Crafting Wedding Table Flowers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers are a pivotal part of wedding decor, and for good reason. They add a lush, textured flair to the tablescape and instantly add visual intrigue. Whether you're throwing a beachside bash or an enchanting forest affair, flowers can help bring your vision to life. But how do you make flowers for a wedding table?

One option is to repurpose the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' bouquets as centrepieces. This can be a cost-effective way to decorate the tables, but it's important to consider the timing and placement of the bouquets to ensure they don't look out of place. Another idea is to use single-stem arrangements, placing individual blooms in their own glass bud vase to create the illusion of floating flowers. You could also opt for a mix of small and large flowers for an unconventional yet beautiful arrangement.

When choosing flowers, it's best to focus on in-season varieties that coordinate with the aesthetic, venue, and colour palette of the wedding. Flowers with softer petals and numerous colour options, such as peonies, garden roses, sweet peas, and ranunculus, are popular choices. It's also important to cut the flower stems at a 45-degree angle and store them in water to keep them fresh. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can create stunning floral arrangements for any wedding table.

Choose the right vase

When it comes to choosing the right vase for your wedding table flowers, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the height of your flowers and the size of the bouquet. If you have tall flowers, opt for a tall vase, which would look best on a side table. For a bouquet that will be placed in the centre of the dining table, a lower, rounder vase is a better choice.

The shape of the vase is also important. A vase with a wide bottom, narrower middle, and slight flare at the top will support your arrangement and prevent it from looking "floppy". If you want to display your flowers neatly and create a fuller look, a round vase with a wide bottom and narrow opening is ideal. This type of vase is also versatile and works well with various cut flowers.

The colour of the vase can either match or contrast with your floral arrangement. For instance, an all-white vase pairs well with all-white roses, while a vase in yellow or soft cream complements an arrangement with lavender and purple blooms.

If you're looking to create a simple yet elegant display, opt for a single variety of blooms in a vase. This way, you only need to cut the stems and place them in a vessel of water. For a more complex arrangement, floral foam can be useful, but it can be intimidating to work with.

For a cost-effective option, consider repurposing the bridal party's bouquets as centrepieces. However, keep in mind that these bouquets are typically smaller and may look out of place on standard-sized tables. They also have long stems and are wrapped in ribbons, which means they'll need tall vases and may obstruct guests' views.

To summarise, when choosing a vase for your wedding table flowers, consider the height and size of your bouquet, the shape and colour of the vase, and whether you want a simple or complex arrangement.

Select flowers with complementary colours

Flowers are a pivotal part of any wedding table, adding visual intrigue to the tablescape through their rich colour and lush texture. When selecting flowers with complementary colours, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, consider the aesthetic, venue and colour palette of your wedding. Choose flowers that coordinate with and enhance the overall look and feel of your celebration. For example, if you're having a tropical wedding, opt for flowers in vibrant, warm hues such as pink, yellow and orange. On the other hand, if you're going for a classic or rustic vibe, soft, neutral shades like white, cream and beige may be more suitable.

Another important factor to consider is the season. Opting for in-season flowers can help cut costs while also adding a timely touch to your decor. For instance, sunflowers, dahlias and marigolds are perfect for autumn weddings, while peonies and garden roses are ideal for spring nuptials.

When selecting flowers with complementary colours, you can either go for a cohesive look by choosing flowers in similar shades or add a unique touch by mixing and matching different hues. For example, you could create a rainbow-like vision on each table by arranging flowers by colour, or pair flowers with accent colours in your table decor, such as napkins or candles.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate unexpected elements. For instance, you could add a metallic touch to your tablescape by spray-painting a few succulents gold or silver. You could also opt for an all-green bouquet or tablescape, which is an easy way to cut costs without sacrificing style.

Finally, consider the size and shape of your floral arrangements. For a simple yet elegant look, opt for a single type of flower in a compact vase. If you want something more eye-catching, try a thick runner of blooms across the table or a tall arrangement that towers above each table.

Mix and match flowers and greenery

When mixing and matching flowers and greenery for your wedding table, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of your arrangements should complement the venue's structure and design. For instance, tall arrangements work well in large spaces with high ceilings, while short arrangements are better suited for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Wide arrangements can give a rustic, wild appearance and look fantastic on large round tables. On the other hand, narrow arrangements, such as garlands and low planters, are ideal for long, farm-style tables.

When it comes to flowers, there are endless possibilities for mixing and matching. Consider the colour palette, texture, and size of the blooms. For a simple yet elegant look, mix small white blooms with greenery and intersperse candles for a sophisticated touch. If you want to add a pop of colour, hydrangeas come in a range of shades and smell amazing. For a more rustic look, combine eucalyptus with hydrangeas, lisianthus, and delphinium in glass jars and birch wood vessels. To make a statement, try using a single type of flower, such as white peonies or tulips, for a chic and intentional display.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate unique elements into your floral arrangements. Succulents, for example, can add texture to an all-flower arrangement, while wheatgrass or ornamental kale can give your centrepiece a just-picked look. If you're looking for something with a bit more colour, pincushion proteas will certainly make a bold statement.

Greenery is an excellent way to add texture and dimension to your wedding table without breaking the bank. Eucalyptus, in particular, is a popular choice for its wispy, long branches, and can be styled in a variety of ways. For a Tuscany-inspired spin, add olive branches to your eucalyptus centrepieces. If you're going for a more rustic look, style your eucalyptus with hydrangeas and other earthy elements. Greenery garlands or table runners are also a great option, especially if you want to encourage conversation among your guests without obstructing their view.

Remember, the key to mixing and matching flowers and greenery is to have fun and be creative. Play around with different combinations of flowers and greenery to find the perfect mix that reflects your unique style and personality.

Arrange flowers in a foam block

Floral foam provides a sturdy support for fresh blooms when creating low table centrepieces or larger displays that call for more structure. It allows for versatility and endless possibilities in flower arranging. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to arrange flowers in a foam block for a wedding table:

Step 1: Choose a Container

Select a container, vase, or basket that is able to hold water. If you are using a basket, it should be lined with strong plastic or place a ceramic, glass, or plastic bowl inside.

Step 2: Soak the Floral Foam

Completely cover the floral foam with water to ensure it is saturated. This will take about 15 minutes. It is important to note that the foam should slowly sink and not be forced into the water.

Step 3: Cut and Secure the Foam

Once the foam is fully soaked, use a knife to cut it to fit inside your container, leaving about an inch over the container's top. Tape it to the edges with green floral tape so that it does not shift. The foam should fit tightly in the container. If there is too much water, you may carefully pour out the excess.

Step 4: Start with the Greens

You can decide how long or short you want the greens to be, but it is generally recommended to have longer edging that hangs over the container. You do not have to cover all the foam, just enough so that it won't be visible once the flowers are in place.

Step 5: Add the Centre Flower

Cut the flower of your choice for the centre, making it about 1 1/2 inches taller than your container. Remember to always work with odd numbers, so start with one centre flower, and then choose four more of the same flower.

Step 6: Arrange the Remaining Flowers

Begin to add other flowers, always in odd numbers, and fill in the spaces around the centre flower. Do not worry about leaving gaps, as you can always fill those in later. It is good to have some space between the flowers. Work your way around, placing flowers at different angles. Use bright, small flowers as fillers.

Step 7: Fill in the Gaps

Add small pieces of gypsophila (baby's breath) or make loops out of ribbon (floral wire the ribbon loops to a wooden pick) to fill in any remaining gaps. Some florists also use greens like tree fern. Just remember, do not put in too much of everything!

Step 8: Check and Maintain the Arrangement

Check to make sure that the foam is still very wet. If not, you may add more water to the container. Check the container every few days to see if it needs more water, as some flowers require more water than others. Keep checking your arrangement, and as long as the flowers are alive, they will need water.

Step 9: Drain Excess Water

When necessary, gently tilt the container over a sink to drain any excess water that has collected in the dish. This will prevent any water from spilling onto linens or table displays.

Use flowers with soft petals

Flowers with soft petals are a great choice for a wedding table as they create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Here are some ideas and tips for using flowers with soft petals to decorate your wedding table:

Choosing the Right Flowers

Select flowers with soft petals such as roses, peonies, dahlias, cosmos, or butterfly ranunculus. Opt for a mix of different varieties and colours to add interest and texture to your table. You can choose fresh flowers or go for freeze-dried or silk flowers, which are more cost-effective and long-lasting.

Table Runners

Create a soft and romantic tablescape by using flowers with soft petals as a table runner. Scatter the petals down the centre of the table, pairing them with candles and other floral arrangements for a whimsical look. This idea works well with both fresh and freeze-dried petals.

Floating Petals

For a unique and elegant touch, float soft flower petals in water as part of your centrepiece. This idea is especially effective if you have a small number of petals and want to make a subtle impact. It adds a graceful pop of colour to your table setting.

Flower Confetti

Use soft flower petals as eco-friendly confetti to decorate your wedding table. Scatter the petals around each place setting or mix them with other natural elements like leaves and twigs for a whimsical effect. You can also provide your guests with small bags of petals to toss during the ceremony.

Centrepieces

Create a simple yet elegant centrepiece by arranging soft flowers in vases or bowls. Opt for a mix of tall and short vases to add visual interest. You can also place a single soft bloom at each setting for a minimalist and romantic touch.

Cake Table

It is a long-standing tradition to cover the cake table with flower petals. Use soft petals to add a decorative and colourful touch to your cake table. You can also place petals on the cake itself for a unique and personal touch.

Frequently asked questions