DIY Centerpieces - Part I

DIY Centerpieces - Part I

April 8th, 2009 @ 4:28 pm by Mrs. Beagle
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As I started formulating a vision for our wedding, I’ll admit that one of the first things I started thinking about was decor for our reception venue. I wanted something that was:

Unique
Could be used again if possible
I could put together myself
Within our budget.

And so, I began my search for the perfect centerpieces. I knew that creating 20+ table centerpieces was not something I would be able to accomplish in the last week or two before our wedding. The solution? Non-floral centerpieces (at least not fresh floral centerpieces). And actually, I really wanted to avoid incorporating any fresh flowers in the entire wedding. Gasp! No fresh flowers? Yes, you heard me. I wasn’t against potted plants or flowers, I just thought (and still think) it’s such a waste to purchase fresh flowers that will just die in a few days. For a while, I was obsessed with the likes of succulents.

Here is a variety of succulents clustered together to make eye-candy. I love the color combination that the result produces.

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Bright white vintage vases add contrast to these succulents:

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How cute do these look dressed up in gold goblets?

DIY Centerpieces - Part I : wedding decor diy reception 6a30f18

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A romantic/Bohemian look is created with a variety of vine-like branches mixed with succulent flowers in an earthy pot and accented with river stones:

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Succulents are fairly easy to keep alive, so you wouldn’t necessarily need a green thumb if you really loved this look and wanted to DIY it. I think all of these centerpieces would also be semi-easy to recreate (with maybe an exception to example #1). Wouldn’t it be fun to find some cute containers to pot them in? While I still love the idea of incorporating succulents as centerpieces, I continued to search for a centerpiece that would better complement our venue and wedding theme (stories soon to come!). Stay tuned for part II in my search for DIY-fresh floral alternatives.

Are you using potted plants in your decor?

Tags: decor, diy, reception |

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17 Responses to “DIY Centerpieces - Part I”

Bee

Miss Bruschetta (message) 5,565 posts, Bee Keeper

For awhile, I really wanted to! I saw a picture I loved of potted herb plants used as escort cards…and then reality set in and I realized I wouldn’t be able to cultivate 100 mini herb plants in the crazy weeks leading up to the wedding. Love the idea of succulents, though!

4/8/09 @ 4:31 pm (reply)

Guest

Lexie

Those centerpieces are so beautiful! I’m growing wheat grass for our centerpieces. I can’t wait to see what you came up with!

4/8/09 @ 4:33 pm (reply)

Member

Margoxyvon (message) 32 posts, Newbee

My friend owns Green Rooster Gardens (an Austin succulent shop) and I’m sure she could help you find pots and plants if you decide to go that route. Hope it helps!

4/8/09 @ 4:53 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Duckling (message) 1,415 posts, Bumble bee

I love that first one!

4/8/09 @ 6:11 pm (reply)

Member

Cole B (message) 1,362 posts, Bumble bee

I agree with Miss Duckling, the first one is gorgeous!

4/8/09 @ 6:18 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Spring Roll (message) 716 posts, Busy bee

Love the inspiration, can’t wait to see how they turn out.

4/8/09 @ 6:56 pm (reply)

Guest

Angie Mae

we’re using potted plants so that we can re-plant them!!

4/8/09 @ 7:00 pm (reply)

Member

mrspaetz (message) 3,805 posts, Honey bee

i think those in the goblets are really easy and classy. nice idea!

4/8/09 @ 9:20 pm (reply)

Guest

Caitlin

I LOVE succulents! What a brilliant idea!!!

4/8/09 @ 9:32 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

Karen

Fabulous ideas! Let me know if I can help by giving you any ideas - I have an extremely full library that I use when designing my permanent botanical arrangements. More and more brides are chosing this option.

Good luck!

4/8/09 @ 10:27 pm (reply)

11.

Member

mary-alice-me (message) 1,864 posts, Buzzing bee

I especially like the vintage white pots. This is a great idea!

4/8/09 @ 10:27 pm (reply)

12.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,222 posts, Bumble bee

I love the idea of using succulents! They are going to look great!

4/8/09 @ 10:50 pm (reply)

13.

Member

JennyBryde (message) 1,168 posts, Bumble bee

Those are great! I love the plants in the white porcelain planters and the little plants in the gold goblets! So cute, crisp, and classic in a new way! Go for it!

4/9/09 @ 6:58 am (reply)

14.

Member

jessieann84 (message) 31 posts, Newbee

ive had that last one in my favorites folder for a while. love it and i really like the idea of incorporating river rocks to give it a more outdoorsey look

4/9/09 @ 9:15 am (reply)

15.

Guest

Susan

A word of advice - be sure to do a “trial run”. You’ll want to know exactly how long it takes to put each piece together, including packing for transport and reassembling and arranging. And if working with dirt, this will give you a chance to plan for contingencies (like what if it tips in transport, or the dirt spills on the tables/floor etc.). Better still, stick with green, non-dirt options

4/9/09 @ 9:42 am (reply)

16.

Guest

marissaco

i love succulents!!! i also love that its an eco friendly option. plus after the night is over the special guests should be able to take one of the arrangements home. those succulents will last forever!!!!

4/9/09 @ 12:07 pm (reply)

17.

Guest

heavnbrat

OOOH the one in the gold goblet is to die for!

4/9/09 @ 4:45 pm (reply)