Event centerpieces make a room more inviting and can tie your theme together. But the same flowers and balloons can become overdone, not to mention pricey these days.
But what choices are out there if you don’t have a huge budget?
Take a look at these fab ideas from chamber pros across the country:
Inventive Ideas for Chamber Event Centerpieces
You want to create an Instagrammable event, but no one wants to spend a ton on centerpieces. What can you do? Turn to your chamber pros peers, of course.
Themed Centerpieces
Roberta Ness Pawluk suggests incorporating the event’s theme into the centerpieces. For example, using globes and flags (or this very cool “hot air” balloon design) for an “Around the World” theme or using film reels and stars for a “Hollywood Nights” event.
(This creative centerpiece to the left was from Pawluck’s chamber’s Around the World Business Awards.)
Deb Meyer also uses themed centerpieces, such as 80’s memorabilia for an 80’s themed event.
Mac Holford designs elaborate DIY centerpieces based on the event theme, like the circus-themed ones shown above.
Party stores often have themed items but you can just as easily make some of them based on DIY designs. Check Pinterest for ideas or talk to some of your members.
Put a call out for items you’re looking for. Ask for in-kind donations or make them a sponsorship on their own.
People will be looking at your centerpieces the whole event and if they’re creative, they’ll get a lot of attention and pictures. The more inventive the centerpieces, the more apt likely they will be shared. Sponsors will love being a part of these designs because the unique centerpieces will be all over social media and can get great exposure for the business.
Upcycled and Thrifted Items
Give your businesses a shoutout by incorporating what they bring to the community and beyond. Monica Ford Holdaway spotlights large businesses by incorporating their products into centerpieces, like bottled water, toilet paper, and bowling balls. She shared, “We have used bottled water (Niagara Bottling) toilet paper & paper towels (P&G), rocket displays (Northrop Grumman), Bowling Balls (Storm Bowling) it’s been a lot of fun and the businesses love it and have contributed to make it a success. We have a large manufacturing base so lots of options but I think we could do it for any business really just be creative.”
Lisa Miller, President of the Hopkins County Regional Chamber said, “We hit up eight goodwills in the Nashville area and bought all kinds of candle holders cheap in different shapes and sizes and colors.” They added battery operated candles and fresh greenery to create something that was both unique and beautiful.
Floral and Plant-Based Centerpieces
Danielle McFadden uses pumpkins as centerpieces for their annual fall meeting. The chamber staff hits local Marshall’s/T.J. Maxx to gather pumpkins (which usually cost between $12-20). She shared, “Everyone looks forward to it because we let people take them home. Makes for an easy clean up too!”
Peggy Johnson Emerson, the President & CEO of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce prefers live plants in various containers, also allowing guests to take them home. She said, “I gave the florist free rein to use up whatever mishmash of containers they had. It was so cute.” Mums also make great centerpieces.
Taking home the centerpieces is popular at chamber events but how do you decide who gets them?
You can do a random lucky number draw, a business card draw, a sticker under the plate or chair, or do what Angie Woker Hibben, the President/CEO of the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce does when she gives her centerpieces of small flowering plants away. She gifts them to the person at each table whose birthday is closest to the event date.
“Get Your Cameras Out” Ideas
Stacie Bratcher noted the impact of a simple palm in a rum bottle. It’s not the usual centerpiece and receives lots of attention, not to mention it sets the tone for a fun time.
Jeanette Vierra, President of the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce used logo-etched block glass with fairy lights, gold ribbon, and historical pictures for their 100th-anniversary event atop gold tulle on black table cloths. She got the block glass on clearance at Michael’s for $4.99 and bartered the etching with a local company.
It pays to keep an eye out on clearance items year round with thought to how you might use them for one of your events.
There’s nothing like a functional centerpiece to help you stretch your budget. Sandy Rehkopf, President and CEO of the Sherman Chamber of Commerce creates dessert towers that double as centerpieces. She said, “You can dress them up according to whatever theme you have and once everybody eats their dessert, there is nothing left to store at the Chamber! Not to mention, your budget for desserts covers the cost of centerpieces as well.”
Sara Hickman attended a silent auction that used their items up for bid as centerpieces at the fundraiser. It also caused people to mingle, going table to table, because they wanted to see the items up close.
Laura Rissler Holtz uses vases with water beads in different colors. It’s a simple, inexpensive solution that doesn’t block the attendees’ view of one another.
Beth Henderson Stevens, Executive Director at Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, had similar suggestions using vases filled with various things like flowers, balloons, feathers and beads for Mardi Gras. Empty wine bottles spray painted gold with candles in them can also create a dramatic statement.
Simple design, in fact, can be quite fetching. Bobbie Bruderland, Chief Executive Officer at Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, has found that using three glass vases of different heights and filling each separately with sand, seashells, and marbles can be gorgeous. You can even add a small simple orchid plant or succulent.
Additionally, if you love the look of sea glass you can use Elmer’s Glue and add a few drops of food coloring of your desired color (green, blue, purple, etc.) then paint it onto a clear glass surface–instant sea glass without the years of enduring the pounding surf.
By thinking outside the traditional flower arrangements, you can create unique and memorable centerpieces that reflect your event’s theme and engage your guests.
