Wedding décor is expensive. So when it comes down to choosing materials and flowers for your wedding centerpiece, you might be put off by the high price. Without any doubt, professionals can make breathtaking arrangements. But did you know you can make reception centerpieces on a budget that will be equally stunning?
In this article, we’ll give you some tips about creating gorgeous arrangements and provide DIY centerpiece ideas that’ll leave your guests speechless. Plus, you won’t have to break the bank.
A Profusion of Flowers
Whether you have a florist or you’re deciding to make centerpieces by yourself, be sure to use flowers that are in season. You might want to get tulips in winter, but this will cost you a lot of money.
If you decide to make flower arrangements on your own, these are inexpensive options: Tulips, wax flowers, carnations, sunflowers, hydrangeas, etc. You can mix and match them, or just chose one kind you love and make it an accent flower. On the plus side, all flowers create beautiful centerpieces, so you won’t go wrong with any of them.
For a monochromatic look, select a couple of flowers of a similar color you like the most. You can group them together, and the more you use, the lusher your centerpiece will look.
However, we know how hard it can be to opt for these flowers instead of the more expensive peony or lisianthus you’ve always dreamed of having in your wedding arrangements. You don’t have to forget about them altogether, just use them sparingly. That way, you’ll still have your favorite flower, but won’t need to spend a lot of money.
Bonus tip: If you decide to do the décor alone, you might want to check if there’s a flower market in your area. You can get a discount if you buy your blooms in bulk.
The Power of Greenery
Once you decide which flowers you want to put in your centerpiece, it’s time to select the greenery. It’s generally affordable and makes your arrangements fuller and more interesting.
Myrtle, willow eucalyptus, ivy, and leather fern are just some of the greens you could use. Each has different kinds of stems, the shape of leaves, and even scent. Pair them with flowers to give your arrangement some texture. Alternatively, make unique centerpieces made only of greenery. Not only will it be eye-catching, but it’s also an affordable project.
The key is to make sure your greenery is fresh for the big day. Don’t keep it in direct sunlight before the wedding. Give them fresh water every 24 hours. It’s crucial that stems have enough water, but be sure not to drown them.
Rustic Branches and Twigs
Have you ever considered skipping the flowers and getting branches and twigs instead? There are a lot of aesthetically pleasing DIY wedding centerpiece ideas that include these. And if you’re on a tight budget, but still looking for something for your rustic wedding, branches and twigs can play the leading role in your centerpiece.
They give the decoration that autumn vibe, or a fresh look if combined well with other pieces. Perfect for bohemian weddings, twigs and branches are often used as a focal point. But don’t think they are only suitable for rustic weddings. Because of versatility, they also can be incorporated in contemporary celebrations.
If you want to put them in vases, make sure you use something that can support them. It’s best if you use tall containers that won’t fall because of the weight of the branches.
Finally, you don’t have to worry about having to keep branches and twigs fresh. They require no maintenance and are ready to be displayed whenever you want.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are one of the most popular wedding decorations for couples on a budget. And if you’ve got a few of them in your pantry, you won’t have to spend a dollar on your wedding centerpiece.
They can be used for storing flowers for that rustic look. Or, pour some water inside and slice up a few lemons to add freshness to your centerpiece. You could also group them and wrap in twine and lace for the bohemian look.
There are numerous ways you could utilize mason jars to create combos individual to your wedding and style.
Potted Plants
Is your house filled with plants? Create that same homey atmosphere by using potted plants for reception centerpieces on a budget. You can plant succulents, rosemary, lavender, basil, and use them to achieve that relaxed wedding vibe. Not only will they look pretty, but they’ll be excellent mosquito repellents if you plan to have an outside summer wedding.
Potted plants as centerpieces are cost-efficient because you can use herbs you already have at home. And even if you choose to buy new ones, guests can take these home as a gift from your wedding.
Fruits for Reception Centerpieces on a Budget
Who would have thought that fruits can take your reception centerpiece to a whole new level? They’re a huge deal right now and surprisingly good wedding decoration. Just like flowers, they come in vibrant colors and can freshen up the arrangement. Combine them with blooms, or just put them in cute bowls with some foliage. Incorporate different sizes, from smaller kiwis to large watermelons.
Lemons and oranges go really well in large vases. You can either cut them or leave whole fruits. Mix tangerines with succulents for rustic centerpieces. And if your wedding is in autumn, you’re in luck. Make use of all those burgundy and orange colors of apples and pumpkins to match the atmosphere.
Use Candles of Different Sizes
White candles give that romantic, elegant look to any wedding. Get candles of different sizes and shapes to create some dynamics. You can combine them with greenery or put them in a candle holder. Wrap them with twine and surround them with the mason jars.
If you’re having a beach-inspired wedding, you could even put them in a jar filled with sand to match the theme. And if you’re up for some crafts, there are various DIY table centerpiece ideas where candles have the main role.
Invest in some long, cylinder vases to create a centerpiece of floating candles. It isn’t difficult to create this kind or arrangement. Just fill the container with distilled water and leave an inch or two on top for the candle to rest. Everybody will think you paid insane amounts of money when, in reality, you did it all by yourself.
Finally, light them up before the guests start arriving, and you’ll get a magical setting.
Paper Decorations
DIY projects including paper are low-priced yet surprisingly effective. If you aren’t good at origami, maybe some of your friends are talented. You could make an event out of it and ask a couple of people to help make paper decorations. Use paper of different colors, textures, or even some with inscriptions. You can make flower balls, pom-poms, or even individual flowers to arrange on the table. Plus, just like with potted plants, your guests can take these home as mementos of your wedding day.
Stacking Books
All those bookworms will fall in love with this idea. Use the books you love so much and make them a centerpiece of your wedding. You won’t have to spend any money, but you’ll have décor that reflects your personality. Stack them on top of each other and tie them with a ribbon for an elegant feel. You might add some flowers or succulents around them for a garden wedding.
Do you love vintage things? Then you can include some other pieces with your books, like old keys, or watches.
The great thing is that books don’t have to be the same size or even color. Play with the height until you get a gorgeous centerpiece.
Use Moss
Moss is incredibly popular among florists. It’s budget-friendly and can be used in different ways. If you’ve got a long wedding table, you can place moss as a table runner. Put some succulents or candles on it, and you’ve got a stunning reception centerpiece on a budget.
Terrariums are also a great idea to store moss. And if you choose to make these, you can even bring them home after the wedding.
Pro tip: When making moss terrariums, make sure you put pebbles at the bottom. Take some soil and place it on top of them. Finally, add moss and succulents or flowers you want. And to keep moss fresh and vibrant, mist it a couple of times before the wedding.
Be Creative
Having stunning reception centerpieces on a budget is possible. Now you won’t have any problems with ideas for creating unique arrangements that’ll look expensive, and like florists made them. Whether you’re having an elegant or a bohemian wedding, you’ll be able to use all of these ideas. The versatility of flowers, greenery, candles, and mason jars will create beautiful, sophisticated, and breathtaking centerpieces.
