Classy table centrepieces made by florists and venue designers can be costly, yet without them it would seem as if a major element is lacking in your reception décor. You can definitely save a lot of money if you make our own centrepieces—all it takes is a few minutes online and perhaps a quick trip to get supplies. Here’s a quick tip: use vouchers or discount codes for places like Serenata Flowers whenever you buy online, because doing so will surely give you lots of savings.

Here we have some easy-to-do ideas on creating cheaper centrepieces that in no way look cheap.

Look for design pegs.

The centrepieces you’ll be making should complement your chosen motif or theme. If you haven’t thought of a design for your centrepieces yet, simply go online and browse through wedding DIY sites, florist portfolios, and/or online wedding magazines for some great ideas to get you started.

Think of alternatives.

Once you have narrowed down your design pegs to two or three, the next step is to think of how you can achieve the same look using cheaper materials. For instance, if your design peg makes use of long-necked crystal vases, you can swap these out with empty wine bottles. Instead of gold-gilded picture frames, you can spray-paint old photo frames instead. You can also substitute costly varieties of flowers for less expensive blooms that also look classy, beautiful, and elegant.

Scour thrift shops for cheap, unique finds.

Thrift shops are a treasure trove of things you can use for centrepieces, especially if you’re keen on making each and every piece unique. Vases, old picture frames, vintage hardbound books, wooden boxes, small wicker baskets, bolts of lace, lanterns, cups and saucers, decorative plates, and other items are just some of the things you can find in thrift shops and flea markets that you can use in your centrepieces. Working with a limited budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style, so get creative!

Make centrepieces dual-purpose.

Did you know you can combine your centrepieces with your thank-you gifts for guests? This will save you a lot of money because you’ll only need to spend once to achieve both: having classy centrepieces and making sure your guests have something they can take home. Here are some great, cheap ideas for making centrepieces:

• Using small potted plants (such as succulents) and herbs
• Using bowls of fruit (use clear bowls or plain white bowls to make the colours pop)
• Stacking used books wrapped with ribbons (vintage hardbound books are the best for that hint of nostalgia)
• Arranging paper flowers (there are some great tutorials online about making flowers from crepe paper)

Keep it simple.

Sometimes simple is the way to go to achieve an elegant look for your wedding centrepieces. Event designers recommend using plain, unscented votive candles for a romantic, classy feel. Lighted candles can give your wedding reception a warm and inviting glow, making your guests feel welcomed and relaxed. There are many things you can do with candles, such as making them float in a bowl half-filled with water, or putting them in lanterns you can find in thrift shops or garden centres. Keeping things simple by using tasteful centrepiece elements will give your reception tables a classy, elegant look without the high cost.