Top Styling Tips for Wedding Table Centrepieces

When it comes to choosing florals for your big day, deciding on the right table centrepiece is key, particularly if you are planning on making an impact with show stopping floral displays. With so much choice on offer, it can be hard to know which style is going to maximise the space available to you. Here, I will talk you through the different options and explain how some arrangements and styles compliment some wedding venues more than others.

Hopefully you will have already decided on your chosen colour scheme/theme, so the next thing to decide is whether to opt for tall or low centrepieces, or a combination of the two. If you have booked a grand venue and are working with a big open space or tall ceilings then low table centrepieces can often be overlooked and can end up looking a little lost. Adding a bit of height to your tables can really make your floral displays stand out, creating that wow factor for your guests to enjoy.

Alternatively, if you are on a budget or have a large number of tables to decorate then you could alternate the tables with a combination of both tall and low displays.

There are a variety of tall table centrepieces to choose from such as candelabras, tall glass statement vases (trumpet or conical) or metal box stands. For a recent wedding at The Mill Barns in Alveley, the bride and groom opted for tall glass conical vases with large floral displays carefully positioned atop, this gave the illusion of floating flowers.

The room featured an entire wall of windows that flooded the room with natural light, and the vision was to fill the light airy space with an abundance of beautiful summer blooms.

Another example where tall table centrepieces worked well is at Hampton Manor in Solihull. The Courtyard, situated in the main house is a mix of both historic and contemporary and houses the most spectacular chandelier suspended from the glass roofed atrium. This idyllic setting provided the perfect backdrop for these tall statement displays.

Metal box stands are also a popular choice for this wedding venue as the contemporary stands compliment the room perfectly.

For venues steeped in history, it is important that the floral displays work in harmony with the features of the location. Examples of historic venues I have recently worked at include Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield and The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick.

*The Ballroom, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall*

Timeless brass candelabras adorned the tables adding romance and charm whilst complimenting the historic architecture of the grade II listed buildings.

For more intimate weddings, low table centres work perfectly. If you are limited on space then the last thing you want is to overcrowd your tables. Sometimes less is more and a single vessel filled with beautiful delicate flowers is all that is required to bring a table together.

Examples of low centrepieces include footed compote vases, mini urns, hurricane vases, glass jars/bottles, jugs, wooden boxes, bud vases, floral wreaths, garlands and table runners… to name but a few.

Footed compote vases are probably the centrepieces I tend to get asked about the most. They are extremely versatile and surprisingly hold a lot more flowers than you think. My antique gold and silver mercury vases continue to remain a firm favourite and pretty much compliment any colour palette.

Foliage table runners and floral garlands are a popular choice for barn weddings or venues using rectangular trestle tables as opposed to round tables. Prices are charged by foot and often work out a lot more cost effective, particularly if you have a large number of tables to decorate. These can also be used to line the entire length of a top table and can look really effective draped along the edge of the table.

*The Courtyard, Hampton Manor, Solihull*

Textured garlands also work well in Tepees, adding rustic charm to a woodland themed or outdoor wedding.

Top Tips:

If you’re opting for tall table centrepieces, go for 80cm - 120cm tall displays so that your guests can see one another. We have a wide range of statement vases and stands which add height but won’t block views.
Sometimes less is more. If you’re limited on space, try not to overcrowd your tables as they can end up looking cluttered.
Try to select a theme and/or colour scheme for your big day. Your flowers should compliment your chosen colour scheme and their surroundings.
Don’t be afraid to use colour and texture if you are wanting to make an impact and add interest to your floral displays.
Lighting is key. Adding candlelight or fairy/ festoon lights create a truly magical and romantic ambience. Opt for twinkly tealights placed in votive holders, ideally a minimum of five tealights per table. {Always check with your wedding venue whether you can include real candles in your decor, as some venues only allow LED candles}.

To discuss your wedding florals or to book a free wedding consultation, please get in touch via email at hello@willowandthorn.co.uk

Samantha ChestermanJuly 14, 2020Comment