Foregoing Centerpieces?

amazingasian · August 2014

While trying to keeps costs down, and practicality high, I was considering foregoing centerpieces, in favor of trays of cheese, meat, and crackers. They would be arranged on silver trays (I am a culinary student, so there will be some garnish to it), and accented with a few candles or bud vases here or there. Our table numbers would be present, which are metal baroque frames with chalkboard on the "picture" side. It is an indoor venue, for about 90 people. We are going for a "Vibrant" vintage theme, with royal blue and orange to liven things up. Would this clash, or be considered tacky?

Lauderdale Pink · August 2014

It does not sound tacky but it might look a bit sparse. Centerpieces don't have to be expensive. Dollar Tree has tons of great vases, and if you look on Pinterest, you'll find thousands of ways to embellish them, at very minimal cost. My favorite is glitter and modpodge. Flowers don't have to be professionally arranged. Hydrangeas are a novices best friend and can often be had for 5.00 per stem, and one or two are enough per vase, with baby's breath as a very pretty, inexpensive filler. Dollar Tree also has really pretty tea light holders, some look like small wine glasses with stems.

Liatris2010 · August 2014

I would rather have a cheese tray than a centerpiece in front of me!

Centerpieces aren't necessary, it is fine to skip them.

southernbelle0915 · August 2014

I don't think it's tacky. Centerpieces aren't going to make or break your wedding. But, depending on the size of the tray, I agree with PP it has the potential to look a little sparse. You should also think about what it's going to look like when all the neatly arranged food and garnishes are gone. I'm assuming someone will clear the tray. What then?

Will you have place settings? If so, consider flashy chargers (check out the TK classifieds or your local craigslist.

Another cheap space filler are petals you could sprinkle around the tray. Toss in some votives/tealights and I think you'll fill the space well enough.

Another suggestion would be to buy mini vases at the dollar store and have little flower arrangements in the center of each tray. When the tray gets cleared, you'll still have something that can be left as a place holder at the table.

I'm assuming the centerpiece is for consumption, so make sure you have appetizer places and serving utensils at each table.

emmyg65 · August 2014

You are doing centerpieces—cheese trays! Which, yeah, is the best centerpiece idea ever. Who cares if it looks sparse? Carry on.

wrigleyville · August 2014

I'd rather have cheese in front of me than a vase full of flowers.

Once the trays are removed, the candles and such can go to the middle of the table to make room for dinner.

climbingsingle · August 2014

CHEESE!

I love this idea. I'd much rather have a cheese tray than a regular boring centerpiece.

amazingasian · August 2014

Thanks so much for your responses! I'm glad that you guys enjoy the idea. ;D Cheese makes everything better haha. But I will definitely look to putting something in the center of the tray, either a candle or vase, so that once the food is gone, it won't look so empty. Perhaps I'll use food safe rose petals instead of leafy greens as a garnish.

Thanks again!

atlastmrsg · August 2014

Recently, I went to a nice benefit ($250 a plate) and they decided to forego centerpieces and used an appetizer display. It was a nice thing to snack on during the auctions before dinner began. Here's what it looked like (the pineapple had a stake in it with the table number):

Sorry it's coming up sideways from my phone, but you get the idea.

beethery · August 2014

Anything with cheese is a good move to make.

tammym1001 · August 2014

I think that having appetizer trays on the table is a great idea. Be careful with putting candles around it. If I have to reach over a candle to get some cheese cubes I'm going to be that clutz that catches myself on fire at your wedding.

cafarrie · August 2014

I would SO much rather have food on my table than a ton of useless (although usually very pretty) decroations

amazingasian · August 2014

Thank you so much for the help!

chibiyui · August 2014

I think this is a fucking brilliant idea. Rock on.

Moiramab · September 2014

Late to the party here, but please please when you have a mock up/after the wedding can you post pics

The idea of food-as-centerpiece as been floating around in my head, especially if it's cocktail hour type appetizers and nibbles, and I'd love to see it in action

Maggie0829 · September 2014

The only thing to keep in mind when you have food as your "centerpiece" is that once the food has been eaten you will have a mostly empty plate now serving as your "centerpiece." If you are okay with this or okay having a blank space if your waitstaff takes the plate away then cool beans.