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Plan Ahead: 14 DIY Fall and Winter Wedding Centerpieces

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Spring and summer are the two biggest seasons for weddings. My sister just got married about three weeks ago, so I know how much planning she had to do in an abnormal amount of time in advance, just to make sure she got everything done before the rush for all the other summer weddings went through. Her maid of honor had the bachelorette party planned and booked about three months ahead, all without a wedding guide or planner. Summer in Missouri is relatively safe weather wise, except for this year when the entire Midwest is practically drowning. Luckily, it was a humid, sunny day, so the worst that happened was that our heels would sink into the mud. We had no problem finding colors and wedding crafts for the summer, but that got me thinking. If most wedding dates are in the spring and summer, what about those fall and winter weddings?

DIY Fall and Winter Wedding Centerpieces

Wedding Centerpieces

It kind of breaks my heart because I would love to have a fall wedding and they seem so under-appreciated. It’s a little cooler outside, so the guys aren’t dying in their tux’s. If you choose to wear satin, then you won’t be suffocating either. If you choose real flowers for pretty bouquets, then they won’t wilt as fast from the heat, and color schemes are a lot more versatile. A huge theme is doing a palette of colors. For instance, I would like to have gray bridesmaid dresses, but have slate blue, lavender, plum, and white throughout all of my DIY decorations. It really is much cheaper to make the little items all by yourself. If you get ahead (like the moment you get engaged), and plan out the items that you are going to craft, it saves a heap. Not to mention the swap and shops that are all over Facebook. That’s how my sister got all of her table decorations! Glass vases from swap and shop, fake flowers from a bulk website (these were the first craft done), and silver ribbon on clearance at my local craft store.

Anyway, I feel like the fall and winter weddings need a little love. They’re just such beautiful seasons of the year. These are some inspiring DIY wedding ideas for the guest tables and the head table. Obviously you can tailor them to your theme and your colors, but I think these wedding centerpieces are just to die for.

Fall

Lace and Burlap Mason JarLace and Burlap Mason Jar

 

 

 

Citrus Mason JarsCheerful Citrus and Burlap Mason Jars

 

 

 

TealightsSublime Autumn Tealights Centerpiece

 

 

 

Succulent CenterpieceVibrant Fall Harvest Succulent Centerpiece

 

 

 

Floating FlowersRomantic Floating Cherry Blossom Centerpieces

 

 

 

Woodland Nymph DIY CandlesWoodland Nymph DIY Candle Holders

 

 

 

Birch DIY CandleBeautiful Birch DIY Candle Holders

 

 

 

 

Winter

Frosted Pine Cone JarFrosted Pinecone Mason Jar Lights

 

 

 

Simple Winter CandlesElegant Winter Wedding Candles

 

 

 

Winter TreesFaux Bark Winter Wedding Centerpiece

 

 

 

Wedding TreeRustic Winter Wonderland

 

 

 

Winter Head TableDazzling Winter Wedding Foliage Table Garland

 

 

 

Winter Wedding BouquetRich Marsala Winter Wedding

 

 

 

Gold VasesDIY Gorgeous in Gold Striped Vases

 

What was your favorite part of your own wedding? Or for my unmarried “homies,” when do you want to have your wedding?

The Great Gatsby Wedding of Dreams

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great-gatsby-wedding

I attended a New Years’ Eve wedding, which was pretty much heaven on Earth. Everything about it was perfect, and the Great Gatsby theme only lent itself to the absolute perfection. I loved that the theme wasn’t in your face, but it was subtly tied in throughout the day. The Art Deco/Great Gatsby wedding theme was ideal for New Years with the rich gold color mixed beautifully with black, white, and tons of sparkle.

When I walked in the reception room, my jaw literally dropped. The draping from the ceiling was exquisite, and the addition of the chandeliers just put it over the edge. The bride, my roommate from college, looked spectacularly classic with a modern twist. She literally exuded “princess.”

Consistent with current wedding trends, there were a few different centerpieces which alternated throughout the room.  All classy, all with a 1920s-feel, and all gorgeous. The head table was a fun, long curved table adorned with the most beautiful candelabras. The chairs at the head table also had a little something extra with a simple but stunning black ribbon. Restricting this to the head table is a fantastic way to add a fun touch while keeping yourself on budget.

They made the most of the winter weather taking romantic photos in the snow. The bride and bridesmaids all sported darling fur coats to get the photos. It was truly a winter wonderland wedding.

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I absolutely adore the reflection in this photo.

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Gorgeous Art Deco-inspired heels worn by the bride, subtly but perfectly in line with the theme.

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These photos of the bridal party crack me up. They’re so “Mad Men” meets “Great Gatsby.”

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Such a pretty and simple way to distinguish the chairs at the head table.

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Heavenly.

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Thanks to the low lighting and hundreds of candles, the entire room felt like it was lit by candlelight which was so romantic.

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I love the detail in this centerpiece: the gold-sequined fabric, black and white marbles, and the beading on the box.

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This floating candle and calla lily look is a huge wedding trend as of late. It looked delicate and charming.

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The room was literally draped in crystals.

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Surrounding the dance floor were these lounge-like low chairs with appropriately sparkly pillows. A lovely way to be in on the action without feeling pressure to dance.

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The lighting made for the best photos.

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The bride and her father danced to “Brown Eyed Girl,” which was adorable. It really alleviated any pressure for them.

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The crafty bride made these adorable DIY headbands for all of the female guests. They were all adorned with feathers, beads, and flowers, perfectly complementing the theme and adding a fun layer to the evening.

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I loved the baby’s breath and candles surrounding the beautiful cake.

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There was a midnight toast. A perfect end to a perfect wedding.

Planning a Winter Wedding? 5 Tips for Making the Most of the Holiday Season

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Planning a Winter WeddingFor brides with November 2014-February 2015 dates, winter 2013 brides needing last-minute ideas, and dreamers who love looking at wedding ideas, here are five tips to make your winter wedding a wonderland. Despite the affinity for summer weddings, I find a certain dreaminess in snowfall, hot chocolate, and cuddling. The romanticism of winter provides the perfect backdrop for a happily ever after; these ideas will fill in the foreground. Wedding planner Beverly Farrell shares how to make your frosted fantasy come to life:

Romantic sleigh rides, snuggling by a roaring fire, sipping mulled cider — there’s something magical about the holidays, making them an extra special time to get married. According to the TheWeddingReport.com, nearly 10 percent of weddings took place in the winter months of 2010. If you’re planning on tying the knot during the holiday season, these five tips will help make your winter wedding truly the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Consider Mother Nature to be your guest of honor

Winter Wedding DecorIf you don’t take Mother Nature into consideration as you’re planning your wedding, she can end up being the worst possible kind of wedding crasher. Make sure you have a contingency plan for inclement weather including an indoor venue with ample heating. Keep in mind some guests may not be able to attend due to inclement weather. In that case, using an app such as Ustream allows you to stream your wedding live online so family and friends can still watch the ceremony.

2. Embrace the spirit of the season

You can save quite a bit of money on decorations if you’re willing to go with the holiday flow. Churches and other popular venues such as hotels and convention centers are usually already decked out in their holiday finest. However, if you’re trying to avoid Christmas cliches, event planner Matthew Robbins suggests combining classic ivory or elegant white with metallic tones such as pewter, copper or antique gold. Don’t forget to add plenty of candlelight!

3. Take advantage of Cyber Monday deals

“Cyber Monday” and “wedding planning” are not normally two phrases found anywhere near each other. However, Macy’s and other high-end department stores offer unique promotions that can help you cross certain items off your wedding shopping list, such as your going away outfit and accessories or jewelry to complement your wedding finery. The best part is you can visit their site to get deep discounts without setting foot outside your home or fighting against crowds.

4. Ask for vendor discounts

Because winter is considered an off season for many wedding vendors such as photographers, videographers, caterers and DJs, ask for discounts. You may be surprised at just how much you can save. The one exception to this rule is florists. Most traditional wedding flowers are out of season, so if you’re not happy with holly, poinsettias, or a lot of evergreen, you may wind up paying higher prices than you would during spring or summer.

5. Play with your food

Holiday weddings are the best time to get really creative and have fun with your food. Warming food and beverages are perfect for warding off cold temps. Try some of these festive ideas for your reception:

  • A hot chocolate bar. Provide a variety of fun toppings and garnishes such as marshmallows, crushed peppermint candy or chocolate shavings.
  • A s’mores bar. Small fuel cans (the kind caterers use) are perfect for roasting marshmallows. Just add chocolate and graham cracker squares.
  • Mini comfort food. Stick-to-your-ribs foods such as homemade mac and cheese or meatloaf are tasty comfort foods that tend to lie in your stomach like lead. However, downsize these familiar faves into bite-size pieces for the perfect cold weather appetizer. Give desserts the same treatment with mini pumpkin and pecan pies.

Beverly Farrell is a party planner for weddings and events. She started her own business in a cabin in the woods.

For more winter wedding inspiration, check out 19 DIY Ideas for a winter wedding.

In what season is/was your wedding? If you’re not there yet, in what season would you like your wedding to be?

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