Alternatives to Floral Centerpieces

When it comes to choosing centerpieces for your reception, there are a number of things to consider- your budget, theme and color palettes, time of year, the look and feel you want to achieve, etc. Although floral centerpieces tend to be the norm, if that's not something you want, don't worry, you can still have beautiful centerpieces that complement your reception. 

Candles are a nice option. They can be very budget friendly and there are a number of different ways to use them. A very simple, but elegant option is to float a few candles in a shallow bowl of water- for a little something extra, add some river rocks or colored marbles/gems to the bottom of the bowl. Or you can cluster a few vases and float once candle in each, making your centerpiece a bit larger and more substantial on the table. You can also bring it out out a bit more by surrounding the vases with some votives. For a twist  on this, lanterns are always nice as well. 

Monica and Dennis' Wedding
Photo courtesy of Candid Moments Photography

Sarah and Chris' Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jubilee Weddings

If you want a bit more impact, take candles of different sizes and heights and use them to make an arrangement. They don't have to "match". In fact, an assortment of shapes and sizes will add depth and interest to the look of the table. But, if you want a more uniform approach to the candles, consider using an assortment of candleholders for impact.

Jessica and John's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Cliff Mautner

Melissa and Carl's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Pam and Scott's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Studio K

For a Spring or Fall wedding, I think branches are a wonderful centerpiece option. Like candles, there are a number of different ways to use them. For the spring you could use flowering branches to add a little bit of color and show off the beauty of the season. But, if you want to stay away from flowers altogether, use natural branches, Manzanita and curly willow are great options, and "plant" them in a pot or use a cool vase to show them off. To anchor them, you could also fill the vase or container with rocks, marbles or even moss. You can also hang votive candles and/or beaded garlands for some extra impact. For a fall wedding, consider adding leaves to your branches and "planting" them in a vintage crate- you could even surround the base with some small pumpkins, scattered leaves and votives. 

Jennifer and Eddy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Justin & Mary Photography

Brooke and Sean's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Brenda Carpenter Photography

When it comes to non-floral centerpieces, it never hurts to think outside of the box! Fruit can also make for a very interesting option. Different colored apples in vases varying in size could make a wonderful centerpiece. Or perhaps a low bowl filled with brightly colored fruits, perfect for a summer wedding.

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For a fall wedding, there are so many beautiful options. You can do an arrangement of pumpkins and gourds on a cake stand or in a low bowl or vase. You could also do a couple small bales of hay and incorporate some leaves, pumpkins or gourds. Wheat and other grains could make a perfect fall inspired centerpiece.

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For a summer, beach or destination wedding, it is always fun to incorporate shells, starfish, sand dollars and other staples of the beach. Consider vases filled with sand and topped with a floating candle. Or a cake stand with an arrangement or different sized shells. 

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For a winter wedding, or even a more formal reception, filling different sized vases or containers with glass balls, ornaments or beads can be very dramatic. You can even top a few with a floating candle and add votives around the cluster of vases for a bigger impact. This way you can play up your color palette and add to the overall look and feel of your reception.

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The sky really is the limit when it comes to the centerpieces for your reception. Regardless of your budget, the time of year and your color palette, you can have incredible centerpieces that are a perfect fit for the vision of your wedding!

-Becky