Keep in mind that the more money you save, the more can be given to the things that are the most important to you: your dress, your honeymoon or even your caterer. Are you looking for something that can be done on a budget, and done well? Look to your centerpieces! Here are some great ideas:

1. Upcycle your Bouquets

Here’s a fantastic idea that’s becoming a new rage: use your bridesmaid’s bouquets as centerpieces. Chances are that you won’t have as many bridesmaids as you have tables but you can use them on the food table or even on every other table. If you have a large bridal party, consider alternating centerpieces: one table has a bouquet and one has a candle arrangement in coordinating colours. They can place them “in water” on the tables and then take them home after the party as keepsakes.

2. Keep It Small

If your heart is set on centerpieces of beautiful flowers put together by a professional, shop smart and get the best price available. Buying flowers that are in season and local may require you to be a bit flexible, but will net you a better price. In addition, keeping your centerpieces less than 12 inches in height will lower the price. Simple arrangements will be cheaper than those that are more extravagant so keep that in mind.

3. Stones or Shells

I love this look! A simple tall, glass candleholder, surrounded by smaller glass tea light holders are the centerpiece, and the grouping is surrounded by river stones or combined with sea shells. It’s a simple, natural look that lends a Zen feeling to the table. The centerpiece is perfect for a garden wedding and will have your friends copying your great idea for their own weddings.

4. Cupcakes

Order a smaller wedding cake and use a cupcake tree for the centerpiece; it is a cute, fun idea that can look as simple or exquisite as you desire. Not only does this make a fantastic centerpiece but will give your guest ready access to their dessert at the same time. Consider using this centerpiece idea in combination with a smaller cake; you’ll save twofold.

5. Oil Lamps

You can buy oil lamps or lanterns at Wal-Mart for around $5 apiece. A bottle of paraffin oil will easy fill 3-5 lamps and costs less than a fiver. An oil lamp lit on each table makes a stunning, elegant vision. You may think it too plain, but wait until the lights are turned down; trust me, it will look amazing! If you want to get a bit more fancy with the idea, surround the lamps with loose flowers, flower petals or even pretty leaves that you’ve collected. The idea lends itself to hundreds of unique looks!

Your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be the talk of the season. Save your budget for the things that matter most, like your dress, and use your rewards card the large expenses. Using your travel points for your honeymoon will save you even more money. Just remember, there are creative ways to fund your wedding, and you don’t have to go broke in the process!

Author’s Bio

Angie Trace is a money consultant and content contributor for a financial comparison website offering detailed comparisons for the top providers, and featuring bad credit builder credit cards for those who’ve experienced an unfortunate hit to their credit score.

The majority of couples register at a department store or mainstream store that most guests have access to. Of course you don’t want to deviate from the registry too much, but here’s an idea to make your gift a bit more personal than the rest. Purchase a kitchen item from the bride and groom’s registry but pair it up with matching newlywed aprons and an appropriate cookbook. For instance, if you buy a Kitchen-Aid, include a cookbook specifically for baking, or if you went with the Chinese wok that they just had to have, pair it up with an Asian cookbook. You’re buying them something they wanted, and you’re also showing that you put your own thought into the gift.

And what if you’re the lucky bride or groom, looking to make your wedding memorable and unique for your guests? One way to accomplish this is by giving your bridal party members customized and unique gifts. Many brides like to give jewelry to their bridesmaids, but instead of buying everyone the same piece of jewelry, think about the different styles and preferences of your girls. Personalizing jewelry doesn’t have to be expensive, it just requires a bit more time and thought. Include initials, or give each girl a uniquely shaped necklace. No matter what, you want each girl to know that you thought about her preferences!

What about the rest of your wedding guests? How can you make them remember your wedding above all others? This is where humour and creativity really come into play. Some weddings have included karaoke as a part of their music preferences. Some of the best karaoke moments come after a few glasses of champagne! Another option is to personalize your wedding cake; it’s always one of the main attractions at any wedding. Include your initials on the cake itself, and/or personalize the traditional wedding cake toppers with fun and unique wedding cake toppers!

Weddings are truly a special event for everyone involved, and we all want our role in that special day to be unique and memorable. Whether it’s thinking outside the box for a unique gift, providing custom bridal accessories, or making your cake a little funky and one-of-a-kind, have fun and enjoy the day!

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets can provide a vast array of food options for your wedding menu. From fresh fruit to locally grown vegetables and flowers, you could find that this option is a great one for adding some local flavour to your wedding as well as providing the opportunity to buy fresh and eco-friendly.

Go Local

You might choose locally grown foods and produce to help reduce environmental impact for several reasons. First off, these foods typically don’t have to be transported far in order to reach their sale destination, therefore reducing harmful effects from vehicle emissions. Secondly, you may be able to speak with or find out if the grower used any environmentally harmful pesticides in the production of the food.

Edible Flowers

Just about every wedding will somehow incorporate flowers into the ceremony at some point. For a unique and eco-friendly floral option, consider going with edible flowers on your wedding reception tables or upon plates when the food is served. Edible flowers can add a little something different to a wedding and can make for a subject of conversation among your guests. Such flowers also serve the necessary decorative function, and instead of being thrown out after the ceremony, they may be consumed.

Accessories

It’s more than just about food, when it comes to going green with your wedding menu. During your reception there are several other eco-friendly aspects to keep in mind. Try to avoid items like styrofoam, plastic cups or plates, and paper products in order to reduce waste. Instead, consider using cloth napkins, and real cutlery and dishware.

You may also want to consider candles, not only for setting the mood but also for reducing electricity consumption. And if you are serving drinks, ask to see if the bartenders, waiters, and waitresses will recycle glass and metal containers once they are empty.

These simple tips can help to keep your occasion memorable and make this day of days even more special by knowing that you did your part to keep your wedding menu eco-friendly.

Author’s Bio

Bobby manages a limo company in Houston that has been making wedding memories for over 13 years. He enjoys writing about the entire planning process – from choosing the right wedding limo to catering tips and everything in between.

Cherub Ice Sculptures

Cherubs are a timeless classic for weddings, and offer a number of options for a sculpture – choose two cherubs holding a banner or heart, or add musical instruments for a cute twist. You could even add some functionality to your cherub ice carving by adding an ice luge feature that can be used to dispense drinks at your reception.

Heart Ice Sculptures

Hearts are another classic, and can be as simple or elaborate as you like – choose a series of interlinked hearts for a breathtaking centerpiece on the bridal table, or choose smaller hearts for all tables. You could even position a giant heart or two at the entrance of your reception venue for a romantic touch.

Swan Sculptures

Swans are always an instant hit, and for good reason. Nothing could be more romantic than a pair of entwined swans. A striking swan sculpture made entirely of ice and positioned on the bridal table or at the entrance to your reception venue is sure to have your guests mesmerized.

Favourite Characters

If you have always secretly dreamed of a Beauty and the Beast themed wedding, or a Little Mermaid under the sea wedding, then a life-like ice sculpture of your favourite character will be the ultimate way to bring your dream wedding to life.

Bride and Groom’s Names

Keep it simple and choose a design that has your names sculpted in ice. This can be done in any shape or form – either as part of a design, or as cursive script as a centerpiece for the bridal table.

Functional Ice Sculptures

To add even more value to your sculpture, why not consider a functional piece – ice luges can be used to pour cocktails, while champagne or snacks can be served on layer platters made of ice. These can have decorative items, while still adding a practical element to these ice sculptures, making them the perfect option for a fun wedding reception.

Author Bio:

Joan Smith is a writer and event specialist at Ice Art, offering ice sculptures to suit any occasion. Choose from live ice carving to custom designed ice sculptures, wedding and party ice sculptures and more.