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!
Well the wedding is in the spring and is waterside but not a nautical theme. The water can be seen as there is windows lining the back the venue. The table linens are white on white. The flowers are all different colored wildflower. Think daisies, snap dragons, poppies etc… The lanterns are Moroccan and made of a resin like material and will have a votive burning inside. I want everything to have a light and airy feel. I hope that helps. Thanks for the ideas.
Heather
Heather, tell us a little more, is this a beach/tropical wedding? Or more English garden, or something else? Indoors or outdoors?
Instead of flowers or petals, there’s always vase gems, smaller votives, vines like ivy or bittersweet or grapevines (fall), or polished river stones. Moss to cover the base is woodsy and cool.
If it’s a beach wedding you can underlay the lanterns with banana leaves or tatami mats, very chic. Or, you could tie wide sheer organza ribbon(s) (blue and white, say) to the lanterns and let the ends pool around the base of the stand for a flowy, bridal look.
But it really all depends on your overall theme or setting
Hello,
My main colors are aqua and white with hints of yellow. I found beautiful white lanterns that hang on free standing white shepherd hooks that are about two and a half feet tall. I would like to decorate the base of the stand and the rest of the table without using flowers. Any ideas or pictures?
Hello, I need help!!! I have been struggling with my centrepieces. My colours i am working with are Burnt Orange, Brown and Ivory. My colour of centrepieces are going to be orange to capture the orange napkins combined with the brown linen on the table. I would love to use my idea of an oil vase, however; i can not find ANYWHERE orange oil. I am going with a rustic look and my theme are leaves. I have put together another centrepiece but it appears to be missing something – it looks bare. Any ideas are welcomed and thanked in advance.
Tonya
workcyw@cogeco.ca
Hey girls! I need to know where I can buy artificial flowers to wrap around the base of the pedetstal bowl, lilac and ivory theme. My wedding is in 2 weeks! (YIKES, LOL) HELP!
I need a reasonably priced (cheap) centerpiece for a fundraising dinner. The motto is “Giving Hope Today” Any ideas? They must be fairly compact as there is not much room on the tables.
I am getting married and I need some help with centerpeice ideas. I have just been buying things as I see them with no idea of what I am going to do. So far I have 288 white votive candles and 24-12″ square mirrors. My colors are red, white and silver. I was thinking of using some red rose petals with all this but I don’t know.
any ideas with live fish in a fishbowl???
Blake,
How did you secure the flowers in the cylinder vase – to keep them from floating up? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks – Jenni
I’m helping my daugher plan a Bridal Shower for a friend. Could someone please tell me how the centerpiece with the lime slices is made???
Thank You
Hi Blake
I am so loving those ideas you posted today. This is what I was looking for my wedding 7/5/08. Love the flowers submerged in water, with candle floating, i think it’s a cool idea. My colors for my bridesmaids are mocha-brown, and their bouquets are a mixture of callalillies, hydrangeas and roses, with differnt shades of pink, from subtle to popping, with some sprays of ivory cream thrown in, and the base will be the shade of cream and mocha. What colors do you suggest that we use for the centerpiece ideas you have posted today. I really like the middle and last pix. Thanks blake.
I just wanted to post some beautiful CPs of flowers submerged in glass cylinders, often topped with a floating candle. Here we’ve got purple orchids (a big favorite), blue hydrangeas, roses and mini chrysanthemums, set off with rose petals, votives, cedar and mirrored plates.
I have a large family and everyone wants to come. I’m celebrating her birthday March 2nd and need ideas for the centerpieces.
Can you help me?
Thank You!
Amanda, when is your wedding?
The church I’m planning to get married in has a very bold saphire blue and light blue carpet. What color choices do I have for my bridesmaids? I dont’ want to clash with the blue, but I don’t want them to wear blue and blend in with the carpeting. Please help! Thanks
Does anyone know where I can get the winter cake stand that has the reinderr, posted on this site. My Wedding is this December and I have been searching for it since February.
Hi, I am wanting to incorporate chocolate covered strawberries into my centerpieces, but I am somewhat overwhelmed. I was thinking of putting them in Martini glasses, but I am afraid the chocolate will melt and look sloppy. Any suggestions would be lovely.
Idea!! Thank you for the list of items to use for center pieces that are cost effective. Our team is moving on to our next assignments. I arranged a “No Host Gathering” with a zero budget. I wanted to decorate the tables on a shoe string budget. All your ideas are wonderful so I wanted to add my own finishing touch idea for a “underlayment.”
I’m taking fancy gift wrap, cutting it into squares the same length as the width it comes in, and placing in on my table in a diamond shape on the square table top. With the combination of your idea of lollypops instead of flowers and candy corn for a filler this should be a fun unexpected surprise addition. Because it is at a restuarant it will dress up each of the tables and makes everything editable and disposable. Thank you again.
Hi Sandra:
Here is a link:
http://www.surroundings.com/order.cgi?cart_id=&page=othercpks.html
I like the centerpiece that is the 5th one down. It would incorporate everything you want (minus the mirror and vase). I think this would look nice ON a mirror and then spread out some red and white silk rose petals (don’t use blue, even though they make them) because there are no TRUE blue roses….I would just use the red and white. I like this centerpiece with the glitter also. You don’t have to buy it off this site, it was just a suggestion. You could buy all these items at a craft store or discount store.
To Nina Mudd:
Congratulations on your milestone anniversary and upcoming celebration!
You have a lot of decorations going on here. This is strictly MY OPINION, so you can take it or leave it….
I would forgo ALL of the decorations that you have suggesed. The reason being….balloons remind me of a birthday party or the prom. They are not sophisticated enough for your celebration.
The same goes with the arch with tulle and the ceiling with lights and tulle. Again, my opinion, but I would nix all of that. You are not having a wedding, this is an anniversary party.
Instead, focus on an elegant celebration! If you want some kind of decoration on the exterior of the building as your guests come in, why not hang a wreath made of roses on the outside of the door to the hall? Something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Floral-Wreath-Centerpiece-Weddings-…
You can tie a beautiful wide silk riibbon on it and then hang it using a wreath holder (sold at craft stores.) I think that would be elegant.
I would then rent chair covers. Here is a link for those:
http://www.chaircoversonline.com/
Or, simply call your local party rental place.
For the tables, I would get RED ROSES and have them in vases placed on a mirror and then put a couple of votives next to them. You can buy roses wholesale. You can buy nice vases at the dollar store, and fill with 3-4 roses and a few greens ~ beautiful! I have used this company and can vouch for their on time delivery: http://www.rosesource.com/
There are lots of other ideas out there if you still want the “winter theme”. Just Google in “winter theme ideas” and lots will pop up. But my opinion is to go for ELEGANCE, not any kind of theme. To be honest, people don’t really get “themes.”
Good luck and happy anniversary!
Hi Everyone
I am planning a fourth of July weekend wedding, and am really wondering what type of centerpieces to use, I really like the mirrored glass, with a vase, votives and candles with petals strewn, but what else can make it a bit more patriotic, aside of red, white and blue shimmery stars scattered all over the tables. Suggestions, thanks
Hello
In November, my husband & I will be celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary. Our children is giving us an party with about 100-150 guests. We never had a wedding receptionist, so I love balloons, candles, I know that Nov. is still consider as Fall, but with white balloon along the walk way going into the building, I want the feeling of almost winter wonderland, then inside we want a beautiful archway with white lights, wrap with a sheer material, with greenery also. Our problems is how to decorate the main tables and the others tables. I would love to keep it with either balloon, candles or white lights. Also from the ceiling we also found similar white lights with the sheer coming from the ceiling with about 4-8 hoops from the center of the ceiling to each corners. Please help us to make this a beautiful affair that we will remember for the rest of our life.
Thank you
Nina
Kim, take a look at our Las Vegas theme page, especially the comments. Near the middle you will find a fantastic bowl-within-a-bowl idea, if your budget allows. Basically, buy two clear bowls, the second a little smaller and placed inside the first. Between the two bowls, put your theme items like colorful dice, poker chips, etc. If you want, finish off the inside bowl with some water and a floating candle, or some simple flowers.
This looks fantastic and is easy to do. You can also adapt it to almost any theme. Bowl-within-a-bowl looks adorable with those big white wedding conversation hearts, for example, tucked between the inside and outside glass. Shells look gorgeous. And so on and so on!
I am in charge of decorations for our school auction. I am trying to come up with a centerpiece utilizing a mirror, votives and maybe using a garden bowl but the theme is 007 Casino Royale. Any ideas?
Joanne, you have GOT to see this article on a Victorian-theme wedding with a plum palette and a bird focus (and lots of peacock feathers). It will knock your socks off and hopefully put your concerns to rest.
Amy & Scott’s Hauntingly Beautiful Eastlake Victorian Wedding
PLEASE HELP! My wedding colours are victorian lilac and sage, but I want so badly to incorporate peacock feathers into the centrepieces and maybe my bouquet. Would the blue in the feathers go with victorian lilac (silvery purple)?? I think it can be done but I still have my doubts. Please let me know your honest opinion on this.
Hi Tina,
Wow! You have lots going on here. Here is my idea. You can’t have all these themes….basically there are 4 – 17th birthday; family reunion; Christmas Party; Tuscan Garden Theme. That is too much going on!
If this was a party during the summer (outside), I would say to go with the Tuscan Garden Theme. You still can if you want. For a Tuscan garden theme, I think of terra cotta pots, urns, etc. filled with flowers.
I would nix that theme totally and go with a Christmas Theme to pull it all together. You don’t need to do the red/green/poinsettia “thing” though. I love this centerpiece (or a variation of) right on this forum! Here is the link:
http://www.favorideas.com/learn-about/centerpiece-ideas/six-easy-winter-centerpieces
I would do a centerpiece like that one – utilizing blues and silver. Here is another “winter” idea that I absolutely love…..iced branches!! Here is the link:
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/icedbranches.html
That is absolutely beautiful for the winter! You could fill the room with tall iced branches in buckets with little white lights, and then carry the same thing through to tables centerpieces (low) which some votives next to it! Simple and gorgeous! I believe that simplicity can be beautiful.
Now, if you don’t like that idea, I would stick with the first idea I gave you for centerpieces. For favors…..since it’s a family reunion and it’s at Christmas time……get a large artificial tree…..string with white mini lights. Get plain colored Christmas bulbs (the satiny kind) in the “colors” (i.e., blue and silver?) that you choose. Have someone with good penmanship write everyones name on an ornament on one side and on the other side could be “2007 XXX Family Reunion”. There are lots of ways to do this, check online or go to a place like Michael’s to see how you could do this! Good luck!
I am planning an event that will combine a 17th birthday, family reunion and Christmas party all in one. . . OUCH! The chosen theme is Tuscan Garden. Any fabulous ideas for pulling the events together as well as an awesome gift/favor for all attendees. The event will take place in December. Many thanks!
Hi Sarah:D
Does the bride-to-be have anything specific that she likes? Is she having any kind of “theme” wedding (such as beach wedding, etc.)? If you answered yes to either of the two questions, you may want to play off of that for the shower. If there is no “theme” or specific “colors” that you need to use, here are a few ideas….
Do you want to do flowers?
(1) I love the low clear square chunky type vases, which are very popular right now. You can get them at Walmart or Michaels. Then arrange some roses or other flowers in the pave style. Go online to see. It’s basically lots of flowers stuffed into a small vase. Roses and other flowers cut real short. Type in “pave arrangements” on the computer and you will see what I mean.
(2) Do you want to arrange just a few flowers? A really neat vase that I saw are magnetic vases (sold at Target). Go on their website and type in “magnetic vases” – they are sold in a set of 5 for $40. They only hold 1 flower –really sleek looking and VERY different. Then you could put a couple of votives next to them. OR, if you don’t want any candles, just scatter some colored gem stones. OR, just have the flowers alone!
(3) Go to the following website: http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com
Go on that site and go to bridal shower themes. There are lots of ideas with different examples – all of them are unique.
Good luck!
I am looking for some modern looking bridal shower centerpieces. I am stuck I have tons of ideas passing through my mind but just can’t stick to one. HELP…..