Create Stunning Wedding Table Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding centrepieces can be expensive, but they don't have to be. DIY centrepieces are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. From simple flower arrangements to repurposing vintage knick-knacks, there are endless ways to get creative and craft centrepieces that will dazzle your guests. Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern look, a rustic or elegant feel, or a pop of colour or a subtle accent, there is a DIY wedding centrepiece idea that will suit your style and budget.

DIY floral centrepieces

Source Your Favourite Flowers

Instead of hiring a florist, you can save money by purchasing your favourite flowers or a mix of up to four different kinds from a floral shop or grocery store. Create simple arrangements that showcase each bud. To save a little extra, select in-season options like bundles of hydrangeas for a summer wedding.

Mix and Match Vases

Mixing multiple sizes and styles of vases will give your reception tables a bohemian feel. For a monochromatic look, fill multi-sized white vases with white blooms, as seen at a neutral wedding in California.

Lemon Centrepieces

This idea is perfect for a summer or destination wedding. All you need are some lemons, bell jars, and cut flowers of your choice.

Lavender Rustic Centrepieces

Bring a touch of chic Provençal style to your wedding with centrepieces made using beautifully scented lavender. Tie a simple lace ribbon or a piece of hessian around a jam jar, and add fresh sprigs of lavender.

Eucalyptus and Ivy Table Runner

Eucalyptus and ivy are types of greenery that are easy to work with and lend themselves well to a relaxed, rustic look. Create a table runner with these types of foliage for a living piece of decor.

Wildflowers

For a garden-fresh look, opt for wildflowers instead of traditional floral arrangements. Hand-pick your own wildflowers from your garden or a meadow and place them in vases for a cost-effective and vibrant centrepiece.

Using candles

Candles are a great way to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere at a wedding. Here are some ideas for creating wedding centrepieces using candles:

Candles can be used as a simple yet effective centrepiece, either on their own or combined with flowers or other decorations. For example, a collection of chunky pillar candles of varying heights can be placed on a flat dish or serving plate, with the surrounding space filled with pebbles and seasonal flowers. This creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and can be adapted to suit the season.

For a summer wedding, bright flowers such as clematis and roses can be added, while a winter wedding could feature pinecones, mistletoe, and holly for a festive theme. Floating candles are also a popular choice for centrepieces, whether in a large bowl or individual glasses. To add a unique touch, the water can be tinted with food colouring to match the wedding's colour scheme.

For a more understated look, small tea lights or votive candles can be scattered along the length of the table, either in traditional holders or upcycled jars and teacups for a quirky, bohemian feel. Candles can also be placed in a group on a small mirror, creating a twinkling starlight display.

For a single, powerful centrepiece, a large hurricane candle holder can be filled with sand or pebbles and a tall pillar candle. Seasonal decorations such as seashells or poinsettias can be added for extra flair. Alternatively, a hurricane holder can be placed inside the hole of a seasonal wreath, with a tall pillar candle or a tapered candle secured inside using candle adhesive.

Candles can also be combined with garlands or floral arrangements. A long floral garland can be arranged along the table, with votive candles placed inside the lowest points so that their flames sit below the rim of the vessel. For a unique twist on traditional candle holders, wine glasses can be filled with water and used as floating candle holders, saving money and adding a beautiful touch to the centrepiece.

For a creative and decorative shadow effect, willow branches can be submerged in a clear vase, with a floating candle on top. This turns the table itself into a decorative element, casting a thin pattern of light and shadow across its surface.

Fruit-themed centrepieces

Choose Seasonal Fruits

Selecting fruits that are in season is a great way to ensure they are fresh and vibrant for your centrepieces. For example, apricots are a good choice for late spring to late summer weddings, while persimmons and figs are perfect for autumn-themed celebrations.

Create Colourful Displays

Fruits come in a rainbow of colours, so have fun mixing and matching to create visually appealing displays. For instance, combine sunny citrus fruits like oranges and lemons with blush and white flowers for a springtime celebration. Or, for a bolder look, pair deep purple grapes with pink and burgundy flowers.

Add Textural Interest

Fruits can add interesting textures to your centrepieces. Try using sliced fruits like kiwis, oranges, or grapefruit, or create a rustic vibe with a garland of whole apples. You can also mix in vegetables like artichokes, carrots, or herbs for an unexpected twist.

Incorporate Height and Dimension

Add height to your centrepieces by using tall vases or bowls, or by arranging fruits on raised stands or pedestals. For a unique look, suspend fruits or vines from above the table. You can also create dimension by using multiple levels, such as nesting fruits in a bed of vibrant greens or flowers.

Play with Contrasts

Contrast the colours of the fruits with your table settings for a striking effect. For example, blue and orange are complementary colours, so try pairing blue linens with orange fruits like peaches, apricots, or kumquats.

Get Creative with Containers

Use containers that complement the fruits and your wedding theme. For a rustic look, opt for wooden crates or slices of wood. Vintage vases or brass bowls can add elegance, while glass vases or compote dishes offer a simple, modern feel.

Repurposing vintage items

Vintage Vases and Bottles

Vases and bottles in interesting shapes and colours can make beautiful centrepieces, especially if they are in shades that complement your wedding colour palette. Look for vintage vases and bottles in thrift stores, antique shops, or even your own home. You can fill them with flowers or leave them as they are for a simple yet elegant look.

Books

For the literary-loving couple, stacking vintage books as centrepieces is a creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding décor. Look for books with beautiful covers or interesting details, such as ribbon bookmarks or gold-gilded pages. You can tie the stacks together with lace or ribbon to match your wedding theme.

Lanterns

Vintage lanterns can be used to create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere at your wedding. Look for decorative hanging lanterns or table lanterns in antique shops or online. You can fill them with LED candles or fairy lights for a soft and dreamy effect.

Birdcages

Vintage-style birdcages can be elegant centrepieces, especially for a wedding with a whimsical or outdoor theme. You can fill them with flowers, candles, draped pearls, or even edible treats for your guests to enjoy.

Tea Cups

For a vintage-themed wedding, source pretty mismatched tea cups and saucers from second-hand shops. You can fill them with cut spray roses or create a cake stand with cupcakes or small treats.

Candelabras

Candelabras can be a classic and elegant choice for centrepieces, especially if you add your own decorative touches. Try draping them with pearls, foliage, glass beads, or anything else that suits your wedding style.

Succulents and terrariums

Succulents are compatible with many different wedding aesthetics and, given the array of sizes available, can be used to create a subtle or bold look. You can source these from your local nursery or plant store and place them in the middle of each table.

If you want to make a statement, consider housing your succulents in a terrarium. This is a modern alternative to classic tabletop arrangements and will add a unique twist to your wedding decor. Terrariums are typically housed inside glass and metal cloches, jars, or bowls, and hold miniature arrangements of fresh flowers and greenery. They are a great way to showcase nature's beauty and are perfect for couples seeking something a little different.

Floral designer Jenn Sanchez recommends using a mix of plants rather than the more common ferns and succulents: "I prefer the botanical look with cuttings from greenhouse-grown indoor plants such as begonias or alocasias with moss."

If you're looking to save time and money, you can opt for preserved flowers instead of live flower terrariums. This will allow you to prepare your centerpieces ahead of time while still enjoying natural flowers. Succulents are also available in bulk, making them a more cost-effective option.

For a whimsical look, pair your succulents with a variety of candles. You can also decorate the pots for extra style points!

Frequently asked questions