Perhaps the most difficult part of wedding planning that I had to deal with was what to use to as the main centerpiece on my tables for the reception. The flowers I was finding were too expensive for all the tables, and I couldn't use candles with the strict codes the building enforced, and that really didn't leave me too much to work with. I kept thinking that if I had been planning a themed wedding ceremony and reception, then I would have more options to choose from. After talking to family and friends though, I found out that even a themed wedding can be difficult to decorate. So, after much research and attending weddings and looking at ideas, here is a great list of possible wedding centerpieces for themed weddings.



1. The Western Theme

I must admit, being a Texan girl, this theme is my favorite, and I've seen it done all kinds of ways. The favorite one I've seen, by far was boots. Go shopping in some thrift stores and see if you can find cowboy boots, any size will work, the more beat up the better. Add small bales of hay, with either one or a pair of boots decorated around it or on top of it gives off that great rustic feeling you are looking for. Tie a bandanna around one of the boots, or add a cowboy hat at some tables for some variety. You can also make many of the tables different, with old rustic washboards, spurs, lengths of coiled rope, antique looking lanterns, use your imagination. Another great idea is some rustic looking metal tins filled with peanuts, or some other western snack.

2. The Beach Theme

Beach weddings are perhaps the most popular theme for weddings today, mainly because people want that tropical feeling without having to go to the beach. Centerpieces for a beach themed wedding can be really beautiful. Pour a small amount of sand on each table, accompanied by shells or starfish from any craft store is a great simple centerpiece, or you can add small white tea lights to the mixture as well, for a more romantic glow. For a touch of fun, add one of those hula girls you can stick on your dashboard, and you could also use plastic lei's bought at any party store. A friend of mine added tiki torches at some of the chairs from each table, and that was a great effect, really beautiful.

3. A Christmas Wedding

Christmas weddings are getting more and more popular, and they should be really easy to decorate as well since Christmas decorations can be purchased inexpensively practically anywhere. If you're short on time, then try and borrow decorations from friends and family. Some great table centerpieces for a Christmas wedding can include miniature Christmas tress with tree skirts, large Christmas wrapped boxes, fake snow, and much more! Also, plastic cranberries can be added to candle holders or spread around on the table, they are really beautiful and add a great touch of color as well.

4. The Casual Wedding

Many couples choose to go with a casual wedding meaning that the wedding is a come your jeans and sneakers and lets have a bar-b-que in the backyard kind of wedding. It's simple, not concerned with dressing up or trying to impress, just having family and friends together and comfortable while celebrating the wedding. Flower baskets on each table is a great, simple yet beautiful centerpiece with can be easily maintained and will last for time to come! Or, flower pots with some natural flowers growing, such as tulips, Gerber daises, or ferns are beautiful and will add some color. For the more practical, you can also add iced tea and water pitchers in bright colors for guests to help themselves to the refreshments.

5. The Medieval Wedding

Amazingly enough, another popular wedding theme. I've had two friends just in the past month get married with a medieval themed wedding, and it was certainly like nothing I had ever been to before. A great table centerpiece for a medieval wedding can include a large silver candelabra with tall drippy candles, or oil lantern inside a wreath of flowers, very classy.

When choosing your wedding centerpiece, choose something that is moderately easy to set up if you and your family are setting up everything yourself. This will save a lot of hassle for everyone involved. Use your imagination, get creative, and you will have a beautiful table to go along with your beautiful wedding.