About Exotic Centerpieces

One of the many elements brides and grooms and their families deliberate over in wedding reception planning is the centerpieces. These usually are featured at sit-down dinner receptions,and they can also be a prominent feature at a more relaxed cocktail reception. In any case, an exotic or creative centerpiece is a great conversation starter, and possibly another way to gift some guests at the end of the reception.

Flowers

The traditional centerpiece at weddings is floral arrangements. But traditional doesn't have to mean boring. Floral centerpieces can dramatic and create visual interest at each table as well as throughout the reception venue, or they can be a simple, demure scattering of blossoms or flower petals across small cocktail tables. In either case, the greatest effect is in contrast.

Plants

Potted plants can be a cost-effective way to create centerpieces. Plants can easily fit in with a special wedding reception themes. Cacti or other interesting-looking succulents are good for a minimalist or Western-themed wedding, while bonsai trees are lovely for a reception with an Asian-inspired decor. Small palms, flowering shrubs or other glossy or sweet-smelling plants also are attractive centerpiece ideas. Small pots of vibrant herbs provide a fragrant and intriguing centerpiece that guests can take home and enjoy after the wedding is over.

Candle arrangements

The size and impact of candle centerpieces is determined by the size of each table in the reception hall, as well as the time of day of the reception. Candles are lovely during a luncheon reception, but have a lot more pizazz at an evening or nighttime event. Generally, the larger the table, the more room there is to create drama and visual interest. Pillar candles of various sizes can be arranged at serving and buffet stations, or in the center of dining tables. Other possibilities include large, shallow glass bowls of water with a few or many votive candles floating around in them, or candelabras with long tapers. Different kinds of modern or exotic candle, votives or hurricane holders also can be appealing centerpieces.

Themed Centerpieces

Many weddings follow particular themes, created by the decor of the reception venue, a specific taste or obsession of the bride or groom, or a destination or atmosphere that the couple enjoy. For example, a beach-themed wedding can have a centerpiece of clear bowls filled with sand that's topped with shells or colored beach glass. Couples who are sports fans can have a centerpiece of banners and hats or candy or flowers in team colors. Receptions held in private, Victorian-era venues can feature fans, gloves and antique objects that evoke that period. Ideas like this are great icebreakers at guest tables.

Photographs

Photographs centerpieces at weddings will pull at the heartstrings of wedding guests. Often pictures of the bride and groom as children are showcased. Family trees laid out in photographs are a lovely way to bring together relatives from near and far to share memories. This idea can be integrated into a centerpiece for each table by displaying framed photographs of the bride and groom at various events with the guests seated at each table. This is a sure-fire conversation starter for the guests at tables where different social groups are mixed together, and helps all the guests to feel included in this special day.