Want 10 New Centerpiece Ideas in the Next Five Minutes?
Of course, for some lucky brides, it's not that hard — they just set the florist free with some thoughts about "mood" and a blank check. Others are happy to find their venue offers perfectly decent centerpieces as part of the evening's services. Neither of those brides are reading this.
Since you are, you're probably somewhere in between. And it's possibly up to you to at least design, if not actually produce, the cute things that'll unify the design and provide a focal point — or a talking point, even! — at every table. (And no, "what was she sniffing?" is not the type of talking point we'll leave your guests with, promise.)
At first, the task can seem overwhelming. But if you check out the centerpieces showing up at weddings across the country, you'll find there's a big trend toward keeping it simple that works in your favor. And it's easier than it looks to dream up dozens of great ideas.
How? Just mix and match, stealin... — ahem, borrowing — from popular building blocks you'll see everywhere. Just keep your overall look in mind (traditional? contemporary?) and you'll be sure to come out looking like you were born to style weddings.
The Building Blocks of Fabulous Wedding Centerpieces
Not all centerpieces have all these elements, of course. If you actually used them all at once you might have some sort of horrible gravitational accident ("Sorry about the black hole, honey. I'll work in the garage next time."). But most of them use a few. Just play along with our creative nomenclature, and you'll be off and running.
The Guts
The guts, the contents, the gear, the goods. This is them. Going for the most stately and traditional to aggressively modern, these is a list of popular, well "¦ stuff that brides build their centerpieces around.
- pillar candles
- floating tealights
- candelabras
- roses, gerbers, hydrangeas, callas
- black magic roses, orchids
- flowers plus interwoven bear grass
- hypericum berries
- flowered branches, curly twigs
- green ranunculous, brown or green roses, green mums, gomphrenia, proteas
- small citrus fruits wrapped in contrasting satin ribbons
- ferns
- large variegated leaves, curled into clear cylinders
- wheat grass
- medium gauge copper wire, curled and spiraled
- tall curly willow or flowered branches pushing vertically above floral arrangements
- peacock feathers (a collar for roses, hydrangeas)
- white ostrich feathers (typically in Eiffel vases)
- traditional white blooms dyed startling colors (acid green, aqua blue)
- tropical exotic flowers, reeds, bamboo
- lotus pods, artichokes, kale "roses"
Thematic Guts
We're going to take a brief detour here and list a few popular "thematic" centerpieces. Those are little more specialized, so we won't linger long.
- candy bouquets (oversized lollipops, chocolate long-stemmed roses)
- cookie towers
- individual cakes
- tiered favor box "cakes"
- terra cotta pots, painted or natural
- wine bottles
- sand castles
- flower-filled conch shells
- pumpkins, gourds
- galvanized pails, watering cans
- birds nests, birdhouses
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The Containers
Okay. Let's talk vessels and cylinders, fishbowls and boxes. These are a few of brides' favorite things when it comes to holding The Stuff.
- bubble bowls ("fish bowls"), ivy bowls, hurricane lamps
- footed pedestal bowls, urns
- silver mint julep cups
- eiffel (tower) or trumpet vases
- mason jars
- photo cubes
- gift boxes, hat boxes
- wooden crates
- clear glass cylinders
- square vases, square bowls
- oversized martini or wine glasses
The Treatments
A rose is a rose is a rose, it's said. But wasn't a rose something else when you lopped off the heads of a dozen and sent the stems to your cheating ex in college? Of course it was.How you treat Your Stuff says at least as much about your style as The Stuff itself. Here are some popular treatments, ranging from Princess Di-ish to Edie Sedgewick-y.
- flowers, nosegays
- flowers, wired to topiaries
- flowers, paveed
- de-stemmed single flower heads floating in water: gerbers, roses, peonies
- blooms arranged into pomanders or spheres
- maple or oak leaves, roses, orchids, gerbers: submerged entirely in water (aka "drowning rose")
- callas, bear grass, sword grass: submerged and twirled in bubble glass
- roses, orchids, gerbers: submerged plus underwater lighting
- vegetables (gourds, succulents): submerged
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Killer Container Fillers
Of course, it isn't always enough to have fabulous flowers and Baccarat vases (or wheat grass and stainless steel). Sometimes we ladies just need an extra design element. Voila: pretty stuff that goes into the container. Hey, plain old water isn't always thrilling enough for events like this.
- gel beads
- vase gems, clear
- vase gems, bright striking colors
- vase gems with underwater lighting
- cranberries, kumquats, cherries, frozen green peas (can take water)
- coffee beans, candy corn, dried indian corn, popcorn, dried peas, lentils (keep dry)
- colored water, underwater lighting
- citrus fruit, arranged cut side out
- block of floral foam wrapped in sword grass or hosta leaves (placed in square jars)
Snappy Container Wrappers
You've tossed in the callas, the vase gems, a magnificent beta fish for good measure — but something's still missing. What could it be?Perhaps it's the snappy container wrapper. Because that bubble bowl can look a bit bare without a little something wrapped around it. Miniature "bowl lingerie" is hard to find, but satin ribbons are easy. Hurrah!
- ivy
- raffia
- multilayered satin ribbons
- berry sprays/garlands
- bark strips
- marabou feather boas
- bear grass
- bear grass threaded with crystals
The Underlayments
What a pretty word, eh? "Underlayments." Sounds like something that involves a lot of rivets, and maybe some naughty lace. But in this case, it's something that goes under your container to make it look even more fabulous. Yeah, like that's possible.
- contrasting table runners
- doilies
- reflective mirror tiles
- criss-crossed satin ribbons
- hosta leaves
- sheet moss
- "stone" runners, cut into squares
- bamboo rolling mats or soba trays
Surrounds
Contrary to popular belief, this is not the unfortunate transformation your fiancé wreaks on your living room before you even tie the knot. ("Your TV isn't wired for 5.1?? Don't worry, honey, I'll take care of that. Can you hand me that coat hanger?")No, surrounds (at least in our minds) are those sophisticated little things you toss around your centerpieces to give them even more visual interest. Rose petals and vase gems are the most traditional. You can simply scatter them around your creations like little moons in loose orbits.
Or, if you're feeling a little more luxe, you can arrange your centerpieces in a soldierly little line all the way down the table, filling the spots between with heaps of petals or orchid heads. Or if you really want to cheer up your guests, you could always scatter gold coins.
- vase gems
- rose petals
- round votive holders
- beach glass
- seashells
- teacups (as votive holders)
- loose dendrobium orchids
- river stones
- square votive holders
- glass ornaments
- miniature gourds (plain or hollowed to hold votive candles)
- polished black river stones
And Now, Over to You
Whew! Well, that's enough out of us (do I smell something burning?) You've probably thought of a few great centerpiece ideas yourself. Trade ideas in the comments field below ... and don't forget to include some pics of your mock-ups or final results!
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can anyone help me with an inexpensive, non floral centerpiece idea for adults for an april bar mitzvah. the colors are red, blue and orange. i want to make something elegant and spring-like. please help.
thank you.
Erica,
* ideas
* more pics
* here they concentrated more on the ceiling decor
* loads of pics
Erica,
* centerpieces
* real ideas, love the paper lanterns then adding candle centerpiece
* like this
Erica,
I think you might like this page…
* here
My wedding date is 7/10/2010. we getting married on an older riverboat. I need some ideas on centerpeices. I am thinking tiffant blue and white
Melissa,
Oh I would keep it simple, elegant, understated. Something they would have used along time ago. Simple white florals in silver compotes. Think southern. That would tie in nicely with this wedding style. You could also add a few nautical touches if youwanted. I think I would stick with old southern style though, add simple greenery and have it draping over sides. use candles if they allow.
Hi,
My fiance and I are getting married on 8-14-10. I keep giving him different centerpiece ideas but it doesn’t seem interested in any of them so I’m still looking for something to wow him which would make me happy. Our colors are yellow and white and my flowers are going to be daisy’s. Any suggestions would be wonderful. Thank you.
Julianne,
Hi! You have picked my all time favorite flower!
What about lemons? and have a daisy at each table setting? or a mini vase at each setting with a daisy in it? you could even take glass containers fill with water and lemon slices add daisies. or buy cylinder vases and float lemons.
* lemons
* love this
* scroll down to see same tablesetting, almost to end of page
Hi, I am planning an 18th bday party and can’t think of any really amazing centerpieces. The colors are gold and black and at the present time there is no theme.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
sue papa,
* some ideas
I think it would look great with nothing but gold spray painted branches maybe with hanging gold stars suspended off branches with fishing line.
Hi,
I am planning a formal 50th weeding anniversary for my parents. I am expecting 150-200 guest so we will be using round tables that seat 8. The colors will be ivory, chocolate, and touches of gold. Any suggestions on an easy but elegent centerpieces? I am thinking of using some sort of glass cylinder vases about 10″ and I would like to somehow include different pictures of my parents on each table.
Thanks
Hi,
I am in charge of the table centerpieces for my mother-in-law’s 90th Birthday celebration. There will be about 50 guests in attendance - one long table of 20 and small tables of 4. The restaurant will supply white tablecloths, napkins, etc., so my color palate is completely open. Do you have any suggestions for some elegant centerpieces. I would like to incorporate some candlelight and possibly fresh flowers. Thankyou very much for your help.
Karen,
what colors is the venue? do you have a pic?
I am getting marry 12/2010, not sure on the date yet. But I am trying to figure out what I want. My theme is Silver and light green. Want an inexpensive centerpiece with the winter theme.
Jen,
* ideas
* adding curly willow or small icy branches ( from a craft store) would really go well with this!
* what about simple pine branches in silver containers
* branches and candles
*bowls of pinecones
* love this!
* love this too!
icy branches would look beautiful too!
Hi I am getting married 10-9-10 and We are havin red black and silver as our colors, we have candelabra shape vases, anyone have any good and CHEAP centerpiece ideas for us??
jenna,
can i see a pic of your vases to get a better idea of what would work best?
Hi there,
My fiance and I are getting married 10-30-10, and we also are having red and black…. right down to my red wedding dress!
We are using vases or glass bowls, with those red and black gem-like river stones (bulk at craft stores) and using those to fill the bottom of the vase a little, sticking in a fake rose, and filling with water, with a black or red floating candle on top. We are also using extra river stones to scatter loosely around the vases in the centre of the tables. We are using red and black table cloths, alternating … so if the table is a black cloth, we are using red stones and a black candle. Vise versa for red :)
Hi, I’m having a sweet 16 next April, and I was wondering if someone could help me come up with ideas for my centerpieces. I want them to look pretty fancy and formal, but we are on a tight budget. I don’t really have a preferance of short or tall. My colors are going to be pink (most likely hot pink) and yellow. Any type of help would be appreciated. Thanks!
melissa,
candles will be the best option. not to mention you can use them afterwards. just have different heights of candles in vases. or have floating candles.
*wedding centerpieces
*floating candle centerpiece
*candle wedding centerpiece
*elegant wedding centerpiece
* centerpiece
I am needing to find some type of EASY centerpeices for my husband’s 50th birthday party. Anyone has ideas to share???
veronica,
can i get the color scheme, venue colors, and theme( if there is one). so i can give appropriate ideas.
Instead of flowers you could have pots of herbs at each table, they look stunning and also give a great scent. Have the same herb in lots of pots and then you can use them as your wedding favor as well, all you need to do is tie a thank you note with your guest’s name and you have saved yourself lots!
What about a pink open rose head sitting on pink gems in a cylinder vase filled with water and a floating candle on top. This is what I plan to use at my wedding reception.
thanks for the new idea. I’m sure dinner will be alot better.
Hey everyone,
I envy each and every one of you because I lack any sense of creativity towards anything. I would have never thought of 90% of the ideas on this website, and that leads me to my current dilemma. I am currently a cadet in Air Force ROTC and for some odd reason they decided to put me on the committee to help plan our Fall Dining-out, which is a fancy way of saying formal dinner. The cadet in charge of the entire program at my school has a motto/goal for everyone to focus on for the semester and that it “Make it personal.” Meaning take academics, physical fitness, and all of your responsibilities including social life and take it seriously, find a way to improve, get help if you need it and just make it personal by taking steps to keep everything within your control. Lengthy explanation but needed, sorry. So the four person committee that is putting everything together for the dinner wants to make the theme along the same lines as her motto. Doable? Yes we believe so. We do have a very limited budget (we are college students and its a military budget that we are working with.)
They for some reason put me in charge of the centerpieces for about 25 tables. Some ideas that we have so far include various pictures of cadets hanging out, past and present, including personal pictures and pictures taken at events. Maybe even crafting little popsicle stick frames to go along with it, or something simple (and cheap.) I would greatly appreciate some ideas to help me out a little. Its a formal dinner but we want to make it newbie friendly and as not intimidating as possible. HELP please!! Its my last one since I graduate in Dec and would love to make it an amazing evening for everyone. Ideas?
Thanks in advance and the Dining-out is in the middle of November just in case you were wondering.
I’m getting married 7/11/09 and need help with centerpiece ideas. I don’t really want flowers but that all I seem to find when searching. The wedding colors are aqua and teal. Any ideas would help!!!
I am getting married in January of 09′ and we are using live fish in hurricane lamps with a bow around the top and gems in the bottom of the lamp. Hope this helps!
Aren’t hurricane lamps open on the bottom? I love, love, love your idea…please let me know more specifics!
I’m getting married on 7/4/09 and we are doing mixed fruit as centerpieces :)
My daughter is getting married 8/8/09 and her colors are charcoal and teal and she has decided to use peacock feathers.
For my anniversary party (which was outdoors) for centerpieces I put a clear vase with a tea light on the bottom of each vase and added clear pebbles (marbles) on top ..each tea light was a diffrent color..(you can have whatever color - maybe the same color of your bridesmaids or your theme color) and when you light them the pebbles reflect the light…they look really pretty in the dark. Some tea lights are water proof so you can add water to your vase and put 1-2 floating heart candles or pretty leaves…or if you like flowers you can put a flower on top. Hope this idea helps!
I found this idea online…I think it might be neater if the ting was colored (spray paint would do it) And you can coordinate it to your colors.
I’m getting married 7/11/09 and need help with centerpiece ideas. I don’t really want flowers but that all I seem to find when searching. The wedding colors are aqua and teal. Any ideas would help!!!
We are having an anniversary party and trying to think of cheap centerpieces. I am using cheap wine glasses. The tablecloths will be blue. I will paint a pretty 25 on one side of the glass. On the other side of each glass will painted something that has meant so much to us in the 25 years. It will take just a few minutes for each one. Put a blue candle in it. I can’t wait to see what they will look like! It will put off some light — and people will enjoy looking at all the different things that have meant so much to us.
I’m looking for a nyc theme centerpiece. Do you have anything?
Hi my wedding is about one month away and i am still in a bind to figure out what i am going to use for a inexpensive yet classical looking centerpieces..PLEASE help i need some ideas
My colors are green and brown, and I have a 12 x 12 sheet of brown paper in the middle. I also have 12 x 12 sheets of green paper, which I’m cutting into circles, and then cutting into doilies in the same way that you made snowflakes when you were little. On that, I have shallow bowls with floating rose-shaped candles in the middle. It’s cheap! The candles were about 0.75 cents a piece at a craft store, and we got the bowls from the dollar store. All of the paper was less than 10 dollars and I have 20 tables.