One of the coolest trends in wedding centerpieces is to create groups. This is an easy design idea that anyone can use to liven up their reception tables, whether you are working with a florist or making your own centerpieces. Start by finding a collection of vessels that have a common style, but are different shapes or sizes. It could be a simple as using a trio of cylindrical vases in three different heights (three is always a pleasing number for groupings). If you are having a formal wedding, find an assortment of antique silver vases. Or go all natural with rough hewn wooden vessels in a variety of shapes, like round, oval, and rectangular.

What goes into your vessels is just as important. You can't beat the hip look of submerged flower centerpieces for something that looks fresh and chic. Some of the other more popular design elements are not even flowers. White birch branches, smooth river rocks, and moss are favorites of earthy brides. If you are a big fan of the sparkle of crystal jewelry for your wedding, sprinkle a thick layer of crystals in the base of clear vessels and surround them with votive candles. Top with bouquets of your favorite flowers.

Speaking of flowers, they are certainly still the main focus of most wedding centerpieces. The trend is to create displays using a multitude of the same variety of flower for more impact. The great thing about this trend is that is it super easy to work with, and it can be used for any style of wedding. If you are having the type of affair where the bride will be fully decked out in an ornate bridal gown with crystal wedding jewelry, than centerpieces of dark red Black Magic roses would be gorgeous. If your wedding is going to be a casual summer event, mounds of hydrangeas tightly packed into galvanized tin pails would be perfect. Or choose a so-called "filler flower" like carnations or baby's breath and group them into a large ball for surprisingly chic and modern centerpieces.

When creating trendy centerpieces, don't forget about planning for how they will be displayed on the tables. One very hot idea is to use props to set an assortment of vases at different heights for visual interest. They can be placed on anything from mirrored cubes for a formal wedding to small wooden crates for a rustic fall wedding. Be creative with your risers; if the bride and groom are a pair of English professors, it would be really fun for them to use a selection of vintage books to create levels for the centerpieces. Adding a personal detail like that says volumes about the newlyweds.

These are but a few ideas to get you started. The latest trends can provide a wonderful source of fresh ideas for your centerpieces. The best trend of all, though, is to be creative and design eclectic wedding centerpieces that look like you and you alone.