Un.Traditional

Last week I posted on how to navigate floral centerpieces and as promised today I’m tackling non-floral centerpieces.

Now, if you aren’t completely sold on non-floral centerpieces mixing and matching different elements is a trendy way to liven up smaller centerpieces without completely forgoing flowers. Citrus fruits, feathers, candles, sea glass, sand, pinecones and candies are all fun, easy to find options.

{photo inside Pavilion tented terrace}

Personally, as much as I love flowers, I prefer non-floral centerpieces. For starters there is a lot more room to personalize your wedding and you don’t have to worry about wilting or what’s in season.

One of my favorite centerpieces I’ve ever seen was for a brunch wedding where the bride displayed donuts on vintage cake stands for her centerpieces. Besides being completely adorable, the edible centerpieces also eliminated end-of-night stress over what to do with the centerpieces – talk about multi-purpose!

A great way to get your guests to mingle is to display different items of significance on each table. Some suggestions:

--Jars with favorite childhood snacks (ring pops, goldfish crackers, bubble gum)

--Pictures of family pets, vacations, houses, etc.

--Favorite movies, cd’s or toys.

--Items that symbolize your favorite hobbies (baseball, ballet slippers, sheet music, etc.)

Name each table after the category (entertainment, food, family, hobbies) and display the items on a stand in the center of each table with explanation labels. Guests can mingle to see what is on each table and also learn things about the bride and groom that they may have not known. This is especially helpful for distant relatives who may have not gotten to know your significant other as well as your immediate family.

{photo inside Hood Canal Vista Pavilion}

Some other ideas to get you thinking include:

--stacks of old books for literary couple

--pretty lanterns

--colorful glass jars filled with pinwheels

--balloon bouquets

One of the many wonderful things about weddings is the endless possibilities. Inspiration can be found in anything from a quote, to a picture, to a pattern, to a food. This is your day to celebrate however you want, so don’t let traditions and the preferences of others dictate how your wedding plans out.

Happy Planning!