Everyone knows that florals have served as wedding centerpieces for years upon years - and rightfully so! There are a million types of floral arrangements, and combinations of florals can easily create a specific ambiance for any event..from fresh and airy to bold and lively. On the flip side, flowers are EXPENSIVE! A bouquet of fresh roses at a gas station can even cost you a dollar a flower! While most would love florals cascading throughout their reception venue, not everyone's budget can allow for such a dream. So the question remains, how to create the ambiance you desire without breaking the bank on florals?
Fortunately, non-floral centerpieces are extremely accessible and reasonable for the modern bride. Lets take a closer look at the options out there! The KEY with no non-floral centerpieces is to MIX and MATCH. Don't do away with ALL your florals, rather alternate the centerpieces from table to table. Even those these do not involve flowers, your florist or event coordinator/designer will definitely be able to create the alternatives for you!
1. Candles
Candles are the most popular option for floral-alternatives. Candles are typically inexpensive and the "ambiance" of natural light enhances any event! Furthermore, there are so many great things you can do with candles design wise. For example, fill tall glass cylinders with water and place a floating candle on top! The water reflects the candle light extremely well and can brighten any table scape. Want to up it a notch? Add bed rock, crystals, or a long flower to the water to create an eye pleasing design element
Design Credit: Gloria Wong Designs
2. Lanterns
Lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and colors! There a rustic lanterns, clean-cut nautical lanterns, shabby-chic lanterns, and so much more! Two things I really like about this centerpiece-alternative option, (1.) a lantern can hold its own as a single centerpiece OR you can use them as accent pieces to any arrangement, and (2.) lanterns, like individual candles, reflect light onto your tablescape. The versatility of lanterns make them viable for any event theme!
Photo Credit: Diana Marie Photography3. Apothecary Jars
Apothecary jars are plain out fabulous! Not only are they usually big (so even one looks like an adequate centerpiece), but you can fill them with just about anything! The clear glass makes the table feel more spacious to the guests and is not obtrusive to anyone's view. It is easy to add a "pop" of your wedding theme to the jars, too. Place a few flower buds, photographs, a bundle of moss, sand, or small silk flowers in the jars to keep your ambiance flowing.
Design Credit: Beth Helmstetter Events
4. Candelabras
Candelabras are a classy alternative to florals. They too come in a variety of designs including: sterling silver, glass, gold, and cast iron. Candelabras are excellent if you wish to mix small floral arrangements alongside of it, and like so many of the alternatives listed, give a great "glow" to the tablescape. One of the best features?! More often then not your venue, event planner, or florist will let you rent these from them (for little moo-lah!)...and sometimes, they are even FREE! And we LOVE free stuff!
Photo Credit: Eric Cuys
5. Vintage Boxes
This alternative is a more recent trend, and because I am all about "all things vintage"...I love it! A vintage box easily creates a unique and elegant centerpiece. If you don't want to spend the money to fill it with flowers, add greenery + moss instead. To add a little "shine," place a single pillar candle in the middle of the arrangement. Take a day to go antique shopping...you will surely come across some of these beauties!
Photo Credit: Max Wagner
6. Branches
Branches come in a variety of colors, textures, and lengths. Branches are great for adding height to any centerpiece and alleviates any "heaviness" that other arrangements may have. Want to transform twigs into design? Here are some ideas:
- Spray paint the branches a champagne metallic or white for a shappy-chic feel.
- Hang candles on the branches to add some light.
- Dangle long crystals from a few branches to add some bling!
- Tie some flower buds along the branches to make them look like it is in bloom!
7. Fruit
Mmmm....now this is the way to create a truly fresh centerpiece. Fruits bring a world of color to your event and make a centerpiece particularly delectable! Place fruits (lemons, limes, peaches, and apples are the most commonly used) in a glass container or cylinder, then, add touches of florals or greenery for surrounding textures!
Photo Credit: Jay Nichols Photography
8. Moss Balls
The soft texture and earthiness of moss is a great addition to an event atmosphere. Moss has the ability to be bright and lively OR natural and subdue - great features for a centerpiece. Any florist or event planner can create these for you - or a perfect DIY project (I will post the project instructions in the future!) Place the moss balls on top of glass cylinders, or hang them from the ceiling for a more dramatic approach!
Design Credit: Event Decorator
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