Hello! 

Charlotte here! 

So if you are planning your wedding on a budget but still want a ‘pretty’ wedding, you may have to be a bit creative but it can be done! Over the next few weeks my Instagram is going to feature a number of ways you can recreate some awesome ‘pinterest favourite’ centrepieces but get the look for less (so make sure you are following me there!) but in the meantime, lets dive right in!

**But a word of warning: whilst you can try to recreate some awesome wedding decor/ centrepieces, if it doesn’t quite turn out how you want, try not to be too disappointed. Make sure you manage your expectations! There is a reason why wedding decor costs so much on occasion and whilst you can’t always recreate it 100%, there are certainly elements you can pick from.** 

Do you actually need a centrepiece?

Like all things with weddings you don’t have to have anything but it is nice to have something in the middle of your table even if it is just a table number. They can be highly impractical if they are too tall so keep them low or put them on a stand so your guests can see each other! A key thing though, they don’t have to match! I almost prefer it and it also is a great talking point for your guests, (plus each table is much easier to spot on the table plan!)

What to include in your centrepiece… (a few ideas if you don’t have a huge budget)

• Flowers… obvs! But to keep the costs down, go artificial. Plus that way they won’t wilt so you have that peace of mind and you can keep them afterwards. Always buy a few extra just in case the odd flower gets squashed. Flowers do not always have to be the center of your table display, they could also just be an added decorative touch. Often artificial flowers sell really well on wedding second hand pages and Facebook groups so you could even recoup some money!

• Confetti, along the same theme as flowers but I personally really like a few different sized jars or glasses full of confetti, especially if it has different colours in the vase or jar. Florists often have spare petals in their shops and will either give you a bag for free or a small fee or make it yourself (I have a reel in Instagram to show you how to do this).

• Books, whether vintage or modern, are great, they add height but also can be tailored to your theme and feel for your wedding.

• Glassware adds height, but if you want that elegant, adding candles or lights (all can be repurposed for other occasions in your home) work well. Water also makes a statement or just go simple and place some pretty flowers in a few vases.

• Your hobbies or just things you like are great for providing that uniqueness to a wedding, whether that be a record player, Lego, apples, pumpkins or succulents, they all work

• Picture frames are great because you can draw on them, put paper or pressed flowers in them and they are easily decorated.

Places to shop…

I mean, there are a few, let's start with the major ones

• Amazon, Ikea, Hobbycraft, Dunelm Mill, the Range, Etsy: all of these craft/general shops/stores are great and in the case of etsy you are supporting small businesses. Dunelm Mill and the Range are amazing for artificial flowers and tableware in particular.

• Ginger Ray, The wedding of my dreams: are examples of more wedding specific suppliers and are reasonably priced.

If you are renting..

• To have and to hire is a good example of a supplier from my area that I like. Just make sure if you are renting to record what you have and take photos on the condition upon arrival

Certain shops will have loyalty schemes or online storefronts may have an offer if you sign up so you can save additional money or cashback from sites like Topcashback* if you go through them on your way to an online store.

Have you found any other places to buy more budget centrepieces? What other objects would you use in your centrepiece?

Speak soon! 

Charlotte

Some other useful resources:

https://www.instagram.com/charlottesuzanneweddings/ 

https://mindyweiss.com/6-tips-for-styling-your-wedding-like-a-pro/ 

*some of the links listed in this article are affiliate links, so I get a small commission if you click through and purchase/ sign up but at no extra cost to you.