Creating Stunning Tall Wedding Centerpieces: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding centrepieces are an important part of the wedding aesthetic, and tall centrepieces can add drama to the space. They can be made with unique vases, candles, greenery, or florals, and can be adapted to fit any wedding style. For example, a tall floral arrangement can be made with a 24-inch vase, floral foam, and hydrangeas. Tall centrepieces can also be made with cherry blossom branches, baby's breath, or pampas grass.

Use tall vases

Using tall vases is a great way to add drama and elegance to your wedding centrepieces. You can find tall vases at dollar stores or online, and they come in various styles, such as clear glass trumpet vases or colourful ceramic vases. Here are some tips for creating stunning tall vase centrepieces:

Choose the Right Flowers and Foliage

Select flowers and foliage that add volume and texture to your centrepieces. Popular choices include hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, orchids, delphiniums, baby's breath, amaranthus, anthuriums, cherry blossom branches, and manzanita branches. You can also use greenery such as ruscus and plumosa to fill in gaps and add interest.

Consider the Colour Scheme

Choose flowers and vases that complement your wedding colour palette. For example, you can use blue and white blooms in clear vases to stand out against chinoiserie pots. Or, for a tropical vibe, fill tall vases with overflowing tropical leaves and colourful pampas grass. You can even paint or decorate the vases to match your theme.

Plan for Transportation

Tall centrepieces can be tricky to transport, so it's essential to plan ahead. Consider placing the last few blooms on-site to prevent crushing during transportation. Using floral foam and waterproof tape can also help secure the flowers and prevent them from moving around.

Timing is Key

Fresh flowers need time to bloom, so plan to receive your flowers a few days before the wedding. Soak the floral foam overnight and start creating your centrepieces a day or two before the event. Keep the arrangements in a cool place or a cooler to prolong their lifespan.

Add Candles and Other Accents

For a romantic touch, incorporate candles into your tall vase centrepieces. Tall acrylic candle holders or candelabras draped in greenery can add glamour and ambiance to your tablescape. You can also use floating candles or hanging votive-filled spheres for a unique and enchanting look.

Incorporate candles

Candles are a great way to add a romantic, glamorous glow to your wedding reception. Here are some ways to incorporate candles into your tall wedding centrepieces:

Opulent candlelight

For a glamorous glow, opt for tall acrylic candle holders as your centrepiece, with low white florals at the base to balance out the height. This combination will create a luxurious look that's sure to make a statement.

Floating candles

Floating candles are a classic way to add a whimsical touch to your wedding centrepieces. Use an all-white palette with hints of blush and green for a timeless, fairytale-like feel. You can also add votives in glass orbs at varying heights for a modern twist.

Extra-long taper candles

Make a bold statement with elongated taper candles that will capture your guests' attention. Keep the floral arrangements low and simple so that the focus remains on the candles.

Candelabras

Candelabras are a gorgeous choice for romantic wedding themes and can be paired with a range of colour palettes. Gold and brass candelabras complement warm hues like burgundy and blush, while silver candelabras are ideal for cool tones such as lavender and blue. You can also add glass covers to traditional candelabras for a more opulent look.

Glass candle holders

Consider skipping flowers altogether and opting for tall glass candle holders as your centrepiece. The cylindrical vases will reflect the candlelight, creating a magical twinkling effect.

Hanging candles

Add drama to your tall centrepieces by incorporating hanging votive-filled spheres or glass orbs at varying heights. This modern touch will dress up your head table and make it stand out from the rest of the decor.

Use fresh flowers with fresh floral foam

Using fresh flowers with fresh floral foam is a great way to create tall wedding centrepieces. This method ensures your flowers stay fresh throughout the wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful, long-lasting centrepieces:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Firstly, you will need to purchase or source the following materials: a tall vase (a 24-inch clear glass trumpet vase is a good option), green waterproof tape, two bricks of standard wet floral foam, and two 9-inch Lomey dishes, one of which you can spray paint to coordinate with your chosen floral arrangement or event décor.

Step 2: Prepare the Floral Foam

Before you begin constructing your centrepiece, you need to prepare your floral foam. Take your bricks of floral foam and pre-soak them in water mixed with floral food until they are completely saturated.

Step 3: Secure the Floral Foam

Once your foam is ready, place the bricks on the clear Lomey dish and secure them with waterproof tape. Use plenty of tape in an "X" pattern to ensure the foam is securely attached to the dish. To create a rounder shape, trim the top corners of the foam so that it fits the dish better.

Step 4: Prepare Your Workstation

Place your dish and foam on an overturned bucket or sturdy vase. This will elevate your design, making it easier to work on and giving you a better idea of how it will look on the table.

Step 5: Start with the Focal Flowers

Now it's time to start adding your flowers! For a dramatic effect, start with five hydrangea blooms to establish the height and width of your design. Place one stem at the top and four around the sides. For a precise arrangement, measure each bloom from the centre point to the outside of the flower head to ensure they are evenly spaced.

Step 6: Add More Focal Flowers

Continue adding your hydrangeas evenly throughout the design, radiating from a central binding point. Insert the stems at least two inches into the foam to ensure they have a good water source and to create a beautiful, round orb shape. Place a few of the base-level hydrangeas at a downward angle to enhance this effect.

Step 7: Foliage and Greenery

With your basic structure in place, it's time to add some foliage. Ruscus and plumosa are great options to fill in any gaps and distribute evenly throughout the design. Add some greenery at the base to break the line of the container and conceal the mechanics of your arrangement.

Step 8: Final Touches

To add contrast and a pop of colour, include some additional blooms. Roses and spray roses are classic choices for a romantic touch. Focus on placing these at the mid-level and base of the design, as the top will not be as visible once the arrangement is elevated.

Step 9: Finishing Touches and Transport

Once you are happy with your arrangement, finish it off with a spray of Crowning Glory and let it dry completely before placing it in a cooler. On the day of your event, place your vase and add the painted plate on top, securing it with Uglu dashes for stability. Place your finished floral design on top, securing it with additional Uglu dashes or floral clay if needed. Add a few extra greens to finish out the base and conceal any remaining mechanics.

Your tall, elegant centrepiece is now ready to grace the tables at your wedding reception!

Choose a colour scheme

Colour is one of the most important elements of your wedding decor. It can drastically alter the look and feel of your celebration. Choosing a colour scheme for your tall centrepieces will help you create a cohesive and stylish look for your wedding reception. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colour scheme:

• Start by considering the overall theme and style of your wedding. Are you going for a classic, romantic, modern, bohemian, or timeless look? Your colour scheme should complement and enhance the style of your wedding.
• Take into account the colours of your wedding venue. You can either choose colours that match the venue's palette or go for contrasting shades that will create a bold statement. For example, if you're having a wedding in a garden or outdoor setting, consider using tall centrepieces with lush greenery and white blooms to create a springtime garden feel.
• Think about the season of your wedding. For example, if you're having a fall wedding, incorporate seasonal colours such as burgundy, orange, and gold into your centrepieces. You can use painted foliage, fresh florals, or autumnal leaves to add colour and texture.
• Decide on the types of flowers or greenery you want to use. Different flowers come in various colours, so this will help narrow down your options. For instance, if you choose hydrangeas, you can expect shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Or, if you opt for roses, you'll have a wide range of colours to choose from, including red, yellow, pink, white, and orange.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match colours. Combining classic white blooms and greenery with bold pops of colour, such as pink and purple, can create a stunning and eye-catching display. You can also play with different shades and textures to add depth and interest to your centrepieces.
• Consider using candles as part of your centrepieces to add glamour and romance to your reception. Tall acrylic candle holders or candelabras can provide height, while the warm glow of candlelight will create a beautiful ambiance.

Remember, your colour scheme doesn't have to be limited to your centrepieces. You can coordinate the colours of your tall centrepieces with the low centrepieces, floral installations, or other decorative elements to create a cohesive and stylish wedding reception that reflects your unique style.

Add height with branches

Adding height with branches is a great way to create tall wedding centrepieces that are whimsical, elegant, and unique. Here are some ideas and tips to achieve this look:

Choose the Right Branches

Select branches that fit your wedding theme and colour palette. For a natural, enchanted forest theme, consider using branches such as curly willow, manzanita, or dogwood. These branches add height and visual interest. If you're spray-painting the branches, choose colours that complement your theme, such as purple and silver.

Containers and Vases

To display your branches, use tall cylinders or vases. Clear glass vases can create a simple, understated look, while coloured or painted vases can add a pop of colour or a touch of glamour. Consider filling the vases with water, rocks, or crystals to stabilise the branches and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Accents and Fillers

To add extra flair to your centrepieces, incorporate accents and fillers. Baby's breath, for example, can be used to create a cloud-like or ethereal effect. You can also hang crystals or votive candles from the branches for a magical touch. Fabric flowers, pine cones, or painted rocks can also be used as decorative accents.

Stability and Transportation

When designing your centrepieces, consider their stability and ease of transportation. Using plenty of waterproof tape in an "X" pattern will help secure the mechanics of your centrepiece. For easy transportation, place the final few blooms or accents onsite, allowing for flat transportation without damaging the arrangement.

Pairing with Florals and Greenery

Branches can be paired with florals and greenery to create a natural, elegant look. Flowering tree branches, such as lilacs, wisteria, pear blossoms, or bougainvillea, offer the best of both worlds. You can also add foliage, such as ruscus and plumosa, to fill in any gaps and distribute greenery evenly throughout the design.

By incorporating these ideas and tips, you can create stunning tall wedding centrepieces that will add drama and personality to your wedding reception décor.

Frequently asked questions