Selecting Your Wedding Centerpieces
Wedding centerpieces help tie together the look of your entire table setting. The centerpieces will influence the linens you choose, the size of the tables and even the number of guests you seat on each table.
It's important to discuss beforehand the centerpiece options available to you with your decorator and caterer.
The size of the wedding centerpiece is important. The centerpiece shouldn't be so small as to get overlooked. But if it's too large, there might not be enough room for other things like the place cards, cutlery, and crockery and in general the table may become too cramped.
The height of the centerpiece also needs to be carefully considered. If the centerpiece you choose is something thin like a beautiful candle, the height won't matter. In fact you may need it to be really tall to get noticed. On the other hand if the wedding centerpiece is a floral arrangement, ensure that it is short enough that guests can see each other over the arrangement. Often people choose wedding centerpieces that are so overwhelming that guests cannot even see each other across them, let alone hold a conversation!
Of course, your budget will largely determine the wedding centerpiece you choose. Wedding centerpieces can be very affordable or very extravagant. It's up to you to decide how much to spend.
You could also choose a wedding centerpiece that doubles as wedding party favors. This is a great idea because it allows you to combine your budget for the wedding centerpieces and the party favors and afford something better.
Floral arrangements are the most common and traditional wedding centerpiece options. They can vary from small exotic arrangements to large effusive ones. If you want the wedding centerpiece to double as a party favor, think about placing a small potted plant that also acts as the place card holders. After the party guests can take their plant home. This works very well and merges with the wedding decoration for a garden theme party.
Tabletop fountains make for exotic wedding centerpieces. They can certainly add an Asian feel to your entire wedding reception. Place votive candles around the fountain to give an exotic feel.
A crystal bowl filled with rose petals floating in water makes a smashing wedding centerpiece. You can add floating candles if the wedding reception is at night. The roses not only add romance to the atmosphere, but their fragrance will enhance the entire wedding decoration.
There are many options available when choosing your wedding centerpieces, and they are a big part of the overall wedding decoration, so give them the attention they deserve. You'll be surprised how much they bring to your reception.
I´m getting married on January 2, 2010 in Mazatlan, Mexico. My wedding color besides white is blue, but I´m having trouble to incorporate other color in the flower certerpieces. I chose roses and lilies. Any ideas?
carolina,
here are some different combos…..
*blue and green
*blue and yellow
*blue and orange
*blue with brown makes simple white florals pop!
*blue and pink
*and just blue and white is gorgeous!!
if your wanting to keep mainly the blue and white color scheme and are renting linens. colored linens can cost the same to rent as white in alot of cases. have blue table linens and have centerpieces of your flowers in white with greenery, you can choose whites with faint colored centers like a white rose with a blush or palest yellow center or even a pale tangerine center.
*like here
*white and yellow
you could add some native greenery or flower to the mix also. bougainvillea is super gorgeous, and a small amount mixed in with your roses and lilies would be so pretty.
*ideas
I am getting married in December of this year. My colors are berry, silver and white. I need help on centerpieces. PLEASE HELP!!!!
candace,
is it a christmas or winter theme? what style wedding are you having? if more christmas theme some of the simplest centerpieces i know is taking silver ornaments and nestling them into a crystal looking pedestal bowl and march votives in between. you could also take red berry branches and place tall stems in clear vases( keep smaller mouth vase openings you will need less stems)
or cranberries…
*cranberry centerpiece
*cranberry centerpieces
*wedding bee forum pics
you could even have ornaments in tall cylinders.
oh loving this site….
*garden party sisters
*ornament centerpiece
candace,
with berry colored cloths, i think centerpieces of babies breath could be stunning!!
have silver crystals in bottom of glass vase.
*stunning pics
Stacey,
Please help my wedding is September 19th, colors are espresso, latte with topaz - we have selected roses with frenchbraid for the bridesmaids. The reception will start shortly after noon and will be held in the Ballroom of the Hotel. The room is beautiful with drapes and chandeliers. Please help with ideas for inexpensive centerpieces that will fit with ‘My Fairytale come true I have fallen for you” theme. I have already bought 12 vases
Psalm,
i think we have talked before. did you want fall elements or more fairytale? these vases are large mouth, it will take alot of flowers to fill them up. something with falling leaves or falling petals would work.
*flaoting rose petals idea
now i have one idea, i dont know if you will like it or not, but turn the vase over on its side, be sure to weigh it down with clear crystals or white rocks, from a craft store. have the inside with flower petals and look like they are falling out of the vase into a elegant puddle. surround with a few votives. like this:
*rose petal pic
*and this
another idea is to take these vases and fill with roses and have some bent over and right in under the rose have 2 or 3 petals that look like they purposely fell off the rose.
you could also take branches ( free) and anchor them in your vase and take rose heads and suspend them from the branches ( make sure the roses are more light weight) or attach beautiful silk fall leaves and have some scattered as if falling on the table. and last….if you have a low ceiling consider suspending ribbons above the table in different sizes with a rose attached to the end or spaced on ribbon. in your vase have a simple floating candle and smaller votives.
*wedding decor
you could also mix your flowers with fall branches and have just a “few” on the table of both. i hope i mentioned something you like. i couldnt remember which theme you were having or what you liked on the other post.
*rose petal ideas
My wedding colors are chocolate, burnt orange with a hint of cream. I have not idea on where to begin with table centerpieces. Any ideas. Please email me at southerngurl_35@yahoo.com
Thanks
Southern_gurl
lena,
could you let me know some details on your venue, that way i will give you complimenting centerpieces. will they need to be low or tall? rustic, elegant, casual, etc?
Hi I am getting married in December, it is Summer here in South Africa that time. My colours are black, hot pink, bright fresh green and a cool blue. Need unique ideas for centerpieces. We are having banquet style tables. My fiance does not like the tall centerpieces because he does not like people having to look around an object to talk or see whats going on…so something low. I want to bring the colour in with the center pieces….any help or suggestions?
chantel,
are you wanting to go in the south african direction? do you want them hip and trendy;rustic; or elegant?
i am thinking have a simple candle centerpieces like shown except have guinea feathers instead. you could also layer the feathees, for example….
1st row….peacock feathers 2nd row, layer withguinea feathers, and rightclose tothe base have a ring of hot pink roses. if you dont care for all the colors, the hot pink roses on next to JUST the guinea feathers would be stunning!! you can also get guinea feathers dyed.it would resemble this boutonniere…
*boutonniere pic
I’m Getting married in September and the colors of the reception are blood red, black and ivory. Any ideas for an inexpensive centerpiece? I am able to use any of the materials provided by the reception site and it’s quite an extensive array of candle holders, vases, colored glass beads etc. I have very very little left to do something stunning with the reception area. Any suggestions will be welcome!!!
Thanks! Ana
ana,
what color are the glass beads and candleholders? also what color are your linens? what else do they have? i am thinking clear vases with blood red glass beads in bottom, fill with water. then add red flowers. amazing if setting this on white linens with black napkins. if the flowers are out of budget then consider floating candles. i will be able tohelp more once i get a rundown of the materials they have. oh yeah what size are the candleholders?
I’m getting married June 6th. I still don’t know what to do about centerpieces. We are having a fairly small reception,maybe 50 people. Our colors are black, white/ivory and red. My bouquet as well as the bridemaids are black magic roses. Any ideas?
kim,
*wedding
google image rose petal centerpiece also rose petal and candle centerpiece and one of my faves google image wedding centerpiece submerged rose. i thought the pics i posted were nice and would be budget friendly. that white one is gorgeous!!
kim, i would definitely carry the black magic roses throughout as the only flower. it would make a beautiful statement because it is a gorgeous flower. so buy in bulk and just use everywhere!!
hello everyone. I’m definately driving my self nutty trying ot find awesome centerpieces. We are getting married dec. 09 and are having a winter theme. My colors are going to be saphire and silver. I’mnot sure what to do. I’m also tryingto figure out what to do with my bouquets. My MOH is wearing the same color as the rest of the BM (Everyone loved the color soo much), and I want to do something different with her bouquet but i’m not sure… I’m also looking for good ideas for my own. Any suggestions??
kristin
one of the best centerpieces for a winter wedding is branches, pine boughs, or candles. i would suggest putting shimmering branches(sprayed with white glitter or ice crystals(which i prefer) and put in food tinted water(your desired shade of blue) branches can be free but be careful the shimmer doesnt get everywhere. ask a local craft store for the best glitter sprays. i think this would be an awesome centerpiece at a fraction of the price. if you want, add white votives here and there with pine or evergreen boughs lining the table in between branches for a truly magical setting. as for the bouquets white would be the best choice. all you have to do is have your bouquet with a sapphire ribbon(your something blue also) and for the bm have them carry white with the silver ribbon. with your moh carrying a white bouquet with some blue flowers in it or find an amazing blue and silver ribbon to add. unless you want the blue and silver ribbon then add a solid blue to hers. consider adding winter evergreens to the bouquets too. consider winter berries(faux cause real will stain). you can also just adjust the number of flowers. or let each bridemaid add a sentimental token to their bouquets. or for example let each attendant carry their fave flower in say white. then you carry each type of flower they do and your fave.
google image winter wedding centerpiece also winter wedding branches then cheap wedding centerpiece
What I did for my MOH was have her bouquet a smaller version of mine. Very cute
Congratulations to everyone. Im so lost I guess I dont really have a theme Im a cake decorator and I cant find a centerpeice to match thats cheap I have 40 tables and Im wearing a princess ballgown my colors are white, sage, and peradot please help
oh this is soooo easy!! do all greenery centerpieces not only are they affordable especially if you have a free abundant supply near your home. check out barndivaweddings. once on webpage. click 6th pic. waiter is preparing table. look at the centerpiece. love this wow factor!!
Hi Tiffanie, take a look on google images at green hydrangea centerpieces and DIY hydrangea centerpieces. Consider putting a touch of color in there: a few pale pink roses for example, or coral ones, or some deep burgundy flowers (mini suns, callas) if that fits your scheme.
Hydrangeas are beautiful, but some easy ideas for jazzing up these CPs more:
- wrap two colors satin ribbon around the vase, see pic. (For example your peridot and sage.)
- tuck a little ivy or amaranthus under your hydrangeas so you have something trailing out romantically below. Ivy is foolproof!
- or, you can fill tall cylinders with something green and eye-catching like small green apples, limes or pears and put a simple hydrangea arrangement on top — very cool.
- Check out FutureBride08’s green wedding! She wore a beautiful ballgown, used green & white and hydrangea CPs and has lots of great pictures.
Hi! My name is Ella and my fiance and I are getting mariied in October of 2009. Our wedding colors are soft pink, silver and charcoal. I am going nutty trying to find just the right idea for a centre piece while staying within a budget. I want to do something with water and flowers, but I am not a fan of floating candles. After they melt, I have seen them make other centre pieces look awful! Plese help!
Ellainontario 8)
okay, take simple and inexpensive glass bowls, container. fill with water. and float pink flowers in water. your done!! if youd like tint the water pink and add white flowers. beautiful!! google image floating flower centerpiece for tons of ideas!!
My wedding is August 2009 and my colors are champagne, cream and gold. I want some that looks elegant without the big price tag. Also nothing too tall, because I want my guests to be able to converse with one another. Any ideas.
Hi Brande! Try this:
* Gilded Elegance
* Elegant Gold Affair
take simple glass containers like in top picture. add a tight bunch of cream tulips or chosen flowers, surround with candles in glass and gold etched votive holders. add brown runner to this to make it pop if you wish!! voila!!
My wedding is July 2009 what type of decorations can i use for the reception with a rainbow theme?
Hi,
My wedding colors are a dark vibrant purple and apple green. Because of a few other wedding details my FIANCE suggested using apples, green apples, as a theme through out the ceremony and reception, now I just need ideas of table centerpieces. Any suggestions?
HI!
I am also doing a purple and apple green and was planning on typing apples in my centerpiecesa s well. If you could e-mail me with that you did or any ideas you have id greatly appreciate it!! any info is helpful!
its julebug_99@yahoo.com
thanks!!!!!!!
Julie & Na’omi, there are SO many beautiful apple centerpieces out there, seems like florists come up with so many beautiful new ways to do them every year! Just search theknot, brides, google images or see if this doesn’t help. I love how natural and unfussy this looks.
Also, apples look great with hydreangeas, kermit mums, branches, hypericum berries, or just put them in tall clear cylinders. Love green apples with pink, purple or cream. Oh and of course chocolate brown.
Delores, have you seen the new rainbow roses? I’ve read they’re about $6 a stem … no question, they would be stunning!
If that doesn’t grab you, you could wrap simple cylinder vases in rainbow ribbon or fabric and fill with some colorful flowers. See this Todd Oldham rainbow floral design from FTD (attached) …
… across a whole reception I might fill these vases with solid-color arrangements that differ subtly from vases to vase … solid cream roses in one, pale pink in another, deep pink in another, etc. etc. Just some thoughts!
I am having a rainbow wedding, what kind of centerpiece would work?
I am helping my sister plan her wedding and we are on a VERY tight budget, we are trying to figure out her centerpieces, she is going with a very simple yet elegant look her dress reminds me of the 40’s just sleek, thin and flowing mostly made of silk like material. she is wanting something on the table that will have “pearl” beads tied into it, her colors are bright pink orange and green, any ideas would be GREAT!
My theme for my wedding is double hearts. I am having a little trouble thinkng of a good center piece for the tables. I want something with hearts and candles… any ides please let me know. thank you.
Hi Kathy: Your centerpiece idea would be very pretty and easy. Here is a link with some pictures.
http://interiordec.about.com/od/cmasctpcproj/a/bowlofballsctrp.htm
Glass bowls and ornaments can be found at Walmart, Michael’s Craft Store, Hobby Lobby, Dollar Stores, or any discount store. Just look around! Ornaments can also be found online cheaply. Since you are not getting married until 2008, you can scour the stores THIS Christmas season….take advantage of all the Christmas sales, or wait until after Christmas when everything is discounted. Good luck!
I am getting married on Dec. 6, 2008. My mom and her friend want to make the centerpcs. We were thinking glass bowl with ornaments for my guests to take hom as favors. Where do I get pretty ornaments and glass bowls at a reasonable price? What colors should I stay with? My girls are wearing scarlet and the groomsmen will be in Navy dress blues.
I want a white wedding and pick one color for the floral centerpieces, but I don’t know which color….my wedding is in july…
I totally agree - I think that the main key is to stick to a central theme and color scheme, and then go from there. In fact, having a few different yet coordinating centerpieces will help keep your wedding decor a little more interesting - especially if it is a bigger wedding. When they are all the same, after a while it starts to look like someone hit the “copy” button a few to many times.
Hi Miranda. Your question reminded me of a post on StyleMePretty that was put so beautifully, I thought. She wrote:
“… It seems that when a bride talks about her wedding (and I am definitely one of those brides), there is always somewhat of a theme and always, a clear color palette. And many times, I find that the color palette is translated so literally that the end result seems a bit contrived and overdone …
Sarah’s colors are pink and brown. Rather than using one particular shade of pink and chocolate, I’ve instead decided to do a spectrum of varying colors and textures, all in the same color family… I feel strongly that by using color to inspire, rather than create, your wedding will seem much more chic than if you were to simply do a pink and brown theme.”
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This kind of nuance is definitely showing up in centerpieces. A lot of weddings have moved beyond the soldierly line of identical candelabras marching down the tables and gone to complementary focal points. It’s the same concept as decorating your house in mixy-matchy instead of matchy-matchy for a much more individual and elegant look. I think your centerpieces will look gorgeous together.
I am planning a fall wedding with lots of roses in 10 different shades of colors ranging from burgandy to golden yellow. Is it tack to have two or three different table centerpieces that all correlate to eachother?