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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Hi!! OK i have a question i was thinking about adding some camo into my wedding considering we both love to hunt and this will be around oct and no im not having a trashy red neck wedding but i was wondering if u have any ideas on center pieces or if you know any where in tn or the surrounding states that sell dresses in camo or that have a touch of camo on them… thank you
Tanisha,
* pics
* more pics
Tanisha,
* more real weddings
* elegant camo wedding
Tanisha,
*LOVE the vase centerpiece pic
Hi guys!
My wedding is coming up this November, and I m still out on a centre piece idea for my vintage theme. My colours are pale pink and black. My bridesmaids are wearing black dresses and birdcages. My cake is pale pink fondant with black trim. My bouquet will be pale pink anemones and champage roses.
Any ideas on centre pieces tha are both classic and vintage???
Sarah G,
What about renting candelabras for each table? Another idea is using feathers. Mixing champagne roses with pale pink feathers. If you are wanting classic, then simple flowers in crystal vases is pure vintage too. Black feathers would work too.
* this is neat too.
Sara H,
* look at this
* some of these might help
Sarah G.,
* idea
* look at this table
Sarah G.,
* feather centerpiece
* check out this site
HELP!!! Need ideas on a centerpiece. The theme is African. The colors are red, black, and gold. any ideas???
Sandy,
* some ideas
Sandy,
Think about using guinea feathers mixed with red berries, maybe a african mask. add some candles.
* here is another idea with rustic elements use in your colors
Sandy,
* check this out
it really depends on the color of your table linen…if your linens are red or gold, a black or zebra square vase with red flowers would look nice….the african theme can be brought in with zebra print napkins also….feathers would also look nice as well..best wishes
We are planning a royal blue and white wedding with reception in our church fellowship hall. We’ll have about 45 round tables of 8, so we need to find an inexpensive way to decorate the tables. We would probably do a variety of things…perhaps 3 ideas for centerpieces on each of 15 tables? We have nothing to start with…vases bowls or otherwise! HELP! Thanks!
MOB Lisa,
You could do one of two things… Find small vases and have a grouping of white flowers. Or you could buy great vasesetc. from DollarTree.com and have floating candles in blue tinted ( food dye) water.
* you could also let colored napkins be your table decor and have white christmas lights in any potted ficus trees etc. around the room and simple low bowl of candles
Hello,
I need some centerpieces for my upcoming wedding but am having a huge problems finding the perfect ones. My colours are black and a dark red and I need a “multi-use” centerpiece. Confusing I know. I am getting married in my home town, it’s going to be small and intimate. But, I can’t use real flowers or anything that will die because I need to transport them to my fiances home towm where we will be having a more elegant wedding. I figured I would like to use the same centerpiece but just put little candles around it to make it more elegant. PLEASEEE HELP!!!
Jodee,
If it were me, I would use just candles. I would get extra flaoting candles ” just in case”.
* ideas
* more ideas
Jodee,
I think adding feathers would be perfect for this. No need for water for the candles etc. Just vases and feathers.
* ideas
Jodee,
* look at the bouquet
* centerpieces
for more google feather wedding centerpiece
hi there. i am getting married 10/10/2010 and i am going to be using jordan almond flowers and hersheys kisses flowers for my centerpiece. it acts as a center piece, appetizer/desert and also a gift for the people to take home!
i was going to go with a mirror and candles with sprinkled fake flower petals, but then i’d have to use candles for the next 20 years and left over mirror candle holders. so i though i’d use something that people would use while at the wedding! good luck with your wedding! i’m stressing over mine haha. its so much work!!
im getting married june 26 i need help with the centerpiece i need something small and cute and purple
Claudia,
* some ideas
* more pics
Claudia,
* what about purple votives and dainty little flowers?
* wedding board
PLEASE HELP!!! Planning 20th anniversary party for my parents and need ideas for centerpieces. It’s an outdoor, tented party. The party is May 15th.. Please Help.. Thanks!
The colors are peach and cream with gold accents.. no real theme…..
Shantai,
It depends on how simple or budget friendly you want it. low or tall centerpieces.
* something like this with a single large peach or white bloom or lots of rose blooms would be beautiful, add floating candles if you wish.
Shantai,
* or this
* ah! good ole rose petals and flaoting candles
* you can rack up here with glass containers
I need help…my wedding is ten months away and im lost. i want to mix flowers, candles and peacock feathers in an exciting and INEXPENSIVE center piece. I also have peacock feathers in vases throughout the venue…the colors are teal, navy blue, and burgandy…HELP HELP PLEASE!!
Tiffany,
I would just scatter votives everywhere and place a single flower on top of a small peacock feather on each place setting.
Tiffany,
* here is another way
I have used this idea many times. Place a strip of WIDE floral ribbon ( 5 or 6 inches wide ) down the center of table. Add a smaller width of floral ribbon ( or lace ) in your contrasting color on top. Then you have a option of placing flower heads, candles petals , stones or feathers along the top.
I used pink ribbon on white table and glued black feathers along it once. Then scattered large hot pink confetti.
I think for the aqua and teal , ribbons then candles( in the bottom ribbon color) of assorted heights would be fine, since you don’t want flowers. Feathers would be a nice addition. I found them at craft store in amazing colors real cheap! The gluing was fast too. Use a clear quick drying glue. Have a person place a SMALL dab of glue ahead of person placing a feather. Keeps them from flying around.
CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE ANY REPLIES TO THIS…I’M ALSO USING THIS THEME (PEACOCK FEATHERS) AND WOULD LOVE SOME IDEAS! THANKS!
Erika,
* here are some pics
*real weddings
* more pics
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!
light green table cloth with sheer glittery lace over it or light green tablecloth with large snowflakes covered in white glitter/ crystals,,, place a sliver bowl/urn or candelabra with white candles in the center,,, fill with white glittered hydranga silk or real ,,, snowflakes would reflect in sides of silver bowl/ urn,,, maybe some of both tables,, candelabra on sheer lace, flower bowls on snowflake tables
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 :)
You have candleabra vases! You are ahead! They can be a big expense. The rose in water with floating candles is sounding more and more common. What about MardiGras masks and large feathers in your color combinations? Feathers in the vases , add a few roses if you like, then candles in the candleholders, hang masks from the candle holder or put one on each plate. You can use silk roses to save $ and I bet you can find feathers and masks on line in bulk.
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.