Michelle Santanello of M.D.S. Floral Designs in Manahawkin, says her style is to use lots of elements that mix and match with each other. “I think it’s important to treat the entire table as a centerpiece rather than just plop down an arrangement,” she says. “I love using beachy things, like starfish and sea glass or river rocks, because I do a lot of weddings at the Shore.”

“I’m finding that my customers are moving away from the high, more elaborate centerpieces,” says Elizabeth Gilmore Duddy, owner of the Scotch-Plains based Lily Pond (908-233-1230; www.lilyponddesigns.com). “I think couples are starting to realize that low arrangements can be equally as beautiful.”

“Layering” is the new buzzword for adding these additional items that surround the traditional centerpiece. First begin with an overlay or runner, which is the decorative fabric that lies over the tablecloth to complement the color or feeling of your flowers. “Then, add smaller, satellite arrangements to surround the focal point,” says Santanello.

Candlelight is also an inexpensive way to add texture to your table. While Santanello prefers using clear glass votives filled with sand or rocks, other florists prefer ornate decorative votives in amber crackled glass or shimmer crystal. Amber light creates the ultimate glow on the face, so it’s a great way to surround yourself with warm candlelight.

“As weddings become more unique and creative, so are the centerpieces,” adds Gilmore Duddy. “If the couple is using a theme, they naturally want it to be incorporated into the arrangement. And for non-themed weddings, you can still have an element of creativity without going over the top. For one of my weddings, we’re using hat boxes for the containers.”

One thing’s for sure, when you start choosing your floral décor for your wedding, be sure to think outside the vase.