Choosing a centerpiece design for your reception can be extremely difficult. First off, they are larger expenses in your wedding budget and can range anywhere from a few dollars a table to thousands of dollars per table. Like I posted last week most couples underestimate their cost in their budgets by A LOT. Then they become disappointed and/or sticker shocked when they find out the price.
The other big issue that couples face is that there are so many possibilities. Almost anything can be placed in the middle of the table and be called a centerpiece. Flowers are still most common in some sort of form, but they are not the rule. You can group bottles, branches, picture frames, candlesticks, books, etc. Anything goes....and the more personalized the better.
As a designer with over 10 years of industry experience, I field a ton of questions on centerpieces. So, I decided to gather up a handful of them and share my answers with you. I want you to have fun selecting your centerpiece.....NOT to get frustrated. (There are lots of options, ideas, and solutions listed here. However, if your specific question is not answered just email me your question/situation and I will answer it!) Now onto the questions.
Question #1: How big should my centerpiece be?
Answer: The size of the centerpiece should fit comfortably on the table after the table is set with plates, silverware, cups and condiment dishes. The biggest 2 mistakes couples make when designing/selecting their centerpieces is (1) not taking into account the additional spacing required to properly set the table and/or (2) assuming a 8" vase is going to fill the table, which it won't.
Think about it, if your reception tables are the 60" standard round (that most reception venue use) then after all the plates, silverware, cups, and condiment dishes have been placed you have approximately 32" of round space left to fill. Rectangular guest tables are usually 8 feet long by 36" wide. Thus, leaving you about 8" wide to work with and 68" long to fill.
***NOTE*** Do not block your guests ability to have a conversation. Be sure to select a centerpiece that at its fullest points is either under 12" or over 24"tall.
Here are 6 questions to ask yourself when selecting or designing the right centerpiece.
- What are the dimensions of the table?
- What is the purpose of the table? (Dinning, place cards, cake, sweet table, etc)
- What items will be placed on the table? (Sugar, butter, cream, plates, placement cards, glasses etc)
- How much space will these items take up?
- How much space does that allow for a centerpiece or other décor (candles)?
- What height will work best for this table? Remember, guest tables should either have arrangements under 12" tall or over 24" tall.
Question #2: I was wondering what you would think about having a combination of them to mix it up or would that be too much? (Question came from Whitney)
I had sent Whitney several sketches featuring different styles and heights of centerpieces before she asked this question.
Answer: ABSOLUTELY! In fact, I encourage you to vary the heights and styles of your centerpieces. This will give you a more dramatic look. (Even if all you do take the same style centerpiece and elevate some of them on plant stands or risers). This is true no matter if you are using round, square, or rectangular tables. You may want to use 1 style of centerpiece for each table and feature 2-3 different styles throughout the room, when using round tables. For rectangular tables you may place a taller centerpiece with smaller/different style centerpieces on the same table.
Question #3: I'm having a Hollywood glam themed wedding, our colors are black and white with pops of red. I really want the centerpieces to be red, since the linens are white and black. I love ostrich feather centerpieces, but they are extremely expensive! Any solutions to that? (Question from Liz)
Answer: Liz, cost is always a factor when it comes to centerpieces. There are a couple of ways to still get the overall look you want and control the overall cost.
Options 1 - Since you are using red (which is a great bold color) you don't need to over do and have them on every table. Opt to use the full feather centerpieces on 30% - 50% of your tables. Then mix in a smaller version or complimentary style on the other tables. This will not only help your budget, but give you a more glamorous (high-end look).
Option 2 – Simplify the overall design or use less expensive elements. For example, select over-sized black candlesticks, then place a pre-made white rose pomander at the top. Have 3-5 red ostrich feathers coming from the top. You get a very similar look that will ultimately be less expensive than the full feather tree style.
Option 3 – Use the red Ostrich feathers as a bold accent and create another complimentary design. What about creating a low centerpiece that look like a 1920's Hollywood clutch purse, with several red feathers as a side accent? (See picture) It's very dramatic, but less costly to create.
Option 4 - Go with 2 very big feather statements and the use simple inexpensive centerpiece designs on the table (like black & white photos with pops of red gathered together with Hollywood props and candles). So, instead of having them on every table make 2 very large (almost tree like 6 – 8 feet tall) to place on either side of the head table or to accent the dance floor. You are better off making one big statement than skimping on all of the centerpieces. Trust me, your guests will remember the trees and forget all about the other centerpieces.
Question #4: I am looking for some non-traditional, non-floral centerpieces. Do you have any ideas? (From MaryBeth)
Answer: Marybeth, of course I do. Here are 5 great ideas.
Option 1 - Some of my favorites are Statues and Sculptures. You can find them on line or at nurseries. There are tons of styles and you can spray paint them any color you want to blend with your theme. Candles or moss gathered at the base looks amazing.
Option 2 – Candles & candelabrum. These may be more traditional than not, but it really depends on the candlestick or holders. Tall candelabrum draped in beads, crystals or pearls is magical. Colored candles with ribbons, patterns, and pictures add depth for very little expense. Large over-sized bulk candlesticks painted in your theme can be so dramatic. Place your candlescape on rich linens or a full mirrored table for a more stunning look.
Option 3 – Pictures. What a great conversation starter? Gather up pictures in all sizes and shapes in decorative frames of the guests, places you've been, you with your family/friends, etc at that table. Add comments and stories to really include your guests in the day (A great way to show how they have supported you and your spouse in your life). Paint and decorate the frames to match your color theme and vary their heights by using risers. Don't be afraid to decoupage pictures onto boxes, books, or whatever. As mentioned above, black and white photos with only pops of color can be quite dramatic.
Option 4 – Themed Props and Collections. Are you a collector? Then you have great centerpieces right there. Or going for a whimsical theme? Gather up those goodies and make groupings on the tables. Make sure to keep a cohesive color palette and have a few carry over items from table to table. But anything can be used here.
Option 5 – Hanging Décor elements. If your table is full or you are using long rectangular banquet seating then free up space on the table an dangle something from the ceiling. Floating willow balls, lanterns, umbrellas, ribbon chandeliers, crystals, pearls, etc. If it can be hung safely, is the right color, a great size, and fits your theme....go for it.
Question #5: How do I get the most out of my centerpiece budget?
Answer: As I have stated a couple of times, cost is almost always an issue when creating centerpieces and one of the most under estimated cost elements in the budget (next to linens). So here is my advice on saving some money while creating amazing centerpieces.
- Look to use inexpensive elements elegantly. Branches like curly willow or forsythia add height for very little cost. Gather bunches of these in larger decorative containers for an impact. Make sure to add up lighting to them so you get some neat shadowing effects. Plus, don't be afraid to spray paint branches bright or bold colors.
- Try doubling up on your floral costs, by re-using your bridesmaids bouquets as centerpieces. Try to re-use as many of your ceremony flowers as possible. Pew flowers may be hung from table shepherd hooks, or grouped together for a flower impact. Or design centerpieces that can double as favors. (Gather greenery pots/small flowering flats work really well for this) Buy once use twice.
- Opt for 2 or 3 larger statements and then simplify the rest of the centerpieces. This works really well if you mix up the table shapes as well. It's more cost effective to spend a little more for these pieces than trying to create 10 or 12 of them.
- Make sure you are utilizing the whole table and the whole room to help complete your look. What I mean is that centerpieces are only 1 element that helps make your reception stunning. Your venue selection, lighting, linens, china, food, music and menu cards are just as important. Use all of them to their maximum capacity.
- Layer in texture and accessories. Inexpensive runners, wood flats, moss mats can be added to fill out the table and they add texture to the design. Then accent with accessories, whether they are themed props or just pops of colors (like sprinkled flower heads, gems, or pearls). The whole look is way more important than just the individual centerpiece.
- Add details to inexpensive and ordinary elements. Ribbons, fabric, rhinestones, pictures, monograms, signs, etc are so easy to add for pennies on the dollar. They can take an ordinary vase and make it a masterpiece.
I am sure there are still lots of unanswered centerpiece questions out there. But I hope I was able to tackle some of them by answering the biggest and most common centerpiece questions I get. If anything there are tons of ideas here to help get your creative juices flowing. With a little creativity and some time to gather your goodies, I know you will have stunning centerpieces. I can't wait to see! Until the next time. Happy Planning! May all your wedding dreams bloom.
Still stuck? Give me a call or drop me an email. We will come up with a centerpiece design together that will make you and your guests go WOW!!!
Photo Credit: http://marzime.hubpages.com/hub/_BellaMevents_2010-Party-Favors
1/24/12 - The Truth about Centerpieces... Really
I know that you’ve watched the shows, read the magazines, and seen the pictures on the web of these grand centerpieces, loaded with flowers, setting atop massive glass vases (or other structures). These images are planted in your brain and become part of your wedding dream. What girl won’t want to walk into the reception like a Princess at the ball. Room so gorgeous it’s like stepping into a fairytale.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen these designs, created these designs, but as a floral designer, I have a little pet peeve about centerpieces that I am going to share with you.
You can’t afford most of them. You have to really budget for them!
Okay, not that I have that off my chest, let me explain my outburst. Centerpieces run the gambit in cost, depending on the type of flowers you choose and the vase you put them in. Most of the ones described above are well into the hundreds of dollars per table, if not in the thousands. Now, multiple that by the number of tables you have and you could easily be looking at thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
I’m not pointing this out to disappoint you or bum you out that your budget isn’t that of a Platinum Wedding (which start at 250K). I tell this to you so you are not disappointed later when you realize you may not be able to afford what you want. Take the time to investigate centerpiece costs and if you have to over-estimate. It’s always easier to not spend the money (equaling a savings) than it is to have to spend money you didn’t budget for.
So, what does a decent centerpiece cost? Easily $100+ per table. That’s not to say that you can’t create something for less (and I have an article coming out next to help you save or dream up creative centerpieces) but if you are looking for a floral centerpiece expect this price range.
This is not high by any means. The container can be a big contributor to the bottom line. Many of the tall Effile tower glass vases or large glass trumpet containers (depending on the height) start at around $30. And you haven’t put a thing in yet. When it comes to designing centerpieces on average I use just as many flowers, if not more, as I do in creating a bouquet. So that can give you a starting point. If I charge a $135 for a bouquet expect that plus container cost = about $150 each. (There’s just no way around those numbers for me. Otherwise, centerpieces are not cost effective for me to create.)
Understand that your centerpieces and linen choices are vital keys to dressing your reception. Both are worth every penny you will spend I promise. Whether its $40 or $400. Just don’t be caught off guard or surprised later when talking to your florist about them. Budget for them upfront and you will be thrilled later….trust me. (I don’t like being the bearer of bad news) I want to help your Wedding Dream Bloom!
PS - Be on the look at for my next article on how to cut your centerpiece costs and how to come up with unique/creative tabletop designs.
12/29/11 - Why you NEED a Wedding Designer AND a Wedding Coordinator
Do you know the difference between an Event Designer and a Wedding Coordinator? I bet you don't. I also bet that you think if you hire a wedding planner that you've also hired an event designer. WRONG!
They are both equally important to the success of your event, but play two completely different roles. Let's take a moment and define why. An EVENT DESIGNER is a visionary, a dreamer, a creator, and an architect of wedding magic. Whereas,, your WEDDING COORDINATOR is the ultimate task master making sure timelines are meet, vendors are called, accessories are ordered, etc. Many times working hand in hand with the event designer to ensure the vision comes to life.
Does the name of Preston Bailey ring any bells? His work is so amazing because he is a true visionary. He creates (as he likes to say) a visual feast for the senses. Almost overwhelming them. Preston is not only a wedding coordinator but also an event designer.
If you want the ultimate wedding with the WOWs, the Ohhhs, and the Awes make sure that you have hired them both. In many cases an event designer may also be a wedding coordinator and vice versa, but don't assume that's the case.
I am happy to say here at Bloomed To Last you get both together, plus the skills of a silk floral artist who can bring those dreams to life. You'll revel in the glow when you here your guests tell you that your wedding is AMAZING.
Have you hired an event designer, a wedding coordinator or both?
DESIGN TIP: To Match or Not to Match....the Color Dilemma
Ladies, I understand the need, desire, and hope to color match every aspect of your wedding and for the most part, this is a good idea when trying to create a cohesive look. Yet, there are times when perfectly matching colors is not a good idea.
For example, your wedding flowers. Your wedding flowers should be in the same color family, only a lighter shade or a darker shade. Otherwise, if they match perfectly, they will completely disappear into your bridesmaid dresses and will not be seen in the wedding pictures. Why pay for flowers you can't see?
Like I always tell my clients, "Try to envision what your wedding pictures will look like when everyone in the bridal party is standing together".
Another place to be careful is on your reception tables or any other place where you will be layering the same color on top of one another. Instead, go with your accent color or your base color. So, if you have chosen a sage tablecloth, then make sure your plates are not sage. (White/Ivory with a sage pattern would be better) Then WOW them with the napkin in your accent color, ice blue.
As a general rule of thumb, when you are selecting a color palette, you want to choose 4 colors: a light, a dark, a medium, and an accent. Make sure you use your accent sparingly...but throughout your event.
I want to strongly encourage you not to get hung up on matching the color exactly. You will add unnecessary stress to your wedding planning and for no good reason. Colors will take on a different look, depending on the lighting, their texture, the company, when they were dyed, how long ago, have the been sitting in the sun, etc. With that number of variances, you can't possible control all of them at the same time.
As long as your colors are in the same family, just varying in shades, everything will look stunning and coordinate beautifully.
If you would like more help creating a color scheme for you wedding, I've got a great article for you: "Schemes, Themes and Wedding Dreams". Email me and request your FREE Copy.
Share your wedding color stories with us or if you are stuck trying to put all the colors together contact me and I will be happy to provide you with coordinates/options.
Happy Planning!
