Using food for your centerpieces does not necessarily mean that your guests will be eating the table decorations, though it can if you want. Non-edible food based centerpieces will often be selected based on their seasonal appeal and great colors. Edible centerpieces will often be used when the couple is looking for a great conversation starter, as well as something that their guests will enjoy more than the typical bouquet of roses in a vase.

The key to making non-traditional centerpieces work is to select ones that tie in with the general theme or style of your wedding. For instance, if you were having a tropical themed wedding, the sort where your attendants will be wearing monogrammed shell bridesmaid jewelry, then a centerpiece of chocolate dipped tropical fruit (pineapple, etc.) would be fantastic. The fruit can be arranged on stems in a vase, almost like a regular floral arrangement, only much tastier!

If your wedding is to be a more traditional one, with the bridesmaids in pink dresses and pearl bridesmaid jewelry, a perfect type of edible centerpiece would be a display of dainty petit fours on an ornate tiered stand. Choose white and pink petit fours dusted with an edible pearlized powder and topped with tiny frosting flowers. This would be adorable for an afternoon wedding with a feminine flair. Set the stand on lace tablecloths for the ultimate in romance.

Another terrific idea for edible wedding centerpieces is stacks of pretty cupcakes. These cupcake towers are a popular alternative to the traditional grand wedding cake. Putting one tower of treats on each table will spare the expense of floral centerpieces. To make it look special, select a decorative stand, or dress up a simple one with a ribbon or patterned fabric around the base. You could also sprinkle a few flowers around the cupcake tower to make the table design even prettier.

Perhaps you do not want your centerpieces to disappear into the mouths of your guests over the course of the reception; there are still some great ideas for food based centerpieces that are not designed to be eaten. One of the best ideas is to use fruit that either introduces your wedding colors to the tables or that ties in with the season. A winter wedding, for instance, could be decorated with gold painted pears. This is an extremely elegant look that is also extremely easy to put together yourself. The golden pears would be particularly nice for long rectangular reception tables. Lay down a runner with a metallic embroidery, and arrange clusters of golden pears and ivory candles along its length.

The same idea could be used with red apples on a more casual cloth for an autumn wedding. If summer is your season, tall clear cylinders of brightly colored lemons and limes make vivid and affordable centerpieces. As a bonus, you can use the citrus fruit to make fresh squeezed lemonade and limeade at the brunch the next day. Just bring plenty of sugar to mix in with the tart fruit.

There is something refreshing about using unique elements for your reception centerpieces. Edible centerpieces and those created with seasonal fruits are a fantastic way to do something a little out of the ordinary at your wedding. Best of all, these unique designs can often be created with a minimal investment.