Centerpieces: Flames vs. Flowers

One of the things that I have encountered as being more difficult than it should be is trying to figure out centerpieces. My current battles are:

DIY vs. Buy, which then leads to candles or flowers?

Here's the deal. I can easily put together a swarm of candle on a table and call it a day. But is that the "look" I want? Or I can throw a bunch of blooms in a vase and voila! Instant centerpiece. Or do I want a flower candle mix? I know it seems like it shouldn't make a difference either way, but I plan on spending the majority of my wedding day at my reception and I really want those tables to look warm and inviting.

So as the wedding day looms over the horizon, my future mother in law has lovingly sent me emails asking what my plans are for the centerpieces. I am torn. I am usually really good at making decisions: I picked out the save the dates without feeling torn, picked the invite wording immediately, and picked the bridesmaid dresses in an instant. So here are my current choices/inspirations:

(image courtesy of www.weddingbee.com)

or

(image courtesy of ftdflowers.com)

How did you pick out your centerpieces?