Unique Wedding Centerpiece Ideas for a Whimsical Reception
Centerpieces are a key element of wedding reception decor. The right decorations can elevate your tables from plain to breathtaking. If you’re looking for some whimsical decor inspiration, consider these centerpiece ideas to transform your reception venue.
1. Cotton Candy Flowers
Give your guests an extra treat with whimsical wedding flowers made of cotton candy. You could hire a cotton candy artist to make them for a one-time fee, but inspired couples can also DIY with a small machine that fits on a kitchen table.
Whisk the sugary fluff into layers around itself and use different food dyes to make each flower different from the last. Use wooden skewers to stick your creations into shallow but sturdy vases. If you make these the day before your wedding and wrap them gently in plastic wrap, they’ll still be good to eat when your reception begins.
2. Natural Elements
What could be more whimsical than an enchanted forest theme? If you want a reception right out of a fairytale, decorate your tables with natural elements like stones, wood pieces and wildflowers. Add twigs and lots of greenery to your floral arrangements. Bonus points if you incorporate flowers from your own garden.
3. Vintage Pottery
Unique pottery pieces can give a vintage flair to your table arrangements. Consider shopping secondhand for hand-crafted pottery, which will have a more authentic feel than mass-produced pieces. Vintage pottery will have more unique patterns and shapes. Look for pieces that are stamped with a date or company name on the bottom to ensure you’re not buying generic store brands.
4. Twinkle Lights
Battery-powered twinkle lights are a simple but transformative touch to your centerpieces. The soft light will make for a whimsical and photo-worthy vibe. You can wrap the string lights around vases or organically spread them around the table for an effortless but magical look.
5. Miniature Wishing Trees
Couples often picture flowers and garlands as the focal points at their reception venues, but you can do something completely different by opting for miniature wishing trees. Wishing trees are a long-held but less-known wedding tradition. Couples typically place one alongside a table covered in ribbons and pens. Guests write their hopeful wishes on each ribbon and tie them to the tree for the couple to take home later.
Make unique wedding centerpieces for each reception table by getting miniature trees. You could use bonsais, wire trees for hanging jewelry or a small tree from a craft store. Place them on each table with enough ribbons and pens for whoever sits there. When your wedding ends, collect the ribbons in a scrapbook for safekeeping.
6. Glass Butterfly Greenery
Butterflies are the ultimate symbol of unrestrained whimsical fun. They’re peaceful, beautiful and free-spirited. Use them as wedding inspiration by purchasing miniature glass butterflies and hot glue them to wire stems. You can arrange them within centerpieces of thick leafy garlands or faux bushes with butterfly-friendly blooms like lavender. It depends on the width of your reception tables and your ultimate design vision for your big day.
7. Hand-Sewn Flowers
Elevate your flower-focused centerpieces by making them at home. You’ll likely save money by choosing craft supplies over a florist’s fees. Creative couples can also make them months in advance, reducing stress in the weeks before your big day.
Get inspired by straightforward guides like making roses from silk with help from wiring, stuffing and wire flower stems. You could select fabric featuring colors and patterns a florist couldn’t provide, creating blooms you can reuse for years after your ceremony ends.
8. Pastel Candles
If whimsical events make you picture fairies and magic, use pastel candles for reception decor. They come in the same shapes and sizes as any other candle, but they add splashes of color to any event. Place them in fancy candlesticks, vintage lanterns or any other centerpiece container to complete each table’s design.
Create Whimsical Centerpieces Unlike Any Others
Couples looking for unique wedding decor can use these ideas to plan an incredible reception. No matter where you get married or the size of your venue, you’ll create stunning centerpieces that match your whimsical theme.
Feature photo credit:
Translucent Photography
Author – Cora Gold
Cora Gold is a wedding enthusiast with over six years of experience writing about trends, traditions and more. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.
