Wedding Centerpiece Guide
One of the most fun yet challenging decisions you’ll make when deciding on your wedding flowers is the style of centerpiece you want for your tablescape. Different styles work best for different shapes of tables and venue conditions. Not to mention, centerpieces tend to take up a large part of your flower budget, so it is very important to understand each style before making a decision.
Below are some of our favorite centerpiece styles we recommend..
Photo credit: Aria Studios
Tall and Whimsical
This style is an awesome way to make an impact in a ballroom or other large indoor space. The beauty of this style is it works well with any table shape and helps create visual impact by drawing the eyes up. From tall glass vases to gold frame pedestals to faux tree trunks, there are so many vessel options available to fit any wedding theme. If you want a centerpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your guests from the moment they enter the reception area, this centerpiece style is for you!
Photo Credit: Jenny Quicksall
Whimsical Garden
A newer trend in centerpieces is to create an arrangement that looks as if it is growing straight out of your table. It can be designed round or long, and it does not require a traditional vase. Instead the flowers are designed in a tray that is completely hidden by greenery and flowers that ‘grow’ out of the table to be as low or high as you like. If you love flowers and want to create a whimsical tablescape, this might be the perfect centerpiece style for you.
Photo credit: Chelsea Abril
Candles
Candles work for any table shape and are extremely versatile. They can be used as a statement piece with minimal flowers or as accents to larger arrangements. Some of our favorite candle flower combinations are:
Vine like greenery wrapped around the base of multi height pillar candles
Flower bud vases placed around multi height cylinder vases with floating candles
Smaller compote arrangements placed between candle groupings on a long table
Whether it is multi height pillar candles or tapered candles, this centerpiece style adds romance to the overall design and can often help pair back flower costs. If incorporating candles is something you are excited about, make sure to check with the venue for their policy on open flames!
Low and Symmetrical
This style of centerpiece is one of the most common. It can be created in a tidy round shape or in an airy natural shape. This style works really well with round guest tables and is low enough that it allows for conversation across the table. This style can also be used on long tables if you have 2-3 evenly spaced along the center of the guest table. This style is flexible in form and works well with almost any flower. Whether you are planning an elegant or casual celebration, we recommend pairing the flowers with a well coordinated round, square or compote vase that ties the rest of the reception decor together.
Photo credit: Aria Studios
Garland
Garland centerpieces elevate any tablescape design. Their low and long shape allows for easy conversation amongst guests and works perfectly as a table runner on extra wide long tables. The length of the garland and the composition will largely determine the price. Garlands can be made with a variety of greenery and flowers, but products that hold up well out of water are recommended. Before choosing this style of centerpiece, be sure to check with your caterer to ensure they will have adequate space for your food since garlands tend to take up more space on the table top than most other centerpieces.
Photo credit: Aria Studios
Bud Vases
Another centerpiece style that is beautiful and typically more cost effective are bud vase arrangements. This eclectic style is flexible in design and can be designed to be modern, rustic or romantic. It works well with various flowers and greenery as well as bud vase styles. If you are working with round guest tables, consider using five to six multi height bud vases clustered together or if you have long tables, opt for five + groups of three bud vase clusters. Regardless of the style, be sure to select bud vases that are not prone to tipping over.
Photo Credit: Brooke and Bryn Photography
If choosing just one style is too hard, you will be excited to learn that mixing and matching 2-3 different styles of centerpieces is all the rage. Not only that, but if your budget is tight, you might consider a centerpiece style that can be multi purposed for both the ceremony and then later moved to the reception.
We hope this information helps you in picking the perfect centerpiece for your tables!
