Weddings can  be extremely expensive but they don’t have to be.  There are lots of ways to cut your wedding costs.  Today I want to focus on saving money with your centerpieces.  You can really break the bank with expensive flowers and over the top pieces but with some creativity and a little help from me, I’m hoping to save you some cash.  

 Here are some perfect penny-pinching ideas…

** Use your bridesmaid’s bouquets  ** 

found at Preowned Wedding Dresses

You have already paid for bridesmaid’s bouquets so why not use them for table decor.  They make a great centerpiece option and already coordinate with your wedding look.  Your ladies only use their flowers for the ceremony so why not get use out of them at the reception too.  In my opinion, it’s a waste to have the beautiful bouquets that you so selectively choose  just sitting unappreciated at the head table.  Turn them into centerpieces so they can be admired by your guests.  Oh, and don’t forget your bridal bouquet.  It would be lovely at the head table, cake table, or even placed by the guest book.  Of course, you may still need to purchase centerpieces for the rest of your tables but this is a definite money saver.

** Candles  **

found at Wedding Vendors

Candles can be an amazing wedding centerpiece option.  Not only are they extremely inexpensive and come in an array of colors, sizes, shapes, and  scents but the ambiance they add is stunning and irreplaceable.  Candles bring intimacy and romance to any room.  You could place them in tall hurricane vases, have them float in martini glasses, use small tealights, place candlesticks in wine bottles, purchase candelabras or mix and match shapes and sizes.  The possibilities are endless!   Which is why I love the idea of using candles for centerpieces.  You will want to check with your venue before purchasing your candles though because some do have restrictions.

** Single flowers **

found at Wedding Flowers

If you must have floral centerpieces, how about using a single bloom.   This is such a money saver and can be extremely beautiful.  I personally love the simplicity of it and you can stretch a bouquet of flowers so much further by splitting them up.  If you decide to try this it is better to keep a few single blooms on each table.  Don’t try to place one in the middle of a table and think that will suffice.  It will look measly and out-of-place.  You could pair this idea with some candles or maybe some petals scattered on the table.  Whatever you do, be creative.  The photo above shows a single flower placed in a bud vase slipped inside some yarn…  and it looks GREAT.  Simple, inexpensive and easy to assemble!  Now that’s my kind of centerpiece!

** Grow your own  **

found at Lily Spruce

Growing your own wedding centerpieces is a very eco-friendly way to save some money.  Succulents and daffodils are popular homegrown options that I have seen put together beautifully.  But really, anything you grow can be turned into a lovely centerpiece.  Now, I don’t recommend trying to grow something just for your wedding, but if you are a natural gardener and are growing things anyway, why not use them for your wedding.  Be sure to keep in mind your wedding colors and season before deciding on what you would like to use.  If you do not have a green thumb… please go a different route!  If you do however, go for it.  The centerpieces would be homegrown, heartfelt and truly special.

** Baby’s Breath **

found at Always Fabulous Events

Baby’s Breath?  That’s right… BABY”S BREATH.  Look how absolutely gorgeous it can be.  The picture speaks for itself…. And do you know how extremely cheap it can be??  This is a wonderful wedding centerpiece idea.  Not much can be this inexpensive and look as elegant and dramatic.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this option!  What a wonderful way to cut your wedding costs.

** Grass **

found at Perfect Wedding Guide

Grass is another cheap eco-friendly centerpiece idea.  Find some cute containers and get growing.  There is so much you could do with this.  I think this is great for summer weddings and a perfect choice for any garden celebration.  Once your grass is grown, you could place candles, flowers or anything else on top.  I like the idea of sticking your table numbers inside the grass.  Again, be creative!  You could really dress this up and make a magnificent green centerpiece!

** Branches **

found at Craft Stylish

Purchasing branches online or from a craft store can be pricy.  You can find deals and coupons to save you on some money if you want to buy your branches.  However, why buy when you could gather your own?  Finding your own branches is FREE!!  The only thing you would need to spend money on is whatever you decide to doctor them up with.  I think this is a must have for any fall or rustic wedding.  There are tons of ways you could turn some boring old branches into a fabulous wedding centerpiece.  Pretty up the branches with some spray paint, ribbon, flowers, bows, crystals, berries… I could go on and on…. but I won’t.   I’ll leave the brainstorming up to you!!  That’s the fun part!!  Just be careful if you plan to hang anything from them that the branches are strong enough to support it.

** Fruit **

found at Weddingbee

Is this not fruitastic?  I think this is a great idea.  Fruit comes in so many colors you could do almost anything with it.  Apples, grapes, oranges, pears…. you could use just one or mix and match them.  Filling a vase is a popular way to display fruit in a centerpiece but you could also just arrange them directly on the table if you’d like.  For a long table, place a runner and space the fruit evenly.  You could accent with candles or florals.  Really, there is sooo much fun you could have with your fruit centerpieces.  What a sweet wedding idea.

For more fab fruit ideas, Click here ->Lemons and Apples and Pears… Oh my!

** Veggies **

found at Project Wedding.  Visit their site for a veggie tutorial.

Whoever said “don’t play with your food” was crazy!  I say “play away”!  Just look how cute these vegetable centerpieces are.  If you are interested in using veggies I say DO IT!  They are way more budget friendly than premade floral centerpieces and you can find vegetables almost anywhere.  Some are pricier than others but even the most expensive will be easy on your wallet.  There are many colors and textures to choose from and the more creative you get the more extraordinary your wedding centerpieces will be.  Since veggies will expire I suggest doing a trial run months in advance but saving the actual centerpieces for a day or two before the wedding. 

** Around the house  **

When it comes down to it there is no better way to save money than by using items you already have.  Again, creativity is a must but I bet there are plenty of things in your own home that could  be transformed into beautiful wedding centerpieces.    Here are just a few ideas to get those wheels turning ….

found at ‘I Do’ It Yourself

found at PTIT Chef

found at Backyard Bride

found at Kojo Designs

found at Weddings and Pretty Things

found at Booklicious