| centrepieces are mostly, if not entirely, comprised of | | | | scattered around the table. This looks great and is |
| traditional flowers. Many people however, make the | | | | environmentally friendly. You can also ‘spice it |
| mistake of regarding flower centrepieces as the only | | | | up’ a little with glitter. |
| option. Instead why not go for something a little | | | | For winter, its pure whites teamed with clear crystals |
| more inventive and unique. | | | | and icy tones. Lights and glitter really set off this |
| There are thousands of potentially amazing | | | | look. |
| centrepieces out there, and here are my top 5 show | | | | Cultural - Take inspiration from your own background. |
| stopping centrepieces. | | | | With an Irish background you may consider using |
| 5. Water: | | | | elements such as greens shamrocks (a bit predictable |
| Water adds an elemental, fluid, feeling to the table. It | | | | but always festive), the heraldic harp, Celtic cross, |
| has connotations with new life and the cleansing of | | | | Celtic love knot, and the Claddaugh. |
| the body from sin. Marriage is the beginning of a new | | | | Oriental style themes could use red and black colours |
| life so they merge perfectly. Water works well when | | | | (for luck), Shoji lanterns, black or white pebbles and, |
| combined with flowers (particularly submerged | | | | of course, chop sticks. |
| gerbera I find), with floating candles or with a | | | | Beach theme- While it does sound rather tacky, this |
| waterfall type effect. | | | | can be done in a variety of ways. The restrained |
| 4. Candles: | | | | way generally involves quite muted colours such as |
| Candles are deeply symbolic, connected with the idea | | | | blues etc, pebbles or shells, sand and maybe even |
| of the light and warmth of love. They add a certain | | | | faux beach debris. |
| intimacy and conjure the idea of romance. Fire also | | | | It all sounds a bit much but, when done well, can look |
| has connotations with purification and new life, | | | | amazing. Now, if you’re planning on a more |
| perfect for a wedding as you begin your new lives | | | | outgoing take on the beach theme why not go all |
| together. | | | | out with brightly coloured shells and maybe even a |
| It is practical for the candle to be covered | | | | tiny fake palm tree or two.... tacky yes, but definitely |
| (particularly if there are children at the wedding), | | | | different and memorable. |
| perhaps in a stylish votive holder or be original with | | | | 1.Photos: |
| an old fashioned style lantern. | | | | Photos can be a great way to make everyone feel |
| 3. Crystals: | | | | involved, particularly in smaller weddings. A place |
| Crystals have links with good luck and healing so are | | | | setting with a photo on (or a baby photo if |
| a good omen at a wedding. More than that they | | | | you’re feeling cruel!) makes the extra effort. |
| provide an interesting and different centrepiece which | | | | A great idea is to leave disposable cameras on the |
| encourages people to touch and interact with it. | | | | tables and develop the pictures later. A variant on |
| Weddings with a lot of children are a great chance to | | | | this is to get Polaroid cameras with somewhere to |
| use crystals, children love them and can often be | | | | stick the resulting photos in the centre of the table. |
| encouraged to sit playing quietly (well....quieter) during | | | | It’s great to get people chatting, particularly if |
| speeches and toasts. | | | | respective families haven’t met before. It |
| 2. Themed Centrepieces: | | | | also leaves you with a great keepsake. |
| Themes don’t have to be all encompassing - | | | | What’s important to remember is that these |
| little hints of a theme can work well without | | | | can all be combined in any number of variations. |
| overloading the senses. Use an objective friend or a | | | | Photos obviously go great with anything (except |
| wedding planner to make sure you don’t get | | | | water!) while candles add to any number of themes |
| lost in the theme or it can end up looking massively | | | | (especially Oriental). But the important thing is, when |
| overdone. | | | | everyone is giving you ideas, take other peoples |
| Examples of themes are: | | | | thoughts on board but ultimately be led by your own |
| Seasons – For Autumn using leaves and pine | | | | vision....and don’t be afraid to experiment! |
| cones look great, especially with leaf shaped confetti | | | | |