A centerpiece may be the focal point on a table but it does not have to be too extreme or cost you the earth. Many brides have created something special with a few flowers and a mason jar. Just because you choose something that is DIY or looks DIY does not mean you have to do it yourself, it could however land up saving you a lot of money at the end of the day if you did.

7 tips on how to have/make a fabulous centerpiece on a DIY budget.

1. Buy some of the items yourself. If you choose to have a glass jar or book in the centerpiece ask the decor company if you can supply your own and get a discount on the centerpieces for doing so. If you are doing the centerpiece yourself buy books from a second-hand store or use some of your own. Buy the glass jars and jugs directly from the supplier if you can. In South Africa Consol glass would be the best option.

2. Be aware of things when you shop or page through magazines.
You will often find the item you are looking for, for cheaper when shopping around or reading the captions below the images in bridal magazines. You might even find an idea that is similar and equally beautiful but is less effort and less expensive.

3. When doing a centerpiece yourself ALWAYS go straight to suppliers or factory stores first. Smaller stores have to put a further mark-up on products, which might be convenient but it will be more expensive. You will also be exposed to a wider range of items at the supplier.

4. Choose flowers that are in season or buy fresh bunches. Buy bunches of fresh flowers from your local flower shop and arranging those in jars or vases. This will save you a fortune. I did this at a friend’s party the other day and we managed to get 10 centerpieces out of 2 bunches of flowers. It’s more than a week and the flowers are still alive and pretty. I only paid a quarter of the price I would normally pay for flowers (bonus). When you find a punch you like be sure to take a photo of the bunch and ask if it will be available at the time of your wedding.

5. Practice makes perfect. If you plan on doing it yourself, the flower arranging can be a bit tricky so practice as many times as you need to. Don’t get frustrated as having something on the table you designed or created from scratch will be worthwhile. It gives your wedding that extra personal touch. Take photos so that the day before the wedding the person arranging it for you knows exactly how you want it arranged.

6. A little bit of ribbon and lace can go a long way. Spice things up with some ribbon, twine or lace to give your centerpiece that finished look. If you’ve chosen a colourful or vintage tin then you might want to skip the ribbon or lace, see what works and go with it.

7. Make sure to place your table number on or close to your centerpiece. If your table number is fairly plain this will bring it to life and complement the centerpiece.

Have a look at the lovely images below for inspiration and centerpiece ideas. I’ll start with five of my favourite images. These five images stole my heart and it was LOVE at first sight! Five times that is

Image credit: The High Life Suite

Image credit: Fanantique

Image credit: Heart Love Weddings

Image credit: Miss to Missus

Image credit: Tipsy Bride

Image credit: My Wedding

Image credit:  Martha Stewart

Image credit: Brides

Image credit: Sour Cherry

Image credit: Martha Stewart

Image credit: Aileen Tran

Image credit: HWTM

Please click on Hwtm link to see the full tutorial.

Image credit: One Wed

Image credit: Brides

Image credit: Heather Spriggs

Image credit: Sawdust and Cream

Image credit: Ruffled Blog

Image credit: Bravo Bride

Image credit: Knots and Kisses

Image credit: Rock My Wedding

Image credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Image credit: Magnet Street

Image credit: Celebration

So many pretty ideas to choose from! Remember to never underestimate your creativity when creating a centerpiece.

Toast

Debbie