Creative Diy Guide: Tall Wedding Centerpiece Container

Creating tall wedding centrepieces can be a stressful task, especially for first-time floral designers. However, with the right materials and a bit of creativity, it is possible to make stunning arrangements that will wow your guests. The key to a successful tall centrepiece is choosing the right vessel, such as a tall vase or metal pedestal, that complements the wedding theme and allows guests to converse freely. When it comes to the flowers themselves, there are many options to consider, from classic mixes of roses, hydrangeas, and peonies to more unique choices like cherry blossom branches or citrus fruits. For a cost-effective and DIY-friendly option, couples can source and arrange their own flowers, choosing in-season options to save money. With careful planning and attention to detail, anyone can create tall wedding centrepieces that add drama and elegance to the reception.

Choosing the right flowers

Consider the Overall Aesthetic

Think about the style and theme of your wedding. Are you going for a modern, romantic, bohemian, or timeless look? Choose flowers that complement your wedding aesthetic. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, consider using island greenery like palms and monstera leaves. If you're having a bohemian wedding, pampas grass can add volume and texture to your centrepieces.

Play with Colour

Adding a mix of shades and textures will bring drama and intrigue to your centrepieces. Consider using bold pops of colour like pink and purple, or classic white blooms and greenery for a more timeless look. You can also coordinate with your wedding colour palette to create a cohesive and stylish effect.

Think About Height and Volume

Flowers that add height and volume, such as cherry blossom branches or baby's breath, can create a dramatic and elegant statement. They will also help to fill out the shape of your arrangement and make it appear fuller. Consider the size of your venue when choosing flowers; you don't want your centrepieces to be too small and overlooked or too large and overpowering.

Fragrance

In addition to looks, don't forget to consider the fragrance of the flowers you choose. Fragrant flowers like cherry blossoms or orchids can add a beautiful scent to your wedding venue and create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

Consult with a Florist

If you're unsure, consider consulting a florist. They can provide expert advice on which blooms will create the most interesting and beautiful display within your chosen colour palette and theme. They can also help you source seasonal flowers that may be harder to find on your own.

Remember, choosing the right flowers for your tall wedding centrepiece is a creative process, so have fun with it! Play around with different combinations and trust your instincts to create centrepieces that reflect your unique style and personality.

Selecting the best vase

Choose the Right Height and Width

The height and width of the vase are important considerations. Tall, slender vases such as trumpet vases or thin metal pedestals can add elegance and sophistication to your centerpieces while ensuring guests have a clear view across the table. For a more dramatic look, consider oversized or extra-tall vases that reach impressive heights. These can be especially effective in rooms with high ceilings.

Select a Vase that Suits Your Wedding Theme

The vase you choose should align with your wedding theme and style. For example, if you're aiming for a traditional look, a large glass vase filled with classic flowers such as garden roses, hydrangeas, or peonies might be a perfect choice. On the other hand, a contemporary arrangement might call for long-stemmed blooms in a structured, four-pillared vessel. For a beach wedding, consider a vase that resembles a mini palm tree, adding a tropical touch to your décor.

Play with Different Materials

Vases come in a variety of materials, and choosing the right one can enhance the overall aesthetic of your centerpieces. Glass or clear vases are versatile and elegant, working well with any floral arrangement. Metal or gold vases can add a touch of sophistication and glamour, especially for more modern or contemporary weddings. For a rustic or organic feel, consider wooden vases or even custom wood vases that match the venue's décor.

Consider Using Multiple Vases

Using multiple vases of varying sizes and styles can add visual interest and texture to your centerpieces. This approach is perfect for a bohemian or eclectic wedding style. You can mix and match different shapes, such as round and rectangular vases, or play with height by using a combination of tall and short vases. This creates a dynamic and unique look for your tablescape.

Don't Be Afraid to Think Outside the Box

While traditional vases are always an option, don't be afraid to think outside the box. For a non-floral centerpiece, consider using a large candelabra as the focal point. Alternatively, you can repurpose items such as hardback books, heirloom china, or even wine bottles to create unique and personal centerpieces that reflect your style.

Remember, the vase you choose will play a significant role in the overall impact of your tall wedding centerpieces. By selecting a vase that complements your chosen flowers, fits your wedding theme, and enhances the guest experience, you'll be able to create stunning centerpieces that wow your guests and elevate your wedding décor.

Using floral foam

Floral foam is an excellent way to create a sturdy support for fresh blooms when making tall wedding centerpieces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use floral foam for your wedding centerpieces:

Soak the Floral Foam

Firstly, you need to soak the floral foam in water. This step is crucial as it provides a water source for your flowers, helping them stay fresh and hydrated. Place the brick of foam on top of a container filled with enough water and let it slowly sink. Do not force the brick into the water. It will take around 10-15 minutes for the foam to become fully saturated.

Prepare Your Flowers

While the foam is soaking, you can start preparing your flowers. Remove any thorns or excess foliage from the stems. You will need a variety of flowers and greenery for your arrangement. For a harmonious look, choose flowers in similar color families or go for a more eclectic mix if you want a bold and vibrant display.

Secure the Floral Foam

Once the foam has fully soaked and turned a darker shade of green, it's time to place it in a shallow dish. Use waterproof floral tape to secure the foam to the dish, ensuring it doesn't move around.

Create a Framework with Greenery

Using broad-leafed greenery, such as salal, create a framework for the shape of your arrangement. Cut the stems at an angle and firmly insert them about 1 inch deep into the foam. Angle a few stems downward around the base to cover the dish and then work your way around the middle and top to form the desired shape, usually a round one. The broad-leafed greenery will also help fill in any gaps.

Add Accent Greenery

Continue building your arrangement by adding accent greenery in between the base foliage. Cut the stems at an angle and keep adding until you achieve the desired shape. Using different varieties of greenery adds texture and color while providing a base for the flowers.

Insert Focal Flowers

Now, it's time to add the focal flowers. Cut the stems of your chosen focal flowers to approximately 5 inches, trimming them at an angle to help pierce the foam easily and allow the blooms to absorb water. Insert the focal flowers at the top of the arrangement, angling them upwards, and then add a few more stems around the base and the top, creating a triangle formation.

Add Accent Flowers

Trim your accent flowers to around 4 inches and insert them between the focal blooms. These should be placed slightly deeper than the focal flowers to create depth and dimension in the arrangement.

Elongate with Upright Flowers

For added interest, choose a flower variety with longer stems, such as stock, and leave them about an inch longer than the others so they stand out. This will add height and elegance to your centerpiece.

Fill in Gaps

Finally, fill in any remaining gaps or bare spots with filler flowers and greenery. Use leftover greenery to conceal any visible mechanics, such as the foam, dish, or tape.

Care Tips

To prolong the life of your floral foam arrangement, it's important to keep the foam moist. You can do this by lightly spritzing it with water or carefully pouring water directly into the middle of the arrangement. Always tilt the arrangement over the sink to drain excess water before placing it on your dining table or display area.

Arranging the flowers

Now for the fun part: it's time to start inserting your blooms. Place your dish and foam on an overturned bucket or sturdy vase so that your design is off your work table. Start by inserting four or five hydrangea blooms to establish the height and width of your design. One stem should be at the top, and the other four should surround it. For precision, you can measure each bloom from the centre point to the outside of the flower head once it is inserted to ensure you have symmetrical placement.

Next, place your remaining hydrangeas evenly throughout the design, continuing to create a round form. By radiating from the central binding point, you can easily insert the stems at least two inches into the foam for hydration without the fear of running out of insertion space. To create the illusion of a beautiful round orb, place a few of the base-level hydrangeas at a downward angle.

With the form established, begin filling in with foliage (such as ruscus and plumosa) and work around the design, filling in holes and evenly distributing foliage throughout. To break the line of the container and conceal the mechanics of the design, add some greenery at the base.

The hydrangeas and foliage create a strong form and conceal the mechanics of the design. For beautiful contrast, add in additional blooms. Classic favourites such as roses and spray roses are perfect. Focus the placement at the mid-level and base of the design. Once elevated, most of the top will not be seen.

When the design is done, place it on the elevating vase and view it as your guests will to ensure everything is placed well. For maximum life, spray the finished design with a flower preservative spray and let it fully dry before placing in a cooler.

Adding extra decorations

Once you have your tall wedding centrepiece container, you can add extra decorations to enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

If you're going for a traditional look, opt for classic mixes of garden roses, hydrangeas and peonies in a large glass vase. For a contemporary arrangement, ask your florist to place long-stemmed blooms in a structured, four-pillared vessel.

You can also add candles to your centrepiece. For a modern look, select black-edged lanterns with coordinating chargers and glassware. For a romantic, antique feel, use a tall distressed vase with garden roses, hydrangeas and berries.

If you want to add a pop of colour, try using colourful taper candles or rainbow varieties. Or, for a beach wedding, bring elements of the ocean indoors with a mix of large green leaves and an ocean-inspired tablecloth.

For a whimsical look, opt for a unique design such as a whimsical gold stand paired with an overflowing floral arrangement. You can also add fairy lights to your centrepiece by collecting lanterns or terrariums and filling them with battery-powered, cordless strings of lights.

For a bohemian look, pampas grass is a great option to draw attention to your table. You can also incorporate branches, such as long cherry blossom branches, for a unique and elegant look.

Don't forget that you can also add extra decorations to the table around your centrepiece to enhance the overall look. For example, you can add a colourful runner, printed linens, or mix and match various elements such as vintage vases, colourful candles, and single-stem flowers.

Frequently asked questions