Creating Large Wedding Centerpieces: Stunning And Memorable Decorations

Large wedding centrepieces can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to make them yourself. DIY centrepieces are a fun activity to do with your partner and will add a personal touch to your wedding. You can use flowers, candles, or even fruit to create a stunning display that will wow your guests.

Choosing a floral theme

Pick your favourite flowers

Think about which flowers you love and want to showcase. Some popular options include hydrangeas, tulips, lilies, roses, peonies, and baby's breath. You can choose one type of flower as the star of your centerpieces or mix and match a few different varieties. Consider the colour palette you want to create and select flowers that complement each other.

Decide between fresh or silk flowers

Fresh flowers are a wonderful option, especially for photographs, and can be purchased from a florist or sourced in bulk online. However, silk flowers are also a great choice and can be ordered in bulk online as well. They may be a more cost-effective option and allow you to add your own creative touches.

Choose your vases or containers

The type of container you use will depend on the style of your wedding and the flowers you've chosen. Classic glass vases are always a good option, but you can also get creative with mason jars, wicker baskets, clay pots, or even hollowed-out logs for a rustic look. Consider the height and width of your container in relation to the flowers, ensuring they complement each other.

Plan ahead

Creating floral centerpieces can take time, so plan ahead and prepare all the materials you need. If you're using fresh flowers, it's best to create the arrangements a day before the wedding and store them in a cool place to keep them fresh. This will ensure your flowers look their best on the big day.

Get creative with fillers

In addition to your chosen flowers, you can add fillers like wide green leaves, baby's breath, or astartea to give your centerpieces a full and balanced look. You can also incorporate non-floral elements such as candles, mirrors, or floating flowers for a unique and intimate setting.

Play with height

Large wedding centerpieces are a great way to add drama and elegance to your reception. Consider using tall vases or pedestals to elevate your floral arrangements. This draws the eye upward and creates a stunning visual impact. Just ensure that your centerpieces don't hinder guests' conversations by choosing the right vessel and placing them strategically on the tables.

Selecting the right candles

Candles are a great way to create a romantic and intimate setting for your wedding reception. Here are some tips for selecting the right candles for your large wedding centrepieces:

Variety of Candles

When selecting candles for your centrepieces, consider choosing different sizes, colours, and shapes to create a unique and eye-catching display. You can opt for a uniform look with candles of the same size and shape, or mix and match to add visual interest. Tall, thin candles can be used to create height and drama, while short, wide candles are perfect for a low-lying arrangement. If you want to save money, head to your local craft store and buy candles in bulk.

Scented Candles

While scented candles can add a pleasant aroma to your wedding reception, be cautious when choosing scented candles for your centrepieces. Certain scents may not mix well, creating an unpleasant smell during the reception. It is also important to consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding when selecting scented candles, as you want the scents to complement each other and create a cohesive atmosphere.

Candle Holders

Candle holders can enhance the overall look of your centrepiece and are an important consideration. Simple glass holders are classic, while sleek tapers or twisted metal holders can add a modern or rustic touch. For a rustic look, consider hollowing out logs of white birch to hold the candles. You can also customise the holders by wrapping them in lace, tulle, or other fabrics that fit your wedding theme.

Combining with Other Elements

Combining candlelight with other elements such as water, mirrors, or flowers can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Mirrors placed under the candles will accentuate the glow of the candlelight, while floating candles in water can be a unique and eye-catching addition to your centrepiece. Flowers, either fresh or dried, can also be combined with candles to add colour and texture.

Safety Considerations

When using candles in your centrepieces, it is important to consider safety. Do not place candles within reach of small children or near the edge of tables to prevent the risk of fire. For centrepieces with hanging candles, ensure they are securely attached to avoid any accidents.

DIY centrepieces

Flowers and Greenery

One of the most popular choices for centrepieces is flowers and greenery. You can choose flowers that are in season or match your wedding theme. For a simple yet elegant look, consider using a single type of flower, such as peonies or hydrangeas, and arrange them in a tall vase. If you want to add more texture and interest, mix and match different types of flowers and foliage. Succulents and pampas grass are also great options that can be arranged in terrariums or rustic log vases. For a unique twist, you can create a floating flower arrangement by cutting the stems off the flowers and placing them in a container of water with floating candles.

Candles

Candles create a romantic and intimate atmosphere and can be used as a standalone centrepiece or combined with other elements such as flowers, mirrors, or hanging decorations. Choose different sized or coloured candles and arrange them on a tray or wood slice for a stylish look. For a rustic feel, consider using tree branches or log slices as candle holders. You can also incorporate fairy lights with your candles to add a whimsical touch.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can add a pop of colour and texture to your centrepieces. For a summer or destination wedding, consider using lemons or other citrus fruits in a bell jar with cut flowers. You can also create a fruit table runner with colourful fruits such as oranges, peaches, and cherries. For an autumnal wedding, painted pumpkins can be used as candle holders or vases for a seasonal touch.

Books and Vintage Items

If you're a bookworm, stack your favourite books and tie them with lace or ribbon to create a unique centrepiece. Vintage items such as antique wooden crates, wicker baskets, or lace-covered vases can also be used to add a touch of charm to your tables.

Balloons and Lanterns

Oversized balloons with DIY garland tails can make a fun and colourful centrepiece. Lanterns are another option that can be used to display lights and surrounded by baby's breath or other simple blooms for a chic look.

Personalised Touches

For a sentimental touch, choose your favourite photos from your relationship and display them in pretty frames as centrepieces. You can also incorporate heirlooms or family china into your centrepieces to infuse your nuptials with a sense of connection and history.

Using fruit and foliage

Citrus Centerpieces

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit add a vibrant pop of color to your wedding tablescape. For a simple yet elegant look, fill large glass bowls or bell jars with an assortment of citrus fruits and fresh-cut flowers. This idea is perfect for a summer or destination wedding, as citrus fruits won't spoil easily in the sun.

Fruit Table Runner

For a unique and colorful centerpiece, create a table runner made of fruit. This works especially well with citrus fruits, which add a bright and cheerful touch to your tables. You can also incorporate other fruits like peaches, cherries, or apples to match your color palette.

Lavender Rustic Centerpieces

Bring a touch of chic Provençal style to your wedding with centerpieces made using fragrant lavender. Fill mason jars or small vases with fresh sprigs of lavender and tie them with lace or ribbon for a rustic and elegant look.

Eucalyptus and Ivy Foliage

Eucalyptus and ivy are excellent choices for creating a living centerpiece that is both beautiful and easy to arrange. Their lush greenery lends itself well to a relaxed, rustic theme. You can also pair them with flowers for a pop of color.

Dried Foliage

For a unique and long-lasting centerpiece, consider using dried foliage. You can find dehydrated foliage at your local craft store or shop online for preserved blooms that match your wedding aesthetic. Dried foliage adds texture and color to your tables and is perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Foliage-Wrapped Candles

Combine the beauty of foliage with the romance of candles by twining foliage around candles. Use florist's wire to keep the foliage in place, and choose candles in complementary colors to enhance the effect.

Adding height

Choose a Focal Flower

Hydrangeas, lilies, and tulips are all great options for a statement flower. These can be placed in a tall vase with a wide neck to allow the flowers to sit higher on their long stems. You could also try a mix of flowers in complementary colours or shades.

Add a Touch of Whimsy

Choose a unique structure for your centrepiece, such as a whimsical gold stand, and pair it with an overflowing floral arrangement.

Create Clouds of Baby's Breath

Baby's breath creates an ethereal, cloud-like display and works beautifully to add volume to tall centrepieces. Try using tall vases and surrounding candelabras for a romantic, fairy-tale look.

Citrus Trees

Small potted citrus trees add a pop of colour and height to your tables in an unexpected way.

Tall Branches

Decorated branches are a great way to add height to your centrepiece. Try wrapping fairy lights or spray painting branches in metallic gold or silver. You could also hang other décor or floral elements, such as ivy vines and orchids, from the branches.

Candelabras

Candelabras are a classic and elegant option for a wedding centrepiece. You can decorate them with drapes of pearls, foliage, or glass beads for a DIY touch.

Frequently asked questions