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Reception Centerpieces on a Budget
by S.E. Olson
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Overview
Creating beautiful, eye-catching wedding centerpieces doesn't have to break your budget. Focus on simplicity and one or two statement elements and you can make yourself a stunning centerpiece for a fraction of the cost.
Simple floral centerpiece
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Cutting Costs Up Front
The easiest way to cut costs is to make the centerpieces yourself and use materials that are less expensive. For example, in a floral centerpiece, choose flowers that are in season and opt for wildflowers instead of roses. Arrange the flowers in a full bouquet and either stand them in a vase or arrange the flowers in a spray by inserting individual stems into a floral oasis.
If your heart is set on an expensive flower like lilies, orchids or roses, choose a single bloom instead of an entire arrangement. Place the bloom, along with some inexpensive greenery, in a slender vase and place in the center of the table. For added interest, sprinkle a handful of petals and four or five votive candles around the base.
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Inexpensive But Not Cheap
You may be pinching pennies, but you don't want your centerpieces to look cheap and tacky. There are a few key considerations to making an inexpensive, but not cheap, centerpiece:
Candles are relatively inexpensive, but add a touch of class to any centerpiece. Purchase pillar candles of different heights and arrange them on a beveled mirror or tray. The light will reflect on the mirrored surface and bathe the entire table in a warm glow.
Buy smart and in bulk. There are many online retailers that will allow you to buy in bulk at a discount price. From flameless candles to flowers to fabric, if you need a lot of it, chances are you can buy it in bulk and save. Check eBay for great deals as well.
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Personal Touches
An easy and inexpensive way to personalize a centerpiece is to add photos of you and your groom. Purchase inexpensive frames from a dollar store and fill them with black-and-white photos of the two of you throughout your courtship. Place several pictures of different sizes on each table and surround with fabric or petals.
Purchase old-time candy jars from a secondhand store and fill with your favorite candies. Print paper bags with your song lyrics or sayings that are meaningful to you, and let guests know they can carry away the sweet centerpiece treats as favors.
Get crafty and print photos of yourselves on parchment paper. Decoupage vases, jars and glass cylinders with the parchment paper then place votive candles in the jars to illuminate your photos. Use the jars as your primary centerpiece, then surround with more candles, flower petals or fabric.
Centerpieces can double as sweet favors for guests
