Choosing Your Wedding Centerpieces

Details and Decor - July 21, 2022

Choosing Your Wedding Centerpieces

Every table looks better with a well thought out centerpiece, and there are several things to think about when choosing yours.

Begin with the size and shape of your tables.

Round tables range from 36” to 72” and can seat up to four and ten people respectively. The bigger your table, the bigger you’ll want your centerpiece. Just be sure that your arrangement is also circular or square so it doesn’t look out of place or compete with your place settings. Generally, you’ll want a centerpiece that leaves plenty of room for candles, placecards, and other accouterments.

covered-patio-reception-seating-and-decor-amy-and-stuart-photography-los-angeles — Photographed by Amy and Stuart Photography - Los Angeles, California photographers

pastel-floral-centerpiece-with-candles-and-glassware-jurgita-lukos-photography — Photographed by Jurgita Lukos Photography - Lithuania photographers

Rectangular tables or banquets tables often come in 90"x132" which seats up to 6 guests and 90"x156” which can seat up to 8 to 10 guests if you seat people on the ends. For these, small round or rectangular centerpieces will work well.

rose-dahlia-and-anemone-centerpieces-photo-by-john-joseph — Photographed by John and Joseph - Los Angeles, California photographers

outdoor-reception-seating-with-orange-floral-arrangements-photo-by-amy-and-stuart-photography — Photographed by Amy and Stuart Photography - Los Angeles, California photographers

If your venue has a very long banquet table to maximize floor space, consider setting up your centerpieces two to three feet apart or make a continuous arrangement that goes from end to end. Want to surprise your guests with an usual design? It’s all the rage to have the florals or greenery cascade off the table right onto the floor.

draping-floral-centerpiece-runner-jurgita-lukos-photography — Photographed by Jurgita Lukos Photography - Lithuania photographers

outdoor-reception-table-with-extravagant-profusion-of-white-roses-photo-by-john-joseph — Photographed by John and Joseph - Los Angeles, California photographers

To add ambiance to your table, use candles between each centerpiece to show off the florals with a rich, warm glow.

reception-table-with-floral-decorations-in-art-nouveau-interior-amyandstuart-photography — Photographed by Amy and Stuart Photography - Los Angeles, California photographers

white-rose-and-anemone-floral-centerpieces-photo-by-john-joseph-los-angeles — Photographed by John and Joseph - Los Angeles, California photographers

modern-calla-lilly-and-orchid-candlelight-centerpiece-at-east-hotel-miami-carolina-guzik-photography — Photographed by Carolina Guzik Photography - Miami, Florida photographers

Next, consider the height.

For most situations, keeping centerpieces low works to ensure they don’t block people’s view and impede conversation. If you have a ceiling that is more than ten feet high, you may consider getting a centerpiece that soars above the crowd. With a tall thin vase, centerpieces can be made with big displays of blossoms that have trailing vines.

round-table-set-with-giant-centerpiece-bouquet-photo-by-alante-photography — Photographed by Alante Photography - Seattle, Washington photographers

tall-round-rose-centerpieces-with-trailing-ivy-into-dust-photography-seattle — Photographed by Into Dust Photography - Seattle, Washington photographers

wooden-tables-set-with-large-bouquet-in-tall-vase-photo-by-jenna-brisson-photography — Photographed by Jenna Brisson Photography - Seattle, Washington photographers

Then, consider your budget.

Once you have chosen your tables and know the size and shape of the centerpieces you would like, let your florist know your budget. The difference in price between flowers out of season and those in season can be quite significant, and if you use more greenery than blossoms that can also reduce the amount you spend.