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.

Great Ideas for Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces

Choosing wedding centerpieces for your wedding can be an expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We have come up with several fun and inexpensive wedding centerpiece ideas.

Bring the outside in: Using tree branches, leaves, pinecones and other natural elements from the outdoors doesn’t cost a thing and can be some of the most beautiful centerpieces. By adding limbs from a Japanese maple tree to a large glass vase you can create a breath taking fall wedding centerpiece design. Think seasonal of course when you are planning to use Mother Nature’s decorations. If you are having a spring wedding, cherry blossoms, summer wedding use olive branches or winter wedding, use birch. Remember you can also add spray paint, beads and lights to jazz up any centerpiece design.

Double Duty:  Another way to save money on your wedding centerpieces is to use them for more than one purpose. One way to do this is incorporating your desert table into your centerpieces. You can buy several inexpensive cupcake holders and bake your own cupcakes. By adding decorative cupcake liners and little bling you can create great cupcakes without paying a professional. Fill the holders with your cupcakes and set one on each table as the centerpiece. This will create a fun and yummy centerpiece that your guests are sure to love.

Less is more: Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most beautiful. If you are having a winter wedding try filling up vases with inexpensive Christmas tree bulbs. This makes a gorgeous center piece and can be very cost effective.  Another fabulous idea is to use taper candles. You can normally buy tapers very cheap and in many color combinations. Check out your local thrift stores and buy different size and color holders to make an eclectic and interesting centerpiece.

Fruit instead of flowers: Fruit can also be a great centerpiece idea. By simple filling a glass vase with lemons you can create a masterpiece. This works for all seasons as well, use apples and pears for the fall, cranberries for winter and lemon, limes and oranges are perfect for summer and spring weddings. The wonderful thing about using fruit is the color palate you can create. Also, get creative, add candles or lights. Let your imagination work for you.

The most important tip is, do your homework and shop around to find what inspires you before you start planning your centerpieces.  Going in prepared will also save you money and time. Good Luck!

Image Credits: Maple tree, taper candle and citrus centerpiece from marthastewartweddings.com.  Cupcake centerpiece from http://dulcedesignscandy.com/.