One of the most annoying things when sitting down at a reception is the enormous size of the centerpiece. They tower and you end up playing peek-a-boo with the person sitting across from you. Sometimes the centerpiece is so huge you can’t even see the person on the opposite side of the table. Guests start cracking jokes about how they can’t see and they can’t enjoy the company. Here are five great ideas for unique centerpieces that stay low to the table and allow people to actually see one another.

The following centerpiece ideas fit any wedding’s theme, color, or season. Essentially, they are jump off points where you allow your imagination and personality to shine through. Most importantly, they stay low to the table so guests easily see one another. If you insist on large centerpieces, make the height high enough and the trunk thin enough so people can still have a conversation with the entire table.

One great centerpiece is to surround a large flowerpot with smaller pots and plant orchids or another beautiful flower of your choice. Each guest at the table takes home one small pot as their wedding party favor. They have a nice potted plant to decorate their homes and in springtime they’ll be able to put the plant in their own garden. Just like your budding marriage, the young plants will blossom into something beautiful, instead of the fake flowers or bouquets that die after a few days.

Florists can also put flowers from something you order from your local department store’s fine gift department. For example, Kosta Boda makes adorable decorative pieces for the home. Kosta Boda is not the only designer who makes super cute centerpieces. They come in all shapes, sizes and prices for every bride’s budget. Just make sure the flowers easily fit and water won’t leak out. When the flowers die, guests will have a nice decorative piece as their party favor.

If you prefer to not use flowers, unscented candles always set an elegant, romantic mood. Float candles inside small votives on lightly colored water and scatter flower petals, seashells, or flat colored glass pebbles on the table. Use enough votives up and down the table so guests can bring one home for a party favor.

Place your favorite wine or liquor bottle up and down the table. Over the wine bottle label place a sticker with the table number, your wedding date and names, or pictures of your favorite places. Pair the wine bottle with a small wine or martini glass filled with flower petals or small buds to add more color to the table. Guests can then take the bottle and glass to drink at home. Or have the waiters open up the wine at the reception. Whatever the case, the wine or liquor bottle adds a nice flavor to the room’s decoration.

Instead of flowers or candles, surprise your guests with a bouquet of dollar lotto tickets. Arrange the lotto tickets in a vase as you would a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Scatter fake coins on the table for them to easily scratch off the tickets. Who knows, you might help make the next millionaire! (Ask for you cut, of course!)

However you decide to decorate the centerpiece, there are easy ways to make them low enough for people to look across the table. All it takes is a little imagination and your individual personality.

Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for wedding centerpieces, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Wedding Party Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.