With the farm-to-table ideology as on trend as ever, we can’t help but want to extend that to the weddingsphere, beyond what’s served on your guests’ plates. Try swapping flowers for alternatives like fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts — you name it — the sky’s the limit. The end result is highly unique, memorable and individual centerpieces.

From cascading grapes to rustic cheese boards, earthy artichokes and sugared fruit, nature provides bountiful materials for a stunning tablescape, often times less expensive than their floral counterparts. When choosing edible centerpieces, it’s important to consider the season and location, just as you eat and buy seasonally at home. This will not only ensure the most appropriate nibbles for the time of year, but also the most aesthetically beautiful foods. Have you ever compared the color and size of winter vs. summer tomatoes? Exactly. Gourds and pumpkins clearly don’t work for a spring wedding (but, how perfect for fall-time nuptials?). You get the picture.

Something to be aware of is your venue’s policies — some may be touchy about edible centerpieces, especially if they are providing the food for the event. Their concerns range from allergies to pricing and set-up conflicts. Make sure to discuss the edible arrangement idea with your venue. Chances are they will want to work with you to provide it themselves for a small fee. Or, choose a venue where you know you’ll have complete freedom to serve what you want.

Below are some fruitful photos to get your imagination brewing.

Gorgeous table runner of fruit! photo by San Francisco wedding photographer Meg Smith via Junebug Weddings
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Cheese and fruit spread with table numbers. Photography by jasminestarphotography.com, Event Design   Planning by bethhelmstetter.com, Floral Design by hollyflora.com
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vineyard wedding  //  emma jane photography
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San Francisco Conservatory Wedding - instead of centerpieces they did meat & cheese trays.  that might be more my style but everything else on here looks cute!
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Centrepiece perfection! Just add some floral arrangements
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edible tablescape Photography By / http://vieraphotographics.com
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CluneyPhoto-WeddingChicks-6
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Tuscan Delight...love the thought of an intimate wedding with just a couple of tables like these filled with nearest and dearest.
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Now this is a centerpiece. Showcasing garden goodies such as vegetables and greens is a nice to way to beautify any tablescape.
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Pineapple Centerpieces - simple (and edible!) then maybe add some fresh flowers in cans in between and shells
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