DIY: Practically FREE Centerpieces and Table Numbers

My lovely DIY centerpiece and table number. (Brooke Mattingly Photography)

Hey guys! Welcome back! I knew that a DIY post would get you all excited - especially when you can create something practically for free! I received compliments about many components of the wedding, but the centerpieces received a plethora of attention and love! They were so rustic, thus adding character, but also so elegant, which really set the atmosphere. Keep reading to find out the supplies and cost to make wooden lanterns and clear table numbers with a wooden base!

Lanterns of a decent size are so expensive to purchase, and they typically start at at least $10 each. With 16 tables, that would have been at least $160 for only the lanterns. I knew that I could draw and draft up a simple wooden lantern to DIY at home! First of all, I have to say that Mr. Andrew made the lanterns for Brad and I. We could have made them ourselves, but with 10,000 things to do before the wedding, we were not afraid to ask for help. Always ask for help if you need it, and remember, it takes a village, people. Regardless, he made the lanterns out of a gorgeous poplar wood. They measure 12" high by roughly 7" wide. (We made 16 at those measurements

Super similar plans found at The Home Depot Blog!

for my 16 tables, but also made two 18" lanterns and two 24" lanterns to add height in certain areas.) I did not want the lanterns to have any glass sides because I love the open look, plus I did not want to transport 20 lanterns full of glass to and from the wedding. (Work smarter, not harder. Right?) After he built the lanterns, (keep in mind that he used a nail gun to attach the pieces together), he stained them a beautiful hickory color. I went to the Dollar Tree and purchased enough of their ivory flameless candles, so that one could sit perfectly in the middle of each lantern.

LED Flameless Candle from the Dollar Tree

Fast forward to the wedding, Brad's beautiful sister Brooke, as well as some other friends and family, helped set up the centerpieces. They took some eucalyptus and even some babies breath and also placed them in/around the lanterns. I have to say that when the sun started to fade away, I looked over at the tables for the first time and saw all of the soft candle light glowing, and I was in awe. Mr. Andrew already had all of the wood laying around, so the lanterns were free. The stain cost about $8 and the 20-Dollar Tree candles of course cost $20.

GRAND TOTAL - 20 Lanterns with Candles: $28.00

Next, I knew I wanted unique table numbers that also went hand and hand with the lanterns. I've never seen clear acrylic table numbers at a wedding, but Pinterest never disappoints! However, everywhere I looked, I would have spent $200-400 on only 16 table numbers! Between Etsy, having my own plexiglass cut, etc, it was all way too expensive. Finally, I thought of purchasing those clear little 5" x 7" self standing frames from the Dollar Tree, and then cutting the basses and backside off with a table saw. The saw cut through PERFECTLY! (Although, please keep in mind that if you plan on following my steps, be careful because the saw makes the acrylic extremely hot!) Mr. Andrew also made the bases out of the same poplar wood that was used for the lanterns, (so the bases were free). They were made at 4" long, and each have a little sawed slit in them to hold the acrylic. They were of course stained to match.

Clear 5" x 7" Frame from the Dollar Tree

This next bit requires some technology! I own a Cricut, so I was able to design and cut my table number decals. If you do not own a Cricut or Silhouette, they are a great investment during wedding planning! If you prefer to not purchase one, I would be willing to bet that one of your friends or family members own one! Anyway, I decided to spell out my table numbers instead of using numerical digits. I used a beautiful script font with tails, and they turned out gorgeous. The vinyl I used was white Oracle 651, and I used about $2 worth.

GRAND TOTAL - 16 Table Numbers: $18.00

Clear arylic table numbers made out of the Dollar Tree clear frames! (Brooke Mattingly Photography)

As you can see, for $46, I was able to create what were in my opinion, beautiful centerpieces and table numbers. Seeing them at night with the candles lit made such an already magical day feel even more so. In the end, they were not free, but in the scheme of things, they practically were! It sure beats the minimum of $160 that I would have spent on the pre-made lanterns alone! If you're hoping to create these lanterns for your own wedding or event, please feel free to message me with any questions! I would love to see how you create and accessorize them, putting your own spin on them! Regardless of what centerpieces you decide to buy, borrow or DIY, it'll be perfect because it's what you chose! Thank you all for reading, and I'll see you back on the blog next week!

xoxo

Gabby