Make Your Wedding Centerpiece Pop With These Creative Ideas

Wedding centrepieces are a great way to express your personality as a couple. They are often the most memorable part of wedding décor, greeting guests as they enter the reception and setting the mood for the entire event. If you're looking to make your centrepieces pop, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the vessels you'll be using for your centrepieces. Opting for unique and personal containers, such as heirlooms, vintage items, or even hollowed-out logs, can add a special touch. You can also go vessel-free and suspend flower arrangements from the ceiling for a breathtaking display. Another way to make your centrepieces stand out is by incorporating a variety of textures and colours. Mix and match different types of flowers, candles, and other decorative elements to create a visually appealing arrangement. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!

Use candles

Candles are a great way to make your wedding centrepieces pop. They are timeless and classic, yet can be modernised to fit any style.

If you're looking to save money, candles are a much cheaper option than flowers. You can buy candles in bulk from craft stores, or even pick up colourful taper candles at flea markets. Candles can also be used to tie together different parts of your tablescape. For example, if you're going for a colourful, vibrant look, you could use pink taper candles to match the placemats and white candles to complement the tablecloth.

When choosing candles, consider the overall colour scheme of your wedding. You can treat candles like flowers, thinking about which colours will complement each other. However, be wary of choosing scented candles, as certain scents may not mix well and could create an unpleasant smell at the tables.

Candles can be used as a standalone centrepiece or incorporated into a floral arrangement. If you want to showcase both candles and flowers, a floating candle arrangement is a great option. Simply fill a wide, short container with water and add in flowers and candles. You could also try a hanging candle display, using tree branches and hanging candles as a unique centrepiece.

To add height to your tablescape, use tall, thin candles. Alternatively, for candles that sit low on the table, opt for wide and short candles. For a rustic look, hollow out logs of white birch to hold the candles. You can also customise the candle holders by wrapping them in fabric, such as lace or tulle.

Combining candlelight with other details like water, mirrors, or flowers creates an intimate setting for the reception. Place mirrors underneath the candles to accentuate the glow, or decorate tree branches with hanging candles. You can also create a magical feel by using fairy lights or pea lights in your centrepiece.

Choose a colour scheme

Choosing a colour scheme is a simple way to create eye-catching centrepieces. One of the most popular colour schemes for a wedding includes pink and chocolate brown. You could also opt for a neutral hue with a bold or bright complementary colour.

If you're having a beach wedding, you could bring the sand and sea to your guest tables with a beach-themed colour palette. For a winter wedding, you could capture the essence of a wood-burning fireplace by using browns, oranges, and reds. For a summer wedding, you could opt for a driftwood colour scheme, or for spring and summer, white porcelain pitchers or canisters and watering cans of galvanized metal.

For a bold and cheery statement piece, fill tiered bowls with goldenrod, fuzzy clusters of mimosa, globelike craspedia balls, olive leaves, kumquats, lemons, and sprigs of fresh lavender.

If you're looking for something more subtle, try a minimalist colour palette of whites and greens. You could also incorporate a pop of colour with a colourful runner on your tables.

For a desert-chic look, fill a glass terrarium with white sand and your favourite cactus plants, succulents, and flowers.

Create a floral arrangement

Creating a floral arrangement for a wedding centerpiece is a fun and creative way to make your wedding truly unique and memorable. Here are some tips and steps to help you create beautiful and eye-catching floral centerpieces:

Choose the Flowers and Plants:

Select the flowers that will be the star of your arrangement, such as hydrangeas, tulips, or lilies. Decide on a colour palette or mix of shades and tones, and choose complementary flowers to enhance the star flowers. You can use real flowers, which are great for photographs, or opt for silk flowers if you prefer. Consider using succulents or tropical plants for a unique look.

Pick the Vases or Containers:

The type of container you choose should complement the colour or theme of your wedding, as well as the size, shape, and colour of the flowers. Classic glass vases, mason jars, wicker baskets, or clay pots are all great options. If using tall flowers, consider a large vase or container to create a dramatic and impactful look.

Prepare the Centerpieces in Advance:

Fresh flowers are best prepared the day before the wedding to avoid wilting. Gather your containers, flowers, scissors, and fresh water. Fill the containers halfway with room-temperature water and visualise the arrangement by spreading your hands in a circle over the vase.

Arrange the Flowers:

Divide the circle into three equal parts, like a peace sign, to ensure a balanced arrangement. Strip the lower leaves from the stems and cut the ends at an angle to prolong the life of the flowers. Place one stem of each floral variety into the container, angling them outward. Add the star flowers, followed by supporting flowers and fillers to add pops of colour and texture. Primp and adjust until the arrangement looks full and balanced.

Finishing Touches:

Consider adding candles, mirrors, or other decorative elements to complement your floral centrepieces. Floating candle arrangements, for example, can be a great way to showcase both candles and flowers. Play around with different heights and sizes of containers and candles to create visual interest.

Theming:

You can also create themed centrepieces based on a specific style, time period, book, TV show, or film. For example, a vintage theme might include old wooden boxes, mason jars, or vintage stemware. A Great Gatsby theme could include whimsical gold spirals, white feathers, and yellow and blue floral arrangements. Get creative and have fun with it!

Opt for a unique vessel

Opting for a unique vessel is a great way to make your wedding centrepiece pop. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Think Seasonal

Choose a vessel that reflects the season in which your wedding is taking place. For a winter wedding, you could nestle flowers into a hollowed-out log, or for a summer wedding, use a piece of driftwood. White porcelain pitchers can work for traditional or modern receptions, while canisters and watering cans of galvanized metal are perfect for spring and summer nuptials.

Think Sentimental

Incorporate heirloom pieces into your centrepieces by asking family members if you can borrow vases, wooden boxes, and candlesticks. This will add a touch of nostalgia and make your centrepieces more special. Don't be afraid to mix and match old and new pieces, or scour flea markets for complementary vessels.

Think Out-of-the-Cage

Collect antiqued birdcages and fill them with moss and flower heads. This lighthearted and unexpected vessel can be quite chic and is sure to surprise your guests.

Think Branches

Create a beautiful display of cherry blossoms that appear to sprout from a hole in the centre of the table. This will create a fresh canopy of blossoms throughout the room and is sure to wow your guests.

Think Light

A grouping of candles with flower heads or petals sprinkled around the base is a classic and elegant focal point. The soft, romantic glow of the candles will create a beautiful atmosphere for your wedding reception.

Think Dutch

In Holland, floral designers create handheld bouquets that are so perfectly twisted at the base that they can stand up on their own. You can use this idea to create centrepieces that stand out from the traditional vase arrangement.

Make it personal

Making your wedding centrepieces personal is a great way to make your wedding stand out and feel authentic. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Heirloom Pieces

Incorporate family heirlooms into your centrepiece design. This could be anything from vases, candlesticks, and wooden boxes to china and silverware. Not only will this add a unique, nostalgic touch, but it will also help you save time and money. You can mix and match old and new pieces or scour flea markets for complementary items, especially if you're going for a vintage-inspired reception.

Flowers

Flowers are a staple of wedding centrepieces, and you can make them personal by choosing flowers that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. Opt for flowers that reflect your relationship and personalities. You can also ask your wedding planner or a florist to help you source the perfect blooms. If you're crafty, you can even create your own silk flower arrangements or source flowers from a local grocery store or florist and make simple arrangements yourself.

DIY Decorations

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own centrepieces using DIY decorations. This could include painting plain taper candles, creating hand-painted illustrations on lamps, or arranging dried foliage and plants. You can also repurpose items from your own home, such as ceramics, lamps, or hardback books, to give your centrepieces a unique and personal touch.

Themed Centrepieces

Base your centrepieces on a specific theme that reflects your interests. This could be a particular style or time period, such as Old Hollywood glamour or a Victorian-inspired setting. You can also get creative and base your centrepieces on your favourite book, TV show, or film. For example, if you're a fan of "The Great Gatsby," use gold spirals, white feathers, and the book's famous blue and yellow colour palette.

Colour Scheme

Using a colour scheme is a simple way to make your centrepieces stand out and feel personal. Choose an anchor colour and complement it with shades or tones of another colour. For example, you can go with a classic combination of pink and chocolate brown or neutral hues with bold or bright accents.

Frequently asked questions