Wedding receptions are grand affairs. There's usually food, music, dancing, drinking, and all around merry making involved. However, what most attendees don't realize is the amount of work and preparations that go in to even the smallest of details. The bridal centerpieces on your table are no exception, and they usually cost a pretty penny. That doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to have great centerpieces. There are plenty of ways to create bridal centerpieces for your reception that look beautiful without being super expensive.
First, consider doing the bridal centerpieces yourself. It doesn't matter if they're fake, real, or floral at all. If you buy the materials separately and have your bridal party help throw them together, you can save hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Order roses in bulk! Buy fake flowers online! Do what it takes, because you would probably much rather spend the extra money on having a wonderful photographer.
That being said, there are a couple of bridal centerpiece ideas that you can easily do for cheap. If you are interested in having real flowers as your bridal centerpieces, consider buying the flowers in bulk from your local florist, and renting vases. This gives you the chance to do small, simple arrangements, like three roses and a sprig of baby's breath, without the added labor costs of having a florist arrange them. You will be renting the vases, so you won't be stuck with fifty bud vases after the fact, and the arrangements can be so simple that even your blind grandmother will be able to help. These simple, floral bridal centerpieces are easy and beautiful.
If you aren't bent on using real flowers, fake flowers are a lot cheaper, and the bridal centerpieces can be arranged far in advance. Part of the price of fresh flowers is the fresh part. It costs money to grow them and money to deliver. However, if you do your research, you can find fake flowers in bulk for a fraction of the cost. Combine these resources with some floral tape, and you can have beautiful bouquets sitting in vases months in advance. These bridal centerpieces look ornate and gorgeous, and if you buy the right flowers, no one will ever know the difference.
Another option to consider for bridal centerpieces is booting the flowers altogether. Some people are opting more frequently to use pillar candles of different heights with flower petals. Others opt for a photo tree with various photos at every table of the happy couple throughout the years. Another option growing in popularity is fish bowls. Literally, every table has a goldfish bowl with a pretty freshwater fish, and one of the guests at the table can take the fish home if they so choose. These unique options for your bridal centerpieces will at least make the reception one to remember.