Feeling creative? One surefire way to save money on a wedding budget and put your own personal touch on your day to design your own special centerpieces.

The traditional wedding centerpiece is flowers. However, flowers can be very expensive, even if you make the centerpieces yourself. If you decide to go with flowers, pick flowers that are in season and grown locally. Make a sample centerpiece in advance to see how long the flowers last before wilting.

If flowers prove to be too expensive, or you want to do something different, there are countless non-floral designs. Choose from candles, bulbs in vases, decorative grasses, bowls of fruit or paper flowers, just to name a few.

Picking a Centerpiece

Having problems deciding which centerpiece to make? Reach out to other brides for ideas.

The website Weddingbee (http://diy.weddingbee.com/category/centerpiece) contains 54 pages of DIY wedding centerpieces, all posted by brides-to-be. Not only are you able to see what others are doing, but if you join the forum, you'll also be able to post your own questions and comment on other centerpieces.

Step-by-step instructions to make your own centerpiece can be found online. All you need to do is search by keyword phrases. "Candle wedding centerpieces," for example. Some websites, such as Wedding Crafts (http://wedcraft.com/) post links to various wedding do-it-yourself projects.

Buying Centerpieces

Maybe you want to make your own centerpieces but lack time and/or artistic talent. You may want to consider buying a centerpiece kit.

Websites such as My Wedding Favors (http://www.myweddingfavors.com/wedding-centerpieces.html) offer easy to assemble, low cost centerpieces which can be purchased in bulk.

Things to Consider

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what type of centerpiece to make or buy:

• How formal or informal is your reception?
• How much time and money do you have to spend on the centerpieces?
• Do you want to be dramatic or subtle?
• Are you having a theme wedding?
• What time of year is your wedding taking place? Where is the venue located?
• What is your ability to make elegant centerpieces? Be honest with yourself.

Finally, don't be afraid to seek the help of your bridesmaids or friends and family to help you construct your centerpieces. It will be a fun day for everyone.