Unique Wedding Centerpieces: Mason Jar Alternatives

• Posted on 20th November 2013
• in Advice, The Reception
• by Erica

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Ahh, the infamous mason jars, they are found everywhere these days, aren’t they?  Every wedding blog I see posts similar mason jar content, making brides feel like they are a “must have” for their wedding.   Mason jars in trees, mason jars lining paths, mason jar centerpieces, painted mason jars, mason jar mugs, mason jar wedding favors!  It’s no longer trendy, or creative — it’s overkill.

I must have gone to three weddings this past year alone with mason jar decor - where is the individuality in weddings anymore?  Sure they are affordable and easy to come by, but if you’re looking for affordable, creative and most of all, unique wedding centerpiece ideas - mason jars are no longer an option. I have some unique ideas for alternative wedding centerpieces that won’t bore your guests, and won’t bust your budget either.  Here are some of my favorite mason jar alternatives:

 

Vintage Colored Vases, Glasses and Bottles

With so many colors, shapes and sizes to choose from, you can create whatever mood you are looking to achieve.  These are perfect for rustic, vintage, Parisian, shabby chic, boho - even modern weddings.  The entire spectrum of the rainbow can be found in these vintage finds.

Group them together to form centerpieces and everyone at your table can take one home as their wedding favor too.  Use wildflowers to create a rustic feel - without breaking your floral budget.

Tired of the same mason drinking jars everywhere? We are too! These antique glasses make marvelous alternatives.  Whether you are hunting to find vases, glasses or bottles (or all three) these are easily obtained.  Antique stores, etsy or even  Luna Bazaar online has a selection starting from $2.95 each vase!

Above images via Laura Casey Interiors

Vintage Oil Lamps

Vintage oil lanterns add country style charm especially when paired with appropriate decorations.

Source: Far Above Rubies

Oil lanterns combined with natural elements make this simple centerpiece exquisite. Oil lanterns and lamps can be sourced from antique shops, vintage and estate sales and online for affordable centerpieces.

Source: Ruffled

These vintage oil lanterns remind me of centerpieces for a steampunk themed wedding.  Aren’t they perfect?

Source: Left: Intimate Weddings Right: Alexan Events

Moroccan Oil Lamps

Decorative Moroccan lamps with a wreath of flowers is a simple arrangement that is classic and pretty.

Source: Pink Lotus Events

Colorful Moroccan lamps add a pop of color to tables at an evening soiree

Source: Weddingbee

Moroccan lanterns of varying sizes line this wedding tablescape, very boho chic. If you’re looking for inexpensive Moroccan lamps Koyal Wholesale has a large selection of relative inexpensive ones.

Source: Stacy Paige

Mercury Glass Centerpieces

I love mercury glass - it is vintage, sparkly, beautiful and not overused.  You can find mercury glass in antique shops, vintage stores and online.  Some mercury glass, like the spheres above even light up (and appear to twinkle as it shines through the spots).  You can find these spheres at QVC for only 43.00 per set of three!

Mercury glass items may be the perfect replacement for mason jars.  You can find jars of mercury glass, you can light it up with candles, you can get smaller pieces and hand them from trees.  It is versatile and vintage.

Source: MM Meetings

The most commonly known mercury glass is the mottled silver effect, but it is also available in non-traditional colors such as gold and pastels.  The true beauty of mercury glass comes from the variety of shapes, finishes and patterns that are available. Instead of trying to  match every piece, use a  variety of sizes and shapes. This creates an heirloom “collectible” look.

Gold Mercury Glass Centerpieces, Source: Blush Botanicals

Mercury glass isn’t just for the “traditional” weddings either.  It coordinates with anything you place it with.  Dress it up, or dress it down.  These little black birds, bell jars and candlesticks would work great as a steampunk or Halloween wedding centerpieces.

Source: Between Naps on the Porch

Apothecary Jars / Bell Jars

Source: Sweet Peach

Source: Cloud Nine

I love the love the whimsy look of old-fashioned apothecary and bell jars. They allow the bride (or couple) to be creative and really create one-of-a-kind centerpieces. This is a great DIY wedding centerpiece idea - and work well for vintage  pictures, antique books, seashells, candles or heirlooms - anything you can possibly think of.  Really set your wedding apart by creating individual unique centerpieces for each of your tables.

Now if you’re a mason jar lover, by all means decorate with them until your heart is content.  But I’m anything but a typical when it comes to planning and designing a wedding, and I’m boycotting mason jars in favor of alternative ideas.  What are some of your favorite non-traditional wedding decorations? Have you used something unique in your wedding?  I’d love to share it with Inked readers, comment and share your ideas!

 

Tags: centerpieces, wedding centerpeices, wedding ideas