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I would love to have the budget for elaborate, floral centerpiece displays, but it’s just not going to happen. I’ve read all of the articles in wedding magazines about how to keep the cost of your centerpieces low, and the one idea that stuck with me was using candles. I love candles! I have a lot of them and I burn them all the time, so using them as reception centerpieces seems like a logical decision.
Most of the weddings I’ve been to have featured candlelit centerpieces, including one of my sisters (the other used oil lamps from my mom’s growing collection, so I guess that kind of counts, too!). Whether they are displayed in votive cups, in floral rings or in candlestick holders, wax and wicks are a popular option in my neck of the woods.
My centerpieces came about a little backwards, however. I was in Walmart with both sisters one night last February and there was a clearance sale. I walked out of there with 36 hourglass-shaped clear glass vases for under $25. They were 60 cents each! I hadn’t even thought of centerpieces yet, but with a bargain like that, I was willing to make the vases part of our wedding decor. Yes, I bought vases without any plan for exactly how I will use them. What can I say? I love a challenge!
Unsure of what to put in the vases, I realized candles would be the most economical choice. So I set out to create a centerpiece that uses my vases, includes candles and works with the green color scheme we are using throughout the wedding.
The vases looked pretty empty with just a candle in them. I started to brainstorm what I could use as filler inside of them. I’ve seen colored candies, but costs for that can add up fast. I’ve also seen coffee beans as filler with candles on top, but the color is all wrong and the smell can be a little overwhelming.
And then, on a trip to the grocery store, I cooked up a solution. Peas!
The shade of green in dried split peas is spot on and the price is right—I found them in a two pound bag for 99 cents!
I gathered my supplies—the vases, some tealight candles, votive cups, split peas, mini silk flowers and some ribbon—and created a few mock-ups.
A: Simple vase, simple votives
B: With Ribbon covered votives
C: Replace the 5 candle votives with 5 votive cups filled with peas and silk flowers. (looks like there are only 4, but I promise one is hiding in the back)
D: Go all kinds of crazy and put it all together
With the exception of “D” and the silk flowers, the total cost of the centerpiece comes in at under $3.00 each! Woohoo!
Which one do you like best? Any other suggestions now that you see what I’m working with?
Option C!
A & B are too plain, D is a bit too overwelming.
You did a great job! Especially for that price!!
I like C. The only thing is that I think that the bow covers up the beauty of the candle/peas arrangement. what if you hot glue the ribbon to the vase instead of tying it into a bow? You could do it along the top, or botton, or at intervals… even vertical ribbon stripes!! 
I agree with Sunsail I like the arrangements but in all of them my eye was drawn to the big bow and it was kind of distracting. I think it would probably feel more cohesive if you did a simple band of ribbon glued in place or as sunsail said maybe even two bands of ribbon but the bow definitly doesnt let you see the peas and candles you have worked hard to find.
Please do D. And yes, maybe ditch the bow. Although it may look overwhelming in this small picture, imagine a large table with those elements. Beautiful!
I like the option of D but take one of each of the small votive/pea filled. 10 just looks too busy. 8 would be a bit less crowded.
Also, consider using a taller taper candle or 3” pillar candle in the center vase and take away the bow on the large one, just wrap it like the smaller ones.
I think the more candles the better. Especially since the tables they will be on will be considerably larger than this one pictured it wont be as crowded.
I agree with sunsail. I think bow is overwhelming. I think doing a band like you did on the votives would be nice. Or maybe a more tailored looking bow- one that laid flat and was smaller, less poofy.
But I think they put off a nice glow and I think the peas was a great way to incorporate color!
Option D without the bow, just ribbon wrapped around the vase. Check out how this bride did it: http://jessicalynn402.blogspot.com/2008/11/tying-knot-reception-details.html
Option D, except with the big vase wrapped without the bow.
go all kinds of crazy and put it all together! (love how you wrapped the ribbon around the votives!)
On second thought - if you remove the big bow and wrap the ribbon around (like you did for the smaller ones) then I would go with D. It also depends on what else will be on the tables and how big the tables will be.
I like option C.
How many pounds of peas were you able to get for 99 cents? I am having the same kind of dilemma with our centerpieces. I have fake flowers and vases but dont know what to put in the vases. The fillers you buy at the store are just too costly–we thought maybe sand, but those peas are part of our colors and would look pretty.
D!
I like D or B.
I’d go for C or D, but without the bow (agree with those that think a band of ribbon would look good)
I like C, too! the extra little pops of color from the flowers and peas look great.
Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. I’ll have to experiment with the bow size.
I’m not sure of the exact measurement of the tables, but they will be round and large enough for 8 people to sit comfortably. For reference, my mock up was done on a table that’s about 1 1/2′ x 3′.
@marissa: I got a 2 lb. bag for 99 cents and I can fill 2 centerpieces one bag if I do them as shown with the vase half full. I would guess the bag contains about 4 cups of peas.
I like D. But I would subtract one of each of the smaller votives and arrangement. i think it looks great. I also think the bow is a little too big. Maybe you could do just the ribbon sans bow. Also, have you thought about adding water to your tall vases and using a floating candle instead of a votive. I think that would look fantastic.
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Mrs. Deviled Egg, Pittsburgh Age and Occupation: 27, Public Relations Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Accounting Engagement Date: December 24, 2007 Wedding Date: May, 2009 Blogging Since: October 21, 2008 Venue: Historic auditorium and meeting hall in one of Pittsburgh's commuter cities About Me: I am obsessed with all things crafty, especially scrapbooking, knitting, jewelry-making & cake decorating. I also love being an aunt, wrapping presents, watching football (Go Steelers!), shopping at yard sales and consignment stores, procrastinating, singing and learning to play the guitar. When it comes to wedding planning, I'm excited about working on DIY projects and finding creative ways to stay under budget. Of course, nothing is more exciting to me than knowing that the wonderful Mr. Deviled Egg will be my husband.
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