When it comes to your big day, you may have a few things you want to make on your own. Our simple mercury glass DIY is something you can make ahead of time for your reception. Learn how to make a wedding centerpiece on a budget that only looks expensive!

This post contains affiliate links, which helps our blog grow. Thank you!

The Cost of a Wedding Centerpiece

There’s nothing quite like fresh flowers. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and full of color. However, that may not be the most budget-friendly choice for some couples. Some can cost hundreds of dollars per table. Even though florists work hard to create lovely arrangements, some brides opt for non-fresh flowers. And either choice is ok!

Learning how to make your own centerpieces can be fun. And if you use silk or dried flowers, you can still have the effect of a fresh floral centerpiece. Plus, DIY wedding centerpieces can be used in your home long after your wedding day.

For a fraction of what a fresh flower arrangement costs, you can have gorgeous DIY centerpieces on a budget.

Why a DIY mercury glass tutorial?

There are a few reasons to learn how to DIY faux mercury glass. Not only does it look expensive, but our do-it-yourself mercury glass recycles unwanted containers. As an added bonus, you can’t see through mercury glass, so your work is somewhat hidden behind the paint!

How to Make Inexpensive Centerpieces for Other Occasions

Of course, discovering how to DIY floral centerpieces isn’t limited to weddings! These could also serve as bridal shower decorations or for a rehearsal dinner.

You could also learn how to make DIY centerpieces for a dinner party or you could make one for your home. They would even be a lovely gift for someone. Wouldn’t they be perfect for a housewarming?

Explore how to DIY centerpieces and you are well on your way to creating things for any event or occasion that calls for flowers.

Make a Wedding Centerpiece ~ Mercury Glass DIY

Supplies for Do It Yourself Table Centerpieces

• Empty, short glass jar (we used a candle jar)
• Krylon Looking Glass spray paint (or another mirrored metallic spray paint)
• Spray bottle
• Paper towels
• Vinegar or acetone
• Floral stems (silk, dried, or real if you choose)
• Floral foam (also called oasis) – choose dry for faux flowers and wet for fresh flowers
• Water
• Knife (doesn’t have to be too sharp)
• Ribbon of your choice

How to Make Your Own Mercury Glass Centerpieces

• Boil approximately two cups of hot water (the microwave works great!).
• Carefully and slowly pour the hot water into the empty jar if it contained a candle.
• Let the water sit for a bit so that it can melt/soften the leftover wax. You should see the wax loosen and float to the top.
• The warmth also loosens any labels, so use this time to peel off any labels.
• If needed, use a butter knife to loosen any stubborn wax. The knife can also help loosen wick tabs.
• Wash the jar, or run it through the dishwasher cycle to remove any last residue.
• Fill a spray bottle with a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water.
• Set aside.

• Protect your painting surface.
• Lightly coat the inside of your jar by spraying the bottom and sides.
• Immediately after spraying the inside, spray the vinegar mix inside of the jar.
• Blot with a paper towel to let some of the glass show through. If vinegar is stubborn, you can also use acetone.
• Next, flip the jar over.
• Repeat the paint, spray with vinegar mix, and dab with paper towel steps for the outside.

• Use the jar to gauge how much floral foam you need.
• Cut with a knife into your desired size. Your cut piece should fit snugly into the jar.
• If you are using fresh flowers, submerge your foam in water before placing it into the glass.
• Next, add your floral stems.
• Finally, finish your mercury glass DIY off by tying a ribbon if you so choose.

Final Mercury Glass DIY Results

These are so adorable! If you’re planning your wedding and wondering how to DIY table centerpieces for your reception, this is perfect. Not only are they simple to make, but they are a great way to recycle.

Plus, if you were curious about how to create a mercury glass effect, you know how simple it can be. This stunning mercury glass DIY is also a gorgeous way to make a wedding centerpiece on a budget.

Want to learn how to make a wedding centerpiece? Save it!