Creating Stunning, Elegant Wedding Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

DIY wedding centrepieces are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. They can also help you save money and allocate funds to other aspects of your wedding. There are many ways to create an elegant DIY wedding centrepiece, from simple floral arrangements to creative displays of ceramics, lamps, candles, and more. With a bit of time and creativity, you can make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind.

Use candles, lamps, or lanterns

Candles, lamps, and lanterns can be used to create a whimsical, romantic atmosphere at your wedding. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate them into your centrepieces:

Lanterns

Lanterns are a great way to enhance the ambiance of your wedding while reinforcing your overall theme and aesthetic. They come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colours, allowing you to choose the best option that fits your style. For example, iron lanterns are perfect for a rustic soirée, while glass and metallic square lanterns complement a modern celebration.

To create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere, consider using soft candlelight with your lanterns. You can place fresh flowers and greenery around the lanterns to create a romantic and elegant look. For a unique touch, use lanterns with stained glass panes that emit coloured light, such as pink or rose-tinted glass.

If you're having a rustic wedding, wooden lanterns are a perfect choice. You can fill them with candles or flowers, or even use them as vases for a unique twist. For a Western-inspired wedding, opt for antique-style wooden lanterns mixed with wooden textures.

To make a statement, consider using oversized lanterns as centrepieces. These can be placed on the ground or on a table, depending on their size. For a more subtle approach, use smaller lanterns as part of a tablescape, combining them with other decorative elements such as flowers, books, or greenery.

For a hanging lantern display, you can suspend greenery and different types of lanterns from the ceiling, creating a floating centerpiece that adds interest and intimacy to the room.

Candles

Candle centrepieces are a timeless and classic choice for weddings, and they can easily be revamped to fit any style. From pillars and tapers to votives and tea lights, the right candles can enhance your tables' overall aesthetic. For example, a candelabra creates a traditional look, while an abstract vessel is more modern.

To make a statement, opt for tall candles such as pillar or taper candles, especially if you have rectangular reception tables. These can run down the length of the table as a long centerpiece. For a simple yet effective touch, mix different candle heights and silhouettes to bring visual interest to the table.

For a whimsical and romantic atmosphere, consider using taper candles with quirky disco balls in between. This combination adds a playful touch to the classic candle centrepiece.

If you're looking for something unique and innovative, spiral taper candles are a great choice. They add an unexpected element to your centrepiece, especially when paired with opulent Baroque-esque decor.

For a vintage wedding, scour flea markets and thrift stores for an eclectic selection of candle holders. Mix and match different styles and colours to create a collected and eclectic look. Gold and silver candlesticks, for example, can give a dreamy, European estate-inspired feel.

To add a pop of colour to your centrepiece, consider using coloured taper candles. You can find candles in various colours, including peach, pink, blue, black, and white. These can complement or contrast your chosen colour palette.

For an elegant and whimsical look, suspend flowers from the ceiling and let the candles shine on the table. This creates an enchanted greenhouse vibe with a mix of tones and heights.

Lamps

Including lamps as centrepieces is a chic and homey idea. You can reuse at-home lamps, borrow them from loved ones, or thrift second-hand items. To make them more unique, spray-paint the lampshades or press flowers onto them.

For a truly artistic touch, add a hand-painted illustration to the lamp that coordinates with your wedding aesthetic or setting.

Display flowers, fruit, or foliage

Flowers, fruit, and foliage are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding centrepieces. For a sunset-inspired colour scheme, fill large glass bowls with oranges, peaches, cherries, and other colourful fruits. Alternatively, choose one type of fruit to showcase, such as kumquats and lemons for a bold and cheery statement.

Flowers are a classic choice for centrepieces and can be sourced from your local grocery store or florist. Opt for in-season flowers, such as hydrangeas in the summer, or choose a mix of up to four different kinds of flowers to create a vibrant statement. For a garden-inspired or casual wedding, choose single stems of your favourite flowers and place them in bud vases.

Foliage is another way to add texture and colour to your centrepieces. Eucalyptus is a popular choice as it is versatile and affordable. Use it to create a garland down the middle of your table or mix it with other types of greenery such as ferns and olive leaves. For a unique twist, use dried plants such as hare's tail grass and dried palms to add a tropical touch to your centrepieces.

Repurpose books, china, or wine bottles

Repurposing books, china, or wine bottles is a creative and budget-friendly way to add elegance and personality to your wedding centrepieces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Books

Literature lovers can showcase their favourite novels or non-fiction books as centrepieces, infusing colour, texture, and a unique personal touch to the reception tables. Here are some ways to incorporate books:

• Stack books in the centre of the table, adding small vases with floral arrangements on top.
• For a rustic touch, place a lantern on top of a vintage book. The lantern can hold a candle to add a soft glow to the table.
• Play with pops of colour by sourcing hardcover books in your wedding colours or a specific theme. Vintage shops and thrift stores are great places to find books in unique colours.
• Add height to your centrepieces by using books as a base for candelabras or floral arrangements.
• For a library-themed wedding, create stacks of books in the centre of the table, add small vases with florals, and use library due date cards as inspiration for table numbers.
• DIY your table numbers by painting them directly on the book covers.

China

Incorporating china, especially heirloom pieces, can add a touch of vintage elegance to your wedding centrepieces. Here are some ideas:

• Create a Victorian-inspired tablescape with heirloom silverware, dainty fine china, and vivid floral centrepieces.
• Mix and match vintage china patterns for a unique and eclectic look.
• Use china teacups or saucers as small vases for floral arrangements or candle holders.
• Stack china plates with decorative rims or patterns to add height and interest to your centrepieces.

Wine Bottles

Wine bottles can add an elevated yet rustic feel to your wedding tables. They can be adapted to any wedding style, from glamorous gold spray-painted bottles to a more natural look with clear or coloured glass. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add long floral stems or a single statement flower to wine bottles for a simple yet elegant centrepiece.
• Spray paint wine bottles in your wedding colours or a metallic hue like gold for a modern and glamorous touch.
• Place wine bottles with custom labels on each table, serving as both a decorative element and a convenient way to keep guests hydrated.
• Incorporate wine bottles with table assignments by displaying guests' seating information on custom bottle labels, along with floral stems or greenery.
• For a woodland vibe, pair clear or green glass bottles with simple greenery and place each centrepiece on a piece of wood.
• Use wine bottles as a base for your floral arrangements, adding a few handfuls of wildflowers or petite florals for a romantic and whimsical feel.
• Write table numbers directly on the wine bottles, blending functionality and decor seamlessly.

These ideas are just a starting point, and you can get creative by combining books, china, and wine bottles in unique ways to create elegant and personalised wedding centrepieces.

Add a personal touch with DIY decorations

Adding a personal touch to your wedding with DIY decorations is a great way to make your special day feel more authentic and unique. Creating your own centrepieces is a surefire way to make a lasting impression on your guests. It is also a great way to save money, which can be allocated to other parts of the wedding.

There are endless creative opportunities when it comes to DIY wedding centrepieces. One idea is to compose your own floral arrangements. You can purchase your favourite flower or a mix of up to four different kinds from a florist or grocery store and make simple arrangements. To save a little extra money, select in-season options, such as hydrangeas for a summer wedding. You can also repurpose ceramics from your home, adding a personal and artistic touch to your reception tablescape. For example, vases in multiple shapes and sizes can help execute a particular vision, such as an earthy tone.

Another idea is to create ambiance with lamps. Reuse at-home pieces, or thrift second-hand items to place on your reception tables. To make the decorations more unique, you can spray-paint the lampshades or press flowers onto them. Embracing taper candles is also an elegant option, especially if paired with colourful, rainbow varieties.

For a more natural look, eucalyptus is a popular choice and can be bought in large quantities for a reasonable price. It is versatile, suiting rustic, boho, or modern nuptials. You can also use slabs of wood to bring a rustic feel to your centrepieces, displaying other DIY decorations such as wine bottles or vases.

Choose elegant colours and fabrics

Choosing elegant colours and fabrics is essential for creating sophisticated wedding centrepieces. Here are some tips to help you select the right combinations for a stylish and refined look:

Select a Colour Scheme: Choose a colour palette that reflects elegance and sophistication. Consider classic combinations such as white and gold, cream and blush pink, or deep burgundy and forest green. These colour schemes offer a timeless appeal and can be easily enhanced with complementary fabrics and textures.

Monochromatic Elegance: Opting for a monochromatic colour palette is a sure way to achieve elegance. Play with different shades and tones of a single colour to create a refined and cohesive look. For example, you could choose varying shades of blue, from navy to powder blue, and incorporate them through flowers, table linens, and decorative accents.

Neutral Tones: Neutrals such as beige, taupe, grey, and ivory exude elegance and offer a versatile backdrop for your centrepieces. These colours complement most wedding themes and can be dressed up or down as desired. Consider using neutral linens, candles, and ceramics to create an elegant and understated foundation for your centrepiece design.

Metallic Accents: Incorporate metallic accents to add a touch of glamour and elegance to your centrepieces. Gold, silver, copper, or rose gold elements can be introduced through candle holders, vases, or tableware. These metallic touches will reflect light beautifully and create a luxurious ambiance.

Elegant Fabrics: When selecting fabrics for your centrepieces, consider luxurious options such as silk, satin, or velvet. These fabrics can be used for table linens, napkins, or even as elegant ribbon accents. Opt for fabrics with a subtle sheen or delicate embroidery to enhance the sophistication of your centrepieces.

Texture and Dimension: Create visual interest by incorporating different textures and dimensions. Layer fabrics such as lace, burlap, or organza to add depth and elegance to your tablescape. Consider using a combination of smooth and textured elements, such as pairing a sleek table runner with a textured vase or incorporating candles of varying heights to create a sense of elegance and opulence.

Remember, the key to elegance is often found in simplicity and thoughtful curation. Choose a colour scheme that aligns with your wedding theme, and then select fabrics and textures that complement each other, creating a refined and elegant atmosphere for your special day.

Frequently asked questions