Creating Ostrich Feather Wedding Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ostrich feather centrepieces are a gorgeous and elegant addition to any wedding. They are easy to assemble and can be made in advance, so you don't have to fuss with them at the last moment. Ostrich feathers are available in a variety of colours and sizes, making them easy to match your wedding decor. You can also add accessories like Floralytes, Water Beads, Centrepiece Mirrors, and Light Bases to create stunning looks. With a few simple steps, you can make your wedding unforgettable with these elegant ostrich feather centrepieces.

Choosing the right feathers

Ostrich feathers are available in a variety of colours and sizes, so you can easily find ones that match your wedding decor. When choosing the right feathers for your centrepiece, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, decide on the colour. White is the most popular choice for weddings, but you can also choose from a range of other colours to match your theme. If you want to create a two-toned or rainbow effect, you will need to choose multiple colours that complement each other.

Next, consider the size of the feathers. Ostrich feathers typically range from 5 to 32 inches in length. If you want a fuller, more luxurious look, opt for longer feathers. However, if you are using a shorter vase or want to save money, shorter feathers can also work well. The ideal height for your centrepiece is between 24 and 28 inches, so choose your feathers accordingly.

Finally, determine the quantity of feathers needed. Each vase typically requires between 25 and 30 feathers, but you can add more or fewer depending on how full you want the arrangement to look. If you are using multiple colours, decide on the ratio of each colour to create the desired effect.

With these considerations in mind, you can choose the perfect ostrich feathers for your wedding centrepieces.

Picking a vase

Height

The height of your vase will impact the overall height of your centerpiece. Ostrich feathers are available in various lengths, so you can choose a vase that is proportional to the length of your feathers. Typically, longer feathers are used in taller vases, while shorter feathers are used in shorter vases. However, you can also create a dramatic look by using longer feathers in a shorter vase or shorter feathers in a taller vase. Just keep in mind that the overall height of your centerpiece should not block your guests' view across the table.

Style

When it comes to the style of the vase, there are several options to choose from. The most popular choice for ostrich feather centerpieces is the Eiffel Tower vase, which is bottom-heavy and stable. This style of vase is elegant and classic, making it a perfect choice for a wedding. Another option is the Trumpet Vase, which offers a different look while still being elegant. You can also choose a vase with a unique shape, such as a gold spandex vase or a crystal globe stand, to add a touch of glamour to your centerpieces.

Colour

The colour of your vase can be matched to your wedding theme or colour scheme. Clear glass vases are versatile and can be dressed up with fillers or accessories. Alternatively, you can choose a coloured vase that complements your feathers or wedding colours. Gold, black, and white vases can be particularly striking, especially when paired with feathers in a contrasting colour.

Stability

When selecting a vase, it's important to consider its stability. Taller vases may need to be weighted or secured to prevent them from tipping over. You can use velcro dots or adhesive to secure the vase to the table, or fill the vase with sand or weights to add stability. Additionally, some vases come with a built-in weight in the bottom to prevent tipping.

Accessories

To enhance the look of your ostrich feather centerpieces, you can add various accessories to your vase. LED light bases can be placed under the vase to create a glowing effect. Vase fillers such as acrylic crystals, beads, or pearls can also be added to create a glamorous look. These fillers come in various colours and can be matched to your wedding colours or theme.

Using bouquet holders

Step 1: Prepare the Feathers

Before you start, decide on the height of your centrepiece and purchase the appropriate-sized bouquet holder. You can use bouquet holders with plastic dividers, which make spacing the feathers out evenly much easier.

Step 2: Insert the Feathers

Starting at the bottom of the bouquet holder, push the quill ends of your feathers into the foam. Move your holder in a circular, upward motion until you reach the top. Place taller feathers towards the bottom and smaller feathers towards the top. You can use between 20 and 30 feathers per vase, depending on how full you want the centrepiece to look.

Step 3: Place the Bouquet Holder in the Vase

Place the stem of the bouquet holder into the top of the vase. If you are using Floralytes, put them into the vase first and hang them at the desired length by tying them to the floral stem.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Add any optional accessories, such as lights, beads, or flowers, to personalise your centrepiece.

Tips:

• Assemble your centrepieces several days in advance to achieve the highly desired slight arch in the ostrich feathers.
• The ideal height for your ostrich feather centrepiece is between 24 and 28 inches. This will prevent blocking your guests' view of each other.

Adding accessories

Now for the fun part! There are lots of ways to dress up your ostrich feather centerpieces to make them unique. Here are some ideas:

• Floralytes: These wireless, miniature, disposable, self-powered lighting units can be placed inside your vase to create a soft-glow light effect.
• Water Beads: Water beads are a beautiful accent when used with Trumpet Vases. Remember to start soaking the beads in water the day before so they can expand.
• Centrepiece Mirrors: Add some depth to your table by setting each centerpiece on a mirror. When combined with Floralytes, this look is gorgeous.
• Light Bases: Using a light base will give your centerpiece a dramatic look.
• LED Lights: To get the vases to light up, place them on top of a mini LED light base. Use adhesive dots to stick the light base to the bottom of the vase to ensure it doesn't fall off.
• Vase Filler: You can use different vase fillers to create different effects. For example, fill the vase with pink acrylic crystals and add a pink glimmer light string inside the vase.
• Hanging Crystals or Beads: Hanging strands of crystals or pearls from the feathers adds some glamour to your decor.
• Light-Up Feathers: Adding some small lights to the feathers is another way to dress up your ostrich feather centrepieces. String lightweight, battery-operated lights through the feathers, starting with the battery pack close to the vase and working outwards.

Assembling the centrepiece

Now that you have all your supplies, it's time to start assembling your ostrich feather wedding centrepiece. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the feathers: Before you begin, check if your ostrich feathers need to be "fluffed". Ostrich feathers should be easy to "fluff" by simply shaking them out or running your fingers through them. If you've purchased the wrong type of feathers, they may not fluff as easily.
• Insert the feathers into the bouquet holder: Starting from the bottom row of the bouquet holder, insert the quill ends of your feathers. For the first row, place one feather in every other section, with the feathers pointing downwards. Taller or larger feathers should be placed towards the bottom, while smaller feathers go towards the top. Continue adding feathers in this circular, upward motion until you reach the top.
• Create the desired shape: If you want a slight arch to your ostrich feathers, assemble your centrepiece several days in advance. This will allow the feathers to relax into a droopy, desired shape.
• Place the bouquet holder into the vase: Once you're happy with your feather arrangement, it's time to place the bouquet holder into your chosen vase. If you're using Floralytes, put them into the vase first and then insert the bouquet holder. You can hang the Floralytes at your desired length by tying them to the floral stem using the attached string.
• Add accessories: Your ostrich feather centrepiece is almost complete! Now, it's time to personalise it with optional accessories. You can add Floralytes, water beads, centrepiece mirrors, or light bases to create a dramatic and elegant look.
• Final adjustments: Take a step back and admire your creation! If you spot any gaps or sparse areas, you can reposition existing feathers or add new ones to fill in these spaces. Your centrepiece is now ready to wow your wedding guests!

Frequently asked questions