Creating A Wedding Centerpiece With Branches: A Rustic Guide

Wedding centrepieces can be expensive, especially for couples who are hosting a large wedding. A great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day is to make your own centrepieces. One option is to use branches, which can be decorated in a variety of ways to fit your wedding theme.

Choosing a vase

• Height and Proportion: Consider the height and proportion of the vase in relation to the branches and the table. Tall, slender vases can add elegance and create a dramatic effect, especially if paired with long branches. On the other hand, shorter, wider vases can provide a more stable base and create a cozier, intimate atmosphere.
• Colour and Style: Choose a colour and style that complement your wedding theme and décor. Clear glass or crystal vases can give a classic, elegant look, while coloured glass or painted vases can add a pop of colour and personality. Metallic vases, such as gold or silver, can be perfect for a glamorous or modern wedding.
• Shape and Texture: Experiment with different shapes and textures to create visual interest. Cylinder vases are a popular choice for centrepieces as they provide a sleek, modern look. However, don't be afraid to think outside the box. For a rustic or eclectic wedding, consider using mismatched vases in various shapes and sizes, such as bud vases or mason jars.
• Budget-Friendly Options: If you're working with a tight budget, there are plenty of cost-effective options available. Dollar stores or thrift shops often have a variety of vases at affordable prices. You can also spray paint or decorate plain vases to give them a personalised touch without breaking the bank.
• Fillers and Accents: To enhance the overall look of your centrepiece, consider using fillers or accents inside the vase. This could include rocks, crystals, sand, or even water to give a more natural, organic feel. For a pop of colour, you can fill the vase with lemons, oranges, or other colourful fruits that match your wedding palette.
• Stability and Safety: Ensure that the vase you choose is stable and safe, especially if you're using tall branches or heavy decorations. A sturdy base is crucial to prevent accidental knocks or spills. Additionally, consider the weight of the vase, especially if you're transporting them to your wedding venue.

Remember to have fun with the process and don't be afraid to experiment. By mixing and matching different vases, fillers, and accents, you can create unique and personalised centrepieces that will wow your wedding guests.

Spray painting branches

Spray-painting branches is a great way to add a creative and personalised touch to your wedding centrepieces. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect spray-painted branches for your big day:

Step 1: Choose the Right Branches

Select branches that are dry and free from moisture. You can collect them from your backyard or purchase specific types such as manzanita or curly willow branches, which have an elegant, polished look.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Spray painting can get messy, so it's essential to lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface. Ensure you have good ventilation, and if possible, work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Branches

Before painting, clean the branches to remove any dirt, debris, or residue. You can use a soft brush to gently dust them off and ensure the paint will adhere properly. If there is any residue, you can wipe the branches with a damp cloth. Allow the branches to dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Prime the Branches (Optional)

If you want to ensure the paint adheres well and has a smooth finish, consider using a primer. You can find spray primers specifically designed for use on wood. Apply a light coat of primer to the branches and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Select Your Paint

Choose a spray paint that is suitable for use on wood. There are various colours and finishes available, including metallic, glitter, and matte options. You can also opt for paint designed for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where your centrepieces will be displayed.

Step 6: Spray Paint the Branches

Hold the can of paint about 10-15 inches away from the branches and spray using light, even strokes. Start with a thin coat and gradually build up the coverage to achieve the desired opacity. Allow the paint to dry between coats to avoid dripping.

Step 7: Add Embellishments (Optional)

Once the paint is dry, you can add extra sparkle or glamour to your branches with glitter, crystals, or small accents like painted pinecones. Use a strong adhesive suitable for use on painted surfaces and carefully attach your chosen embellishments.

Step 8: Assemble Your Centrepieces

Now that your branches are painted and decorated, it's time to assemble your centrepieces. You can place the branches in tall vases, pots, or bud vases, adding fillers like rocks, crystals, or water if desired. For a whimsical touch, hang votive candles or crystal strands from the branches.

Filler ideas

• Rocks or pebbles. These can be painted or left natural.
• Flowers or foliage. You could opt for fresh flowers, dried flowers, or faux flowers.
• Candles. Votive candles in glass holders can be hung from branches.
• Fairy lights. Opt for battery-operated lights on a thin wire to easily conceal.
• Beads or pearls. A beaded garland can be woven around the branches or draped like icicles.
• Fruit. Bright citrus fruit or colourful berries can add a pop of colour.
• Pinecones. Spray with fake snow, or paint with glitter or white paint for a wintry feel.
• Glitter. For a glamorous look, spray branches with glitter.
• Paper. Paper flowers or paper pompoms can add a whimsical touch.

Branch decorations

There are many ways to incorporate branches into your wedding centrepieces. One idea is to collect branches from a country walk and decorate them to fit your theme. You could wrap the branches with fairy lights or spray paint them in a metallic gold or silver. You could also hang crystals or votive cups with lit candles from the branches. If you're having a Christmas or Easter-themed wedding, you could decorate the branches with baubles or painted eggs.

Another option is to place the branches in a vase or cylinder. You could try tall vases or cylinders with or without water, or shorter bud vases. To keep the branches in place, you could use rocks, styrofoam, or expanding spray foam. For a more whimsical look, try a driftwood branch in an aquarium-style vase with rocks glued together at the base.

If you're feeling crafty, you can also wrap the branches with seam binding and fabric blooms for a minimalist look. Or, for a literary-themed wedding, you could use branches as a unique way to display your menu by making a small incision in wine corks and placing them on the branches.

Branch alternatives

If you're looking for alternatives to branches for your wedding centerpieces, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vases and ceramics: Opt for an assortment of vases in different shapes and sizes, or use existing ceramics from around your house that fit your colour scheme. For a unique look, fill the vases with single stems of anemones, tulips, or ranunculus.
• Lamps: Lamps can make for a chic and homey centerpiece. You can reuse at-home pieces, borrow from loved ones, or thrift second-hand items. To add a creative twist, spray-paint the lampshades or press flowers onto them.
• Taper candles: Whether paired with other décor or standing alone, taper candles are a great way to enhance any wedding look. For a colourful twist, try rainbow varieties.
• Lanterns: Metal-rimmed lanterns with votive candles inside make for a simple yet effective centerpiece. For a modern twist, opt for black-edged lanterns with coordinating chargers and glassware.
• Fruit bowls: Fruit adds colour, height, and texture to your centerpieces. Fill large glass bowls with peaches, oranges, and cherries for a sunset-inspired colour scheme, or choose fruits that match your specific colour palette.
• Books: For a literary-themed wedding, stack vintage novels or hardback books as centerpieces.
• Wooden elements: For a rustic touch, incorporate slabs of wood into your centerpieces. You can use them to display other decorations, such as wine bottles or vases.
• Fairy lights: For a magical touch, collect gold-rimmed lanterns or terrariums and fill them with battery-powered strings of fairy lights.
• Cacti and succulents: For a bohemian or desert-themed wedding, source small cacti and clay pots, and pair them with candles for a whimsical look.
• Garlands: A single garland of greenery can make a subtle statement. Spread a linen runner down the center of the table and layer it with a vine, taper candles, and metallic vases.

Frequently asked questions