Centerpieces We Love

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Today's Bride

One of the most central and noticeable pieces of decor at your wedding will be the centerpieces. Deciding whether they’ll all match, how tall they should be, and what they should be is a challenging task to tackle. Plus, you have to stay in budget! We’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you some tips and inspiration for choosing your perfect centerpiece.

The most commonly used centerpieces contain flowers, candles, or a combination of both. The arrangement you choose plays a big part in setting the atmosphere for the evening, and the rest of the decor should play off of the design. Your centerpiece doesn’t have to stand alone! Incorporate vases, pedestals, or accent pieces into the display that reflect your theme, whether it’s rustic, vintage, or modern.

BUDGET

Before meeting with a florist or rental company, consider your budget. Some of the pictures you’ve pinned or printed off of gorgeous, jaw-dropping displays may cost more than you’re expecting to pay. Use these photos and photos found on Pinterest or in Real Weddings to give you inspiration to design your own arrangements; don’t expect an exact replica. Discuss your ideas, vision, and budget, and then come up with a realistic display that balances all three!

AROMATIC CANDLES

If you choose candles, be sure to keep with a simple fragrance – like vanilla – or choose fragrance-free candles. This will ensure that the aroma doesn’t interfere with the meal. Similarly, many flowers – like lilies – give off a strong smell, too. If you’re having an outside wedding, flowers with a lot of pollen may attract bugs, which can quickly ruin a guest’s appetite! Ask your florist about which flowers are best to have to avoid too many overwhelming smells or an onslaught of insects.

HEIGHT

Another aspect to consider when choosing your centerpieces is height. To encourage mingling, your guests should be able to see each other from across the table. Try to avoid choosing a vase or pedestal that raises the arrangement directly into the line of sight. Choosing a tall arrangement will allow your guests to speak freely and easily pass the salt or butter. While they look stunning from a panoramic or distant view, your guests won’t have an appealing view of them from below. To compromise, include candles around the base of the vase or choose a colored or textured linen.

TABLE NUMBERS

If you have any sort of seating arrangement, your tables should be numbered so your guests know to sit. Blending this table number into your centerpieces so you don’t upset the integrity of the piece is very important. You can stick a custom-made scripted number into a flower arrangement, use a place card, a tag wrapped around the vase, wooden or concrete block with a bold number, or wine bottles with custom labels! One adorable and sentimental trend is to frame photos of you and your fiance at an age that corresponds with the table number (6 years old for table 6).

For more table number ideas, check out our Pinterest board!

DIY

A wonderful way to DIY your centerpieces is to create a display using varieties of vases or candle holders. Wine bottles have become extremely popular and are perfect for a vineyard wedding! Combine varying colors and heights and stick a few flower stems into each one! The contrasting heights of a display like this will add intrigue and interest, which draws more attention from your guests!

CAKE

Finally, one trend we’ve seen grow in popularity in 2017 is the wedding cake centerpiece. Place a simple, yet beautiful 1-tiered cake at the center of each table so your guests can enjoy the sweet treat without having to leave their seats! Not only is it delicious, but it’s elegant and luxurious. If you’re seeking a Duchess-Kate-worthy level of sophistication for your wedding, the cake centerpiece is the way to go!

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Your wedding decor will center around the centerpieces, so make sure they’re stunning! Give the display the attention it deserves, as it will have the attention of your guests as soon as they take their seats. Consider height, smell, color, your theme, and your budget when coming up with ideas.

For more centerpiece ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest board!