Crafting Tall Flower Centerpieces For Your Wedding Day

Tall flower centerpieces are a great way to add drama and luxury to your wedding reception. They can be used to fill a room with high ceilings or to create a bold pop of texture and colour. From classic round arrangements on tall gold or silver pedestals to more modern, structured designs, there are endless ways to create a statement piece for your wedding.

Choosing the right flowers

Flower Types

Several types of flowers are well-suited for tall centrepieces and can add drama, elegance, and interest to your wedding décor. Here are some popular options:

• Hydrangeas: These flowers are perfect for tall centrepieces as they add a romantic touch of texture and help fill out the arrangement. Their large blooms also give a sense of fullness to the design.
• Roses: Classic roses, particularly in blush, ivory, and white tones, create an elegant and timeless look. You can also use spray roses to add interest and texture.
• Baby's Breath: This delicate flower is incredibly dynamic and can add volume to tall vases. It creates an ethereal, cloud-like display and pairs well with other blooms.
• Orchids: Orchids, such as Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, are ideal for modern, streamlined themes. They are striking enough to anchor an arrangement without needing other flowers.
• Cherry Blossoms: Using cherry blossom branches adds dramatic height and a beautiful fragrance to your centrepieces. They are perfect for creating less traditional, whimsical displays.
• Calla Lilies: Long-stemmed calla lilies are perfect for taller centrepieces, and their elegant shape and white colour make a stylish statement.
• Lilacs, Wisteria, Pear Blossoms, and Bougainvillea: These flowering tree branches are a great alternative if you want a mix of flowers and greenery. They add a touch of nature to your décor while still feeling luxurious.

Colour Scheme

When choosing your flowers, consider the colour scheme you want to achieve. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• White and Green: This classic combination is elegant and timeless. It can be achieved with white flowers like orchids, calla lilies, or roses, paired with greenery such as eucalyptus, fern fronds, or smilax.
• Neutrals: For a more earthy tone, try toffee roses, dried fan palms, pampas grass, and bleached ruscus. These colours add warmth without being too vibrant.
• Pastels: For a soft and romantic look, opt for blush, blue, cream, and burgundy flowers. These colours complement each other beautifully and create a dreamy atmosphere.
• Pink and Purple: A bold combination of classic white blooms, greenery, and pops of pink and purple will definitely make a statement. You can play with different hues to add depth to your centrepieces.
• Seasonal Colours: If you're having a fall wedding, incorporate seasonal blooms and branches in autumnal colours. Lunaria, autumn leaves, and painted foliage can add colour and texture to your tall centrepieces.

Flower Availability

When selecting your flowers, it's important to consider their availability during your wedding season. Some blooms may not be in season, affecting their price and freshness. Talk to your florist about which flowers are readily available during your wedding month to make an informed decision.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the flowers you choose for your tall centrepieces should reflect your personal style and taste. If you have a favourite flower or a bloom that holds special meaning for you, consider incorporating it into your centrepieces to make them even more unique and memorable.

Using the correct vase

Choosing the right vase is crucial when creating tall flower centrepieces for weddings. The vase you select will depend on the size of your arrangement, the types of flowers and foliage you plan to use, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing the correct vase:

Selecting the Right Vase

When choosing a vase for your tall flower centrepiece, consider the height, width, and shape that will best complement your floral arrangement. Tall, slender vases, such as trumpet-style or cylindrical vases, can add elegance and height to your centrepiece. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter, wider vase, like a pilsner vase, to create a fuller, more rounded arrangement. If you're aiming for a modern or contemporary look, structured vessels with clean lines, such as rectangular or geometric stands, can be a great choice. For a more classic or romantic feel, consider using vases with curves, such as pedestal or pillar-style vases. Additionally, the material of the vase is important. Glass or clear acrylic vases can give the illusion of floating flowers and are perfect for showcasing the beauty of individual stems. On the other hand, metal or wooden vases can add a touch of elegance or rustic charm to your centrepiece.

Preparing the Vase

Before adding your flowers, there are several steps you should take to prepare your vase:

• Soak floral foam in water mixed with floral food. This will help keep your flowers hydrated and fresh.
• Secure the floral foam to the base of the vase using waterproof tape. This will ensure the arrangement stays in place and doesn't topple over.
• Consider spray painting the floral foam or using a coordinating dish to match your colour scheme or hide the mechanics of the arrangement.
• Place the vase on an overturned bucket or sturdy surface to elevate it while you work. This will give you a better idea of how the final arrangement will look.
• Fill the vase with water to keep the floral foam hydrated, especially if you're using fresh flowers.

By choosing the right vase and preparing it properly, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning tall flower centrepieces for your wedding.

Adding extra decorations

Go for Gold

Gold stands, vases, candelabras, and frames can add a regal and luxurious touch to your centrepieces. Gold complements warm-hued flowers like burgundy and blush, while also pairing well with classic white blooms and greenery. If you're looking for something more understated, consider a matte gold finish or gold-rimmed vase or glassware.

Acrylic and Lucite

Acrylic or lucite bases and stands can give your centrepieces a modern and trendy feel. They create the illusion of floating flowers and are perfect for showcasing classic white blooms. Add votive candles in glass orbs for a magical floating effect.

Candles

Candles are a classic way to add romance and drama to your wedding centrepieces. Include tapered candles, floating tea lights, or hanging votives in glass orbs at varying heights. For a unique twist, hang candles from your floral arrangements or incorporate a candelabra.

Greenery

If you're looking for a natural and organic feel, consider adding extra greenery to your centrepieces. Eucalyptus, fern fronds, and palm fronds are perfect for a woodsy or beach wedding theme. For something more structured, opt for slim and sophisticated vases with tall branches or cascading vines.

Colour

Don't be afraid to add a pop of colour to your centrepieces. Pampas grass, in shades of beige, rust, or terracotta, adds texture and volume while complementing earth-toned themes. For a bolder statement, incorporate feathers, dyed pampas grass, or colourful ribbons.

Mix Heights

You don't need to have tall centrepieces on every table. Mixing high and low arrangements can add visual interest and save you money. Alternate between tall and low centrepieces, or place a few oversized branches or tall candelabras among shorter floral arrangements.

Transporting the centrepiece

Transporting tall flower centrepieces for weddings can be a stressful task, but with careful preparation, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips to help you transport your centrepieces safely and securely:

Packing and Preparing:

Firstly, it is important to pack the centrepieces securely. Use sturdy boxes that are slightly larger than the centrepieces to allow for some breathing room. You can line the boxes with bubble wrap or packing material to create a "nest" for each vase, preventing them from tipping over. Wine or liquor boxes can work well, especially if you remove the centre divider to accommodate the height of the centrepieces. Alternatively, you can make DIY boxes by cutting circles in large cardboard boxes, placing the vases in the holes, and taping the tops securely. This method will keep the branches from tangling and provide stability during transport.

When packing multiple centrepieces in a box, use space dividers to separate them and prevent breakage. Bubble wrap or paper can be used to divide delicate glass vases, while paper dividers are suitable for tealight candle holders. For solid centrepieces, wooden dividers provide excellent protection. Label each box clearly, listing the contents and the number of items inside. This will help you keep track of your centrepieces and make unloading and setting up at the venue more efficient.

If your centrepieces include natural flowers, it is essential to keep them fresh during transport. Fill the vases with water to just below the base of the flowers to prevent spillage and wilting. However, be cautious, as water can spill and damage other items during transport.

Transporting:

When transporting your centrepieces, use a single vehicle to carry all of them. This simplifies the process and makes it easier to track your items. Choose a vehicle that can accommodate the height and size of your centrepieces, such as an SUV or a truck. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid any damage during transport.

Final Touches:

Once you arrive at the venue, carefully unload the centrepieces and place them in their designated spots. If needed, add extra greens or flowers to fill any gaps and ensure that all mechanics are hidden. Adjust the centrepieces as needed to achieve the desired look.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport your tall flower centrepieces, ensuring they arrive safely and look stunning at your wedding venue.

Arranging the flowers

Arranging flowers for tall wedding centrepieces can be a tricky process, but with the right preparation and technique, you can create stunning displays that will wow your guests. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you arrange the flowers like a pro:

Step 1: Prepare the Vase and Floral Foam

Start by gathering your materials: a tall vase (a clear glass trumpet vase or a pilsner vase works well), green waterproof tape, floral foam, and a dish to fit inside the vase. Soak the floral foam in water mixed with floral food until it's fully saturated. Secure the foam to the dish with the waterproof tape, using an "X" pattern to ensure it's securely attached. Trim the corners of the foam to create a rounder shape that fits the dish nicely.

Step 2: Create the Base Structure

Place your dish and foam on an overturned bucket or sturdy vase to mimic the height of your final arrangement. For a classic, full look, hydrangeas are a great first flower to use. Insert five hydrangea blooms: one at the top and four around the sides. Measure each bloom for precision and symmetry. Continue adding hydrangeas evenly throughout the design to create a beautiful round orb. Angle some of the base-level hydrangeas downward to enhance the shape.

Step 3: Add Foliage and Greenery

Once your base structure is in place, it's time to fill in the gaps with foliage and greenery. Ruscus and plumosa are excellent choices for this step. Work around the design, filling in any holes and distributing the greenery evenly. Add some greenery at the base to break the line of the container and conceal the mechanics of the arrangement.

Step 4: Incorporate Accent Flowers

Now, it's time to add some contrast and colour with additional blooms. Roses and spray roses are classic choices that never go out of style. Focus on placing these accent flowers at the mid-level and base of the design, as the top will mostly be hidden once the arrangement is elevated.

Step 5: Finalise and Transport

Once you're happy with your arrangement, place it on the elevating vase to view it from the guest's perspective. Make any final adjustments to ensure everything is placed well. Spray the finished design with a product like Crowning Glory to maximise its lifespan, and let it dry completely before placing it in a cooler.

When transporting your tall centrepiece, it's best to place it flat on the floor of a van to avoid crushing the blooms. Add the final few blooms on-site for easy transportation and peace of mind.

Tips for a Successful Arrangement:

• Visualise your design before starting. The better you can picture the final product, the easier it will be to adapt and make adjustments as you work.
• Timing is crucial. These arrangements typically take 45 minutes to create, but with practice, you can get it down to 20-25 minutes.
• Create your arrangements no earlier than the day before the event. Store them in a cooler if possible, or keep them well-hydrated and away from direct air conditioning.
• Consider the size of your arrangement. The standard width is about that of a door frame, fitting comfortably atop a 24" vase.
• Use plenty of tape to secure your floral foam. This will ensure it doesn't come loose or fly out if the arrangement is dropped.
• When adding flowers, sink the stems at least 1-1.5 inches into the floral foam. For hydrangeas, you may need to go deeper to secure them.

With these steps and tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating breathtaking tall flower centrepieces for any wedding!

Frequently asked questions