Before you spend money on your reception table centerpieces, be sure you are getting your money’s worth. Here are five common wedding flower mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lack Of Planning

Many of the loveliest flowers come from exotic locations, and they can be expensive for floral designers to keep in stock. Find a florist well in advance of your wedding reception, and plan your wedding centerpieces. A week or two is not enough! Many floral designers need six to eight weeks to get exotic flowers, so if you want something unusual be sure you give the florist enough time. Don’t settle for wedding centerpieces that are less lovely than those you really want!

Mistake 2: What’s That Smell?

Although you may love the way certain flowers smell, keep in mind that many people suffer from allergies that can be brought on by smelling the same flowers you enjoy. Some of the worst offenders are in the daisy family. While wedding flower centerpieces may look perfect, your guests’ comfort and well-being should be of greater importance. Consider using a blend of realistic silk flowers and real flowers if you absolutely must have a certain species!

Mistake 3: Overspending

One of the biggest mistakes some people make is forgetting to incorporate flowers from the ceremony into the wedding reception decor. As you order your wedding centerpieces, consider how flowers from the bride’s wedding bouquet or from one venue can be used at the next. Depending on the size of your wedding and reception, you could knock hundreds or even thousands of dollars off your budget by simply moving floral arrangements from one place to another. Many floral designers are happy to provide this service for you if asked.

Here you can see the bridal bouquet being re-used in a vase for a wedding table centerpiece:

Photo by jagwired.

Mistake 4: Wrong Size

Be sure the wedding centerpieces you use are to scale. Choose smaller centerpieces for smaller venues, shorter centerpieces for rooms with low ceilings, and larger, loftier centerpieces for very large reception halls or outdoor venues.

Mistake 5: Why Didn’t I Listen?

Let your florist do his or her job. Plan ahead, and communicate your desires to the designer. Look at examples of work done in the past, and listen carefully to what he or she has to say about the centerpieces you envision. This is one of the best ways to avoid a disaster.

You want the ultimate flower centerpieces for weddings to complement the reception, not overpower the occasion! By following these simple tips, you’re sure to have lovely decorations and enjoy your wedding day.

Wedding Flower Centerpieces Pictures

Photo by sailor_coruscant.

Photo by nanaz.

Photo by walkering.

Photo by 28157360@N08.

Before you jump in with both feet, make sure you know a little something about the types of feathers typically used for this kind of application. And, then find out where you can get the product, either completely finished, or the components if you are a do-it-yourself kind of gal.

The most common types of feathers used for centerpieces are ostrich and peacock, with some coque feathers occasionally noted.

Ostrich feathers, or plumes, can be rather large, and can be dyed in a wide variety of colors. Imagine on old-fashioned quill pen, the kind that would have been used to sign the Declaration of Independence. That’s a plume, and very much like the ostrich feather that would be used in ostrich feather centerpieces.

Please click for prices on a case of 12 centerpieces complete with vases

Peacock feathers are very easily recognized by the iridescent green-hue they have and by the eye-like pattern that figures prominently in the center of each feather. These too may be dyed to match a particular color scheme, and amazingly the prominent details of the feathers remain intact despite the change in coloration.

Finally, are coque feathers. These are actually rooster tail feathers that can be dyed or bleached for an attractive feather option.

Feathers can be used as whole feathers, or plumes, as stripped plumes with all but the very top portion of the feather removed from the sheath or quill, or as strings of feathers grouped together.

Ostrich plumes come in a variety of lengths ranging from 8 inches to close to 30 inches. These make a lovely wedding centerpiece when simply placed with 5 or more plumes in a tall necked vase, called an Eiffel Tower vase. Eiffel Tower vases vary in height allowing for the use of even the longest of ostrich plumes on a table top. This slender necked vase, when filled with lush ostrich plumes creates a palm-like vision of feathery elegance.

Peacock feathers are also available in various lengths. These can be added to a traditional floral arrangement, or as with the ostrich plumes, placed in Eiffel Tower vases.

Coq feathers are perfect as accents on floral arrangements or when used with hurricane candle holders. A tall candle holder set inside a wider hurricane with feathers arranged around the outside of the tall holder will cast a lovely light when the candle inside the tall holder is lit. For the fire-safety conscience couple the use of glow lights will add a romantic glow that will last up to 48 hours after the wedding, without lighting a flame.

Online websites offer not only a wide selection of feather styles and colors for sale or rent, but a host of how-to instructions and kits for making your own wedding centerpieces. Feather plumes, boas and flowers are only a small sample of what you will find once you start looking for the perfect feathers to create the feather wedding centerpieces of your dreams.

Styles

Balloons come in a seemingly endless variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Colors can match or complement your theme and can be matte, metallic or sheer. Standard shapes, long skinny versions that can be molded and even heart shaped balloons are available for you to use. The possibilities of what you can make are endless with a little research and imagination.

The most basic balloon centerpieces for weddings use helium balloons tied to ribbons and anchored with weights placed in the middle of the table. Using different colors, having them personalized with messages or simply stringing them at different heights elaborate on this simple design.

Balloon sculptures bring a bit more creativity to the display. Balloons can be made to look like a wide variety of objects including flowers with leaves, animals, and teddy bears.

Other interesting wedding balloon ideas include filling the sheer balloons in your display with candy or confetti – the visual effect can be stunning. You can also insert colored balloons into sheer balloons for eye-catching dimensional effects. A handful of confetti and sparkles or glitter in between the two not only catches the eye but can be attached to a plastic wand as a cheap toy for the kids to play with during the reception.

Finally, how the wedding balloons are arranged together can create some fascinating displays. From spirals to clusters, loops and hearts, the options are again immense. As you can see, you need not be limited to simple bunches tied with ribbons for your wedding centerpieces.

DIY or use a professional

Because of the time required to create wedding balloon decorations, particularly larger ones, leaving everything to a professional is often the best route to take. Professional balloon services (generally part of a larger party organizing company) will sit down with you to discuss the designs, colors, and types of wedding balloon decorations you want, and then in the days leading up to the ceremony they will blow every balloon and create your decorations to minimize the amount of time between inflation and deflation.

Moreover, there is a surprising amount of work involved in putting together the more complex constructions. A few balloons tied to ribbons anchored to a balloon weight is easy enough to do the morning of the ceremony, but larger helium- or air-filled wedding balloon displays are more challenging.

However, if you are on a budget, wedding balloon displays can be some of the most stunning cheap wedding centerpieces. And with the right help as well as a bit of time and patience you can easily learn how they are made. For $12.95, the Balloon Decor Secrets ebook can teach you everything you need to know to save a heap of money on your table displays. You would pay a professional 5-8 times the cost of the supplies so you can see just how much you will save if you do the work yourself. And you could even put this new found knowledge to good use after your wedding by helping your friends out with theirs or even starting your own little business.

There is something magical about beautiful balloons for weddings and you could make your own. With this simple step-by-step guide you will learn the basic techniques so you can produce professional looking centerpieces as well as columns, arches, clouds, swags and much more. This book jumps straight in so you use your valuable time effectively. You will need to use high quality balloons but even these are cheap compared to other materials for centerpieces. You will then learn special effects as well as how to avoid disasters.

Bring the wow factor to your wedding day on the cheap. Order now to start learning in minutes.

Air v helium

Air-blown balloons do not float, and helium-blown balloons eventually droop. Who wants drooping balloons in the middle of the ceremony or reception? Air requires a sturdier frame to support the weight. We think of air as being light, but an air mass is actually heavy and can collapse a weak frame. The trade-off is that air-filled balloons will last longer and be less expensive. Helium is lighter and thus requires less framework, but helium-filled balloons will only last for about 10-12 hours before they, too, begin to weigh on the frame. Even helium balloons cannot be freestanding. First of all, not using a frame will cause the construct to be distorted by the balloons pulling away from their anchors. Secondly, when the balloons start to lose helium, the construct will then begin to sag.

How many balloons?

Next you need to know how many balloons you will need to complete the construct without making it look sparse. A good rule of thumb is six balloons for every foot of frame for a cluster-style construct, like an arch. If you are doing it yourself, get extras to replace the ones you are likely to pop.

How to use a frame

When you are attaching the balloons to a frame, you should tie them in clusters first, and then secure them to the frame. Tie two balloons together to form what is called a duplet, then grab another duplet and twist them together. When attaching the clusters to the frame, simply twist one of the balloons around the frame to secure the whole cluster. This method is far less tedious, time-consuming, and frustrating than tying the individuals directly to the frame with string or tape.

If you are constructing these wedding balloon decorations yourself because your budget won’t stretch to a professional, request the assistance of your friends and family. Get them together to practice some creations first so that the night before the ceremony you aren’t stressing out over how to assemble columns and arches.

Where to place them

Wedding centerpieces are often found on every table at the reception. But if you are planning on a very elaborate balloon display it may be too big to be placed on each table. In this case, you can achieve a tasteful and balanced look by having your largest display on the head table for the bride and groom and smaller but similar versions on guests tables.

Displays on guest tables should not intrude on conversations, so those with the balloons at least a few feet off the table are best. For kids tables, a wedding balloon centerpiece can be a bad idea! They are unlikely to appreciate the balloon art and the chances of the balloons remaining unpopped for long are slim.

Complementary balloon displays

As well as using balloons for your table centerpieces, you can go balloon mad and use them for much more. From simple bouquets to complex (and intricate) corridors, balloons can be used to decorate your whole reception area. Balloon creations don’t have to be simply gas-filled, either. For balloon arches, you can use sand- or compound-filled balloons to weigh down the bases. Simply poor the sand into the balloon, then finish it by blowing it up as you would normally. With four or eight of these kinds of balloons around the base, they will look like the rest of your balloons, but be heavy enough to prevent the construct from moving.

Balloons can add to your reception in so many ways and are so affordable, you would be crazy not to consider them for your decorative accents.

• Foliage leaves add a brilliant touch of color to your wedding décor. Use them to decorate the tables and place them beneath candle holders. You can even make a pile of foliage leaves in a prominent spot to create the mood of the season.
• You can’t go wrong with flowers for wedding centerpieces and the fall season provides you with a wide range of choices. Popular ones include sunflower, hydrangea, mums and daisies.
• Fruits make for attractive, yet low-cost centerpieces. Great examples are apples and pears. Arrange them in attractive vases or incorporate them into floral arrangements.
• Fall’s perennial favorite – pumpkins – also makes for eye-catching centerpieces. You can make a jack-o-lantern for every table. Or place mini pumpkins together with floating candles in water-filled bowls. Another suggestion is to use a hollow pumpkin as a vase for blooms. For more variety, add squash to the pumpkin decorations.
• Get some pretty glass bowls, fill them with fall foliage and you would have made an attractive centerpiece. Add in some acorns and tie a pretty ribbon around the rim of the bowl to complete the look.
• Want something different from the conventional flower display? Get a few tall vases and place some pine cones and acorns at the base. Then arrange some long branches with attached fall leaves in the vases. Just what you need to complete the romantic fall-themed look.

There are so many ideas that you can use to create stunning fall wedding table centerpieces. They will jazz up the wedding décor and enhance the romance and magical air of a fall-themed wedding.

Here are some tips on how to make ostrich feather wedding centerpieces:

• Know the different types of ostrich feathers to help you choose an optimum arrangement. Femina feathers consist of large plumes and are ideal for fuller displays. Drab feathers, in contrast, are small and fluffy. Floss feathers are the slimmest, with dark shades. Get a mixture of the different feathers in your arrangement to create a more interesting display.
• Choose an Eiffel Tower vase or any long-necked vase, which best complements an ostrich feather arrangement to make a tall wedding centerpiece.
• Ostrich feathers come in a wide range of colors – white, cream, pink, red, purple, to name a few. White is your ideal choice for creating a sophisticated air at the wedding.
• Before placing your order for ostrich feather wedding centerpieces, you need to know the type of feather arrangement you want. Generally, the more feathers used in an arrangement, the most costly it will be.
• On a tight budget and looking to create your own centerpieces? Start by buying the type of ostrich feathers you want. Get good quality ones which won’t get torn easily. Also get some Eiffel Tower vases and bouquet holders.
• When assembling your arrangement, start by inserting the longest feathers into the bottom of the bouquet holder. Work your way up the bouquet holder, placing shorter ostrich feathers nearer the top and at the edges. The feathers should be displayed such that they fan out in the shape of a palm tree.
• Be sure to assemble your feather centerpieces a few days before the reception as the feathers take time to set in and take shape.
• Jazz up your ostrich feather centerpieces with lighting. Try adding floralytes, or wireless lights, to the vase to provide some beautiful illumination.

Please click for prices on a case of 12 centerpieces complete with vases

With the elegant and exotic air they exude, ostrich feather centerpieces for weddings are guaranteed to be attention grabbers and will certainly enhance the “wow” factor of your wedding.

Metal and candles compliment each other very nicely, especially when the candles are white and the candle holders black. If you are having a monochrome wedding, try purchasing some Spanish scroll wrought iron candle holders (for as low as $6 online) of various heights and arranging them as your entire centerpiece, using white candles to fill them.

What if you’re planning a classy natural wedding? Framed metal tree candle holders can form the backbone of your centerpieces, adding a natural feel. If you go with this option, consider placing some smaller candle holders around each “tree,” or sprinkle some real leaves or branches to emphasize the natural aspect.

Metal spiral candle holders make amazing centerpieces as well. These are the epitome of classy – similar in shape to a spiral staircase, only emphasized with glittering points of light. Your guests’ breath will be taken away when they step into a room filled with these spiral centerpieces crowning each tabletop.

Even more rustic weddings can benefit from metal candle holders. Purchase some rusty boxy holders and fill them with powerful candles, then dim all the lights. Place them close to the decorations (not so close they catch fire, of course), and let them do all the work of creating a homey atmosphere.

Arrange several for varying heights. Get some short cubes, some wide rectangles, and some tall, skinny boxy vases. You may balk at buying so many vases, but when square and rectangular vases can be as inexpensive as $1.50 each wholesale, you’ll actually save a boatload, even if you use more than one per table.

Rest or float candles inside. Square and clear may seem boring, but when you put some polished pebbles or colored water inside and add a smidge of fire, these vases will add gentle ambiance to each table you grace with them.

Buy some beta fish. Get some good sized square, clear vases and fill them with water. Add a few themed touches to the bottom (specific color of sand, perhaps), then place a beta fish inside. The guests can even take home a fish if they would like!

Make “frames” out of them. Collect some printed pictures of you and your future spouse and fasten them to the inside of the vases to make them into clear “frames.” A square vase can work well for frames because you can place one picture on each side, allowing you to display several whimsical photos, whether they are your engagement shots or something less formal. Fill the vases with glass pebbles, and place in some fake flowers for an extra touch.

Different Types of Winter Wedding Centerpieces Available

There are quite a few different types of winter wonderland centerpiece ideas that you can take advantage of. Small trees in particular can look great with LED blue lighting draped through the branches. You can also find silver trees that wouldn’t necessarily need combined lighting. This would be good for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on their centerpieces.

Look for accessories that will add a little sparkle to the centerpiece. You could use candles to give you the romantic lighting that you want. There are many winter style candle holders. Why not look for one that has a snowflake theme? Snowflake candle holders typically come in a silver glittery color. Purchasing separate snowflakes to place around the centerpiece will complete the look.

If your wedding is quite close to Christmas then you could always use a small tree with baubles hanging from the branches. Again you should choose baubles that match your color scheme. Deep red colors can also go well at Christmas time.

If you want to use flowers then choose white roses in a tall vase. Lilies as well as Christmas greens can work really well.

Or how about combining one of the above with rhinestones for a fantastic display.

Overall when it comes to a winter theme you want something that gives a slightly chilly, yet romantic appearance. The above are just a few of the ideas you could use. Just remember to use blues, silvers and whites when choosing the best winter wonderland wedding centerpiece.

A simple glass tray can be used as a base for wedding centerpieces as it is capable of holding a range of different decorations while remaining neutral. Make use of trays of different shapes and sizes in accordance with style of table decoration. A simple and unusual centerpiece can be created by placing your choice of glass figurines onto the glass tray.

Glass bowls and jars are available in a range of different shapes and sizes and can be used as part of wedding centerpieces. They are widely available and versatile, allowing them to be used both as standard vases and as vessels for floating candles, petals or flowers.

Glass vases can be used to create effective glass wedding centerpieces as they can be used in a range of different ways. Tall vases can be used to hold flowers that have had their stems stripped of leaves to obtain a neat clean look. Similarly, short vases can be used for flower arrangements that can be used as centerpieces. Glass vases are available in a variety of shapes and you should choose one that works with the theme of the wedding.

Additional glass can be used by way of glass pebbles in the base of a vessel being used as a glass wedding centerpiece. These can be used simply as decoration or as support for any flowers fitted into the vessel. Further, make use of frosted and colored glass to adjust the look of the centerpieces to match them to other decorations in the room or on the table.

What to look for in an Eiffel tower vase

When shopping for a good Eiffel tower style vase, you should opt for one that is bottom heavy. As the vases are tall, the chance of them falling over when something is placed in or on top of them can be quite high. Therefore you need to ensure that they are sturdy at the bottom if you don’t want to risk breaking them.

You will also need to consider whether you will be placing a large floral bouquet on the top of the vase. If so then you will also need to invest in containers. These sit on the top of the vases and they will hold a flower bouquet no problem.

When you are purchasing tall vases, you should also consider what will go with them. Candles often go great around a tall vase and they can really complete the look. Choose flowers that cascade over the vase, but make sure that none of your guests are allergic to them. That could be a potential disaster! Lillies for example have a very strong scent. This could bother some guests, especially if they will be eating.

You should also be wary of choosing a tall vase that your guests will not be able to see over. They will want to be able to comfortably talk to people across the table from them without having to lean around the vase. If you keep these things in mind then you will end up with the best Eiffel tower vase centerpieces to suit your reception.