Affordable DIY Wedding Reception Decorations

Most girls start planning about their fairy tale wedding as a child - the romantic exchange of vows followed by a picture-perfect wedding reception. But as an adult, when the actual planning comes into play, budget becomes an issue. So just how can you create the wedding reception of your dreams when money is an object?

Centerpieces
Believe it or not, the table centerpieces for the reception can take a big bite out of your budget - but they don't have to! One popular new trend is to use centerpieces that are in the same color family, but are slightly different in shape of size. For example, you can fill clear vases with marbles, colored water and floating candles, pine cones and ornaments, stones, shells, and even fresh fruit such as lemons or limes. The result is a coordinated yet very interesting and unique look, and best of all, the vases don't all have to match. Use the vases you have at home, ask family and friends to borrow theirs and scour your local thrift stores, where clear vases are usually quite abundant and affordable.

Another option for wedding reception table centerpieces is to fill decorative buckets or baskets with bags of Hershey's Kisses, personalized M & Ms or Dove chocolates. Simply tie small bags with festive ribbon and add them to the bucket or basket. This takes care of both your centerpiece and favors for your guests. If you feel the tables need a little more pizzazz, add festive balloons to the basket or bucket and sprinkle confetti on the tables.

No matter what you choose, keep in mind the size of the centerpiece. It should allow plenty of room for your guests to set plates of food and drinks, and it also shouldn't impede communication across the table.

Candlelight
To create a truly romantic setting, candles are the way to go. They can be used sparsely or abundantly, and again, they don't all have to match. For instance, choosing all white candles, but in different shapes and sizes (pillar, taper, etc.,) creates an effortless yet harmonious look. You can even create centerpieces using candles. Simply group several different sizes on a plate or mirror in the center of each table and then encircle them with stones, shells or faux flowers to create instant candle gardens.

Holiday Lights
Whether your wedding reception will take place during the holiday season or in the heat of summer, holiday lights should be your friend. Why? They're versatile, affordable and easy to use. They can be used to decorate tables, arches or trellises, plants, ficus trees - you name it and you can probably find a way to decorate it with lights! Be sure to check out after-holiday sales, where you can snag them for a song.

Traditional
If you're looking for easy and traditional wedding reception decorations, think hearts and wedding bells. They are available in a wide variety of materials, shapes and sizes, ranging from three-dimensional varieties for centerpieces and ceilings to those designed for walls. Scatter some faux rose petals or confetti, add strings of lights, and you've created a timeless wedding reception look - and probably for less!


Extras
Some of the most beautiful wedding reception decorations are also the easiest to make. Beautiful flower balls can be made with Styrofoam balls, silk flowers and ribbons. Simply insert the flower stems into the Styrofoam ball until it is completely covered, and then tack a ribbon into the center to create a hanger, if desired. These can be used to decorate tables, chairs, plants, ceilings or even placed into large bowls to create centerpieces.

Tulle can be a wedding reception's best friend! You can dress up chairs by tying large tulle bows around them (you can even add the flower balls you've made), romanticize the bridal table or cake table by creating a tulle swag on the front, or even draping it over areas you'd like to somewhat cover up.

You may also want to invest in crepe paper and balloons. Crepe paper can be used in a variety of ways: crisscross it over tables and then place the centerpiece in the center, decorate a trellis or arch, create swags on tables and much, much more. Helium-filled balloons can be made into centerpieces, and also used to 'decorate' the ceiling of a dance floor. Once they're filled, just let them float to the ceiling - but make sure you've tied ribbon to them first, so you have a way to get them down!

With a little creativity, you can transform any location into the perfect wedding reception, and do it without breaking the bank. Remember, your guests are there to celebrate with you, not critique your decorating. And don't be shy about asking family and friends to pitch in on making the decorations and decorating for the reception. Most times, they're more than happy to help.

Heather Clark
www.keepandshare.com

Wedding Centerpieces - Four Tips For Stunning Centerpieces

There are many details that go into planning a wedding reception. After you find a location for your reception, book the caterer, and hire the entertainment, your focus can turn towards other topics like wedding centerpieces.

As with all wedding details, wedding centerpieces come in a wide range of choices. From expensive and over the top to cheap and modest, you will have to search for the option that is right for you and your wedding celebration.

Set your budget and start thinking of wedding centerpiece ideas. As the saying goes, sometimes less is more, and centerpieces are no exception.

If you are having a simple, elegant wedding you would not want to have lavish, obnoxious centerpieces that excessively stand out. On the other hand if you are having an elaborate wedding affair an extremely simple centerpiece may look out of place.

Here are four tips for finding the perfect wedding centerpiece:

Look For Unique Vases or Items For Flowers

Flowers are the most popular choice for centerpieces, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. Try finding unique vases instead of ordinary clear glass vases. There are many options including different color glass vases and unique shapes.

Instead of vases you can also choose other items to hold your flowers like birdcages or fishbowls. Try adding items to the containers like stones, pearls or other objects that match your theme.

Think Seasonal For Centerpiece Ideas

The season that you are getting married can spark some great, creative ideas for wedding centerpieces.

For a Fall wedding consider incorporating pumpkins into your centerpieces. Options include small carved pumpkins that can double as wedding favors and pumpkins filled with flowers or candles.

Summer weddings have many items that can be used for centerpieces. These include seashells, lighthouses and other nautical items.

For a Winter wedding, add pine cones or holiday items.

Get Creative

Think outside of the box and come up with something unique. If you have an overall theme to your wedding, try incorporating something from that theme into your centerpieces.

For example, if you are getting married in a city like New York or Chicago, try tying in something unique from that city. New York is called The Big Apple, so you could somehow incorporate apples into your centerpieces.

Ask a Professional

Having trouble coming up with unique ideas for your centerpieces? Ask your vendors for help.

Florists, caterers and wedding planners are great resources for centerpiece ideas. They have a lot of experience and have seen a lot of things, so bounce your ideas off of them.

This article was submitted by Stephen Badiali
hthttp://www.wedding-ideas-guide.com