Creating A Wedding Top Table Flower Arrangement: A Guide

The top table is where the newlyweds, their parents, and the best man and maid of honour sit during the wedding reception. It is traditionally a long table that faces the guests and is decorated with flowers, candles, and other accessories to add colour, texture, and interest to the room. The shape and size of the table will influence the flower arrangement—a garland of blooms for a round table, or a combination of a large floral arrangement with smaller designs for a long table. Popular flower choices include roses, orchids, tulips, and peonies, which can be mixed and matched with greenery and other flowers to create a unique and elegant display.

Choose flowers to complement the colour scheme

Flowers are a key part of your wedding top table decorations, adding colour, texture and interest to the space. To make your flowers stand out, choose blooms that complement your wedding colour scheme.

If you're looking for a classic, bridal look, opt for white and cream roses. Roses are a versatile choice, pairing well with other flowers such as hydrangeas and peonies. For a modern twist, add a pop of colour with pink or coral roses, or create a romantic arrangement with blush roses, silky magnolia and green foliage.

For a more natural, garden-like style, orchids and tulips are a great choice. Tulips, in particular, pair well with almost every flower, making them a versatile option. For a summer wedding, combine white tulips with daffodils and lilacs for a rustic feel. Alternatively, purple tulips with pink shades of freesias and carnations will add a vibrant, modern touch.

If you want to incorporate more exotic flowers, try mixing orchids with heliconias, birds of paradise, or alocasias. This will create a unique and contemporary look. For a more subtle approach, pair orchids with plenty of greenery for a natural, garden-inspired arrangement.

Opt for a garland of blooms for round tables

Opting for a garland of blooms is a perfect choice for round top tables at weddings. This type of arrangement is not only visually appealing but also functional, as it doesn't obstruct the view across the table like some centrepieces can. A garland of blooms can be draped across the table, adding a romantic and elegant touch to the décor.

When creating a garland of blooms for a round table, you can incorporate a variety of elements to make it unique. Consider using an assortment of fresh flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, peonies, orchids, tulips, or carnations, depending on your colour scheme and preference. Mix and match different types of flowers to create a vibrant and textured look. You can also include greenery such as ferns, vines, and leaves to add a natural and organic feel to the garland.

To enhance the garland further, introduce other decorative elements such as berries, pinecones, or even seashells for a beach wedding. For a romantic touch, add candles within the garland, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use elegant candle vases or taper candles of varying heights to add visual interest.

For a cohesive look, consider using a delicate fabric runner across the table, placing the garland and tea lights on top. This adds a touch of elegance and creates the illusion of a casually elegant setup. Finish off the arrangement with bud vases or small urns filled with flowers, adding extra floral accents to the table.

By choosing a garland of blooms for your round top table, you'll achieve a stunning and functional display that will be a beautiful focal point for your wedding reception.

Use candles and candelabras for an atmospheric effect

Candles and candelabras are a classic choice for a wedding top table centrepiece, providing an opulent and atmospheric effect.

Candles are a great way to design a mood and elevate the romance of your wedding space. They can be used as a light source to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft glow of candlelight, combined with the elegance of florals, will set the perfect romantic scene for your big day.

There are many types of candles to choose from, such as pillar candles, tea lights, votives, tapered candles, and flameless candles. Pillar candles are thick and column-like, standing without a container. Tea lights are small candles that sit in a rounded dish, adding a cosy glow without overpowering your decorations. Votives are slightly larger and sit in a glass container, often used in religious ceremonies. Tapered candles are long and narrow, with a tapered tip, perfect for a romantic table setting. Flameless candles are battery-operated and can be used in places where an open flame is not possible or desired.

When it comes to displaying candles on your top table, consider the shape of your table. For a round table, candles are typically displayed in the centre, while for rectangular tables, candles work well across the length of the table. You can make candles the focal point of your centerpiece or use them to accent and elevate the ambiance of a floral arrangement.

For a classic and traditional look, opt for candelabras. These can be made from gold, silver, brass, or crystal, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your top table. If you're looking for something more modern, abstract vessels or funky coloured-glass holders can be a unique choice.

To create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, consider hanging candles or floating candles. Suspending candles above your tabletop or placing them in transparent vessels filled with water will add a magical touch to your wedding décor.

Remember to keep safety in mind when using candles. Ensure that your gorgeous florals and greenery are kept away from direct flames, and never leave candles unattended. You can also opt for battery-operated flameless candles if your venue has restrictions on open flames.

Incorporate accessories like vases and wildflowers

Accessories like vases and wildflowers can add a unique and delicate touch to your wedding top table flower arrangement. Here are some tips and ideas to incorporate them effectively:

Vases

Vases are a classic choice for displaying flowers, and they can add an elegant touch to your wedding top table. Consider using a mix of larger vases and bud vases to create a visually appealing display. Fill them with a variety of flowers, such as roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, to add colour and texture. If you want to make a statement, opt for a sculptural vase made from materials like walnut or oak. These vases can also be used as standalone centrepieces, even without flowers.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are a bold and beautiful choice for your wedding top table flower arrangement. They often have bold colours and small stems that fit snugly into vases. Some popular options include cornflowers, foxgloves, cowslips, and poppies. You can also mix and match different types of wildflowers to create a unique and eclectic look. Wildflowers can be used on their own or combined with other flowers to create a more complex arrangement.

Combining Vases and Wildflowers

Combining vases and wildflowers can create a stunning and delicate display. Here are some ways to incorporate them:

• Use an assortment of vases: Fill a mix of larger vases and bud vases with wildflowers to create a varied and interesting display. This will add texture and visual appeal to your top table.
• Create wildflower bouquets: Arrange wildflowers into small bouquets and place them in vases. This will give your top table a more cohesive and elegant look.
• Mix wildflowers with other flowers: Combine wildflowers with roses, peonies, or other types of flowers to create unique and colourful arrangements. This will add interest and variety to your top table.
• Hang vases with wildflowers: For a more creative approach, hang vases with wildflowers at different heights above your top table. This will create a whimsical and romantic effect.
• Use wildflowers as a table runner: Create a unique table runner by arranging wildflowers and greenery down the centre of your top table. This will add a natural and rustic touch to your wedding décor.

Consider the size and shape of the table

The size and shape of your top table at your wedding will play a significant role in determining the floral arrangement. If you opt for a long table, a single flower arrangement is usually placed in front of the couple, with two smaller designs on either side. This classic setup ensures the couple remains the centre of attention while providing a beautiful floral display.

For a round table, a garland of blooms is a perfect choice, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere. The garland can be designed to gracefully drape across the table, adding a delicate touch to the overall décor.

If you prefer a more intimate setting with a small table just for the bride and groom, a single, elegant floral arrangement can be chosen, making a statement without overwhelming the table.

For a unique and modern look, consider a rectangular floral centrepiece. This option offers a contemporary feel and can be customised to fit the length of the table.

When deciding on the size and shape of your top table, it's important to visualise how the floral arrangements will complement the table's design. The table's dimensions will dictate the number and size of the flower arrangements, ensuring a harmonious and well-proportioned display.

Additionally, the shape of the table will influence the overall aesthetic. A long table creates a grand and traditional atmosphere, while a round table fosters a sense of unity and intimacy. By considering the size and shape, you can tailor your floral choices to enhance the ambiance of your wedding reception.

Frequently asked questions