One of the most important parts of planning any wedding reception is determining the type of wedding centerpieces that will be displayed  on the wedding tables for the assembled guests. Wedding centerpieces are used to decorate and bring attention to wedding reception tables and play probably the most important aesthetic role in every wedding. This centerpiece is typically the focal point of each table at the reception and is something that guests will remember not only during the dinner but long after the wedding is over. That's why so many couples strive to get it right.

Unfortunately, for those that need everything spelled out in black and white, there are really no hard and fast rules about choosing wedding centerpieces. But there are informal guidelines and suggestions that have been followed through the years.

The theme of a wedding centerpiece is not created in a vacuum. Ideally it should reflect the them of the wedding as a whole. But it should also be fun. The sheer number of themes and wedding centerpiece ideas available are virtually unlimited, making it difficult to choose just one.

But, the first major choice you'll have to make regarding centerpieces is to decide the basic style and theme that you want. What is it that you want the centerpieces to accomplish? What mood are you trying to convey? Should the wedding centerpieces simply be something beautiful to look at, or should it involve the other senses as well? Do you want to invoke traditional or contemporary, elaborate or simple, fun or serious? These are the things you'll have to think about and make a decision on. Whichever style you decide on will end of setting the overall mood of the reception.

You'll need to have a centerpiece for each table arrangement. However, there is no rule that says that the centerpiece on each table must be identical. The theme should be identical, but there's nothing at all wrong with having centerpieces of varying sizes, heights, colors, and even materials on different tables, as long as they adhere to the overall theme of the wedding. Different centerpieces add a bit of interest to the proceedings as well as helping to spark conversation among the guests.

And speaking of conversation, even though the centerpiece will undoubtedly be the focal point of the table, it should not be so overwhelming and outsized that it prevents the guests from seeing and conversing with each other.

Whatever type of wedding table centerpiece you choose, it should be pleasing to the eye. Your guests will be looking at them over the full course of the reception - so give them something beautiful and interesting to look at.

Some worry about what to do with the wedding centerpieces once the celebration is over. This is a problem that can be somewhat resolved by using an edible centerpiece. A good example is one consisting of wrapped candy which the guest can snack on during the course of the reception. This is sort of a self-liquidating wedding centerpiece.

It's also become a sometime custom to let a few selected guests at the wedding take the centerpieces home. The couple can decide to designate  a particular person at each table as the lucky person to take the centerpiece home. Or they may decide to let each bridesmaid take one home. The criteria as to who gets to take what is solely at the discretion of the bride and groom.

Remember also, that you are not necessary required to "buy" the wedding centerpieces that you use. There are plenty of places where you can "rent" all of the wedding equipment that you need. This can save you a great deal more money than you realize. It also takes care of the problem of getting rid of the centerpieces once the wedding is over.

Centerpieces for weddings are generally considered to be expensive. But they don't have to be. You can enhance the effect and impact of any wedding centerpiece by simply adding special effects to it. For example, adding lighting to any centerpiece will automatically make it stand out more. Using scented candles instead of unscented candles will certainly bring add interest and impact to the reception. Adding unique or glass stones to the bottom of a floral base, draws the eye to the display. The flower vases themselves can also add to the uniqueness of the wedding centerpiece. You can find them in many different shapes, colors, and themes.  There are many things you can do to even the simplest of centerpieces to make them stand out more.