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Centerpieces are an important part of your wedding reception; they are the focal point of each guest table. So wouldn't it be ideal to make them as unique as possible? A new trend that is emerging for wedding receptions is glowing or illuminated centerpieces.

The most common way to add light to your centerpieces is the use wax or soy candles. Probably the simplest and cheapest centerpiece that I have ever seen is to just put three to four pillar candles of varying sizes on each table surrounded by rose petals.

There are several different types of candles that you can use to add lighting to your reception tables. I have mentioned pillars that are wider in width than other candles. Candlesticks are tall slim classic candles that can be used in beautiful crystal candlestick holders or in a silver candelabrum.

Votive candles are short and can be purchased with a plain holder or even personalized votive holders that display a frosted monogram of the couple's initials. You can easily just place floating candles in a glass container as a centerpiece. Floating candles come in a variety of shapes like flowers or even sparkly diamonds. Tea lights are a flat candle that can nicely accent any floral arrangement.

Although candles are a wonderful inexpensive way to add some light to your centerpieces they can be a fire hazard. Some banquet facilities may not allow an open flame. You might even want to avoid using traditional candles if you are having several young guests attend your wedding reception.

A safer alternative and the second way to provide a glow to your reception tables is to use battery operated candles. They can be used in the same way as an open flame candle but they provide a measure of safety. So you could fill a hurricane vase half way with flower petals and place a battery operated tea light inside without worrying about causing a fire. Along with battery operated tea lights you find battery operated candle sticks.

The third option for adding a little light to your centerpieces is using glowing ice cubes. Glowing ice cubes are usually used to make drinks more fun and come in a variety of colors. Glowing ice cubes may have a few modes in which it either changes colors or goes from blinking to a solid glow. Since they are made for drinks they are waterproof so you could throw a cluster of them into the bottom of a bulb vase full of flowers to add a soft light to the arrangement.

Using illuminated bases are the fourth alternative available for lighting up your centerpieces. You could basically get any type of centerpiece you like and place it on top of the lighted base to add that special glow to your tables.

The final option you could use to make your reception centerpieces special is to have pin spotlights. This is the more expensive alternative but it is absolutely beautiful. A lighting company can be contracted to temporarily install pin spotlights above all of the tables so that there is an individual light shining down on each centerpiece from above. You will need to make sure that your reception venue allows this kind of installation before you decide on this option.

Since you are using a source of light in your centerpieces you can add more pizzazz by putting in some sparkle elements. Adding items to your arrangements that reflect light can enhance the lighting affect. You can place silver gems in the bottom of a vase, spread crystals on the table around your centerpieces, or even spray your flowers with glitter.

About the Author

You can get more ideas, advice and view photos for your wedding reception at A Wedding Reception to Remember. A Wedding Reception to Remember was created by Eugena Anthony to provide detailed information and help planning a memorable wedding reception.