While flowers are traditionally used as table decorations at wedding receptions, they can be expensive, prompt allergic reactions and break your heart when the time comes to throw them away.
Non-floral centrepieces are becoming increasingly popular as table decor and reception decorations and can add a depth of character to your wedding that flowers lack. Non-floral decorations can be big or small, simple or detailed and you can by them ready-made or DIY.
Here are some great ideas for table decorations to go with or without flowers.
Candles
If there was ever a traditional alternative to flowers at a wedding reception, candles are it.
Simple church candles look stunning placed on a mirrored base and will give your reception a romantic glow. For something more contemporary experiment with coloured and scented candles, vary the sizes or use coloured jars or glasses to sit them in. Alternatively, seek out chinese or moroccan lanterns, fairy lights or unusual lamps.
Birdcages
Ornate birdcages are immensely popular as homewares right now and make a quirky and delicate table centrepiece. Scour second handshops, homewares stores and garage sales to find unique pieces to sit in the centre of each table.
You could leave the cages as bare wrought iron, or if they are looking a little worse for wear, spruce them up with a coat of paint in your wedding colours. Place candles, potted plants or plastic love birds inside to finish the effect.
Books
Stacks of old books can add a great old world feel to your reception decorations.
Collect old books from friends, op-shops or the book exchange and re-cover them in textured paper or fabric that compliments your theme.
For even more detail, give each book a clever title that symbolises something significant to the newly wedsand watch as guests strike up conversations with strangers as they look at the titles at each table.
Venetian Masks
Add some romance and mystery to your table decorations with intricately painted venetian masks. Many discount stores stock ready-to-paint masks that can be decorated with glitter, ribbon, lace and feathers.
Crystal Trees
Crystal trees are an elegant way to add some true glamour to your table decorations.
String crystals, candles or beads from perfectly proportioned branches and watch your guests' eyes pop as they take in the effect.
Photo Frames
Displaying collections of prettily framed photos of you and your new spouse on each table is a great way to demonstrate all the good memories you've already shared. You may also like to include photos of you both as children or pictures of your parents' and grandparents' weddings.
This is another great way to keep conversation flowing between your guests.
Feathers
Peacock or ostrich feathers require no additions - just stick them in a vase and your work is done.
Vases or Glasses
Let beautiful glasses or vases shine without the flowers.
Fill them with interesting bits and pieces such as hard candy, wishing stones, pot pourri or decorative baulbles and add a few tealight candles to cast interesting shadows across the tables. Voila!
Fruit
Glass bowls or vases filled with apples, oranges, cherries or lemons add a bold, cheeriness to your table decor, a row of fuzzy little peaches can add an interesting contrast to a stark white table cloth and pine-cones or pears mixed with tealight candles add a natural, woodland feel. Experiment with bright colours and intersteing shapes to find an affordable table decoration that is uniquely you.
Bonbonniere
If you're having bonbonniere at your wedding, why not make the favours work overtime? Pile sweetly wrapped packages in the centre of the table or put mouth-watering, edible bonbonniere on display for all to see.
When it comes to dreaming up creative table decor, the only limit is your imagination.
Brainstorm items that are significant to your relationship and think about ways you can incorporate them into your wedding decorations. You may like to draw inspiration from your first date, your favourite movie, your pets, your family or your favourite places to spend time together.
Remember, it's your wedding, so make it special.
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