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Ahh, weddings. Did you catch that? Just the mere mention of that word cost you $500 in the amount of time it took you to blink. Am I being dramatic? Only sort of, as anyone who’s planned a wedding knows: the prices for everything it takes to create a party instantly gets jacked up the second you mention it’s for a wedding.
Seriously, floral arrangements, DJs, photographers, you name it. The price for services all goes up because they know they can charge competitive wedding prices. That’s why it makes sense to do as much DIY-ing as possible, and a great place to focus your creative efforts is on your centerpieces. Whether you’re designing a table scape yourself or just want to get your wedding planner to save cash, here are a few festive and gorgeous center piece ideas that look way more expensive than they are.
Experts in This Article
Jennifer Allen: CEO, wedding specialist, floral arrangement specialist, and officiant at Just Elope.
Jessica Bishop: owner and editor at The Budget Savvy Bride
Emily Coyne: certified wedding and event planner and founder of Emily Coyne Events
Candle Centerpieces
Foton® Pearled Candle
Buy Now $34.99
Did you find dozens of really cute vintage dishes at the thrift store? Turn them into candles with this kit from Foton. It includes 30 wicks that burn for 12 hours, and enough plant-based wax candles pearls to fill a 30-ounce container. Candles set the perfect ambiance for any table, and now you can make your own. It’s definitely one of the most unique options out there, and a great one if you love candles but want to be a little more unexpected.
“If you’re feeling a bit crafty, indulge in the latest DIY craze of adorning candlesticks with pearls, adding an exquisite touch of sophistication to your wedding reception décor,” says Jennifer Allen, CEO, wedding specialist, floral arrangement specialist, and officiant at Just Elope.“Let your love shine bright like a candle flame, illuminating the path to matrimonial bliss with undeniable elegance and flair!”
Richland® Ivory Pillar Candles Set of 3
$19.99Buy Now
Allen also suggests playing with tall and short candles to liven up a table scape. This set of three is just $20.
Water Bead Centerpieces
70,000 Clear Water Gel Beads for Vases
On Sale 13% off
$6.99Buy Now
Jessica Bishop, owner and editor at The Budget Savvy Bride, loves this hack for making your own center pieces. “One of my favorite savvy centerpiece ideas is utilizing water beads, clear vases, and a few fresh flowers,” she says. “You can get water beads in so many different colors to match any color scheme, though I love the classic, minimalist style of clear water beads paired with white blooms for a neutral, chic look at a low cost.”
Amber Glass Bud Vases Set of 12
$28.99Buy Now
This array of vases in an amber stain are the perfect vessels for your water beads.
Ceramic Centerpieces
16 Set White Ceramic Bud Vases
$35.99Buy Now
Emily Coyne, certified wedding and event planner and founder of Emily Coyne Events, says ceramic centerpieces are often slept-on.
“The vessel can make or break an elegant design,” she says. “We recommend avoiding glass vases. Order ceramic vessels online and provide them to your florist if they don’t have an option that fits your wedding aesthetic. It can be shockingly less expensive to purchase vs. rent items for your wedding.”
Floral Centerpieces
The Bouqs Co.
$50+Buy Now
You can get a good amount of florals/bouquets delivered and then arrange them as centerpieces yourself. This will definitely help you save money in the process and you can curate the mix of high and low florals that you’re into. Bouqs has great options and can even do same or next day delivery.
NYC Flower Project
”Discuss one-to-one alternatives with your florist,” says Coyne. “If you love peonies, use garden roses instead to reduce costs. If you love orchids, go for mini anthuriums.” Being a little creative in this department can help you shave cash off of your total price.
“Ask your florist to mix high and low end florals, so you have a pop of flowers you love but remain cost conscious for the majority of your selections,” adds Coyne. “Additionally, it’s important to trust your florist and give them the freedom to use seasonal flowers and greenery (and substitute as needed) based on what may be available for a lower cost at the flower market that week.”
