How to Use Cake Toppers to Create Stunning Centerpieces for Your Wedding

Wedding centerpieces do not have to be large flower filled vases that break the bank or floating candles that are used most commonly. If you are looking for a way to create something that is truly unique and different then you should consider cake toppers. Yes, cake toppers. Wedding cake toppers come in so many beautiful styles and designs that you can create something that is completely original.

Cake topper picks are a new and trendy item we see on wedding cakes, but don't forget that these picks can also be stuck into your flower center pieces to add drama and interest. If you love DIY like we do, then consider creating your own unique centerpieces with this idea. Stick the picks in vases filled with sand, rocks or floral foam. You can use your initials, monogram and even spell out different small words, like LOVE, JOY, KISS or U&ME according to how large your vases are. This look will definitely create a buzz at your wedding reception.

Bride and groom figurine cake toppers have certainly come a long way since your mother got married. You can find figurines that are funny, serious, and romantic, with blonde hair, red or blonde. Place different bride and grooms on each table to show off you and your fiancés hobbies, sense of humor or romantic style. The figurines can sit on the tables with votive candles and flower peddles surrounding their unique pose. This idea is not only fun by your friends and family will love it.

Personalized cake toppers would add a special touch to each table centerpiece. You could place the cake topper on a mirror with decorative table confetti and votive candles to create a stunning look that your guests are sure to love. This also gives you a way to show off your personality. Personalized cake toppers come with many design options, color themes and letter style. You could even have something different printed on each cake topper to give your guest something to admire and talk about during your reception.

Ornamental cake toppers are another perfect way to show off your personal style. Choose a cake topper with a modern design or something that matches your heritage such as an Irish claddagh design. You can also take these gorgeous love birds and place them in a nest and lay one on each table as the photo shown. This is a beautiful and very special way to show your wedding guest, friends and family your taste, personality and style.

When it comes to making a centerpiece there is no wrong answer. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a masterpiece of your own. The most important tips are: keep it simple, keep it out of your guests view line and make it unique to your wedding. Good Luck.

Creative Centerpiece Trends for 2012

As the focal point of each reception table as well as the overall look of the room, a bride wants to put a lot of thought into her wedding reception centerpieces.  Of course, one can never go wrong with fragrant floral arrangements, but a bride these days has no reason to limit herself to bouquets and topiaries made of flowers and greenery. There are many options for creating stunning displays that are often less expensive and more memorable than your standard arrangement of blooms. The lovely candle display shown here from Real Simple is only one alternative. Here are our favorite non-floral centerpiece ideas for 2012.

Edible Elements 

Image Credits: Strawberry Topiary from The Bride Suite, Veggie Bouquet from The Hostess Blog,
Doughnut Tier from Martha Stewart

Dessert buffets and other food stations were a favorite for 2011. This year, scale it down and bring the banquet to your guests' tables. From mini wedding cakes on each table to tiers of donuts and macaroons, your guests certainly won't mind having their lovely desserts right at their fingertips. You can also offer healthier options like bouquets of veggies or fruit with decorative dishes full of sweet and savory dips. The center of the table is the perfect place to display these colorful treats. The best part? The centerpieces double as part of the menu, which can save you quite a bit of money if you plan it right.

Balloon Brandishing 

Image Credits: White Dessert Table from Once Wed, Balloon Table Number from Martha Stewart,
Pastel Balloons from Martha Stewart, Balloon Room from Green Wedding Shoes

Yes, normally balloons are meant for birthday parties but the lovely, oversized helium variety can actually look quite elegant and romantic, floating like a physical manifestation of the weightless joy a bride feels on her wedding day. These large round balloons can create the same whimsical look as hanging lanterns without the worry over how to hang them as they literally suspend themselves. And as a famous little yellow bear is noted for saying, "Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon."


Paper Presentations 

Image Credits: Book Display from Once Wed, Pinwheels from Emmaline Wed,
Paper Spheres from Better Homes and Gardens

Paper is relatively inexpensive, can be recycled, and can also be upcycled from what you already own to create fabulous DIY centerpieces. Paper flowers and origami spheres make lovely arrangements that guests can keep forever, unlike real flowers. Whimsical pinwheels put a cheerful spin on any table display, while upcycled books and pages can show off your intellectual side in a playful and romantic way.

Still struggling to come up with the perfect centerpiece? Make a list of your hobbies and interests, either individually or as a couple, and find a way to showcase them on each table. You may be surprised how simple is it is to come up with something wonderful and unique when you are drawing ideas from your true passions and interests.

Fabulous Flowers for Your Summer Wedding

Choosing the flowers for your summer wedding can be a difficult task. Why you ask? Well, because this is the time of the year when most of these colorful blooms are in season and readily available! It will be hard to choose just one of these beauties! Here are a few of my favorite summer wedding flowers to help you decide!

Sunflowers ~ This warm and friendly flower is a known symbol of peace and happiness. What better sentiment for your wedding day! These flowers are inexpensive and easy to maintain. They are especially appropriate for a late summer or fall wedding. Sunflowers are in season from July to September and come in colored varieties of yellow, red and white.

Tis the Season for Holiday Wedding Centerpieces

It's only November but I can already feel the Christmas season inching its way here.  Soon it will be time for the sound of crackling fires, Bing Crosby, and yummy scents of baked goodies to fill the air.  I for one can hardly wait! Time to snuggle up with a warm cup of cocoa and watch the snow fall.  This love I have for Christmas has of course always made me wish for a holiday themed wedding.  And since my wedding has already passed, I will just have to live vicariously through all of you.  So here it is.  For all you other holiday gurus out there, here are my top picks for holiday wedding centerpieces from the simplest setting to the most elaborate arrangement.

1) Wrap It Up

One of the simplest and most inexpensive holiday centerpieces to pull off, the empty gift box!  Simply purchase your favorite holiday wrapping paper and bows to match your wedding colors and wrap away.  Use different sized boxes to create texture and visual interest and stack them along the center of your tables.  You don't even have to put anything in them.  They're just for show, after all.

2) Edible Art

Instead of creating a candy buffet, bring the buffet to your guests with edible table centerpieces.  Mini cakes, towers of holiday candy, or single serving desserts make for a mouth-watering display.  Set your goodies on short or tall displays accented by berries, holly, and other holiday accents.  Include personalized napkins next to each centerpiece printed with a note that says 'enjoy' with your names and wedding date.  Your guests won't be able to get enough of your edible art.

3) Branch Out

Christmas wouldn't be the same without all the ornaments that decorate our Christmas trees.  For my #3 pick, use a simple tree as your centerpiece.  Either spray-paint a bare branched tree or use a pine tree as your main focal point.  Add ornaments to your tree to give your centerpiece depth and to provide guests with a favor to take home.  Clear ornaments are perfect for low light settings and will make your tables sparkle, catching the light from every angle.  Personalized ornaments are great for adding a custom touch to your guest tables and will remind guests of your special day every year.

4) Twist on the traditional

Flowers will continue to be one of the most popular and traditional wedding centerpiece choices.  For the holidays, put your own twist on this wedding staple by creating ornament accented floral arrangements, present shaped bouquets tied with ribbon, and/or peppermint wrapped flower bouquets.  To create your peppermint bouquets, simply glue candy canes to the outside of an inexpensive vase, insert your flowers, and voila!  Present shaped flower arrangements can be a little trickier and usually turn out best when left to an expert (especially when using live flowers).  To make this centerpiece on your own, purchase square flower foam from your local craft store, fake roses, ribbon, and scissors.  Simply insert the stems of your flowers into the foam until the flowers cover it entirely.  Tie your ribbon around your present, step back, and admire your work.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Credits: Row 1: Holiday wrapped gift boxes via bhg.com. Row 2: Mini wedding cakes courtesy of lieventplanning.com, individual cookies on cake stand and candy tower via countryliving.com.  Row 3: Silver tree branches with ornaments available at pier1.com, personalized ornament tiles via angelellie of etsy.com, beaded winter snowflake ornaments. Row 4: Candy cane flower arrangement and ornament display via bhg.com, rose covered present centerpiece courtesy of party town.

Ideas for Winter Wedding Centerpieces

The winter months will soon be here and Jack Frost will be nipping at our noses. It is time to start planning your winter wedding and thinking about winter wedding centerpieces. Winter weddings leave you with many color options. You can do the traditional red and green or silver and blue but really any color is expectable as long as you give it a little winter flair. Here are a few ideas for winter wedding centerpieces.

Flowers: Popular wedding flowers for winter weddings are roses, carnations, calla lilies, poinsettias and hydrangeas. With most of the flowers listed you can choose from a large color pallet and make beautiful flower center pieces. Red roses make the most beautiful centerpieces but can also be very expensive. Adding a few white and/or red poinsettias to your tables would be much more cost efficient and with a little ribbon or color stone accessories they can be the most gorgeous centerpieces.

Candles: Using candles of various shapes and sizes on a mirror or large plate is an excellent way to create a unique centerpiece. Candles add a sense of sophistication to any atmosphere and are also very romantic. Position your candles on your table and then you can add different color Christmas tree bulbs to the arrangement to give it a sense of whimsy and also add that winter feel.

Christmas bulbs: I love the variety available when using Christmas bulbs for centerpieces. For a winter themed wedding they would be a welcome part of any centerpiece. Just filling a glass bowl with different color Christmas bulbs can make lovely centerpieces. This is easy and economical.

Pine cones: Pine cones are also a great item to use for center pieces. You can add pine cones to your small trees, flowers or around your candles depending on what kind of centerpiece you decide to use. Placing pieces or pine branches, pine cones and holy pieces around a few small votive candles can make a dramatic and beautiful center piece that will keep your guest talking for weeks.

Pine Trees: I would love to walk into a reception hall that was completely decorated with Christmas trees. This is probably not in everyone’s budget. You can purchase small inexpensive pine tress for your tables and add decorations or simply spray them with a white coating and add twinkle lights. Adding a beaded snowflake ornament to your tree centerpieces can work as your decoration and favor. Simply add a card to each table asking your guest to take an ornament home with them and you have killed 2 birds with one stone.

No matter what centerpiece idea you come up with, just be sure to keep it unique to your winter wedding theme. Happy planning ladies!

Carrie

Carve Out a Place for Pumpkin Centerpieces!



September has quickly come to a close. For a lot of October and November brides the mad dash to create beautiful fall centerpieces has just begun. Luckily, our latest blog posts have offered many ideas on easy fall decor. I wanted to add to that list by focusing strictly on my favorite - the pumpkin.

I'm not talking about jack-o-lanterns with spooky faces. Of course if you are planning a spookily elegant Halloween wedding, I am all for it! But the pumpkin has much more  to offer than just being the missing head to the headless horseman. It can be carved to create beautiful centerpieces that add a warm glow to a romantically lit reception.  Table numbers and monograms can be scrolled into the pumpkin. Simple designs can also be added for either centerpiece pumpkins or lanterns to light outdoor walkways and aisles. Mini pumpkins can be quickly converted into votive candle holders as well!

Photo Credit:  Pumpkin Monogram from Marry Monograms. Pumpkin Topiary from Southern Living. Poka dots and Flower Pumpkin Trio from Crafty Nest.  Mini Pumpkin Votives from Totally Table Tops Blog. Polka Dot Pumpkin from Lacour Photography via Picasa Web. Lovers Silhouette Pumpkin from Masterpiece Pumpkins. Pumpkin Walkway from Southern Living.

I'm sure at this point, some of you are in love with the idea of carving pumpkins for your wedding or fall dinner party but are not confident about your skill. Don't worry! All lettering, designs, and monogramming can be printed off your computer and easily transferred to the pumpkin using carbon paper or a pattern tracer. This small tool has a spiked wheel that is used to trace around the pattern and will leave a perforated line to guide the carving. These can be purchased either in the sewing aisle (for tracing sewing patterns typically) or in the inexpensive pumpkin carving kits that are almost anywhere this time of year. Once the design is in place, there are a variety of tools that can be used to carve out the image. Get your groom involved by allowing him to take his jigsaw and drill to carefully cut out the image. X-acto knives or utility knives are also great tools for pumpkin carving. A steak knife... not so much. The simplest, yet one of the most beautiful, pumpkins I have seen simply used a drill to create perfectly round polka dots all over the pumpkin. Use a variety of drill bit sizes to create larger and smaller holes.
The gooey mess that is scooped out before carving the pumpkin can actually serve a purpose! Place it all in a strainer and use cold water to rinse away the pulp surrounding the seeds. Bake the seeds following the recipe of your choice and voila! A tasty fall snack that could also serve as a fun favor! Even if only placed in a candy dish on the table, the roasted seeds are sure to be a hit!

Off to the pumpkin patch!
~ Jenna

Black and White Wedding Themes for the Fall

I do love the fall and all of the beautiful colors of fall, but not all brides want to use oranges, reds and greens for their wedding colors. Black and white fall weddings are becoming more common, even traditional. The black and white trend leans heavily toward old Hollywood and retro wedding themes which is a hot trend for 2010.

The best thing about a black and white wedding theme is the color. It is easy to match napkin colors, linens and accessories to this theme. It is also easy to add a punch of color to a black and white theme as well. Red roses as a wedding bouquet with a black and white theme are stunning. Adding a touch of red or a metallic to this theme will only add to the elegance but don't over do it, this is a black and white theme after all.

Of course the bride in white and the bridesmaids in black. There are also lovely wedding dresses that are available with black accents, that are throwbacks to the stunning dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in the movie Sabrina. This again points back to the old Hollywood style.

For decorations, use white mums and white pumpkins to decorate the tables and reception hall. Tie a black silk ribbon around a white pumpkin and you have created a simple but beautiful centerpiece.

To me a black and white wedding is classic and the most elegant. The black and white theme makes me think of top hats and ladies wearing gloves. Candles as far as the eye can see and as much glamour as you can possible stand.

Carrie

5 Quick & Easy Fall Wedding Centerpieces

The cool weather may be right around the corner but don't sweat it!  Creating a beautiful fall wedding table setting is a breeze with these 5 quick and easy fall wedding centerpiece ideas.  Even if you're already putting the finishing touches on your fall wedding, these stunning focal points are a must-see.

1)  Wheat Chic...

 

For an understated elegance, wheat bundles tie into a fall theme flawlessly.  Simple to put together, all you need to pull this look off are bunches of wheat, large rubber bands, scissors, and wide decorative ribbon.  To construct your centerpieces, add individual wheat strands one at a time so they start to gather at an angle.  Secure your bunch in the middle with your rubber band.  Trim the ends with scissors so your bundles stand upright on the table.  Tie with decorative ribbon and voila!  Images courtesy of theknot.com and flickr.com

2)  Rustic Fruit...

Fruit, nuts, and berries can be found nearly everywhere during the fall season.  Making our number 2 pick a great way to save your cash while still creating a beautiful focal point at your wedding.  Fill a wooden box with fall fruits including rustic apples, pears, cherries, and/or figs.  You can add leaves and other foliage to create depth and visual interest or go simple with a display of only assorted colored apples.  Images courtesy of googleimages.com and mattbites.com

3)  Berries and Nuts...

Our number 3 pick takes quick and easy to a new level.  Vases filled with nuts or berries are one of the easiest centerpieces to put together and yet they still look stunning.  Place a single flower or candle in the center for pops of color and lighting.  Images courtesy of celebrations.com and potterybarn.com

4)  Pumpkins and Gourds...

What better way to celebrate the fall season than with pumpkins and gourds?  There is something about them that immediately evokes feelings of the fall season.  Use mini pumpkins as table scatter around one of our other centerpiece ideas or make your pumpkins the main focal point for the whole table.  Get crafty by using a gourd or pumpkin as a vase for holding flowers or simply stack mini pumpkins on a high decorative stand.  Add branches and berries for decoration.  Set small votive candles, leaves, and mini pumpkins around your main focal point to add filler and interest.  Images courtesy of bhg.com and yahoo.americangreetings.com

5)  Rustic Mason Jars...

Fall is commonly known by gardeners as a canning season.  Make use of grandma's canning jars with our number 5 pick...rustic mason jars.  Perfect for adding a subdued fall touch to your wedding.  Gather as many colored or clear mason jars as you can find.  Different heights will add interest so don't be afraid of mini jam jars.  Add flowers to taller jars and candles to smaller ones.

For a unique twist, turn your old canning jars into a picture perfect setting.  All you need is a 4x6 photo cut to size, vegetable oil, and dried herbs (optional).  Cut your photo and place in your jar.  Fill to the top with vegetable oil.  Add your dried herbs on the opposite side of your photo.  Seal the lid tightly and you're done!  You will instantly have a picture perfect centerpiece that has a vintage and aged appeal.  Images and tutorial courtesy of augandeverythingafter.blogspot.com and ali harper of etsy.com

Happy Planning!

Allie

Black Tie Elegance: Inspiration to Reality

A black and white wedding color scheme is one of the most versatile color themes to put together.  You can go glam with damask patterns, sparkle, and pops of pink or create a modern look by choosing elements that are classic and mixing them with clean lines and less ornate pieces.  To make a more modern and classic look come to life, here's a table setting to inspire you and all the little details you'll need to pull it off.

The Inspiration - Modern and Elegant Black and White Wedding Reception Table Setting

After creating a base of table linens/runners, choose a centerpiece that's clean and crisp.  Different varieties of white flowers will keep your look fresh while still adding visual interest.

1/2. Help guests find their seats with ease with round table numbers that can be seen from a distance.  The circular shape will tie in the classic lines of a modern look.  Carry this theme from start to finish, by placing the numbers in round table number holders.

3/4/5.  Tall pillar candles are a great way to add ambience and warmth to your table settings.  Keep your black and white color scheme by setting candles in glass cylinders filled with expanding water beads.

6. Add a subtle ornate decorative element to your each guest place setting by presenting escort cards on filigree favor cards, shown here in black to offset the white cup and saucer sets that sit next to them.

7.  The contemporary swirl pattern of these cup and saucer favors pulls in a modern element while still keeping a classy feel.  Set the cup and saucers at each plate for guests to enjoy.

8.  To create an eye-catching effect, the sparkle of these diamond ring napkin holders adds a Tiffany's feel to your classic palette and will catch the light from every angle  (giving guests another accent to ooh and ahh over....).  Add the napkin holders to black linen napkins to really make each guest place setting pop.

9/10. Add a hint of whimsy to your tables with adorable black and white bride and groom candy bags.  A great way to say thank you to guests, fill the bags with black and white colored candies to carry your color palette one step further.  Add matching bride and groom favor tags to complete the look.

11. To match those adorable engagement ring inspired napkin holders, diamond shaped candle holders will add more sparkle....and you can never have enough sparkle.

12.  Don't forget the finishing touches.  Adorable heart shaped interlocking salt and pepper shakers are a must come dinner time and match your palette.

Too add the final elements to your look, add plates/chargers, glassware to each guest place setting, silverware, and your look will truly be complete.  You can even hang a Victorian style chandelier over each table to give your look a Breakfast at Tiffany's feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Falling For a Lovebirds Theme - Inspiration to Reality

Since I am a hopeless romantic, a love bird wedding theme is one of my personal favorites.  Love doves have long been a symbol of romance, fidelity, and love.  Once a dove finds its mate, they've bonded forever and their love lasts a lifetime.  Perfectly fitting for wedding themes, don't you think?

Making a lovebird theme come to life at your wedding is easy to do.  With just a few nature inspired elements, you too can turn your inspiration into a reality.

1. Go simple with centerpieces - Stray for the normal floral arrangements and infuse these nature inspired wooden evergreen trees.  After your ceremony, encourage guests to take the centerpieces home as a keepsake from you special day.  Tip: Add visual interest by weighting cedar plants in glass votives with decorative rocks.

2. Set the tone of your love bird theme as soon as guests walk into your reception by assigning table numbers on these adorable love bird table numbers.

3.  So guests can easily see your table numbers, display them on tall table number holders.  Featuring a classic round silhouette.  The small compact design of these holders make them ideal for small spaces.

4. Frosted glass candle holders are one of the simplest ways to add warmth, ambience, and romance to your guest tables. The bonus leaf shape cutout design will cast around your reception hall also adding an element of nature.

5. Matching love bird tags, used here as place cards, will complement your love bird theme perfectly...and your adorable table numbers.  By keeping your design consistent through your stationery, your look ties together seamlessly without being overwhelming.

6. To hold those adorable place cards, lovebird card holders are a must.  So cute, your guests will love taking these home as favors, too!

7. & 8. To complement your nature infused table decor, wooden willow tree leaves and maple leaves will add dimension and a pop of color.  Tip: For the perfect finishing touch on your reception, tie natural grasses around your guest napkins for an easy and affordable napkin holder idea.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Bright Ideas for Candle Centerpieces

Candles are a classic way to bring charm and romance to your wedding or event. You can go the simple route and plop down a candle in the middle of the table, but there are so many ways to be creative when using candles on your big day. Here are some ways to light up your event.

One of my favorite ideas is using long neck vintage glass bottles for candle holders. These can be found at garage sales and thrift stores or in your own kitchen (after you have used all of the wine for "cooking" of course.) Tall tapered candles can then be stuck into the mouth of the bottle. This looks the most authentic when the candle has burned for a little while and the wax has been allowed to drip down the bottle. If you do not like the idea of letting the wax drip, you can purchase wine bottle stoppers that actually have candle holders on them. These are adorably called "wine bottle-abras." Don't be too concerned with finding a ton of matching bottles for your candle holders. Variation in the height and glass color will only create a more interesting and eye-pleasing arrangement.

If you like the idea of using wine bottles for your candle holders, you may also enjoy using wine glasses. Here you can, once again, go for simple and elegant by placing a single small votive candle in the glass. For more customized looks add flower petals, sand and sea shells, shiny stones, or virtually anything that fits your wedding theme to the bottom of the glass and set the candle on top.  You can also cover the glass with an adorable wine-glass lamp shade. These can be purchased, but can also be homemade. For the do-it-yourselfers out there, Casasugar.com has great instructions on how to make these fun shades.

Lastly, if you are having an outdoor or evening event, paper bag luminaries can create a pleasant glow to light pathways or accent any area you would like to draw attention to. For example; the perimeter of an outdoor dance floor or on the floor along the front of the bridal party's table. Flame resistant bags can be purchased for this purpose, but any white or light colored paper bag can be used.  Personalized paper bags would look great backlit with a flameless LED candle. Just add a little sand or rice to keep the bags weighted.

~ Jenna

Photocredit clockwise from top left:  1. Vintage bottle candle holders from Design Shrine 2. Colored glass bottles from Shamrock Affiliations 3. Paper bag luminaries from Bridal Buds 4. DIY Wine Glass Lamp Shades from Casa Sugar.

Wedding Centerpieces That Inspire

The centerpieces on your wedding reception tables are meant to add texture, create visual interest, and spark conversation among guests.  To create guest tables that inspire, the most important thing to remember is to be creative and pick elements that represent your personality.

This whimsical design is courtesy of the fabulous stylemepretty.com.  The bride and groom from this wedding filled their entire reception with charm and spunky details.  This amazing arrangement captures the true essence of what a conversation starter is and how to include your own spin on ordinary items to make them unique.  The centerpieces used here featured vintage pitchers filled with windmills for their guests tied off with hand crafted table numbers.  The focal point was then surrounded with smaller rose planters and votive candles.  See all the great details of this real wedding inspiration at stylemepretty.com.

When crafting your wedding centerpieces remember to be creative and think about the message you want to convey.  Do you want a wow factor?  Then you may want to opt for a centerpiece that is tall and elaborate to create an eye-catching effect.  If you want to guarantee that conversation flows at your guest tables, than shorter, more textured pieces will be your pick.  The choice is yours and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.  For more fabulous table creations, check out our top picks below and get inspired!

Photo Credits: First Row: Floral mirrored centerpiece and nature infused Bird blossom tree centerpiece from marthastewart.com.
Second Row: Contemporary lemon and orchid arrangement and long rectangular rose filled centerpiece both from theknot.com.
Third Row: Tall eye-catching baby's breath arrangement and lime filled centerpiece from theknot.com. 
Fourth Row: Bold apple and orchid square centerpiece and beach inspired floating candle with seashell accents both from theknot.com.
Fifth Row: Whimsical chalk outlined guest tables with floral arrangements at varying heights from marthastewart.com and orange lantern arrangement accented by spray roses from theknot.com.

Happy Planning!

Allie