Avoiding Budget Busters Tip #2

Floral designs and centerpieces can be very costly when it comes to ordering centerpieces for each table at your wedding. We've gathered some excellent ideas for alternative centerpiece designs that can help you save costs on your designs. Consider the following budget saving, but beautiful centerpiece ideas.

1. Use fruit and vegetables in clear bowls or on pedestals. Nothing is more vibrant in color than fruit and vegetables. Consider lemons, limes, oranges, red and green apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, cranberries, peppers, and other vibrant yet non-bruising edible alternatives as elegant table centerpieces. Then, as favors, you can even provide a recipe using the featured item that your guests can take home and try in their own kitchen.

2. Colored water creates a unique yet romantic table piece decor item. Simply gather clear, glass bowls, candy jars, vases, etc., fill them with lukewarm water and add any food coloring to the liquid. You can even add rocks, crystals, glass balls or other weighted items to sit at the bottom of the bowl. Simply add a floating candle, flower or seashell to the top for added charm. Glass bowls or vases can usually be rented from your local rental company so you can save the purchase of these items.

3. Kill two birds with one stone by using your favors as centerpieces. Pile miniature boxes filled sweet gifts in the center of each table and allow your guests to take the gifts as thank you presents for attending. Or, consider filling candy jars with colored candies that match your theme in the center of the table. Provide scoop spoons and clear plastic bags for your guests to treat themselves throughout the reception. You're guests will feel like they're in an old fashioned candy store.

4. Purchase picture frames at a local discount or dollar store in various sizes and fill them with shots of you and your fiance doing various activities. Your guests will enjoy roaming around the room to view different photographs of you and your fiance and they'll get a chance to take a glimpse into your life. It's a charming way to give your guests something to talk about as they roam the room and visit other tables.

Pictured above: Martha Stewart Good Things