Creating Wedding Floral Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding floral centerpieces can be expensive, but with a bit of creativity and some DIY magic, you can easily make your own. Whether you're looking for a traditional romantic arrangement or something more unique like a Halloween-themed centerpiece, the process is similar. First, gather your supplies, including flowers, vases, floral foam, and any other decorative elements. Then, organize your flowers by colour and size, and prep your vase by cutting the floral foam to size. Choose a focal point flower and add additional blossoms in a triangular pattern, building out the arrangement. Add leaves and accessories for height and visual interest, and don't forget to fill in any gaps. With these simple steps, you can create beautiful wedding floral centerpieces that fit your budget and style.

Choosing a colour scheme

When selecting a colour scheme, consider the wedding theme, the season, and the overall style of the event. For example, a Halloween wedding might feature a dark and moody colour palette with rich, deep tones such as purple, orange, burgundy, and black. In contrast, a spring wedding might opt for softer, more romantic colours like blush, cream, and dusty rose.

The colour scheme can also be used to tie together different elements of the wedding decor. For instance, using the same colour ribbon on the bridal bouquet as the table centrepieces can create a sense of cohesion. Additionally, choosing a colour scheme that complements the bridesmaids' dresses or the groomsmen's ties can help to create a stylish and well-coordinated look.

It's important to consider the venue when choosing a colour scheme. For example, a wedding in a rustic barn might suit earthy tones and lots of greenery, while a wedding in a modern city space could call for a more minimalist and monochromatic palette.

Finally, don't be afraid to mix and match colours to create a unique and personalised look. Combining two or three colours in different shades and tones can add depth and interest to the centrepieces. For example, pairing burgundy with blush or navy with dusty rose can create an elegant and sophisticated feel.

Picking a vase

Consider the shape and size of the vase. The vase should be proportionate to the flower arrangement and table. If you are creating a large, full flower arrangement, choose a vase with a wide opening to accommodate the flowers. For a smaller, more intimate setting, a narrower vase can add elegance.

Think about the colour and material of the vase. Clear glass vases are classic and versatile, allowing the beauty of the flowers to shine through. However, coloured vases or those made from materials like metal or ceramic can add a unique touch to your centrepiece. Coloured vases can either complement or contrast the flowers, creating a striking visual effect.

Decide on the style of the vase. Vases come in various styles, from traditional to modern. For a rustic or vintage-themed wedding, consider using mason jars or old-fashioned pitchers as vases. For a more modern look, choose sleek, contemporary vases with clean lines.

Don't forget about functionality. Ensure that the vase is stable and can hold water to keep the flowers fresh. Also, consider the height of the vase, especially if you want your guests to be able to see each other across the table.

Experiment with different vases. Before finalising your choice, try arranging the flowers in different vases to see which one complements your arrangement the best. This will help you create a cohesive look for your wedding tables.

By following these tips and trusting your creativity, you can pick the perfect vase to showcase your beautiful floral centrepieces and enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Selecting flowers

Consider Your Colour Scheme

Start by thinking about the colours you want to feature in your centrepieces. Do you want to stick to a single colour for a elegant, monochromatic look? Or perhaps you prefer a mix of colours that complement your wedding theme. For example, a rich blend of deep, moody tones like purple and orange for a Halloween wedding, or a romantic combination of blush and dark red for a winter wedding.

Choose a Focal Flower

When creating your centrepieces, it's essential to choose a large, eye-catching flower to act as the focal point. This could be a rose, a peony, or any other bloom that makes a statement. Select a flower that fits your colour scheme and has enough presence to stand out among the other flowers in your arrangement.

Add Accent Flowers

To create a well-rounded and visually appealing centrepiece, incorporate accent flowers in complementary colours and varying sizes. These flowers should enhance your focal flower without overwhelming it. For example, if you choose a bright pink rose as your focal point, you might select smaller, softer pink blooms or even white flowers to create a delicate contrast.

Don't Forget the Filler

Filler flowers and greenery are essential for adding texture and fullness to your centrepieces. Baby's breath, eucalyptus, and other types of greenery can be used to fill in gaps and create a lush, natural look. They also help stretch your flower budget, as they are typically less expensive than larger blooms.

Think About Flower Care

When selecting your flowers, consider their care requirements and how long they will last. Some flowers may need to be delivered earlier than others to allow them to open up fully. Additionally, be sure to provide the necessary care, such as cutting the stems at an angle and providing enough water, to ensure your flowers look their best on your wedding day.

Arranging flowers

Choose your flowers:

Decide on a colour scheme and the types of flowers you want to use. Consider the size of your centrepieces and the overall look you are going for. You can buy flowers from local flower markets, wholesale clubs, or online delivery services. If you are using a mix of flowers and greenery, you may want to buy extra greens to fill out your arrangements and make the flowers last longer.

Prepare your workspace:

Before your flowers arrive, gather your tools and create a dedicated workspace. You will need a large table or surface to work on, as well as buckets, flower food, gloves, pruning shears, and floral tape. If you are using floral foam, you will also need a vase or container.

Unpack and prepare your flowers:

When your flowers arrive, unpack them and put them in water immediately. Strip the flowers of any leaves below the water line and cut the stems at an angle to allow for better hydration. Leave the flowers for a while to open up and bloom.

Create your centrepieces:

Start by choosing a focal point flower for each arrangement. Cut the stem to your desired length and place it towards the front of your centerpiece. Add two more flowers behind the focal point flower, forming a triangle. Continue adding flowers, always keeping the triangular principle in mind. Add leaves and accessories to add height and visual interest.

Finish and transport your centrepieces:

Once your centrepieces are complete, give them a final check for any gaps or details that need adjusting. Wrap the stems of each arrangement with floral tape, then add ribbon, burlap, or lace to finish the look. Keep the arrangements in water until the day of the wedding, then transport them securely to your venue.

Adding leaves and accessories

Once you've built your floral arrangement, it's time to add leaves and accessories. As you reach the edges of your centerpiece, start adding leaves for height and visual interest. They should form a triangle with each other and their neighbouring flowers. You can also add curled branches for a more organic feeling.

In the middle of your centerpiece, add small flowers and accessories, like sparkly beads, near any flowers you'd like to accentuate. Alternatively, you can use them to fill in any gaps in the arrangement.

If you're using a vase, you can also add in some extra leaves and accessories to cover any gaps and conceal the vase.

If you're making a bouquet, wrap the stems with floral tape and then add stems. Pose with the bundle until you like what you see. You can also add ribbons, burlap, or lace to the finished bouquet.

Frequently asked questions