Budget Conscious Centrepiece Ideas
by Jennifer Frotten - WeddingDecor.com

Mix & Match
Use two or three different centrepieces. One or two of them simple and another more elaborate. Mix the centrepieces throughout the reception for a unified look without the expense of all high-priced designs. A high/low plan with some designs towering above the heads of guests and others low to the table helps fill the space in reception venues with tall ceilings.

Mass of one flower
Keep is simple by having centrepieces with all one-flower type. Use single bunches of tulips, roses or gerberas, into clear cylinder vases. No greens are required and it keeps costs down.

Floaters
Use glass bowls in the center of the table and float individual blossoms, masses of petals & candles in each. Add decorative glass gems, gravel or stones for added interest. Decorate around the base of the bowl with petals & use additional votive candles to set the mood.

Fruits & Nuts
Use ceramic bowls, silver trays, or decorative compotes with seasonal fruits and/or vegetables along with nuts and interesting botanical pods. Accent with a few coordinating blooms.

Candles
Groups of pillar candles with varied heights create interest. Votive candleholders in a mass, grouped with a few special flowers such as peonies, orchids or roses are simple, yet elegant.

Plants
Use common indoor plants such as ivies or ferns in decorative pots for a natural looking table centrepiece. Flowering potted annual plants are great for summer weddings and guests can take them home afterward to plant in their own gardens.

Rentals
Check with your florist or decorator for rental centrepiece items such as candelabras, topiaries or glass bowls for floating centerpieces. Your reception venue might have decorative accessories such as table mirrors, lanterns, or votive candles that they will provide free of charge.

Simple Bud Vases
Group three or more bud vases together and add a flower or two to each vase, mixing the blooms to provide interest. For an interesting look, use vases with varied heights and a single type of flower in each. Colour the water to enhance the look.

Single Stems
Use an interesting glass container and a single stem such as a calla lily, gerbera daisy, tulip or agapanthus for a simple yet elegant statement.