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

Wedding flower centrepiece arrangements can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. Whether you're looking for something classic and elegant or wild and whimsical, the possibilities are endless. The shape of your vessel is key – a low, wide vase will give a very different effect to a tall, thin one. You can use a variety of flowers and greenery, and even incorporate items like vines, branches, and fruit. It's a great way to showcase your style and add a unique touch to your wedding.

Choosing a vessel: select a vase or bowl that fits your flowers and your desired look

The vessel you choose for your wedding flower centrepiece will depend on the flowers you have selected and the overall look you wish to achieve. The shape of the vessel is key in determining the arrangement's final appearance. For example, a long, low-to-the-table bowl will create a wild, spilling-over effect, while a vase with a long neck will result in a more upward-focused arrangement.

If you're going for a large arrangement, you'll need a vessel that is big enough to accommodate the flowers comfortably and proportionally. A standard width for a tall floral arrangement is that of a door frame, which sits nicely on a 24" pilsner vase. If you're using a larger vessel, you may want to opt for an even bigger arrangement.

When selecting a vase or bowl, it's important to consider the type of flowers you'll be using. If you're working with statement flowers like roses, poppies, or peonies, a vase with a wide opening will give you more room to manoeuvre. On the other hand, if you're using flowers with thick, strong stalks, you'll need a vessel that can support their weight.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when choosing a vessel. Any item that has an opening and doesn't leak can work, such as a pitcher, a bucket, or even a paint can. Just remember to place the flowers in a vase or container before setting them in a paint can to prevent any chemicals from leaching into the water.

If you're looking to create a loose garden arrangement, floral tape can be a helpful tool. Create a grid pattern on the surface of your container with the tape, ensuring the squares are not too small so that flower stems can fit through. This will help keep your stems in place and give you more control over the arrangement's overall shape.

Finally, consider the colour and style of the vessel. If you're using a glass or opaque vase, opt for clear floral tape so it blends in. You can also play around with different vessels and styles until you find your signature look.

Using floral foam: consider using foam to hold up the arrangement, or try using just the stems

Using floral foam is a great way to hold up your wedding flower centrepiece. It provides sturdy support for fresh blooms and allows for versatility and endless possibilities in flower arranging. The first step is to soak your floral foam in a container with enough water for the brick to become fully submerged. Set the brick on top of the water and let it slowly sink—do not force it. It will take around 10-15 minutes for the foam to become fully hydrated and ready for use.

After the foam has soaked, place it in a shallow dish and secure it with waterproof floral tape. The next step is to create a framework for the shape of your display. Using broad-leafed greenery, cut the stems at an angle and place them firmly into the foam, about one inch deep. Angle a few stems downward around the base and work your way up to create a general shape. You can use different varieties of greenery to add texture and colour while providing a base for the flowers.

Now, it's time to add your focal flowers. Cut the stems to approximately five inches, trimming them at an angle before inserting. This will help pierce the foam and allow the blooms to absorb water. Position the remaining focal blooms evenly around the arrangement, inserting the bottom blooms facing downward and the top blooms facing upward. It is okay to remove and reinsert stems, but avoid doing this too much, as too many holes can lead to crumbling foam that dries out faster.

Finally, fill in any holes or bare spaces with a "filler" flower. A few stems of this variety can go a long way. Use leftover greenery to fill larger holes, making sure to conceal the original mechanics, such as the foam, dish, and tape. To prolong the life of the arrangement, keep the foam moist by spritzing it with water or carefully pouring water directly into the middle of the flowers.

Alternatively, instead of using floral foam, you can try using just the stems to create a structure that will hold up your arrangement. Loosely insert wild greens such as umbrella ferns, olive branches, and bay leaves in a circular pattern to create an interlocked base. Place more stems on top, angling them in the opposite direction to create a second layer. Fill in any negative space with additional greens, creating an asymmetrical shape with branches of different lengths for a romantic and wild look.

Adding greenery: create a base with wild greens like bay leaves and olive branches

Adding greenery to your wedding flower centrepiece is a great way to create a natural, effortless look. Wild greens like bay leaves and olive branches can be used to form an interlocked base for your arrangement. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful and romantic wild greens base:

Firstly, select a vessel that complements the overall look you are aiming to achieve. For a wild and spilling-over arrangement, choose a long, low-to-the-table bowl. If you prefer a more upward-focused design, opt for a vase with a long neck.

Next, gather your wild greens. In addition to bay leaves and olive branches, you can also use umbrella ferns or other types of greenery such as myrtle, ivy, leatherleaf fern, or eucalyptus. When working with olive branches, note that the leaves can be dry and arid, and may appear twisted and gnarled.

Now, start building your base by loosely inserting the wild greens into your vessel. Create a circular pattern with the stems, interlocking them to form a sturdy structure. Angle the stems in one direction first, and then place more stems on top, angling them in the opposite direction to create a second layer.

Continue filling in any negative space with additional greens, creating an asymmetrical shape with the branches for a loose and natural look. Vary the lengths of your greenery to achieve a romantic and wild appearance. You can also add other types of greenery or flowers at this point to enhance the arrangement.

Finally, take a step back and observe the overall shape of your creation. Make any necessary adjustments by adding more greens or changing the position of the stems. With these simple steps, you will have a gorgeous wild greens base for your wedding flower centrepiece!

Flower types: select flowers with thick, strong stalks and girth to cover the base

When selecting flowers for a wedding flower centerpiece, it is important to choose flowers with thick, strong stalks and girth. These types of flowers will create a full and lush arrangement that can stand on their own. Flowers with thick stalks will also be more durable and less likely to wilt, ensuring your centerpiece stays looking fresh throughout the wedding celebrations.

Flowers such as hydrangeas, roses, and peonies are all great options for creating a full and romantic look. Hydrangeas, in particular, have large blooms and thick stalks that can be used to create a base for the arrangement. Their blooms can also be placed in water upside down to ensure they are well hydrated before arranging. Another benefit of hydrangeas is their ability to be used as a base without the need for floral foam, which is not environmentally friendly. Their sturdy stems can be woven together to create a structure that supports the rest of the arrangement.

When selecting roses for your centerpiece, opt for varieties such as spray roses, which are often used in tall floral arrangements. Roses add a classic and elegant touch to any centerpiece and come in a wide range of colors to match any wedding theme. Peonies, with their large blooms and strong stalks, are another popular choice for centerpieces. They add a romantic and enchanting feel to the arrangement.

In addition to these flowers, you can also incorporate greenery such as salal, umbrella ferns, olive branches, and bay leaves. These greens will add texture and help fill in any gaps in the arrangement. When choosing greenery, look for options with varying lengths to create a natural and wild look.

By selecting flowers and greenery with thick, strong stalks and girth, you can create a stunning and durable wedding flower centerpiece that will impress your guests and withstand the festivities.

Flower placement: cut flowers to different lengths and experiment with their placement

When it comes to flower placement, it's important to cut the flowers to different lengths to create a sense of depth and visual interest. Here are some tips to help you experiment with flower placement for your wedding centrepieces:

Start by cutting your flowers to varying heights, ensuring you have a range of short, medium, and tall stems. This will allow you to play with different levels and create a dynamic arrangement. Cut the stems at an angle to allow for optimal hydration.

Begin with your largest flowers and place them near the centre of your vase or bowl, facing different directions and at slightly different heights. Turn your vessel as you go to ensure the placement looks random but balanced. Remember to use odd numbers, as they are more pleasing to the eye!

Add your smaller flowers next, continuing to work from largest to smallest. Place these at varying heights and angles to create a sense of movement and fluidity. Fill in any gaps with smaller flowers or greenery to create a cohesive composition.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and placements. You can always adjust and edit as you go, turning the vessel to ensure all sides look natural and balanced. Play with colours, textures, and types of flowers and greenery to create visual interest and depth.

If you're using greenery, start by arranging the longest and fullest pieces first, cutting them to different heights and placing them somewhat evenly around the bottom. Set aside some smaller clippings to add in later to fill any gaps. Then, add another type of greenery, layering it in the same way, and placing some towards the centre to add height.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create your floral centrepieces. Be creative, have fun, and trust your instincts!

Frequently asked questions