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When we last left off talking about centerpieces it was waaaay back in the day. Waaaaaaaaaay, back in the day. So it isn’t that surprising, after a color scheme change, and multiple flower posts, that our centerpieces have changed too!
Before I even started blogging, we were shooting for potted succulents or terrariums:
Then, we found these two photos:
We settled on the top one, and started to create the vases out of wine bottles. Then… we went back to terrariums.
And after all that? While Mr. D was still in England, I scaled them back. Waaaaay back. As in, no flowers at all. This might be surprising, because I love gardening and flowers. It always makes me swoon when Mr. D surprises me with fresh flowers. So, why’d I do it?
I realized that while centerpieces make large statements AT the reception, there doesn’t seem to be a huge focus on them when it comes to the wedding photos. When I look at people’s wedding albums, I hardly ever see the centerpieces. What I do notice? The bouquets, so I made the executive decision to focus the money on the personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres, corsage-thingies) and less on the centerpieces. The people accompanying the flowers have a much higher chance of being in our album, and I’d rather see them honored with the best looking flowers.
What do our centerpieces look like now? I did a trial run, and the floating Michaels candle was a total FAIL. It only lasted for about three and a half hours! That said, once I find longer lasting floating (preferably soy) candles, we’ll be set. They’re quite easy to set up, and hopefully our caterer can light the candles before dinner (so I don’t have to worry about burn time during the ceremony/cocktail hour). I also wanted to do a trial run with these just in case they got hot or exploded (a la Miss Bear Cub), and thankfully, they didn’t. Without any further ado, here they are!
Suuuuuuuper easy and scaled down. They consist of 3 wine bottles/vases of varying heights, river rocks from the dollar store, and floating candles. There may be a bit of lavender rice scattered on the table. Sorted.
Anyone else scaling down their DIY centerpieces?
I’ve been soooo big on my centerpieces but you just made a great point. You don’t remember the centerpieces much in photos… and my dinner is on a different level then the dancing and reception (i’m getting married on a yacht)… so the whole dinner scene will be short lived. hmmm…. I think I might downscale and focus on the bouquets as well, thanks miss d.
Those are wine bottles? Are those just the ends? How did you do that?! They look great and you make a very good point. Usually several tables get broken down anyway to make more room for dancing — depending on what area you have — so I’ll keep this in mind. 
Thanks!
I agree with Miss Mary Jane - very elegant! You sturck a cord with me regarding centerpieces and photos. I told my florst last week to make ours bigger, now I just left her a voicemail to call me back. Im going to tell her to make the bouquets nicer and scale the centerpieces back to the original plan. Thanks for that!
Oooo, I love how the wine bottle vases look with floating candles in them!
Hey girl! They look great! I got an email from Barbara the other day and do you know what she said about the two of us having a connection through her… “that is too funny!” I totally nailed that one! Anyway….
I used to work at Illuminations in the Columbia Mall when it was open. It’s gone now but you can still get their stuff online–they used to sell floating candles that lasted for 6 hours. I think I remember that correctly… might be worth looking into. Good luck! –Annette
I bought floating candles from save on crafts and they lasted over 4 hours at our reception. Our caterer lit them right before people arrived and they seem like they could be re-lit for at least another hour or so I’m guessing.
They look awesome! And I agree that I don’t think floral centerpieces are a necessity.
Simple is better and this looks simply elegant! And thanks for posting how to cut wine bottles… that is so nifty!
I guess mine is simple, I got a bunch of old mason jars to use as flower vases and candle holders…I’m going to alternate between candles and flowers down the long rectangular tables…but I’m forgoing any runners etc…I hope it looks clean, simple, and a little rustic heh. I really like your scaled back version
Good choice! You’re right on the centerpieces, unless they are huge and fanciful you rarely see them in any pictures. We’re keeping it simple too and working on a trial run as well.
These look lovely! I think these will add a lot of sparkle and shine
You know what? You’re right! I hardly ever notice or look at the centerpieces in wedding pictures! We scaled ours allllll the way back We had our bridesmaids plop their bouquet in a waiting vase on each table. Free & pretty!
I love the way they look!! We are going for wine bottles too 
good job!!
Those look absolutely beautiful! =) Hopefully you can find some longer-lasting lights.
I love this idea! We are thinking of stealing it for our centerpieces… one question - how big around is the inside? I was wondering if pillar candles would work or if the bottles would be too narrow?
What a great idea! I am very very much with you on the idea of focusing your money on the bouquets rather than centerpieces…your flowers are a part of your overall outfit for the day…they deserve special attention! I think that the floating candles look romantic and give a great ambience…no need to have enormous flower centerpieces!
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Mrs. D'orsay, Baltimore/Lancaster UK Age and Occupation: 24, nonprofit communications Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Web site developer and designer; co-owner of men's skincare shop Engagement Date: August 10, 2008 Wedding Date: August, 2009 Venue: Oakland Manor About Me: I'm a Maryland raised environmental policy wonk/activist/organizer and communications aficionado. In the past year I've lived in Baltimore, MD, Tucson, AZ, Miami, FL and Lancaster, England. In my not so spare time I enjoy planning trips with Mr. D' Orsay, visiting friends and family and crafting like a mo-fo. I also enjoy modern dance classes, rugby and soccer but have been banned by my mother, MOHs, and Mr. D' Orsay from playing till after the wedding. I have an unnatural addiction to cheese and shoes, but love Mr. D' Orsay more than either and can't wait to become Mrs. D' Orsay!
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