Wedding Tactics

As promised, I’m answering all the questions that came in as comments during the last contest. Please keep submitting ideas and questions; I will get to them all, soon. Promise!

Dear Stacy,
What are some good ideas for using items OTHER than flowers for centerpieces? It can be stressful when so many relatives have allergies, and you don’t want toasts interrupted by constant sneezing!

Some readers have been asking me lately about options for centerpieces when flowers are not a feasible option. For a variety of reasons like allergies, cost and environmental awareness, couples are opting for alternative centerpieces.

I think this is a great idea! I love weddings that implore some creativity and individuality.

If you like the look of flowers but do not want to use fresh flowers, consider silk flowers. You can make your own arrangements using silk flowers from a local craft store, or you can go higher end and have a florist make arrangements with silk flowers.

For the times when you don’t want flowers, look to your wedding location, the theme, or just something that matters to you. For example, if you are having a wedding at a ski lodge in the middle of the winter, consider covering the table with fake snow or confetti and lots of tea light candles. You don’t need one mega-sized centerpiece to make a table look attractive. On the other hand, a waterfront wedding could have a decoration of seashells, and conch shells draped in a fish net; it’s a rustic look. If the wedding couple are foodies, perhaps a centerpiece of a cookbook and kitchen gadgets like measuring cups and spoons and spatulas which can also double as favors by allowing your guests to take one item at the end of the night.

We tend to think flowers are the only classy way to have a mother-in-law-worthy centerpiece but if you just use some creativity, nothing is stupid, overdone, or mundane.

One final non-floral centerpiece idea is, and this is especially cool if this is a second marriage with blended families, place framed pictures of the family members from over the years on the tables. This will give guests something to talk about and it makes the wedding more special and more about your families.

But if your wedding doesn’t carry a specific location theme and you just want alternatives to flowers consider candles. A centerpiece of varying height candles is very attractive, romantic and it creates a warm, glowing atmosphere.

It wasn’t easy finding pictures to illustrate MY ideas, so I found a few that sort of include some of my ideas. Below you will see some images and describe what I like about them and how they are awesomely non-floral.

This is a large pillar candle inside of a glass hurricane. It is tied with a brown ribbon. This is a great use of color and inexpensive supplies. A large candle centerpiece surrounded by small votives and tea candles is a gorgeous accent to any room.

I really don’t know what I think of this centerpiece. It is unique. This is taken from a wedding where there was a bird theme. This is perfect for the couple who wants a naturalistic wedding theme. This can be made from inexpensive supplies found a craft store too. This was also taken from a fall wedding. It is seasonal, theme-based, natural and earthy.

Now, finally, one of my all time favorite decorative pieces. Bamboo. Bamboo is considered “green” and environmentally conscientious because it grows up to two feet in one day and is considered full grown in three to seven years. Quite faster than a tree. Bamboo provides clean, simple lines for a modern look.

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