DIY CENTERPIECES

There's no denying it - making your own centerpieces can be a little tricky, but whether you like rustic floral vibes or metallic chic, there are a million combos you can create!

A great starting point is having a ton of glass vessels on hand, such as bottles, mason jars, mercury glass jars or votives - these will add structure and a place to perch those pretty blooms. Plus, you can use them at home after your event - try doing that with 20+ large vases!

Using frame wire and antique bottles, create a whimsical 'centerpiece' using any kinds of tall stem flowers. Tulips, daisies, roses, and dahlias work well!

Vintage books, brass taper holders, and florals in jars create a romantic and storybook feel.

If you prefer sleeker stylings, mercury glass with neutral florals is always a favorite! This kind of glassware can get rather pricy, so here's a DIY guide on making your own, via Always Order Dessert. 

1. Krylon Looking Glass mirror-like spray paint (I found this at Lee's Art Shop in NYC, stores like Pearl and some hardware shops will usually carry it. It's also available online. I used 3 cans for my 200 votives.)

2. Acrylic craft paint in shades of glossy black and metallic brown. You can use any brands, but I specifically used Apple Barrel Gloss Acrylic paint in Black and DecoArt Dazzling Metallics Elegant Finish paint in Rich Espresso. One small tube of each is fine and will go a long way. (I bought these at Michael's for less than 2 dollars each. They're also available online.)

3. Sea sponges. I bought two of these. Available at craft stores and in the bath section of drug and beauty supply stores. In a pinch, you can use a small piece of loofah. Don't use a regular kitchen sponge; you want the irregular natural pattern.

4. Clear glass votives, hurricanes, clean jam jars, or other objects of any size or shape. I used about 140 plain clear glass votives, and another 60 decorative ones with ridges. Both work equally well. (I got mine at Michael's, but also check online shops for bulk discounts if you're buying a lot.) 

You'll also need:
a dropcloth (I cut a trash bag open), a small dish of water, and a well-ventilated area. (I live in an apartment and it was the middle of winter so I just opened the windows wide, turned on a fan, and took copious breaks. Not recommended unless you want a fierce headache.)

Method
Step 1. Prepare your materials: Use scissors to cut a small piece of the sea sponge. Make sure that it is small enough to hold in your fingers and dab inside the votive. Squeeze about a tablespoon each of the black and brown paints onto a plastic plate. This will be your palate. 

Step 2. Dab the sponge lightly into the black and brown paint, and then blot gently inside and around the votive. Use a light hand, and only make a few spots in each. You don't want to coat the votive with paint, you just want to make a few smudges on the inside. Repeat with each of the votives and let dry for about 15 minutes.

Step 3. Shake the Looking Glass paint well and then, holding one of the votives in one hand, spray quickly and lightly INSIDE the votive. You will be doing a second coat so don't worry if it looks thin. Set the votive aside right side up (the same way you would place it on a table if you were using it), and let it dry. Some paint will pool on the inside bottom, but that's OK. Don't move it around too much to avoid streaks. Repeat with the rest of the votives, then let them all dry about 15 minutes. Repeat with a second coat of paint, then let them all dry overnight.

Step 4. If you'd like, you can add a 3rd coat of paint for a more silvered look.

Once the votives are completely dry, they're ready to use! I used these with real candles at my wedding, scattered along the dinner tables and on many other surfaces around the room. When the candle is lit, the flame gives the glass a warm antique glow. The same antiqued mercury glass effect for a mere fraction of the price!

NOTE: This technique also works well on clear glass vases to make gorgeous and inexpensive wedding centerpieces, but if you plan to fill with water, use another vessel or liner on the inside to hold the water as the paint is not waterproof. Note that this is also not food-safe, so you'll also need a liner if you want to use for a fruit bowl or other similar purpose. Once completely dry, it IS safe to use with real candles.

EASY ENTERTAINING: CHEESE PLATES

If you're expecting last-minute guests, nothing beats the ease and chicness of a wonderfully curated cheese plate. The right cheeses, good drinks...all you need is good company and a playlist, and you're set. We love these cheese-plating tips from Martha Stewart, and trust us, you will too.

Choose the right cheese.  Three different cheeses will provide enough variety for a cheese plate that serves six to eight people; add more choices if you'r ehosting a bigger party, and estimate about a pound of cheese (total) for every five guests. Aim for a variety of different tastes and textures. A helpful clue: Cheeses that look different usually taste different. For a good mix, try one fresh, smooth cheese such as a mild goat or mozzarella, and a buttery one with a soft, edible rind, like Brie or Camembert. Then add one or two semi-hard or hard chesses: Go for a milder one, like Gruyere or Manchego, or a dry, sharp variety, such as Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. If you like, swap one of these cheeses out for a blue cheese (creamy Roquefort or pungent Stilton both work).

Pick the vehicle.  For the most part,  we view crostini and crackers on a cheese plate as just a way to get cheese into your mouth. Set out some slices of crusty bread or baguette or, if you prefer something crisp, try water crackers, which are plain enough that they still let the cheese shine.

Make some sweet selections.  The natural sweetness in fruit complements the saltiness of cheese. Serve something fresh, like grapes or pear slices, or dried fruits, such as figs, prunes, and apricots.

Just add crunch.  A good cheese plate is about more than just taste -- texture plays an important role, too. Add nuts, crunchy apple slices, or crisp crackers for a crunchy texture that offsets rich, creamy cheeses.

Get a board.  You don't need a dedicated cheese board -- a clean wooden cutting board will work just fine. We like the rustic look of the sheesham wood board pictured above. Buy it here.

Consider timing.  Cheeses taste best at room temperature, so let them sit for an hour or so before serving (longer of large chunks or hard cheeses). That said, no one will complain if you forget and serve your wedges and wheels straight from the fridge -- it's still cheese afterall!

SUCCULENTS & GREENS

We might be a little biased here at Wild Greens, but we love the minimalistic succulent and greens trend right now! Whether your wedding is rustic, southwestern, boho or ethereal, you can incorporate greens into your floral scheme. 

If you're going to succulent route, you can actually make your centerpieces and 'bouquets' weeks in advance! As long as they get plenty of sunshine and a little water, they'll be good to go! 

Also, succulents and greenery tend to cost less than flowers, so while being very pretty to look at, it's also very cost-effective! Here, we've shared some of our favorite looks - from succulent bouquets, to cake toppers, to centerpieces, get inspired with this new green wave!

Did you/are you thinking about incorporating this trend into your wedding scheme? Leave a comment below - we'd love to hear!

COUNTRY FLORALS

Perhaps it's the uncomplicated approach, but we've always had a soft spot for wedding florals with a rustic vibe. Simple colors in a beige, pale pink, sage green, and vanilla palette with an emphasis on different textures - what's not to love? There's also the shabby chic element with mixed and matched glassware, aged wood treatments, bits of old ribbon and metals with beautiful patinas. 

Whether your wedding is in a field or indoors, what sort of florals are you incorporating? Try to steer away from run-of-the-mill roses and lilies, and try peonies, dogwood, sage, lavender, greens like eucalyptus, even wildflowers. You're guaranteed to get a look that's just as unique as you are!

Images via Pinterest.