If you want to use Mason jars for your wedding, then you might be worried they’re overused, too popular, or out of style by now.
It’s a fair concern, since the trend has skyrocketed in recent years.
And who can blame those brides? There’s something irresistible about that “Ball” cursive or perfect blue glass.
Another pro: Mason jars are cheap as hell. I’ve scored some for a nickel each. And when you’re looking for fifty of these things for centerpieces, that’s a steal you can’t pass up.
Unfortunately, neither can anyone else.
Are Mason Jars Overused?
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Brides-to-be quickly discover one sobering truth when they start combing Pinterest for affordable décor ideas: there is nothing new under the sun.
When planning our wedding, I was ecstatic to come up with what (I thought) was a completely original, never-been-done idea:
Having guests sign huge wooden discs in a homemade Connect Four yard game.
Then I made the mistake of searching for it online. You know: just for fun.
Or because I hate myself. I still don’t know.
Sure enough, another crafty bride had already done it.
Did I nix the idea? Nope.
The fact was, I loved the idea for too many reasons.
It suited our personalities and the vibe of our wedding, my husband had fun making it, and our guests could play the game right there at the reception.
Moral: just because something’s been done, doesn’t mean you can’t do it, too.
Mason Jars are Popular, but Not Played Out
I kind of hate the term “played out,” because it seems like the only people who decide when a trend or fad has run its course are the ones who it was never meant for.
A couple years ago, I heard a fashion “expert” on TV (okay, they probably are an expert, compared to me) say that cardigans are played out.
Cardigans? Seriously?
Not that this stopped me from:
- Wearing a cardigan, or
- Continuing to purchase every single cardigan Old Navy ever put on sale.
What annoyed me, though, was that this expert wasn’t who cardigans were meant for.
They’re comfortable and cute, not haute couture. If you see a cardigan on the runway in Milan, it’s probably going to be covered in Swarovski crystals or synthetic chinchilla fur or something.
Cardigans are for normal, average people who like cute and functional things.
Mason jars are for normal, average people who like cute and functional things.
Just because they’re at every wedding nowadays doesn’t mean you can’t have them at yours.
They’re still popular, and perhaps even approaching “classic” status. Like cardigans.
And that’s the surefire sign they’re not played out.
“That’s Great…But I Still Don’t Know If I Should Use Them.”
Okay, so there’s nothing new under the sun.
But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a wedding just like everyone else’s, does it?
Absolutely not.
Your wedding should be every bit as unique as you and your partner, with touches that resonate with you both and reflect not only your personal tastes, but your journey together.
In other words: you should love every single detail.
And if the thought of having centerpieces too similar to your cousin’s wedding keeps you from loving your tables, then it might be a good idea to find something else.
7 Ways to Use Mason Jars in Your Wedding (That Aren’t Centerpieces)
Before you empty the Mason jars out of your virtual shopping cart, though, take a look at my list of 7 ways you can use Mason jars in your wedding that aren’t centerpiece ideas. That’s probably the most overused use.
And there are way too many uses to stick with just one.
1. Favors
Send your guests home with a country-chic gift they’ll actually like (I can’t be the only one who hates Jordan almonds).
You can fill Mason jars with tons of fun stuff, including:
- homemade cake or pancake mixes
- candy in your wedding colors
- a hangover care package, complete with travel-size ibuprofen and airplane bottles
- homemade candles (learn how to get started here)
For large jars and labels perfect for wedding favors, these Kamota Mason jars are a good price.
Buying used is still cheaper – but these are great if you want your favor table to have a uniform look, with all the jars looking identical.
If You’re Extra: Give everyone homemade moonshine or jam.
They’ll be raving over it for years to come, especially the next time they get a so-so wedding favor.
2. Drinks
One shabby-chic vintage wedding I attended had chalkboard stickers on Mason jars, arranged beautifully on an antique China hutch when we entered the reception.
Guests wrote their name on a jar and used it as their drinking glass for the entire night.
Not as cheap as plastic cups, sure—but better for the planet, and ten times as memorable.
If You’re Extra: Get some mini Masons for the kids!
Your littlest guests will adore a cup meant just for them at such a grownup affair (and their parents will adore you for saving them from massive spills).
Lids and straws are also massively appreciated.
Sincerely, a mother whose children are apparently part-cat.
3. Aisle decoration
I’m guilty of almost completely ignoring our aisle for our wedding.
The ceremony site was so gorgeous, I didn’t think about the floor!
Don’t be like me.
While you don’t have to bedazzle the runner or anything crazy, it is a nice touch to complete the scene when your guests first arrive.
It also makes for some stunning photos when you walk down the aisle.
Mason jars can hold flowers, fairy lights, or candles (electronic: highly recommended), and be placed beside the inner chair of every row for a gorgeous path to your ever-after.
If You’re Extra: Make tissue dispensers out of some jars for guests to pass around when the vows get started.
4. Candles
“Wait a minute—you said these weren’t centerpiece ideas.”
And I meant it!
Instead of putting tealights in the jars and scattering them on your tables (though this looks absolutely lovely in high volume), consider making actual candles in your jars.
Soy candles are ridiculously easy to make. I go into more detail here, and provide links to my favorite candle supply store.
You can also add wire to these and hang them from trees or posts, depending on the venue.
Alternatively, leave a few around the reception hall for easy DIY mood lighting.
If You’re Extra: These also make great favors, or as add-ons to bridesmaid gift baskets.
5. Kids’ table
Like I said earlier, kids love seeing things just for them at a wedding.
Fill jars with crayons or colored pencils at the kids’ table so they can color, or add dice for homemade Yahtzee.
You can also fill a jar with Dollar Tree toys for every child.
If You’re Extra: Color Wonder Markers from Crayola only show up on special Color Wonder paper.
Kids will love getting to play with markers…and their parents will love that no stains wind up on their Sunday best.
6. Candy buffet
If you’re doing a candy buffet, consider Mason jars for holding gum balls, lollipops, rock candy in your wedding colors, or M&Ms.
Just make sure they’ve got a wide enough mouth for serving scoops or tongs.
If You’re Extra: Make each guest their own “personal candy buffet” by layering candy in alternating layers.
Specialty jellybeans or M&Ms in your wedding colors will look high-end (it’s like a parfait!), but cost a lot less than a larger variety of sweets.
Tiny Mason jars would be my go-to for this kind of craft.
7. Go big (then take ’em home)
This is my favorite idea, because I love statement pieces.
The bigger the jar, the better, because the trendy tendency is to have lots of smaller Mason jars. However, one to three large ones will have an impact no one saw coming.
Quarts—or even gallons!—with some twinkling fairy lights inside or giant flowers will add serious flair to blank tables.
The best part?
When the wedding’s over, you can take these giant jars home to use as vases, cute change banks, or even lamps.
If You’re Extra: Terrariums or floating candle displays look stunning in large jars.
If You Still Aren’t Convinced
Overplayed or not, Mason jars are here to stay.
So, yes, that might mean your friends, coworkers, and family will have some at their weddings.
If you’re looking to bypass the Ball bandwagon for something less ubiquitous, that’s okay.
Yes, normally I’d urge you to just use what you like. It’s your wedding; who cares what everyone else is doing?
But I also understand the need for uniqueness.
At the end of the day, you need to be happy with your choice.
One similarly cute but overlooked material for centerpieces is bell jars. These are more expensive – but therefore used far less.
My favorite use for bell jars is filling them with fairy lights, because it’s effortless, timeless, and so romantic. Greenery, flowers, vintage books or knickknacks are also stunning options.
For tighter budgets, ornate vases from thrift shops will lend tables the same vintage-chic look as Mason jars, but with even more visual interest.
You could also forgo glass altogether and opt for wine crates from your favorite vineyard, antique record players, pillar candles on mirrors….
There’s really no limit to what can look phenomenal on a reception table, if arranged the right way.
What do you think – should brides still use Mason jars in their centerpieces, or look for something less trendy?
