Using Potted Plants as Wedding Centerpieces

Stephanie Smith

Do you want a fresh look for your wedding and love the idea of giving something living to your guests? Then consider using potted plants as your wedding reception centerpieces. They are incredibly versatile and can fit into any style of wedding, from casual to formal.

Before you begin:

- Try to use plants that are in season to keep costs down.
- Determine if you'll be putting the centerpieces together yourself or if you'll be getting someone else to do that. This may be the time to call your bridesmaids and pull in some favours. Unless you're buying the reception centerpieces all ready to go, there will be some last minute work involved in preparing them.
- Try a sample before purchasing all of the supplies and make sure you like the look of the final product.
- Decide on whether you want to use one plant or a variety of plants.

Pot Ideas:

- Terra cotta flower pots have an earthy and casual appearance if used as is. Consider painting them to match or compliment your bridal party colors.
- Small to medium sized tin pots. These can also be painted or used plain.
- Ceramic dishes which can be found in a variety of shapes and colours.
- Copper pots would be attractive, but you may want to use a smaller pot inside of it to hold the soil and plant.
- Glass bowls or vases with decorative stones for plants that don't require soil (such as bamboo)

Plants:

- Gerberas are simple and cheerful and come in a range of colors
- Spring bulbs such as tulips, crocuses and daffodils. Try to avoid bulbs that have a strong smell as they might send your guests running for tissues, for reasons other than your dad's emotional speech.
- Miniature roses, which will complement the bridal bouquets if they include roses
- Pansies or violets are beautiful for late summer and fall
- Bamboo
- Bonsai trees
- Poinsettia’s are festive for a Christmas centerpiece
- try shamrock plants for a wedding around St Patrick’s Day
- Young trees, which your guests can take home and plant outside. You're nature-loving personality will shine through and your guests will always remember where that tree in their yard came from and will take pride in watching it grow.

Extras:

- Use some colored ribbon or raffia to dress up the pot.
- Decorative stones can be used on top of the soil
- Charger plates under the pot can dress up the centerpiece and help to give it more of a presence on the table.

Remember to have fun while making your centerpieces, your enjoyment will show in the finished pieces. We've provided a few ideas to get you started, but there are many other options that you can use. Tap into your personality when deciding on your reception centerpieces - it's your big day so go with what you like!

Stephanie Smith writes for www.decoratefor.com, Decorate For is set up to provide helpful and simple decorating tips for the home and special occasions.