Best way to keep guests from taking centerpieces?

I’ve seen flower vases taken, and smaller items, but nothing large like that. You can have your DJ day something at the end of the night about what guests can/cannot take.

Yes our guest can’t take our centerpieces cause the venue charges us if the do. The venue makes them.

Following! Worried af about my “Harry Potter” themed items finding “new homes” despite me wanting them to STAY.

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I have seen big vases taken by guests lol. That's a good idea though!

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That's so convenient! You know the venue would be watching those centerpieces.

Have the MOC-DJ make an announcement.
The nerve of people nowadays.

View Quoted Comment This has been something that has been happening for a VERY long time! My mom recalls it at her wedding, and when I was a kid I say it at my cousins wedding- it doesn’t make it right, just that it’s not just people today.

True facts!
It’s still the nerves though.

Your DJ or DOC can certainly make an announcement at the end of the evening. I also plan on having my party quietly pack up items as the reception is winding down. Our welcome table will be in another room so that will go first. And as guest start to leave, blow out candles and bring centerpieces to the bridal suite.

Or even a little note on the centerpieces, "Thank you of coming. But please leave me behind so that I may go back home."

Wtf is this really a thing?? Who just goes and takes a centerpiece from a party, that's so strange to me

It has happened at almost every wedding I've been to lol

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Yup. This actually happens. Lol

I guess many don't know that it used to be tradition to allow guests to take centerpieces home at the end of night. Until renting centerpieces/bringing ones from home became a thing it was almost considered rude not to give them away. A lot of times they were the favors.
Be happy they want to take them home, of course don't let them if you don't want to, because it means you have awesome taste 😉

View Quoted Comment I like the note idea. We may put hey I am a rental this is my home. Then tie it in center pieces

This happened to me at my first wedding and my florist was furious her vases were gone and charged me a ton!!! This time I had my florist get cheaper vases she doesn't care if we take just in case it happens again... they took even huge like 2 ft high arrangements!!!

We designed our centerpieces with the idea that they will be taken home. The MC usually plays a game with the guests to decide who takes it home. My parents still have a few of the centerpieces we’ve taken home in the past.

In my experience if there is no game/activity or announcement that centerpieces can be taken then they shouldn't be... If you are not doing this then I would have DJ announce they are not to be taken. I have having 3 styles: lanterns, 3 tiered vases, and flowerbox. The flower boxes I will let my select family and bridesmaids take home at the end of the night. But to me the lanterns and 3 tiered vases in themselves are off limits. But ya know, some people might not have common sense.

Also! If you have a DOC you can ensure she/he tells guests they are not to be taken and designate a few parents or bridesmaids to do the same if they see someone picking it up/walking with one.

Is it typical to take them? I've never heard of that before.

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Yup. Actually, when I told my mom yesterday that I am not giving mine away, she was like, "What? You're not?". I just don't like the fact that people assume that the centerpieces are theirs to take home.