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

modern centerpieces

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!

Tips & Cautions

  • Whatever your centerpiece idea, do a trial beforehand — and share the pics with other brides for feedback!

247 Responses to Want 10 New Centerpiece Ideas in the Next Five Minutes?  Add a New Comment »

  1. Ronnette

    HELP! I’m having my 18th birthday this coming March 8,2011 and I’m really excited and we’re staring to plan it now. So, I think that party’s just gonna be in our house. And I wanted the decorations to be perfect. I like to mix Hollywood style and fairytale-ish for the theme. any suggestions on what to decorate around the house for this event? I’ve been waiting for this day since i was 4! I want it to be perfect. :)

  2. Tara

    hi, im getting married April 14th, 2012 and im having a really hard time with chosing centerpieces. My flowers are a wide assortment of spring flowers and the main colors are pink, orange, yellow, and green. Please give me any ideas. Thank you (:

  3. Gloria

    I need ideas for centerpieces wedding in october colors are plum and silver. Linens are a plum color.

  4. Megan

    Hi,
    I am getting married on 6/25/2011 and I am doing 3 cylinder vases 2 with a submerged flower and marbles on the bottom with a floating candle on top and the other is going to have an LED and marbles on the bottom and a beta fish in it. My colors are like a fuschia pink and tiffany blue and I am wondering if I should use silk orchid and where I can find fuschia orchids? Thanks for your help!

    • E

      Using fish for decoration is a bad idea. Most of the fish won’t make it just for your centerpiece.

      • Dot Sthilaire

        I did a wedding summer of 2009 and my niece had beta fish as her center piece in fish bowls with a ring of pink and white roses and greenary around the bowl. it was a beautiful table centerpiece and we had no problem giving the fish away . I took one home and he lived for 1yr. recently lost him due to lack of heat.

  5. Michelle

    I am having a 4th of July wedding at a beautiful place on the water (a marina on the bay side). The room is not so big, but the view is what is so pretty. I don’t want to have a tall/big centerpiece that will take away from the view and make the room look smaller! It is a military wedding and we are sticking with the red & blue color scheme. Does anyone have a nice idea for me or can even link pictures, I am having a hard time picking a centerpiece. Thanks so much!!!! :?

  6. vicki

    Im LOST…. Im getting married May 14 2011…. My wedding colors are mermaid an azalea…… I need centerpiece,decoration ideas. Im getting married at a lodge it is very much a blank space wood floors an lots of windows…..with a fab staircase…. Im completely clueless Need all the help I can get….. :cry: :? :love2:

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Vicki,
      Do you have a link to the venue? I would love to see the staircase, I can envision a wonderful garland on it. Also table linens? what color will you be using? :D

  7. BRANDI

    help!! im getting married May 14th, 2011 and am having trouble deciding exactly what our theme is… our colors are eggplant, pistachio, and ivory. Our decor is very natural, we are being married at an antibellum plantation our side in the apple orchard. The isle is actually lined with trees, and it opens up to a flower garden. Chairs will be lined up on either side of the trees, and there is a wooden arbor at the end of the isle we will be standing under.. There is also going to be tall glass vases with river rock filled with water, i am putting curly willow branchesin the vases ontop of the river rocks and a floating candle. There will be 3 or 4 of these on each side of us in different heights. I want to hand paper lanters in the trees to for kind of a canopy over the isle.. and that is basically all i think im doing for the ceremony site its self. The trouble im really having is moving that “theme” to the indoor banquet hall for our reception. The hall its self is very natural looking. There are hard wood ceilings and floors, lots of windows, and white walls. I want to do centerpieces with natural wood bases ( round circles cut of sweet gum tree about 2 inches thick) with hydrangeas and moss covering the top of the wood, and there is going to be a small glass fishbowl off set on the “front” with betas. I wanted to do the lighted branches on the back and hang candles from the branches but no one liked that idea, and doing 30 of these in one room might be a little over whelming, any ideas or suggestions on what i could do to encorporate the natural aspect from the ceremony into the inside reception? IM SOO LOST FOR NEW IDEAS!

    rustic is the word that comes to mind, but i also am thinking enchanting and romantic..?? and the apple orchard is a crab apple orchard, which is why we picked a green for our color!!

  8. Jodi

    I am having a wedding on 6/11/11 my colors are pink and aqua blue…I need serious help in figuring out how to decorate the tables and what to do with the centerpieces. I’m thinking feathers but any suggestions would help I don’t even know what color to have as dominent or which to use for the cake or for the bridesmaid dresses!!! AHHHH

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Jodi,
      I think feathers would be beautiful! I could see pink feathers everywhere! :D Can I get a look at your venue to see what colors work best with what. Also what color linens will you be using?

    • Glynda

      Darling you are stressing out way too much! There is no right or wrong, no “wedding judge” out there. Do what makes YOU feel happy. The girls dress styles may determine what color you choose for them, then use the other color as compliment. Aqua napkins, candles, ribbon would be beautiful on white cloths, with flowers in assorted pinks. White cloths should be more affordable too. God bless your marriage!

  9. I’m getting married the end of October and my reception theme is sunflowers, with coordinating yellow and brown colors. What are some good centerpiece ideas besides just sunflowers arrangements in a vase?? Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

    • Glynda

      Sunflowers make me think of Harvest, and green pears came to mind when I pictured sunflower complimentary colors. Maybe some baskets with sunflowers tucked in and around pears with cream and green hydrangeas. The baskets would determine how sleek or rustic this look would be. God Bless Your Marriage

  10. Tanisha Lockwood

    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

  11. Sarah G

    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???

  12. sandy

    HELP!!! Need ideas on a centerpiece. The theme is African. The colors are red, black, and gold. any ideas???

  13. MOB Lisa

    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!

  14. Jodee

    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!!! :D

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Jodee,
      If it were me, I would use just candles. I would get extra flaoting candles ” just in case”.
      * ideas
      * more ideas

    • hayley

      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!!

  15. claudia

    im getting married june 26 i need help with the centerpiece i need something small and cute and purple

  16. Shantai

    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!

  17. Tiffany

    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!! :cry:

    • Stacey@FavorIdeas

      Tiffany,
      I would just scatter votives everywhere and place a single flower on top of a small peacock feather on each place setting.

    • Glynda

      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.

    • ERIKA

      CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE ANY REPLIES TO THIS…I’M ALSO USING THIS THEME (PEACOCK FEATHERS) AND WOULD LOVE SOME IDEAS! THANKS!

  18. erica

    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.

  19. Melissa

    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

    • stacey

      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.

  20. Julianne

    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.

  21. brittany

    :D thank you so much for these ideas with your help my sweet 16 will finally be a success! :mrgreen:

  22. sue papa

    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.

    • stacey

      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.

  23. april

    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

    • Sonia

      hey I want it all green (different shades) with a touch of white and a bit of red. However, I am unable to come up with a smashing interior deco of the venue, lovely outfit for the bridal train and the grooms men, centerpiece, IV, etc. Can you help? Thanks

  24. Karen

    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.

  25. Jen

    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. :? :?

  26. Jenna

    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??

    • stacey

      jenna,
      can i see a pic of your vases to get a better idea of what would work best?

    • Andie D

      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 :)

    • Glynda

      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.

  27. Melissa E

    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!

  28. Jennifer

    :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: :thankyou: I had no idea of what to do for my centerpieces because i don’t really have a theme but now i know exactly what i’m going to do!

  29. Veronica

    I am needing to find some type of EASY centerpeices for my husband’s 50th birthday party. Anyone has ideas to share??? :idea:

    • stacey

      veronica,
      can i get the color scheme, venue colors, and theme( if there is one). so i can give appropriate ideas.

  30. 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!


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