Weddingbee Blog

 Tada! Here is my first centerpiece.

I wanted the centerpieces to (be):

1. Affordable
2. Low - to not interfere with conversation at guest tables
3. Fit the theme (Chinese Tea)
4. Reusable for the most part
5. Easy to transport and set up
6. Incorporate something with life (flowers or plants)
7. Include candles as part of the centerpiece (as opposed to just adding votives around the piece)
8. Unique

I purchased 7 of these ceramic tea sets. The evolution of the mockup is pictured as follows:

Version #1:
Added red velvet liner, red tealights, silk red hydrangea (meant to be replaced by real flowers later) to the original tea set

Version #2:
Replaced velvet liner with red beans to add texture

Version #3:
Swapped silk flower with fresh carnations

Final Version:
Used large silk flower placed in the tray instead of in the pot

My final version does not satisfy criteria #6 above. Hey, you win some, you lose some. Not having to set up real flowers on the day of and not worrying about the real flowers wilting under the sun is more than likely going to be worth the sacrifice. I also dig the look of the flower on the side, and at the same time, it keeps the teapot much more defined. The carnation just kinda ‘took-over’, don’t you think?Cost Breakdown:
- Tea sets - Average $9 per set*
- Tea lights - $0.16 for 4**
- Red beans - $0.50 per half bag
- Silk Ranunculus - $1.00***
TOTAL: $10.66 per centerpiece

* Tea sets retail for $24.99 but I purchased them from various stores (Amazon, Ross, Le Gourmet Chef) on sale.
** Red tea lights were on clearance (90% off).
*** Silk Ranunculus also on clearance (75% off)

What do you think?