The water, the rocks, the trees, the (hopefully) sunshine—what’s better than a relaxed wedding at the cottage? Use these ideas for centrepieces that truly reflect your cottage’s laid-back, natural vibe.
Wildflowers and birch bark
Spring flowers arranged in a wrapping of birch bark—chances are, you can find most of the ingredients for this pretty centrepiece in your back yard. Settle them in a mason jar and you’re set.
Log trivet
Use a two-inch round cut from a log as a natural base for recycled jars with wildflowers (add food colouring to the water if you’re ambitious), shells, or even potted plants. You can also cut smaller rounds and paint table numbers on them for table markers.
Beachy vases
Stop by the dollar store for some inexpensive glass vases, and fill them with interesting finds from the beach. No beach? Twigs, leaves or candles work, too.
Twig-wrapped upcycled coffee can
Take a coffee can, some sticks, and some burlap, add some wildflowers— voila! Instant centrepiece. Instructions: www.factorydirectcraft.com
Paper flowers
Don’t want to schlep fragile fresh flowers to the cottage? These pretty paper flowers make a lovely centrepiece in a dollar-store vase or mason jar filled with river rocks. Instructions: www.makinghousesbeautiful.wordpress.com.
Log tealight holder
You probably have a stump lying around the cottage somewhere. A paddle bit and a drill turns that old stump into a simple, elegant candleholder. Instructions: www.twoityourself.com.
Aluminum bucket
Add an old-fashioned vibe with aged aluminum buckets. Small ones can work as a flower girl’s basket as well.
Rope-wrapped can or vase
Hot glue and a length of natural-fibre rope give tin cans a nautical feel—perfect for dockside weddings.
Decoupage pumpkin
For a flowerless autumn centrepiece idea, try painting and decoupaging pumpkins or squash. Instructions: www.pocketfulofdreams.co.uk.
Burlap bows
Burlap is the perfect rough-but-elegant material for a cottage or rustic wedding. Use these easy, versatile bows to surround a candle or vase as part of a centrepiece, or use them to decorate the front door, chairs for the ceremony, or the pillars of your huppah. Instructions: www.thistlewoodfarms.com.
Mason jar luminary
Mason jars are so easy to find, especially in cottage country! Add some romantic lace, rustic burlap, and 30 minutes if your time, and you’ve got lovely candle holders. Instructions: adventuresofamiddlesister.blogspot.ca
Antique crate
Nestle your flowers in weathered wooden boxes for a “cottage country general store” feeling. Old tool crates work well, too.
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