Centerpiece Ideas under $20 each

Centerpieces are typically a major accent of a reception, gala or party. Centerpieces add to the ambiance and provide personality to an event. In today's market, centerpieces can be quite pricey ranging from $50 to $1,000 each. However, you do not have to break the bank to have beautiful centerpieces. Here are several centerpiece ideas that can give your event the look you want and save you $$$ as well:

1. Candles, Candles Candles: Nothing sets a romantic mood quite the way candles do. They add a tranquil and romantic ambiance to an event. They are also easy to use and come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes such as floating candles and tea lights. To make them more visually appealing, add mirrors, glass, petals, and colored water to the arrangement. More importantly candles are inexpensive to purchase and can be found anywhere. Use a set of candles to spice up your tables for your next event.

2. Silk flowers vs. Fresh Flowers: Typically when people think of centerpieces they automatically think of an arrangement of fresh flowers. Silk flowers, however, have made a huge comeback in a very big way. Nowadays, silk flowers look and feel as authentic and appealing as fresh flowers. More importantly, silk florals are less expensive as fresh and can be manipulated in many different ways. Try an arrangement of silk flowers to get the same look as fresh with less costs.

3. Downgrade the Fresh flowers: If you are truly committed to purchasing fresh flowers, there are a few tricks to help reduce the costs. You can use a smaller amount in each arrangement. This means less flowers you have to purchase. Also try to use less expensive flowers. Tulips and coronations tend to be less expensive than roses. You may also notice that you can find better buys from warehouse stores such as Costco verses a florist.

4. Use your Creativity: Centerpieces do not always have to be in the form of flowers or candles. Think about ways that you can incorporate your theme in your centerpieces. For example, if you are having your event at a winery you may want to make a display of a nice bottle of wine, grapes and a cork screw for each table. If you are having an event in the fall you may want to use fall colored leaves, a pumpkin and/or pine cones for your arrangement. Tropical fish, coffee beans and Tiffany's boxes are also making huge statements as centerpieces nowadays.

You can get the look you want without breaking the bank. Do some research and find what works for you and your event.