Table centerpieces take center stage during the reception so choosing a style that complements your wedding decor is a must. Deciding on a design is best done after you have determined your table layout and can communicate the type of table (round, square or rectangular) you’ll be using with your florist. All centerpieces are not created equal so the lush, low arrangement you’ve been dreaming of may not be appropriate for a long, banquet-style seating arrangement. But, never fear! We’ve got some tips for thinking through what style table centerpiece will work for you.
Round Tables are traditional and offer a sense of intimacy. Typically, a round table looks best with a focal centerpiece visible to all guests. Most florists recommend keeping your design low and lovely. Any of the centerpieces pictured below would work equally well with a square table, where you’re tasked with filling the empty space, in the middle.
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A pretty trailing centerpiece coupled with mercury glass votives and wooden table number fill the empty space of the table, nicely. (Britney Clause Photography & Local Color Flowers)
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A compote vessel slightly elevates this low, mounded floral design. Gold mercury glass votives, stemmed glassware and an elegantly framed table number provide a classic look. (Bradley Images and Bella Fiori Couture Floral & Event Design)
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A fall inspired centerpiece boasts postcards from the couples travels, identifying their favorite cities. Remember, you can personalize your table in fun, unexpected ways. Also, consider what tableware will be on your tables (talk to your caterer). If wine glasses, champagne flutes and large place settings with chargers and plates will fill the table, you may want to go more minimal with your decor to avoid a cluttered tabletop. (The Wiebners and Floriculture Micro Farm)
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Using a collection as part of your centerpiece is a great way to convey your interests. Teapots and books lend to a literary mood. (Bradley Images Inc. and DaVincis Florist)
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An oversized lantern provides ample candlelight and assorted small bottles with single-stem, garden flowers create an airy display. (Love Life Images and Steel Cut Flowers)
Elevated centerpieces are another option which fit nicely, on a round (or square) table. They are high enough to avoid obstructing guests’ view and make an appealing and lush statement in a room-often drawing the eye up. Here you’ll want to consider your venue to determine what works best with that particular space.
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If your venue offers an amazing view above, like these decorative ceilings, a raised centerpiece makes sense. Invite your guests to look up! (Bradley Images Inc. and Mobtown Florals)
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Compact spheres of mixed Roses and Hydrangea bring a garden feel, indoors and add to a cozy atmosphere. (Bradley Images and Bella Fiori Couture Floral and Event Design)
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A bountiful display of soft pink Roses, coral Ranunculus and Seeded Eucalyptus top a fluted glass pedestal. A small grouping of flowers, placed at the base, pulls the look together. (B.O.B. Photography and Simply Beautiful Flowers)
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You also have the option of mixing elevated and low centerpieces throughout your reception site. This is visually pleasing and a great way to keep the tables from being too matchy-matchy. And, if you have a long head table, go for the runner centerpiece. (Susie and Becky Photography)
Long, banquet-style tables have been on the wedding scene for the past few years and I see no reason why they won’t stick around. They create a festive, inviting vibe. Whether they’re used to create a super long family-style table, configured into a horseshoe shape or separated into rows, a long table requires a slightly different centerpiece because you want all guests to enjoy the setting you are creating.
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A simple, Lemon-Leaf garland is a cost-effective choice. Creating a fresh, al fresco feel this simple table runner works for a casual, farm wedding and upscale event as well. Want to increase the drama? Ramp up the size (and components) of the garland, using mixed greenery and other floral elements. Or, increase the length of the garland so that it pools to the floor at the end of your table. (Focus Bay Photography and Ginger and Blooms)
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Various size ( and shaped) cut glassware featuring early-Spring flowers like vibrant Poppies, Bleeding Hearts and Lilacs make a stunning display when interspersed down a long table. This is a cheery, elegant look. (Susie & Becky and Local Color Flowers)
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Running a grand assortment of multi-hued Roses down your table is always a beautiful option. This luxurious, feminine centerpiece is finished with mixed brassware and soft pink candlesticks. The smallest detail (like the color of your candles) can make a big impact on the overall look. (Natarsha Wright Photography and Janet Flowers Wedding and Event )
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If having flowers all the way down the center of your table feels a bit too extravagant, a nice alternative is a few arrangements spaced apart with votives. Here, a burlap and lace table runner anchors the centerpiece for the length of the table adding a nice touch. Table runners are another great table accessory giving personality to your tablescape. (Borrowed Blue Photography and Eventi Floral and Events)
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Having a longer table does not mean you have to sacrifice a statement floral arrangement. An elongated, trailing design like the one seen here, mixes assorted elements like a candelabra and smaller brass vases creating an elegant look. (Jenna Shriver Photography and Petal and Print)
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This warm, eclectic look is achieved by using amber, green and cobalt blue bottles mixed with simple florals, abundant candlelight and items of interest like this serving tray. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, give yourself enough time to plan for a look like this. Scavenging and collecting items can be fun, if you’re not rushing to find those perfect pieces. (K. Rainier Photography)
Once you have your table layout determined, you’re ready to think centerpieces. Ask yourself how you want the centerpiece to function? Will they be show-stopping floral statements or minimal, but eye-catching arrangements? Can you use candlelight to create ambiance? What features of your venue and table place-setting will influence your choice? Deciding on a centerpiece style is fun and the options aplenty. Your florist is a great resource for assisting you in planning a style that will look amazing.
