Hydrangea Wedding Centerpieces: A Simple Diy Guide

Hydrangeas are a versatile and affordable flower that can be used to create stunning wedding centrepieces. They come in a wide range of colours, including white, purple, pink, green, blue, and even vivid lime and antique white. Hydrangeas can be used on their own or in combination with other flowers and greenery to create a romantic, classic, rustic, or modern look. In this guide, we will explore different ways to make hydrangea centrepieces for weddings, including simple vase arrangements, bold installations, and rustic-inspired designs. We will also provide tips on how to care for hydrangeas and create a modern DIY hydrangea centerpiece on a budget.

Choosing the right vase

Firstly, consider the size of your centrepiece. If you're opting for a full, lush arrangement, choose a vase that is tall and wide enough to accommodate the hydrangeas and any additional flowers or greenery. For a more minimal look, smaller bud vases or recycled amber glass vases can be used, with a single hydrangea stem or a few blooms. The height of the vase is also important – for a bold statement, choose a tall vase, or go for a shorter option if you want your centrepiece to have a more understated look.

The shape of the vase is another key factor. Traditional options include round vases, which work well with circular arrangements, or crystal trumpet vases for a more elegant, curved shape. For a modern twist, try a wooden vase or a plastic vase sprayed with copper paint for an unexpected cool colour. If you're going for a rustic or farmhouse vibe, a simple clay pot can be a great choice.

The colour of the vase can either complement or contrast with your hydrangeas. For example, blue hydrangeas paired with blue vases can create a preppy, coordinated look. Alternatively, you could choose a neutral colour vase, such as clear or mirrored glass, to let the flowers take centre stage. If you're feeling creative, you can even paint your vase a vibrant colour to add a unique twist to your centrepiece.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicalities. Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers, so choose a vase that can hold enough water to keep them hydrated, especially if you're displaying them outside in the summer heat. If using foam, opt for well-hydrated foam and place the flowers as close to the event as possible.

Hydrangea care and processing

Hydrangeas are easy to care for and can be grown in most soil types, but they do require regular watering and careful pruning to ensure they bloom. Here is a detailed guide to hydrangea care and processing:

Planting

Hydrangeas should be planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Before planting, give the plant a thorough watering while it's still in its nursery pot. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and roughen the sides with a shovel to allow the roots to penetrate and expand. Remove the plant from its pot and loosen or cut any circling roots. Set the plant in the hole so the root ball is at the same depth as it was in the pot. Backfill the hole with existing soil and water the area thoroughly.

Soil

Hydrangeas prefer well-drained, fertile, humus-rich, and moist soil. The soil should have a pH of 6 or lower to produce blue flowers and a pH of 7 or higher for pink blooms. The plant will thrive in most soil types, but the pH of the soil will change the colour of the flowers of some varieties. Add compost to the soil to add nutrients and retain moisture.

Watering

Water hydrangeas regularly, especially in hot and dry weather. Newly planted hydrangeas should be watered every one to two days, or more during extreme heat and drought conditions. Water in the morning to give the leaves and roots time to dry before sunset. Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers, so ensure they have plenty of water to prevent wilting.

Sunlight

Hydrangeas can tolerate full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. In moderate climates, give them full sun, and in hot areas, provide morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid south-facing positions, especially if the soil is very dry.

Feeding

A general all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 ratio will work well for hydrangeas. Apply a slow-release fertilizer twice a year in spring and early fall.

Pruning

Pruning requirements will depend on whether your hydrangea blooms on new or old wood. For those that bloom on old wood, prune in the summer after flowering to ensure you don't remove new buds. Remove up to one-third of the stems, keeping several stems of old productive wood and strong new stems. For hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, cut stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring.

Propagating

The easiest way to propagate hydrangeas is by taking cuttings from a branch that hasn't flowered yet. Cut off about 6 inches of a branch with at least one node. Dip the cut end into a hormone rooting powder and fill a pot with well-draining soil. Bury the powder-dipped end 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface and place in indirect light. Keep the soil moist until roots develop, which should take about two to three weeks.

Using hydrangeas as a standalone flower

Hydrangeas are a versatile flower that can be used to create a variety of looks for wedding centrepieces. They are particularly well-suited to coastal or traditional weddings, or for couples who want a simplistic or rustic aesthetic.

Hydrangeas are also a good choice for standalone flowers. Their big blooms and wide variety of colour options, including white, purple, pink, green, blue, and antique white, make them a pretty and full flower that can stand on their own. For a simple, rustic look, a single stem of hydrangea can be paired with roses, thistle, and a few sprigs of greenery for added texture.

For a more modern look, a wooden vase or a painted plastic vase can be used as a base, with a few stems of white hydrangea and some eucalyptus leaves. This arrangement can also be modified for larger tables by using bud vases and creating different heights for added variation.

Hydrangeas are a good choice for wedding flowers as they are affordable and available year-round. However, they are thirsty flowers and require plenty of water to prevent wilting, especially in summer heat.

Pairing hydrangeas with other flowers and greenery

Hydrangeas are versatile flowers that can be paired with a variety of blooms and foliage to create stunning wedding centrepieces. When pairing hydrangeas with other flowers and greenery, consider the overall colour scheme and theme of your wedding, as well as the size and shape of the flowers you want to use.

For a classic, elegant look, white hydrangeas are a popular choice. To create a simple yet effective centrepiece, pair white hydrangeas with larger leaves, such as silver dollar eucalyptus, and place them in a clear vase. This combination works well for traditional weddings and can be enhanced with baby's breath for a more rustic feel.

If you're aiming for a romantic feel, pink or purple hydrangeas are a beautiful option. These colours can be paired with roses, thistle, and greenery for added texture and interest. For a more feminine touch, consider using pink hydrangeas as the centrepiece of your wedding reception, placing one large vase in the centre of each table or scattering them throughout the room.

For something more unique, green or blue hydrangeas are a great choice. Blue hydrangeas are often used for beach or nautical-themed weddings, evoking a feeling of summer and relaxation. They can be displayed in one large vase or scattered throughout the tablescape in smaller vases. Green hydrangeas can be paired with eucalyptus for a modern and minimalist look, or with stone fruit to evoke an old-world vibe.

Hydrangeas can also be combined with other flowers to create more complex arrangements. For a formal and elegant look, consider pairing hydrangeas with roses. Dahlias, snowberries, and abelia are also mentioned as good pairings for hydrangeas, especially for fall weddings. For a rustic or natural feel, incorporate branches or greenery such as rosemary into your hydrangea centrepieces.

When creating hydrangea centrepieces, it's important to use high-quality, fresh flowers and to ensure they are well-hydrated, as hydrangeas are thirsty flowers. Experiment with different heights and shapes of vases or containers to create visual interest, and don't be afraid to mix and match flowers and greenery for an eclectic look.

Creating a rustic-meets-refined look

Hydrangeas are a versatile flower that can complement a variety of wedding themes, from classic and romantic to modern and minimalist. Here are some ideas to create a rustic-meets-refined look for your wedding centrepieces using hydrangeas:

Colour Choice

Hydrangeas come in a range of colours, including white, pink, blue, purple, green, and even antique white or lime. For a rustic-meets-refined look, consider a soft, romantic colour palette with pops of colour. White hydrangeas can add a touch of elegance and class to your wedding tables, while pink or purple hydrangeas can enhance the romantic feel. For something more unique, opt for green or blue hydrangeas. You can even mix and match different colours of hydrangeas to create depth and interest.

Vase or Container

The choice of vase or container can also contribute to the rustic-meets-refined aesthetic. Consider using a combination of large and small vases or different heights and shapes to create a visually appealing display. For a rustic touch, opt for mason jars, wooden trays, or planter boxes. To add elegance and refinement, choose clear glass or crystal vases, or even a mosaic pedestal vase for a vintage look.

Filler Flowers and Greenery

To create a simple yet elegant rustic-meets-refined centrepiece, pair hydrangeas with roses and a few sprigs of greenery for added texture and interest. You can also incorporate larger leaves, as they pair well with the smaller petals of the hydrangea. For a more rustic, natural feel, consider adding branches to your centrepieces. Surround tall, slender branches with a bed of hydrangeas in your chosen colour scheme.

Candles and Lighting

Candles can add a romantic and intimate touch to your centrepieces. Place a few small candles in the centre of each table, surrounded by hydrangeas and greenery. For a bolder statement, opt for a large candle in the centre of the arrangement. If using a wooden tray as a base, consider adding a candle holder to create a warm glow in the evening.

Accents and Details

To elevate your centrepieces, consider adding accents such as ribbon or pearls for a touch of elegance. For a unique, personalised touch, you can customise your centrepieces with details like coloured mason jars or stained wooden planter boxes. These small details can enhance the rustic-meets-refined aesthetic and make your wedding day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions