Wedding Table Centerpieces

Your table centerpieces aren't just afterthoughts. They can set the tone for your meal, accentuate your wedding theme, and serve as a point of interests for guests as they enjoy the meal you've chosen. You don't have to be a creative genius to devise the perfect centerpiece, and you don't have to spend a small fortune. With a little planning, you can have a gorgeous, cost-effective centerpiece that will yield stunning photos and leave your guests talking for days after your wedding.

Ideas for Choosing Your Table Centerpieces

When it comes to centerpieces, your imagination is the only limit. The key is to choose what feels right to you and what suits your wedding, not to try to please someone else. Here are some options to consider if you're flummoxed by the myriad alternatives:

Pick a coherent color scheme that complements your wedding colors, bridesmaid dresses, and bouquet.
Consider highlighting a favorite hobby. Dedicated book lovers might use vintage books as a centerpiece, while sports fans might feature their favorite team's mascot or color scheme.
Don't go too trendy. Something that looks fashionable now could look dated in a year. Stick with classics.
Flowers never go out of style. Try picking your favorite flower or a blossom that complements those in your bouquet.
Don't make the centerpiece so tall that guests can't talk to each other!

Tips for Hiring a Centerpiece Designer

Many couples opt to hire a designer to create their centerpieces. Doing so frees up your time to focus on your pending nuptials, and if you use a florist or decorator you're already using for other wedding services, you can often save some cash. To get the most out of this relationship, be sure to:

Carefully view the designer's portfolio to ensure you like their work and that it is in a similar style to the centerpieces you want. It doesn't matter how good someone is if their style clashes with yours.
Check the designer's online reputation and reviews.
Be sure to get a contract that specifically outlines what the designer is or is not doing; this is your only recourse if the designer backs out at the last minute.
Give the designer images of what you want, and ask for a test run to ensure the centerpieces are just right.
Find out whether the designer will place the centerpieces for you or you'll have to do it yourself.

Tips for Doing it Yourself

You can save a small fortune by designing your own centerpieces, and you don't have to be a design expert to produce something gorgeous. A simple bouquet of flowers, a stack of meaningful objects, or a mix of nature-inspired accents can all make for gorgeous table decorations. If you opt for the DIY route, though, keep the following tips in mind:

Get assistance from friends and family. You don't want to be designing centerpieces an hour before your wedding.
Find out when your venue will allow you to put the centerpieces in place. If you can do it the night before your wedding, you'll save time and stress.
Buy more supplies than you think you'll need, so that a broken stem or stained vase doesn't become a last-minute sources of stress.

Finding Inspiration

Pinterest is a stellar guide to unique and beautiful centerpieces. Check out this board for images of centerpieces inspired by nature. If you love all things feminine and floral, you can't go wrong with these lovely options. Prefer something that won't obscure your guests' view? This board features low centerpieces that ensure your guests can talk across the table. For elegant centerpieces with a vintage flair, here's your guide. Even more inspiration here.