Centerpieces on a Budget

Hello and happy Monday!

This week I am starting a new series of wedding ideas on a budget. Each week will have a new topic such as centerpieces on a budget (this week), dessert tables on a budget, ceremony decor on a budget, and so on. If you have any ideas for a wedding day detail you’d like to see featured here, let me know! I am more than happy to take suggestions.

So, today we are focusing on centerpieces. We all know these can get costly– flowers and decor can often account for up to 10% of your total wedding budget. There are several ways to save money in this area, it just takes a bit of creativity! Here are some of my favorite ideas, and if you have any other budget friendly centerpiece ideas please do share them in the comments. :)

Less is more

Ok, this statement may not be 100% true for every aspect of your wedding (sometimes more is more, and there’s just no way around it…) but when it comes to your flowers, I personally take this to heart. I have never been much of a fan of huge, over-the-top floral arrangements, although they do have a time and a place. For me, I find that a single gorgeous bloom can make me swoon. Take the two images below for example. These single blooms placed in bottles make a huge impact, while remaining so simple.

Now one single bloom on each table is probably not going to be enough, but you can cluster flowers and candles together (see the third photo) to make a big statement without breaking the bank. Glass soda bottles, wine bottles, tin cans, tea tins, apothecary bottles, and mason jars all make fabulous vases, and are usually very inexpensive or free.

{Photo 1 by Erin Hearts Court / Photo 2 by Krystal Mann}

Check out Intimate Weddings for lots of chic and simple centerpiece ideas!

{Photo by the Nichols}

For more unique, mismatched centerpiece ideas check out Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Dress it up

An inexpensive way to take your centerpieces to the next level is to include simple accents that make a big statement such as a rustic wood base like the two photos below or a colorful piece of fabric à la the third photo. Adding height, a pop of color, or even a simple table runner has the potential to take your centerpieces from boring to beautiful.

As you can see in the first photo, you don’t necessarily need to have flowers incorporated in to your centerpieces. There are plenty of unique non-floral ideas that will save you a great deal of money if you decide to take this route. I like the example below because it incorporates natural, rustic elements in a unique way that makes a big impact.

{Photo 1 by Brady Puryear via Ruffled / Photo 2 by  Elisa McLaughlin}

{Photo by He & She Photography}

See more “country chic” centerpieces on Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Think outside the box

Anything is possible with a little creativity. These ideas are extremely simple but can be so beautiful when executed properly! Whoever thought of the upside down wine glass/water goblet idea (top right) is a genius… this is a look that would be extremely easy and inexpensive to achieve! Floating candles in mason jars are another fabulous idea, and you can dress up the jars with twine/raffia/ribbon/lace/etc to really make them stand out.

{Photo 1 by Our Labor of Love via Emmaline Bride / Photo 2 via Bridal Inquirer / Photo 3 by Emerson Made via Ruffled  / Photo 4 via Martha Stewart Weddings}

For another non-floral approach, consider making or buying large paper or fabric flowers to place along the center of the table. The fabric flowers in this image are from Emerson Made, but you could easily create your own using these fabulous tutorials from Martha Stewart. Another place to use your creativity is in the “vases” you choose for your flowers, as mentioned above. There are so many budget friendly options, including these gorgeous and colorful tea-tins that I spotted on Martha Stewart Weddings.

Use what you have

Brides can often go great lengths to acquire the perfect details for their wedding day. There is nothing wrong with this, but consider the fact that what you are missing might be closer than you think. Friends and family are usually more than willing to let you borrow items for your big day, and will do anything they can to help you save money. I love the look of the tea cup centerpieces below, which are achieved using tea cups, saucers, single roses, and candles for a very pretty and feminine look. Your grandmother would probably be more than willing to share her vintage tea cup collection with you.

My mom owns a garden center, so for my graduation party she provided lovely little potted plants for each of the tables. This is a sweet and simple look that can also double as a favor! I love the cluster of potted zinnias in the photo to the right, and I’m sure guests would be thrilled to be able to take one home as a keepsake.

My point here is to utilize those around you to help bring your vision to life. You don’t have to do it all on your own (and trust me you don’t want to!) Reach out to your loved ones and you will be happily surprised at the amount of money you can save with their help.

{Photo 1 via Martha Stewart Weddings / Photo 2 via Martha Stewart Weddings}

If you have any other budget-friendly centerpiece ideas, please do share!

Have a wonderful Monday, friends.

Tags // Budget wedding, Centerpieces, DIY, Flowers, Pink, Purple, Rustic, Yellow

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