With the warmth and comfort associated with autumn, you have probably wondered what would be an appropriate centerpiece to accompany the color scheme. However, the fall season offers a great chance to infuse warmth, tradition, and nature inspired tones. Check below for great ideas to create a unique, yet affordable and easy, wedding reception centerpiece.
Floating candle
Floating purple candles – If you do not want to make your own centerpiece and you would like something that you could quickly assemble, you can purchase this centerpiece with beautiful purple accent flowers here for $30 if you buy it online. However, to maximize your budget even more, you can create this look on your own for much cheaper. Purchase the vases from Dollar Tree or Oriental Trading, purchase the round mirror from your local Hobby Lobby or Michael’s during a common half off sale, and then add your flowers, garland, and floating candles. Then you will have a beautiful centerpiece that did not cost a fortune to recreate.
Floating orange and red flowers and candles- For hues that will perfectly accent the fall season, choose this lovely centerpiece which features red and orange orchids (you could use fresh flowers or silk flowers), white floating candles, and a small pumpkin to accent the fall season. Just below this picture, you will also see a lovely centerpiece which featured dark purple flowers, another great hue for the fall season. The interesting aspect of this arrangement is the lights at the bottom of the centerpiece which give the centerpiece an extra touch of romance and elegance.
Pumpkins
Mixture of pumpkins – the pumpkin is iconic of the fall season and can add an extra depth to your reception décor. Use a large pumpkin in the middle or a collection of a few small pumpkins on each table. These should not be very expensive if you wait for a sale at your local grocer or consider heading to a local pumpkin patch.
Carved pumpkin – nothing quite says fall like seeing carved pumpkins. Let these take center stage as your wedding centerpiece. You can use a stencil to create just about any design you can imagine, ranging from a traditional smiling pumpkin to a more wedding-themed carving like a groom and bride or wedding bells.
Monogrammed pumpkin – you can also infuse a personal touch by having the pumpkins carved with your wedding initials.
Flower stuffed pumpkin – to mix the traditional flower centerpiece with the fall season, try an idea like this one. You can have a simple construction with similarly colored and sized flowers like the one found here. Or you can take the arrangement a step further by adding height and a more artistic touch like the arrangement here.
Floating pumpkin candles – a very easy wedding centerpiece to create, these floating candles from Oriental Trading give a perfect touch to your fall themed wedding without having to overdo it. Simply place the floating candles in a bowl full of water and you are done!
Leaves
Foliage with candles – you can easily make a pretty centerpiece display by using some fall colored leaves and placing votive candles on top of the leaves. Use deep oranges and reds to best complement the season or use golden tones for a look of luxury. If you are worried about having candles lit, opt instead for LED lights. You can purchase battery operated tealights from the Dollar Tree for 2 for $1.
Leaf candles – another classic way to add romance while still keeping your fall theme alive is to add candles. Make or buy candles that have pressed leaves inside of them. Also consider making your own centerpiece by gathering together an assortment of candles in various sizes. Tear pieces of craft paper or butcher paper and glue to the candle base. Add a pressed flower on top of the paper and tie down with a piece of raffia or brown string. This look will give you a beautiful centerpiece, while still having a comforting, homelike feeling.
Halloween
If you are having your wedding in October or around the Halloween holiday, consider adding Halloween décor to your centerpieces. You can add a subtle touch to give a nod to the holiday or you could go all out, depending on your own preferences.
Candy dishes – one easy way to incorporate Halloween into your wedding centerpiece is to use Halloween candy in a clear candy dish. Add some candy corn to a clear bowl for an extra pop of color. Or place different kinds of candy in various glass jars, bowls, apothecary containers, and serving dishes to have a miniature Halloween candy buffet at each table. If you will be buying a lot of candy, consider shopping at your local Sam’s or Costco’s to purchase your items in bulk.
Halloween trees – for another way of including Halloween in your centerpiece décor, consider using a Halloween tree like the one seen here. You can purchase a pre-fabricated tree online or at a local Halloween décor store, or you can make your own. Gather several thin branches, spray paint them black, and add lights. You can add additional items such as crows, spider webs, or bat and vampire figures. If you have more than a year before your wedding, get the best deals after the Halloween holiday and stock up on extra lights after Christmas.
Spooky house – for a very personal touch, consider making a miniature spooky house for your wedding centerpiece. Using mostly craft supplies that you probably already have on hand like paint, glitter, and glue, the instructions found here will give you a step-by-step guide to creating your own unique centerpiece.
If you would prefer an edible centerpiece arrangement, Wal-mart will sell Halloween houses, much like gingerbread houses, around the holiday that use all edible supplies.
Candles – using decorative Halloween candles is one simple way to obtain your very easy to assemble weeding centerpiece, while still including the holiday. Purchase these Halloween candles, which come in sets of 2-3 for $10-$12.
Candles and bats – for another subtle Halloween look, try making the arrangement found here.
You can easily see that this arrangement will not take a lot of time or money. Simply purchase some orange candles, a few glass candle holders, a small candle tray, and then add your own touch. Add cutouts such as the ones shown, flowers if you wish, and netting.
Food Items
Pumpkin pie – a new trend in the wedding industry is to use food items as your centerpiece, replacing the traditional wedding cake or dessert bar. A perfect way to do this for your fall wedding would be to bake pumpkin pies and place them in the center of each table. You could also create smaller miniature pies and then stack them artistically on each table.
Gourds – in addition to mini pumpkins, consider using gourds and Indian corn to get that great fall feeling for your centerpiece arrangement. Stick with one material for a uniform look or mix and match between pumpkins, gourds, and corn. Place them in a glass bowl or a wicker basket for a polished look.
Canning jars – if you a gardener, consider using some of your canned produce for a centerpiece. The fall is all about a final harvest, so the canning jars will be a great complement to the season. Alternatively, use jarred honey or syrup for a down to earth look.
Remember, using when you use your own creativity and stick to your budget, you can create a beautiful and easy fall centerpiece.
Samantha Kemp
