I'm back! And a How-To: Ridiculously Easy Centerpieces

Apparently grad school takes just a little more time during the semester than I anticipated. Hopefully next semester will find me in better command of my time... but I'm back for the winter break with a lovely easy how-to to share. More updates to come, if I'm not too busy visiting more venues!

Centerpieces add that little decorated "touch" to every table in a reception. But most of the time your guests probably won't remember what was there -- what's a money-savvy bride to do? Spend as little as possible, of course!

Look out for good sales, thrift stores, and places you can buy "off" merchandise, in bulk, at lower prices. There are a number of stores that sell items that can be used very easily for centerpieces and other venue decoration. Check with your venue to see what is and isn't allowed; lit candles, confetti, and glitter are among the common banned items, and you don't want to get your heart set on something only to find it's disallowed!

These particular centerpieces are all variations on a theme, using glass vases as the base. For many of them, other pieces of pottery or colored glass works well too; if you want to, experiment by buying just one and playing around with items, colors, and shapes. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can do easily and for very little money.

Variation 1: Sweet Treats

Items needed:
*One large or several smaller glass vases per table
*Small wrapped candies such as Hershey's Kisses

Fill the glass vase(s) with the candy. If you can find candy in your wedding colors, this works particularly well. The best part? This can serve as favors and/or a substitute for the currently-popular "candy bar"! For an added pretty touch, layer a few different colors (or alternate two) like a parfait.

I told you these were easy!

Variation 2: Layered Beauties

Items needed:
*One large or several smaller glass vases per table
*Clear and colored glass "drops" (round, flat-bottomed glass pieces used in crafting) or other colored craft material like sand or glass pebbles

When I was younger, I used to get those craft kits that have colored sand that you layer in a bottle and save for decoration. These work on the same principle. Simply pour in the material you have in the order you like (possible combination: clear, one wedding color, clear, another wedding color, then repeat). You can vary the thickness of the layers too. Experiment until you find a combination that works for you.

Variation 3: Bridesmaids' Specials

I got this idea from a website, but for the life of me I can't remember which one. It's definitely a great option, though. This works best if you have a number of bridesmaids and not too many tables.

Items needed:
*Glass flower vases, one per table
*Bridesmaids' bouquets (after the ceremony, of course!)

Set up the vases on each of the tables you want decorated. After the ceremony, have your bridesmaids either put their whole bouquets in the vases, or break them up into smaller bunches for each table. If you want, you can have a bit of water in the vases to keep them fresher through the rest of the reception.

Variation 4: Hurricane Lamp -- Well, Sort Of

Items needed:
*One large glass vase per table
*Neutral or wedding-color sand
*Several tea lights or one larger candle, in a complementary or matching color

Pour the sand until it fills the vase to a nice height -- depending on the shape of the vase, 1/3 to 1/2 full or more will work. Firmly plant the tea lights or candle into the sand, making sure the flame will be protected by the vase. Done correctly, this should work in a similar manner to a hurricane lamp, but won't be as pricey.

I'm sure there are tons of other variations: use your imagination! Look for later updates on other ridiculously easy centerpieces using other kinds of bases. The possibilities are endless!

And as always, good luck. I'll be scouting out more venue possibilities, and my DF and I want to choose one by the end of the break (end of December). Should be fun :)

How-Tos: Simple Vellum Overlay Invitations

Vellum overlays add a beautiful touch to invitations, from the more traditional to to the modern. Although it looks expensive, 8.5"x11" vellum can be bought at paper-supply stores relatively cheaply. Just make sure you get thin vellum that can be fed through your printer.

Items needed:
* Printed sheet of background graphic of your choice
* 8.5"x11" sheet of vellum
* Cardstock or thick paper
* Length of ribbon to match background graphic
* Scissors or craft knife and straightedge
* Gluestick and/or double-sided tape
* Word-processing or graphic creation software and printer

1. Create your invitation wording on the word-processing software. If possible, save as an image so you can double up and print two per sheet of vellum. I created a box centered on the text so I knew where to trim the excess; it makes cutting the overlay easier. Print it carefully onto the vellum, one sheet at a time. Make sure you don't touch the ink so it has a chance to dry.

2. If you're trying to decide between several different graphic backgrounds, check to see how each looks underneath the invitation wording. You want to be able to read the invitation while still being able to tell what the image is.


3. Cut the cardstock or thick paper to your final invitation size. A good rule of thumb is about 5"x7", and it's better to trim it by about a quarter of an inch or so to ensure it fits into a standard-size envelope. If you want custom size invitations, remember that you'll have to find (or make) custom envelopes, and in some cases (like square invitations) you may need to pay extra postage.

4. Cut the background graphic. In the example I cut it to the same size as the cardstock; however, you may decide that you want to have the cardstock color showing with a smaller graphic.

5. Cut the vellum to size. It's best if the vellum is the same size as the cardstock. Arrange the pieces until you find an eye-pleasing combination. Carefully attach the graphic to the cardstock with a gluestick or double-sided tape (regular white glue will warp the cardstock).

6. Using a tiny dab of glue or a small piece of the double-sided tape on the top center - where the ribbon will be tied - place the vellum overlay to "anchor" it. Cut holes for the ribbon with a craft knife, or use a hole punch, making sure everything still lines up.

7. Thread the ribbon through the holes and tie into a neat bow on the front. Cut the ends if necessary; if they show, cut them diagonally for a nice finish.