centerpieces for beach wedding

kelly1017

I need help with centerpices for my September 24, 2010 beach wedding in Long Beach Island(The Stateroom).  My fiance and I do not want to have flowers as our centerpieces and I'm not sure what else I can use instead of flowers to make the tables look nice. We don't want to spend a ton of money. Our tables are oval and the reception site is elegant + tropical. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!    

lynee397

What about candles and shells?  My friend is also having a beach themed wedding and she is taking mason jars and putting sand in it and a white candle.  She is also filling up jars with multi colored shells.  The knot as well as the internet have lots of ideas for beach wedding that don't include flowers. 

kimikins79

Hi Kelly, it's Kimmy!  I think vases filled with sand and shells would look great with the theme. maybe filled with blueish colored water with a floating candle on top.

miguelhilary2010

I was planning to do three cylindar vases (of varying heights) with floating orchids and candles, surrounded  by tealight candles.  Very simple but classy and romantic.

sbf2

I think doing lot of candles in different heights is a great idea. I'm having a 'beach' wedding too, but I think too many shells in a centerpiece may take away from that elegant style you are going for....just my opinion. You could also buy plants, like topiaries or potted orchids if you don't want to be wasteful. We got some beautiful hibiscus topiaries that would be the perfect size from Home Depot last summer for $15 each, and they lasted till the first frost flowering consistently.

miguelhilary2010

A friend of mine did large potted orchids for a Cape May wedding.

D&J1202

I didn't wan't flowers either. I used huricane vases in 3 different heights and had one on each table with rose petals sprinkled about on the table. I put some red fish gravel of all things and a floating candle sort of pushed into the gravel. There is so much you can do. You could use colored water and a floating candle and sprinkle small shells on the table. Or put a couple of start fish together at the base. Beach weddings are so much fun! I have the vases for sale in a post a few days ago, it looked really elegant and simple. I think less is more. GL and have fun!

chica368

does anyone have pics of some of these ideas? I'm terrible without a visual. thanks

akmackay

This is my inspiration picture- I'm doing regular hurricane vases, filling with some sand, shells and a pillar candle. Around the sides I have 2 of the blue votive holders w/tealight candles and sea glass spread around. I bought everything from Michaels (thank you 50% and 40% coupons) and Crate & Barrel (huge clearance on the blue votive holders) and it all came to less than $15 per centerpiece, probably closer to $12. Just give yourself time and you can find great deals.

lmparlett

Geez Kelly,
seems like you and I are having a lot in common!  : )

I am also doing a beach wedding and was given this idea by a friend... which I love and am going to use.

Lanterns from IKEA, pretty and cheap...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10156109

filled with small shells on the bottom and a turquoise candle (my color).

I am also going to surround the outside with starfish, sandollars and small white shells on the table.

reds61964

I too will be having a beach wedding, but this is the second marriage for my fiance and I (I'm widowed) so it will be less formal than my first.  I've been visiting the Christmas Tree Shop and buying various things to make our own centerpieces.  Bottom line is there will be a hurricane vase with colored sand, shells and a candle, other smaller votives, a fish bowl with beta fish in our colors (blue/green), and a small blue vase which will hold various white flowers with green raffia ribbon.  We're using 12 foot rectangular tables to give it more of a 'family-style' feast atmosphere.  Around these items will be some scattered shells.

This is your wedding...and as this site and any bridal magazine says, you don't have to conform to a certain style or pattern.  Do what you want...it's your day and it should reflect your personalities even down to your centerpieces!