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Wedding tradition has shown that the wedding centerpieces that adorn reception tables often have much to do with setting the tone for the post-ceremony celebration. This being true, the choice of wedding centerpieces is clearly one of the largest decisions that must be made in the wedding planning process. For budget-minded brides, however, this decision can also put an awful dent in the wedding budget and striking a balance between beauty and affordability in this area can become a challenge. Thankfully, there is a way to plan for centerpieces on a budget without scrimping on elegance and style – and it all starts with the do-it-yourself (or DIY) wedding centerpiece.

For the bride, the decision to actually make the table displays should always include the enlistment of help from bridesmaids and family. With a little due diligence and aforethought by all, the end result will be DIY wedding centerpieces that are every bit as lovely as professional arrangements – except at a fraction of the cost.

Here are a few do-it-yourself centerpiece tips and ideas to help you get started:

1. Recruit help from the bridesmaids. As part of the wedding party, they, too, will have a vested interest in producing the centerpieces in plenty of time for the big day. Keep the team involved in both the choosing of the arrangement and the finding and organizing of supplies to ensure that no interest along the way!

2. For DIY wedding centerpiece ideas, browse wedding websites, visit your local florist, and cut pictures of favorite arrangements out of bridal magazines. Brainstorm levels of difficulty for each arrangement idea with the team. Keep in mind the size of the guest list and the fact that one centerpiece is needed for every table and possibly two at the head table.

3. Shave $ 100's of the wedding budget by putting a "simple" spin on the traditional floral centerpiece. Oftentimes a delicate table display of two or three lovely white tulips in a slender crystal vase can prove to be the most elegant of DIY wedding centerpieces. Do not be afraid to think "less is more".

4. Instead of fresh flower arrangements, consider using beautiful potted plants. Visit local nurseries to find seasonal plants that bloom flowers in the colors of your wedding. Plant your flowers in pretty terracotta pots purchased in bulk from a local pottery store. Devise a fun way for one guest at each reception table to "win" that table's centerpiece at the end of the night.

5. Consider candle arrangements as an alternative to floral centerpieces. Candles create an air of romance and enchantment and look amazing in low indoor lighting or on outdoor reception table in the evening. Buy candelabras at the local discount store and use one per table with simple white candles. For a less formal centerpiece, float several candles in a round water-filled crystal bowl. For effect, sprinkle rose petals in the water and also on the table around the bottom of the bowl. Something as simple as a pillar candle surrounded by scented tea-lights at the center of the table will work perfectly for just pennies on the dollar.

6. For theme weddings, a DIY centerpiece should reflect the day's motif. For example, oriental or Asian-themed weddings may have a bonsai tree or a large origami creation at the center of each reception table. For beach-themed weddings, consider a DIY centerpiece resembling a sand castle or a beach scene. Use your imagination!

7. Consider edible DIY wedding centerpieces. Guests love a centerpiece they can snack on! Create fresh fruit arrangements or a miniature wedding candy bar display. Add chocolate lollipops or Hershey's Kisses decorated in glitter, streamers or balloons.

8. Create personal centerpieces that focus on the bride and groom. Hand-written items such as love poems or stories of the pre-wedding romance accompanied by photographs of the happy couple in special picture frames will delight family and friends as they sit and chat at the table.

9. Do not underestimate the value of the local dollar store when shopping for supplies to make your centerpieces. Dollar stores typically have an entire section dedicated to wedding crafts as well as bulk volume of any supply that you need.

Whatever you choose to do, make the important wedding tasks a team effort and have fun! When all is said and done, the DIY wedding centerpiece will be a reflection of the love of all who were involved and that, in the end, will be all that matters.

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Source by Zari Ballard