Table centrepieces can be as expensive as you dare, with fresh flowers and great height and drama, but there are alternatives to the dramatic and extravagant. Take inspiration from some of the newest ideas in table centrepieces.

Eclectic wedding tables

Create a unqiue feel for your event by dressing each table differently. Use different flowers, candles and elements from the one theme to create a real sense of personality. For example, this design style works wonderfully with a vintage theme - combine mismatched crockery, jugs and candles with plenty of vintage-style blossoms to fill tables.

Visit an antiques fair, your local flea market or your grandmother's cupboards to pick up plenty of vases and trinkets to add personality to your tables.

Monochromatic wedding tables

The classic, crisp design of the monochromatic look is still the most modern tablepiece theme you can choose. If the mod look appeals to you, choose a black and white backdrop and add splashes of colour for contrast, such as buttercup yellow or flashy pink.

Think about height, drama, the whitest of white blooms and plenty of black crockery on crisp white linen.

Wedding centrepieces from your own backyard

As the world goes green, brides are taking inspiration from their own backyards. Go outside and look at your backyard from a fresh perspective. Do you have twigs, greens, flowers and bark that could be used in a creative centrepiece? Take some gorgeous gumnuts and wattle and lay them on the tables in a very natural display with a few ivory and chocolate candles.

Casting a glow

The warm candelight glow has always added romance to a room. Floral artists take this further by incorporating candles into centrepiece decorations. Think tall, full arrangements of cherry blossom branches, hung with votives or glass candle holders on ribbon or wire-like hangers. Or imagine tall cylinders filled with coloured water to match the wedding palette, and small floating candles flickering in each.

Christmas decorations all year round

Forgetting Santa, his reindeer, sleds and sleighbells, many gorgeous Christmas decorations are very appropriate out of season for weddings and other events. Christmas baubles, wreaths and sprays make fabulous table and room decorations and the traditional Christmas colours of red, green and gold needn't limit you. Contemporary Christmas colours of teal, peacock, pearl and diamonds are instant winners out of the festive season and you can pick them up cheaply at the after-Christmas sales!

Paper lanterns - budget with big impact

The simple paper lantern packs an enormous decorating punch. Whether you're decorating a dinner table or a dance floor, the rice paper lantern will dazzle and delight your wedding guests. They also come in many sizes, colours and styles. Big ball lanterns start from as low as $6 a piece, so they won't break the bank, even if you purchase them in bulk.

The best part? Paper lanterns can be packed down, stored and re-used for your next big shindig.

Eco-chic wedding tables

Living centrepieces demonstrate their care for the environment. If your theme is green, choose beautiful little wheatgrass pots or spring-time bulbs to decorate your table. Package up some seed packets as your wedding favour, and you'll give your guests a living reminder of your love and special day.

Back to your childhood

The oh-so-divine lolly table is becoming a huge hit for wedding receptions and showers where guests fill up their own container with a selection of themed sweets, little gumball machines for each guest, or grandma's favourite recipe cookies.

Balloons

Party planners from around the world are taking the humble balloon and making it the coolest wedding decorating accessory. Take giant bulbous balloons filled with helium and use them to decoratemarquees and tables. Secure with your floral centrepiece or in a vase of sweets for a truly whimsical look. Cheap, beautiful and fun!

Place Card Holders take centre stage

Little place card holders can become the centrepiece of your table decorations. Some of the latest designs include miniature bird cage lanterns for a garden themed wedding, little grand pianos for a black tie or Opera-themed event, and Eiffel Tower themed place card holders, a stunning way to decorate your tables for a French- or travel-themed wedding or event.

Personalised Wedding Vases

The latest wedding table centrepiece phenomenon is the personalised vase which can be printed with the bride and groom's names, wedding date, table number and more.

You choose the design and the colour to create a unique table centrepiece which not only looks sensational, but also will become a keepsake to use in your home.