill bowls or baskets with fresh fruits or vegetables, chocolate, candy, cookies or other delectable eats. (See Reference 2) Choose foods that match your wedding scheme for a stunning effect to your reception hall. Guests will like these useful favors that don't clutter up the house.

Theme Centerpieces

More bride and grooms are decorating their wedding according to a theme that is important to them. Literature enthusiasts can create centerpieces out of favorite books or film buffs can use Oscar-winning movie titles instead of table numbers.

Do-It-Yourself Centerpieces

You don't have to break the bank to display elegant centerpieces at your wedding reception. Instead of hiring a florist, make your own centerpieces out of drinking glasses with ribbons tied around them and wildflowers picked from a field. (Reference 3) You can buy glasses and ribbons at dollar stores, as well as artificial flowers if you don't want to worry about real ones wilting. Centerpieces with artificial flowers you can also keep forever.

Personalized Napkins

Decorating your wedding reception table doesn't have to stop at the centerpiece. Consider personalized napkins with the bride and grooms' initials and wedding date embroidered on them. These napkins can be saved for entertaining in the future.