How To Save Big On Centerpieces: Non-floral Centerpieces

Last week, we brought you some amazing ideas on how to save big $ on floral centerpieces, courtesy of Denise Vivaldo, the author of Do It Yourself! Weddings. This week, Denise is helping us look outside the box when it comes to budget-friendly options for centerpieces—and this time, we aren’t just limiting ourselves to flowers—we’re covering all the bases here! Here are some more great DIY tips from her book:

Don’t limit yourself to floral centerpieces. Here are some other components for striking arrangements!

Coffee beans:

Use coffee beans to fill shallow bowls, square vases, or trifle dishes. This dark, luxuriant bean gives off a delicious aroma. Nestle a flower blossom among the beans or a tea light candle.

Rocks that rock:

Fill vases or shallow dishes with river rocks to create an outdoors, marine feel to your wedding. This works well for outdoor-themed weddings.

Farmer’s market:

The produce aisle carries an amazing assortment of colors, textures, and sizes that you can use to create fabulous centerpieces. You’ve likely seen lemons and limes in tall, clear column vases before. But think beyond that—whole or halved pomegranates, sliced blood oranges or kiwi, autumnal pears, gourds, apples, and pumpkins, monochromatic green artichokes, asparagus, and herbs. The list is endless! Take advantage of this veritable cornucopia of natural foods to complement your menu and theme.

Lush greenery:

Greenery is less expensive than flowers but can still create a lovely look for your wedding. Since it is not traditionally treated as the main point in a wedding centerpiece, when greenery arrangements are creatively done they are attention grabbing. Square lucite containers filled with wheatgrass are perfect for spring and summer weddings.

Wispy feathers:

Colorful or white feathers and plumes make stunning centerpieces when used to fill tall slender glass vases. Choose a color to match the décor of your wedding.

– from ”Do-It-Yourself! Weddings” by Denise Vivaldo

We absolutely love these different ideas which Denise has offered to us—and they’re much more cost-conscientious than traditional fresh flowers, which will spoil within hours. These are great alternatives to long-lasting arrangements which will give your big day flair and fun without the big $$.

Denise Vivaldo is a seasoned food professional who has catered more than 10,000 parties and has cooked for such guests as George H.W. Bush, Prince Charles, Cher and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1988, she founded Food Fanatics, a catering, recipe-development and food-styling firm. She has catered such events as the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball and Hollywood wrap parties. In addition, she has written four books and is working on her fifth. She lives in Los Angeles, California.