Décor that goes beyond the blooms

Centerpieces don't have to rely on flowers. Here's how brides are making their statements

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
CTW Features

Brides and grooms looking to save a buck here and there are turning to another option that doesn't seem like a big sacrifice - non-floral centerpieces for the reception. Last year, brides spent about $1,300 on floral arrangements for their wedding day, and centerpieces accounted for about 30 percent of the cost, according to The Wedding Report.

Giving up on flowers isn't a gut-wrenching decision for couples, say industry experts, who like the idea of incorporating something new and different into their wedding. They note that flowers are still part of the big day, from the bridal party's bouquets to the décor at the ceremony.

"Couples definitely love flowers, but they realize they can save money and incorporate something meaningful into the event," says Jennifer Hronek, owner of Joie De Vivre wedding planning services in Los Angeles.

Candles are a top choice for the clients of Laurie Davies, owner of Five Star Weddings and Events in Laguna Niguel, Calif., especially in evening weddings. Davies suggests using displays of large cylindrical vases and colored glass with floating candles.

Edibles are another alternative, such as cookies, cakes and candy, says Kristeen Nunziati, a blogger and wedding consultant in San Francisco. A recent client of Davies chose wedding cakes as table centerpieces set on risers and surrounded by candles. Each table showcased a unique tier, such as a flower or champagne bucket.

Centerpieces can also reflect a couple's love of an activity or sport. Oenophiles can create wine baskets and golfers can set up vases of multicolored golf balls or tees or both . Hronek worked with a bride last year who studied glass blowing so she selected remnants of her designs - purple, cream and clear tubes -and clustered the works of art on risers.

One easy way for couples to figure out the theme of the table decoration is to look at the seasons. Hollowed-out pumpkins lit up with candles set amid fall leaves are a festive addition to autumn weddings, says Davies. Winter weddings can get punches of color with tabletop poinsettias and candles. Miniature Christmas trees or bowls of holiday ornaments can reflect the winter theme as well.

For brides, however, set on a wedding decorated with an abundance of flowers, there's always Plan B in trimming the budget.

"Those couples that love flowers will not give them up," Davies says. "[We'll] cut costs in other places."

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