Sure, flowers are gorgeous, but they’re not the only way you can dress up your reception tables. Check out these inexpensive centerpiece ideas:
Branches – Arrange branches in a glass vase. Willow branches are ideal. Keep natural or spray silver or gold.
Potted Herbs – Place potted rosemary, lavender or thyme in pretty pots. Decorate pots with ribbon or paint pots to match wedding colors. This is a wonderful eco-friendly wedding idea.
Wheat – Earthy and beautiful. Wheat will look good with any color combination.
Fruit – For a summer outdoor reception, arrange lemons, limes, or clementines in a glass vase. For an autumn wedding use apples, pears (gilded pears look gorgeous) or gourds. For a winter wedding, use pomegranates or cranberries. Easy and inexpensive!
Illuminarias or Paper Lanterns -Use illuminarias or paper lanterns that match your wedding colors. Place several at each table.
Chocolate – Create an edible topiary with chocolate truffles. Give away the centerpieces to your guests at the end of the wedding reception.
Photos #1 illustration: (L-R) Branches, MarthaStewart.com; Wheat, MarthaStewart.com; Rosemary Tree, 1800Flowers.com; Potted Herbs, MarthaStewart.com
Photos #2 illustration: (L-R) Gilded Pear, FoodChannel.com; Lime Centerpiece, RealGreenWeddings.com; Lanterns, MarthaStewart.com, Chocolate Truffle Topiary, Betty Crocker.com.

how pretty! i love the herbs and the luminaries. i am currently somewhat obsessed with the use of herbs instead of flowers for centerpieces. it's a lovely favour or you can plant them afterwards for a lovely wedding memory garden. same goes for succulents. it's also a pretty recession friendly option for those who are needing to tighten their belts without sacrificing style.
I love herbs as an accent in wedding bouquets as well. I will hunt for pics.
An excellent post! I think Brides freak out when their Reception table centerpieces don't look 'full' enough. Flowers can break a budget in a flash. Personally, I love the fruit.
I vote for HERBS! They smell wonderful! We have seen an explosion of innovation in centerpieces via a DIY approach due to the economy and it has been interesting to see the couples come up with great ideas!
i had lot of spcial foods in my wedding and special drinks too, "Cupido Drink" as soft drink, "marchesi di Barolo" as wine, "don perignon" as champagne, and italian "illy coffe", i had also some bottle of "Akita Homare"
sake because even if i selected between french and italian best drinks, but for food i decided upon japanese cuisine! very easy as finger food.