How to Create Elegant Wedding Centerpieces

Centerpieces are the visual heart of a wedding. They pull your theme into your floral choices while filling your venue with beautiful, artful arrangements. No matter what you want to feature in your decor, learning how to create elegant wedding centerpieces will save you time and money. Get inspired and you’ll make creative centerpieces that make your big day perfect.

1. Consider Flower Options

Many people start planning their wedding centerpieces by picking flowers. The average couple spends $2,800 on floral arrangements, but you can make your centerpieces work on any budget.

Consider if you want real flowers or silk florals. You could work with a local florist, grow your flowers in your backyard or arrange fabric blooms that will last forever.

2. Remember Table Decor

Your centerpieces won’t be the only decorative elements on your reception tables. Remember to choose things like table runners and potential greenery you want around your centerpieces. You could even use linen napkins to match the flowers on each table.

If you want your tableware to stand out because you’re renting fine porcelain plates, let them be the focal point. You could create centerpieces with laid-back greenery so everyone sees your tableware first. Talk with your fiance to discuss the possibilities.

3. Add Mood Lighting

Every wedding needs mood lighting. It sets the tone for a romantic evening, an intimate dinner and dancing at a luxurious venue. Place fixtures like candles or miniature fairy light strings throughout your elegant wedding centerpieces to craft a warm, welcoming vibe.

You might also have a venue that doesn’t allow real candles due to the fire hazard they pose. LED ones are an excellent alternative to avoid fires and even make your purchase last. Their batteries last through multiple events, so you could use them as centerpiece decor and bring them home afterward. Use them to light your dinners, game nights or movie nights while remembering the wonderful memories you made on your wedding day.

4. Utilize a Table Covering

People typically use table coverings at weddings to make every inch of their venue feel lavish. You could use linen, lace, polyester, satin or cotton tablecloths.

Rental companies offer many types of wedding-ready table coverings, but you can also use some from home if you’re having an intimate ceremony. Compare rental and purchase prices to find the best arrangement for your budget. Your loved ones might even donate their tablecloths for the night if your family members and friends have coverings in a color that matches your wedding theme.

5. Find the Perfect Centerpiece Holder

Although sprawling centerpieces can look artfully arranged, they can also seem messy. Using a centerpiece holder prevents this issue. Find something to hold your flowers, candles or whatever else you choose.

You might enjoy placing mini lanterns along your long, rectangular reception tables. Consider mini fish bowls between candles to hold your floating flowers. You could even make rustic centerpieces by combining asymmetrical plants and ferns inside aged wood flower boxes.

6. Play With Visual Heights

You’ll make eye-catching and elegant wedding centerpieces if you play with the height of your chosen decor. If you want candles, you could use tall taper candles and miniature votives in small glass holders. Surround smaller flower arrangements with taller fruit bowls. You could even use stained wood pieces to mark table numbers and cut them slightly taller than your floral arrangements.

Making centerpiece elements taller or shorter than each other creates a striking visual for your guests. You’ll draw their eye to your arrangements and make every centerpiece look professionally styled.

Create Elegant Wedding Centerpieces That Match Any Theme

You don’t need professional training to learn how to create elegant wedding centerpieces. Use inspirational steps like comparing flowers, adding candles and playing with heights to arrange stunning works of art at your reception. If you match each element to your chosen wedding colors, your centerpieces will look right at home throughout your venue.