Natural

• A variation on a floral theme, centerpieces can be made with other elements found in nature. For example, large seashells on mirrors, surrounded by dried sea grass and pieces of driftwood, is an idea for a beach-themed wedding. Centerpieces created from boughs of pine, pine cones and red winterberries dusted with glitter add elegance to a winter wedding.
  
  If the bride and groom are naturalists or just simply enjoy the outdoors, they can incorporate their interests into their centerpieces. Small mountains can be created from faux moss and rocks, or tabletop rock fountains can provide a small waterfall at each table.
  
  Natural elements can coordinate with the wedding colors, too. For example, colored sand in glass bowls or vases can be layered with seashells that have been painted in the wedding colors.
  
  

Candles

• Whether arranged in groupings of pillars of varying heights or floating in glistening bowls of water, candles make elegant centerpieces as alternatives to floral arrangements. Float star candles in a large crystal bowl and sprinkle star confetti over the entire table. Line pillars on metallic trays and tie simple bows in the wedding colors on every other candle.
  
  Giant multiple-wick candles can stand on their own as centerpieces, needing only decorative plates or trays on which to stand. One per table is all you'll need.
  
  Consider a candelabra filled with tapers in the wedding colors. The presence of candelabras will add elegance to each table. An option for a rectangular table is to place two or three dozen votives in a line on mirrored tiles that run the length of the table. This centerpiece not only adds atmosphere, but the light it creates will make the reception hall glow.
  
  An idea that reflects the sentiment of the wedding ceremony is to place a candle that represents a unity candle in the center of each table, with a small candle at each place setting. Have the DJ or a member of the wedding party announce that all guests are to light their individual candles from the center candle to represent the unity of friendship and love that is encircling the room.
  
  

Photographs

• Framed black and white photos of the bride and groom make wonderful conversation pieces in addition to charming centerpieces. Choose photos of the pair being silly, walking on the beach, playing sports, on special occasions or simply posing for the camera. Photos of the bride and groom as children are fun options as well. Double-sided frames allow guests on both sides of the tables to enjoy the photos easily, and placing different photos on each side of the frame adds even more interest.
  
  The bride and groom can use the photo centerpiece idea to encourage a game at each table, whereby guests are asked to write down the location or year in which the photos were taken. Different photos should be placed on each table, along with a small basket of index cards on which guests can jot down their guesses.
  
  If the bride or groom dabbles in photography, she or he may have favorite photos of scenery that can be used as centerpieces, enhanced with a few natural elements that correlate with the photo's theme. A tray filled with Epsom salts can display a framed shot of a snow-capped mountain, while a tray of sand and a few scattered few shells can highlight a photo of a beach sunset.