Saving Money on Wedding Centerpieces

Saving Money on Wedding Centerpieces

In the past, expensive floral centerpieces were common at most wedding receptions. Today, more brides are finding inexpensive, creative ways to "customize" their wedding receptions without spending a lot of money.

Here are some great centerpiece suggestions. The prices quoted are from Michael's Arts and Crafts, unless otherwise noted.

• Candles - Arranging candles of different heights on a small mirror in the center of the table can be quite dramatic. The prices range from $1.00 to $3.00 for 3x3, 3x6, and 3x9 inch candles. Candles can also be placed inside 4" bubble/ivy/diamond ivy cut/swirl ivy glass bowls at $1.00 each. Floating candles are very romantic. A 10" bowl will cost you $7.99 and the candles range from .99 to $1.79.
• Flower pots - A crafty friend or bridesmaid can purchase 3" clay pots at .69 each, and paint them an elegant white or the colors of the wedding. The bride and groom's name and wedding date can also be added. Plant ivy in the pots, and you have an affordable centerpiece and a memorable wedding favor.
• Picture frames - You can place a grouping of your favorite pictures of the bride and groom on the table as centerpieces. Or, you can choose to have parents, family, and friends put framed pictures of their weddings on the table.
• Paper and pen - Put pens and decorated pieces of paper that say, "My Favorite Part of Your Wedding Was…" near each setting. Collect the papers, and assemble them in a book you can read on your honeymoon, or read out loud at the reception.
• Vase and silk flowers - Arrange inexpensive silk flowers that match your wedding colors inside elegant cube shaped vases (3x4x6 as low as $2.49). For a mere 99 cents more, place a lace doily under each vase. For more vase ideas, check http://www.ikea.com/. They start as low as $1.99.
• Themes - If the bride and groom are big NASCAR fans, love country music, or ride Harleys, use this opportunity to share this passion with family and friends. Use some of your less expensive collectible items to decorate the table. If the bride and groom belong to the military, or the groom is married in uniform, be sure to use 4 x 6" mini flags in addition to your other decorations.
  
  These affordable wedding centerpieces will be great conversation starters. Browse around your local arts and crafts store, and you will find many more ideas.
  
  Article Source: http://www.bestweddingarticles.com

Pretty Spring Dresses for Your Bridesmaids

Still looking for a spring dress for the bridesmaids? Here are some pretty spring dresses that will definitely add a breath of fresh color to your wedding from eDressMe.


Short Yellow and Green Floral Dresses by Sherri Hill

This stunning, youthful floral dress has a strapless sweetheart neckline, a rosette accent, and a sashed empire waist. The A-line skirt flares out to just above knee length.

Green and Pink Short Prom Dresses by Sherri Hill

This gorgeous green dress has a scalloped strapless bodice adormed with green and pink bead accents. The sashed empire waist is embellished with a sweet flower. The whispy skirt is made up of layers of green and pink tulle, which falls just above knee level.

Green Strapless Georgette Dresses by Nicole Miller

This fun short dress from Nicole Miller is perfect for any event. With a ruched sweetheart neckline and empire waist, the skirt falls softly to the knee.

Rose Vine Laser Cut Favor Boxes

"Rose Vine" Laser-Cut Favor Boxes (Set of 50)


Imagine how charming the tables will look at your wedding reception sprinkled with these beautiful, ivory rose bouquet favors! The intricately crafted boxes bring a special beauty to any evening, including rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, bridal showers, tea and garden parties, Mother's Day parties and more. Lacy, laser-cut vine of roses, leaves and dainty plumeria sit above an elaborate bow ... more info.

Love these. They are gorgeous ....

Make Way for Sand Castle Centerpieces and Favors

Mr. Sandman send me a dream .... here are some really dreamy AND unique beach themed favors and table centerpieces. I love this sand castle centerpiece. It's perfect for the beach themed wedding, shower or party. Set it off with the sandcastle votives and starfish plates, and you have a beautiful table!

Authentic Handpainted and Handcrafted Sand Castle Centerpiece

What a fabulous idea for a beach celebration! These sandcastles are created by hand with real sand! Each sandcastle has handpainted starfish shells and seaweed. The sand castle can be used for decorative purposes or makes a beautiful centerpiece. The sand castle measures 11" tall which makes it the perfect height for a centerpiece.

Sandcastle Votive Table Decor

These charming sandcastle-shaped votives cast a fun light on any dinner or reception! Measuring just 7" tall, you'll be surprised by their meticulous detail. Insert any tea light inside to watch its windows and arches cast a romantic glow. Great table decor for any summer or beach themed buffet or reception table. Your guests will love taking these home for their own beach memory evenings.

Starfish Glass Candle Holder/Dish

These lovely starfish dishes bring a touch of class and charm to any wedding table or place setting. Use them for a place card holder, as a base for a decorative candle, or fill them up with treats - they're limited only by your imagination.Small measure 6.5" x 6.5" x 1" and are packaged in sets of 6. Large measures 8" x 8" x 1.5" H and are packaged in sets of 4.

Sand and Shell Inspired Gift Bags- Set of 10

The ultimate beach themed gift bag! These elegant cream colored gift bags are made of beautiful and durable rice paper. Each bag is beautifully decorated with a unique front window display with authentic seashells and sand. The white rope handle adds the finishing touches to this beach gift bag. The gift bags are sold as a set of 10 and measure 4.25 x 5. Many brides use these bags with tissue paper and fill them with treats small gifts and even as welcome bags for out of town guests.

Favor Boxes ... Beauty on the outside!

2 clear square favor box

Show off your favors in these stylish clear favor boxes. Perfectly sized at 2"x 2"x 2", this ... more info.

2 3/8" ivory floral square favor box (min. of 36)

These beautiful embossed Italian favor boxes are sure to add class and style to your next event. ... more info.

2 3/8" white floral square favor box (min. of 36)

These beautiful embossed Italian favor boxes are sure to add class and style to your next event. ... more info.

for more ideas, visit LaptopBride.com

New Favors on the Market if You Want "Unique"

The newest favors... You all know I like Unique and Diffent... These 3 favors are too cool....

"Espress Your Love" Coffee-Scented Caffè Cup CandleWake up and smell the caffè espresso! Like the rich aroma of the finest brew, love is in the air and surrounds your guests with warmth and happiness! Kate Aspen has "espressed" her boundless creativity in a finely crafted favor they'll like a "latte!" The candle-a dark, delicious blend-has been neatly poured into a glass espresso cup with a silvery metal base and handle. The "Espress Your Love" candle measures 2" high x 2 1/2" in diameter, and arrives in a clear, 2" h x 3 1/2" w x 2 ¾" gift box adorned with a deep-brown organza ribbon and bow and matching "Espress Your Love" tag.

Purse Valet - What woman hasn't struggled with the problem of where to park her purse at restaurants, meetings and other occasions1/2 Sling it ver the back of the1/2 Too vulnerable. Keep it in your lap1/2 Too awkward. Place it on the floor1/2 Ewwww. Imagine how thrilled the guests at your bridal shower will be when they find you've chosen the "Purse Valet" for their favors! They'll probably open it right there and use the practical purse valet while they enjoy a fun-filled, worry-free celebration! The small (1 ¾" x 1 1/2"), flat, silver-tone purse sits on the tabletop and a 3 ¼" metal hanger drops under the table, where you conveniently and confidently place the strap of your purse. Cute, clever and colorful 4 1/2" x 4" x 3/8" gift box shows you exactly how to use the valet, with an artist's illustration of a woman seated at a table, enjoying her cocktail because her purse (the actual purse valet) is kept securely under the table. Oh, and the very-portable valet fits easily in any purse...

Love Calculator -- Let me count the ways" - Add an extra measure of heartfelt emotion, multiplied by the endless love in your heart, minus any doubt, and you have newlyweds destined never to be divided! Count on Kate Aspen to design a wedding favor that let's your guests tally up the many marvelous memories of your marriage-and their next month's expenses. The bright-pink heart has white buttons with easy-to-see, black characters below the LED read-out. Artfully packaged in a clear gift box, the 3 1/2" x 3" x 1/2" calculator sits on a white background and cardboard pedestal filled with hearts of silver and pink. On the pedestal are the words "Love...Let Me Count the Ways" Heart Calculator. A cardboard, silver arrow seems to "pierce" the calculator. The gift box, which measures 4 3/8" x 4 1/8" x ¾", is completed with a heart-shaped "For You" tag tied with a sheer, white organza ribbon and bow.

Think Green. Favors for Spring and March

Before you know it spring will be here and St. Patrick's Day. Believe it. So, if you are planning a spring fling or a St. Paddy's Wedding, here are a few adorable (and Green) favors to get you started!

Foliage Green Gift Tag/Card

The Foliage in Green Gift Tags/Confetti Cards ... more info.

Green Tea Mints

Englighten your next event with these green tea ... more info.

Green Tea Mints - Bulk

Englighten your next event with these green tea ... more info.

Green Tea Mints - Packettes

Englighten your next event with these green tea ... more info.

Silver Favors - Elegant, Unique and Looks Expensive : )

Silver is an elegant non-color that makes a huge statement. Elegance. It can be simplified or grand. Two favors that illustrate this nicely are the mini champagne buckets and the candy truffle tray. Simple. Inexpensive. But looks expensive. : )

Mini Engraved Champagne Bucket For the discriminating hostess/couple who loves to entertain with style, this miniature silver plated ice-bucket is great as a
decorative accessory to any place setting and also makes a unique wedding favor
for your guests. Each mini silver champagne bucket can be engraved with a name or a special message. Add your own favorite miniature liquor drink or we
recommend our chocolate champagne bottle to be place inside each bucket. It is a classy, yet fun party favor to give to your guest for any occasion.

Chocolate Heart Truffle Silver Tray - This adorable chocolate heart truffle is irresistible to the taste with its circular accent speck of white chocolate and dark chocolate heart motif. This delectable truffle is filled with a white cream that will sure bring a smile. The chocolate truffle is served on a mini silver plated tray. What better way to thank your guest than to give them the white
glove butler treatment with these delicious bon bon favor trays.

A Bowl full of Ornaments Makes a Great Holiday Centerpiece

Looking for a great centerpiece where each guest gets a favor? A simple and perfect idea is a bowl full of ornaments!

Collect a mix of seasonal ornaments in your choice of color and pile them generously into the bowl. For interest, use an assortment of shiny and matte ornaments in a range of sizes. Here's what you'll need:

• Semi Large Clear Pedestal centerpiece bowl or just a pretty bowl
• Variety of holiday ornaments
• Real or artificial evergreen sprigs
• Optional: tiny vases to use as a pedestal if you want the bowl to be elevated.
• You can use semi-expensive ornaments (i.e., Waterford) or go to a Department store and find pretty balls
• Let each guest take an ornament or two home as a favor
  
  

From Hot Cocoa to Frosted Glass...Winter Favors to Make You Feel Warm : )

Holiday glass wine stoppers

Whether you're hosting a holiday party or having a winter wedding, these glass winter theme wine ... more info.

frosted glass snowflake tea light holders

Set the mood for an enchanting winter wedding with these frosted glass snowflake tea light holders. ... more info.

holiday cocktail mix

Our cocktail mixes are the perfect favor for your company holiday party, New Year's Eve party or ... more info.

mini crystal christmas trees

This contemporary crystal christmas tree will make a fabulous gift for a winter bridal party, ... more info.

personalized cocoa mix

Winter is not complete without a cup of hot cocoa. This personalized packet of hot chocolatey ... more info.

personalized holiday hershey s chocolate


We're putting a new twist on the classic Hershey look. You get the same great Hershey taste with a ... more info.

snowflake bottle stoppers

A snowflake wine bottle stopper is an ideal gift for a winter wedding or holiday party. These ... more info.

snowflake ornament bookmark

Give these silver snowflake bookmarks as a gift that is elegant yet functional. Each silver plated ... more info.

snowflake votive candle holders

Fill your home with these jeweled snowflake votive holders for a winter party sure to dazzle even ... more info.

wire snowflake place card holders

Having a corporate party or holiday event These snowflake place card holders will definitely ... more info.

Holiday Chocolate Lolli Favors... Inexpensive and Cute!

Lollipops aren't just for kids, especially when they're made with delicous real chocolate . We custom make each molded piece and then decorate it by hand with dark chocolate eyes, a cinnamon heart nose and a brushed metallic gold finish. Chocolate measures 3" wide and 3.5" tall. With the stick the lolli measures 7" long. Our special shipping method ensures this item will arrive
in perfect condition.

Reindeer Lolli Favor Kit. Your kit arrives with step-by-step instructions so assembling your favor is easy, and your presentation is picture perfect. Each kit includes one lolli, a 12" strip of organza ribbon and one clear cellophane bag. Chocolate measures 3" x 3.5". With lolli stick the finished favor measures 7" long.

Traditional red, green and gold stars get an unexpected punch of purple and blue making these milk chocolate treats a seasonal favorite. Your kit arrives with step-by-step instructions so assembling your favor is easy, and your presentation is picture perfect. Each kit includes three 2.25" stars in two foil styles, a 12" strip of organza ribbon and one clear cellophane bag. The finished favor measures 3.5" x 5.5".

Snowflake Lolli Favor Kit. Just like a snowflake, our pure white chocolate lolli will melt in your mouth. You'll receive an assortment of three different snowflake styles for a subtle variety in your finished favors. Your kit arrives with step-by-step instructions so assembling your favor is easy, and your
presentation is picture perfect. Each kit includes one lolli, a 12" strip of organza ribbon and one clear cellophane bag. Chocolate measures 2.75" in diameter. With lolli stick the finished favor measures 6" long