Let’s face it ladies, weddings can be expensive. Often the cost of even the simplest of affairs can send us into a dizzying panic as we multiply, add, subtract and try to stay within our wedding budget. Of course we’ve been drooling over wedding magazines and want to throw the best party of our life, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem possible. We’ve been taught to believe that we have to spend more, lest our wedding be an utter failure. Then, despite our firmest resolve, we actually begin apologizing for having a budget and tell ourselves that making that down payment can wait.
But guess what? If you have a wedding budget, it’s not only important, but completely possible to stay within it! There’s absolutely no reason to apologize for having a budget and there are many creative and beautiful ways to keep your wedding costs low, such as choosing affordable centerpieces. And despite what you’ve heard, speaking with your planner or florist can illuminate even more ways to do so. The Annapolis area and beyond is full of vendors who truly want to make your wedding the best it can be, all while pleasing you (and your budget). Even a moderately sized wedding can have 5-10 tables, a long farmhouse table, or a few cocktail tables, and based on this generally large amount, the size and style of centerpiece that you choose can greatly impact your budget.
Not Just Floral
Luckily, there are many brilliantly gorgeous and cost-conscious centerpiece options. One of my favorites is a mix of flowers and votives, as featured in this “Kent Island Wedding.” A simple quart-sized blue Mason jar filled with flowers makes a lovely focal point which the candles flesh out, while the seashells and mallets add a distinct regional touch.This is a perfect cost-conscious centerpiece because your florist could make the floral piece, while you provide and place special trinkets.
Sweet Centerpieces
Another smart way to save on wedding centerpieces is to feature food as an edible centerpiece. Edible centerpieces are a great way to let your wedding food do double duty as both sustenance and decor. In this nautical wedding these delicately iced desserts on milk glass cake stands serve as a charming and elegant centerpiece. A simple bud vase filled with a single hydrangea adds an inexpensive living element, while the nautical table number balances the grouping. So sweet!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Similar to edible centerpieces, making centerpieces from already paid for wedding items is a great way stretch your budget. Repurposing bouquets is an especially effective way to do this, since they are generally one of the most expensive wedding items. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing a beautiful bridal or bridesmaid’s bouquet left forlorn and wilted on a reception chair, when it could have been enjoyed all night on a table. In this wedding all of the bouquets were repurposed as a stunning backdrop for the wedding cake. Repurposing bouquets as table decor is so easy to do (just have an empty vase with water ready) and makes so much sense if you’re on a budget. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to take a closer at your bouquet too since they only caught a quick glimpse at the ceremony.
Classic Simplicity
One more suggestion for cost-conscious centerpieces is: keep it simple. Find a piece, or pieces that you absolutely love and make them the star. Simple centerpieces can be really beautiful, and definitely don’t have to be boring. In this eastern shore wedding the tables pop with bright turquoise runners while simple jeweled centerpieces make a striking statement. They’re handsome and elegant, and give guests quick access to their neighbors, making good conversation easy and attainable.
Several Smaller Pieces
Another way to keep it simple is with a small grouping of bud vases. The featured vases are recycled bottles decorated with twine, burlap, and ribbon. The flowers are minimal highlighting just babies breath and carnations. Made of unpretentious elements, these centerpieces are filled with character and look oh so pretty on a delicate vintage doily!
