Centerpieces - how do you keep people from taking them?

I mean, I would never consider taking someone’s centerpiece, nor would I have invited anyone who I thought may try to take one... are you really concerned your guests might do this?


If you’re really concerned I’d mention it to your venue and have them make sure no one walks out with one

I agree with Gen, I have never heard of people just taking someone's centerpiece unless the couple had someone make an announcement that the guests could take them if they wanted to.

Your table sign would be okay, but you could also have the DJ or whomever is running your reception to make an announcement.

View Quoted Comment It seems to be a regional thing. In the south it seems to be assumed the centerpieces are favors...along with other pieces of decor.
We have purchased all of it and I would like to keep certain things and resell others to recoup some of the cost.

View Quoted Comment Thank you. I will make a note for my DJ. And I will let my day of coordinator know to watch.

View Quoted Comment Oh really I didn’t realize that! Interesting. Learn something new every day I guess haha.


I agree with Don about having the DJ make an announcement as well

I have never heard about guests just taking someone's wedding decor. I did however want our guests to take ours so an announcement was made but even then, people felt weird taking them. You could have a small note card placed on each table or have an announcement made.

I’ve never heard of people taking centerpieces from a wedding & I’m from the south!!

I have been to many weddings where it was the norm to take the centerpieces. One wedding they did announced right before serving the food to not take the centerpieces.

View Quoted Comment

Yeah this was always pretty standard etiquette in my family/social circles growing up. People always took centerpieces and extra decor lying around, like flowers and vases or any sort of shiny baubles. I always thought it was standard everywhere and only in my adult years learned that this wasn't normal for every big gathering. LOL yikes!

I've been to plenty of weddings where people just walked off with them, so I don't blame you for being worried - especially since they're so pretty haha

I would echo having the DJ just make a quick, fun comment about how they look so wonderful but they should be saved for the bride and groom. Maybe after food when everyone is about to dance? You should still probably have everyone's attention at that point.

The only time I would worry about tuem leaving is if you rented the vases. If you bought them, it's one less thing to try to resell unless it's decor for your house. My relatives are largely from the South and it is very common in their circles for guests to take centerpieces home.
Have the dj make an announcement.

I'm from the northeast and it's very common to take the centerpieces too.


What do you anticipate the resale value/plan to be? Just curious so we can weigh making the announcement or a card