Want 10 New Centerpiece Ideas in the Next Five Minutes?
Coming up with ideas for centerpieces can be one of the roughest bits of wedding planning out there.
Of course, for a few 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.
What Fabulous Centerpieces Have in Common
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"
The Guts, Thematic Version
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
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, pavéed
- 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
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 on webbed backing, 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!
:DHi Tamryn:
A couple ideas…..I’m not sure what the mini piano in a bottle looks like, because I couldn’t find it on the web, but it sounds different! Would you put these on all the tables?
A couple of ideas would be to use sheet music.
(1) You can buy sheet music rather inexpensively or even download it FREE from the computer — I saw some free sites. Wrap it around the outside of a glass cylinder vase (you can buy these at Walmart or Michaels), and then put some red roses in the vase (or whatever kind of flower you like). I just think that black, white and red looks good together! You could also roll the sheet music and place it INSIDE the vase and then just fill the vase with some shredded metallic tissue paper or some silk flowers.
(2) COPY the sheet music on to a heavy stock paper and burn the edges a little and then just display the sheet music. Of course, you would need to get some stands for these….and then if you wanted candles….I’m not sure about it…but it’s an idea.
I found one site that sells “music” votive holders: go to http://www.shindigz.com and then in the search box type in music theme. The votive holders are $1.79/each. On this site, they also have a “music note” centerpiece. They are $11.96 for 6. If the votives are a little too much (price wise), you can always get plain votive holders at the dollar store and then go to a craft store such as Michaels and look for “music note” stickers or anything else music related that you want, and just attach the stickers to the votive holder – viola! your own unique votive holder!
You can do any of the above, or simply use what you have (the mini piano in a bottle) with some votives. Then, if you think you still need a little more, you can always sprinkle some “music confetti” around these. Go to http://www.chicoparty.com and type in “music confetti” – they have lots to choose from.
Good luck!
:D>-:D>-:D:D
I Love the Ideas…
I’m trying to come up with a unique music-themed centerpiece…at the moment I’m stuck with a mini piano in a bottle…I need to somehow incorporate candles. It’s for a 50th. Any ideas?
Hi Karen:
A first birthday – how fun! Since your daughter is so young, I would go with the whole “Tinkerbell” theme – plates, cups, napkins, etc. I would use a balloon – Tinkerbell, of course! as the centerpiece. You can buy the little weights to hold it down at any craft store or dollar store, or wherever you get the balloon filled. I saw one website: http://www.allaboardtoys.com that has LOTS of Tinkerbell stuff – invites, plates, balloons, etc. If you wanted to go with something a little lower on the table, you can always get the little Tinkerbell wands (also on that website) and arrange them in a colorful sand pail filled with shredded tissue. Good luck!
Hey my daughter 1st b-day is coming up and im having a tinkerbell theme. Any ideas on a center peice to match?
Hi Patti, Here are 2 ideas for baby shower centerpieces.
(1) Get a white wicker basket (or spray paint one white) and fill it with shredded tissue paper (pink for a girl, blue for a boy, or just go with pastel green or yellow – whatever you want) and then buy some small stuffed animals and place in the basket. You can buy some really cute, soft, cuddly, inexpensive stuffed animals at Hallmark stores for $6 each. If you know what kind of animals the parents are decorating the room with, you can buy those animals, or….you can’t go wrong with a bear; a bunny; a rabbit, etc.
(2) The second idea would be if you need more than one centerpiece. Buy some SMALL, inexpensive, colorful plastic sand pails – you can get these at dollar stores, etc. Again, fill them with shredded tissue and then just place 1 stuffed animal in each. OR…you can do the wicker basket idea but with a very small one. Good luck!
Hi Patiti:
I am looking for an idea for table centerpieces for a baby shower. The mom and dad are doing the babies room in an animal theme. Any ideas?
a more modern and fun centerpiece idea is a small fish bowl, seting on top of a mirror with a fish that is the color of your wedding… you can dress this up as much or as simple as you would like. ideas would include adding a floting candle on top of the water, matching rocks or stones in the bottom of the bowl … and dont forget to include a bag under each fist bowl so that at the end some one can take home the fish
Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas Gail!
Hi Heidi:
For your barn reception. How about lanterns with a candle in one of your colors in it. They are available on EBAY. Just go to http://www.ebay.com and type in “lantern centerpiece” and you will see what I mean. Also available from IKEA at IKEA.com. You could also try stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc.
Hi Ashley:
For your parents’ 25th wedding anniversary…..Is it during the day or night? If it’s at night, simple glass bowls with “gem stone marbles” on the bottom and a floating candle in a silver color on top would be really nice. If your budget allows, it’s always nice to put it on a small mirror. This makes a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece. You could place some Hershey Kisses which are already silver colored around that if you want. Another idea…..what about getting silver frames, say 5 x 7 size, at the dollar store or another discount store like Walmart and putting a copy of their wedding picture in it. You could place a couple of votive candles or tealights next to that. OR….get a silver pillar candle and use a glass globe around it. Again, on a mirror if the budget allows.
Good luck!
I’m having a Zen/Asian-Inspired wedding next summer. My centerpieces are going to be spiral bamboo in low vases, river rocks & water on top of a light-colored bamboo table runner surrounded by tealights in glass holders. I might have hand-dyed ribbon encircling the vases or tying together the bamboo – but I think it might be too much. The Zen is earth, water, fire & air (everywhere).
I am getting the runners, bamboo & ribbon off eBay (they have them constantly):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150069339924&rd=1&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230111254349&rd=1&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5675875852&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
Thanks for the idea Lynette! That sounds wonderful! I was thinking of doing something like that and I probably will do something like that for my parents 25th. Thank you so much for sharing!
Keeping it simple — for my parents 50th we did simple ‘goldfish’ bowls that had a ring of red and gold around the rim. We added red and gold vase beads (marbles) and floated a gold candle (rose shape) on top. We then scattered red and gold ‘Kisses’ around the vases. Looked lovely and gave the guests a sweet treat!
I’m have an introdution to my event planning business and I need a very unique idea for centerpieces. My colors are light/royal blue & white/silver. Any suggestions? Thank you
I’m planning a sports theme banquet and need some ideas on unique centerpieces.:-?
Hey everyone!!
I am planning a surprise 25th Wedding Anniversary for my parents and I am having troubles deciding what to do for centerpieces! The colors we will be using are silver and white. I’m looking for something classy but also doesn’t cost a lot! Any ideas??
Thanks in advance!!
:P
I am planning my 20 Year class reunion. Our school colors are green and grey and our mascots were a conestoga wagon & pioneers. Any ideas for something creative, modern and not too costly? I am working with a limited budget
Victoria, you might take a look at this gorgeous red and black Moulin Rouge mood board over at Once Upon Your Wedding. Especially the feathers. Those giant ostrich feather centerpieces look wonderful in red and black.
:DI AM TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT CENTERPIECES AT A REASONABLE PRICE. MY COLORS ARE RED AND BLACK. CAN U HELP ME?
Need ideas for centerpieces for my son’s bar mitzvah in October. Theme: Outdoor Adventures (football, paintball, baseball, fishing, skiing, etc) HELP!!
Hi, I am getting married in a restored barn and looking for some ideas for centerpieces and decorations. Our colors are sage green and desert blue. We are looking for a classy look but “rusticy” feeling. Any idea’s
I am having a reception for my son’s Bar Mitzvah and the theme is ‘drumming’ as he is in a drumming group and concert band. Any ideas for centerpieces?
jessica
large clear bowls of floating candles, tea lights on a mirror surface, and glass trifle dishes full of sand coral and shells are all simple elegant centerpieces.
Hi all – I need help.
My company is hosting a banquet and I am searching ALL over the net trying to find unique centerpiece ideas (not flowers). Since most of you are brides to be or have already gotten married and done the search for the perfect centerpiece, any cool suggestions??? Thanks!:-?
cHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE IF YOU CAN’T DECIDE ON A MATCHING COLOR SCHEME…IT HELPED ME ALOT!!!
GO TO : 4096 COLOR WHEEL VERSION 2.1
NOT DOT COM OR JUST AS I TYPED AND IT WILL COME UP ON WHATEVER SEARCH ENGINE YOU ARE USING…AFTER YOU GET THERE ITS PRETTY EASY TO USE JUST CLICK ON THE COLOR WHEEL THEN RUN IT ALL OVER TO GET TO YOUR “COLOR”…HAPPY MATCHING!! CONGRATS TO YOU AND YOURS!! :D>- OUT!! JULIANNE:P
Patricia,
My daughter was married last summer and those were the same colors she used and they looked beautiful! Everyone still talks about the flowers. Check out some of her pictures at http://www.benskophotography.com
Good Luck!
One of the prettiest weddings I went to recently was an outdoor summer event with the colors red (a deep, true red), orange, and fuschia. Sounds terrible, but was gorgeous! I am helping my daughter put her wedding together, and since it is in August, I thought these bold colors would work for her. This wedding I attended used Gerbera Daisies and some red roses. I don’t really know flowers, so what would you suggest?
i would like to see something more elegent………i’m going for a classic red white wedding
I would like some “different” ideas for the bubble glass vase. I’m plaaning my future daughter-in-law’s shower and have all the vases……just would like something in them unique. Any suggestions??? thank you
Sonia,
* real wedding