If you are one of those many people who are on a slim budget for you upcoming nuptials, there are many things you can do yourself that will greatly reduce your expenses. One of the things I did for my July 2006 wedding was to create my own table centerpieces. They were very classic and relatively inexpensive. So put on your creativity cap and lets get started.
I found all of the supplies I required at Michaels Arts and Crafts store. They have many locations in both the U.S. and Canada. I wanted something different than the traditional flower centerpieces so I went hunting for a large glass bowl. I ended up with a large brandy glass which in the end was exactly what I was looking for. You want to keep in the same color theme, so select some glass colored decorative rocks that best match your wedding colors. These are usually found in the floral section of most craft stores. If they do not have the exact color you are looking for, they will usually sell white and clear glass stones that work just as well. You also need a large pillar candle to sit in the centre. You have to be careful with this though, you do not want a candle that stands tall over the edge of the glass bowl. A good size is about 2.8″ x 4″ or 5″ inches tall. Head over to the aisle where they keep the ribbon. Try and find a ribbon to match your wedding color theme. This should be relatively easy as most craft stores carry ribbons in a plethora of different colors. Size is also important when it comes to picking out the ribbon, so keep it on the thin side. ½ a cm works best but you can use up to 1cm thick. A nice ribbon to get if you can find it is a sheer, organza style ribbon. You will need to gather some small flowers (if you choose) fresh or fake, such as baby’s breath or small lilacs (if purple fits in to your color theme). Grab some fake flower petals in your wedding colors as well. Most craft stores will sell a large variety of these. Last thing is a silver/gold metallic craft marker. This is totally optional, although it adds a personal touch to all the centerpieces. Now that you have everything you need to make a gorgeous centerpiece, lets get started.
Take your ribbon and cut a piece about 18-20 inches long (this will vary depending on the size and width of your candle). Wrap the ribbon around your pillar candle in a criss cross fashion starting at the top, and end with tying a pretty bow at the bottom. Place the ribbon wrapped candle in the oversized brandy glass ( or whatever container you chose) in the centre. Carefully layer the glass rocks in the Brandy Glass to about ½ way up. Spread the flower petals in a thin layer on top of the rocks. They should have the appearance of just “falling” there, as if a flower girl was spreading them down the aisle. Once the petals are in place take the flowers and put them randomly in the bowl, have them circle loosely around the candle. Then if you choose, take the metallic marker and write around the top rim of the bowl/glass in your best handwriting both you and your partner’s first names, then the date of the wedding. These centerpieces are so simple but make a huge statement, and you won’t cringe at the bill.
