Centerpieces

There are many different styles of centerpieces that can be used for a wedding reception. These include tall flower arrangements, low centerpieces, submerged flowers, clusters of mini flower arrangements, candles, petals, and a mixture of different arrangements on different tables. Normally, the flowers used for any of these centerpieces will match the color of the bride’s maids’ dresses or the table linens. The venue where the reception is held will help determine what style of centerpiece is most appropriate for a wedding. For instance, a wildflower centerpiece is not the best choice for an ornate reception hall.

Tall Floral Centerpieces

Tall centerpieces are over 24 inches high. There is no standard width. Usually, a tall centerpiece will use a trumpet vase, pilsner, or candelabra. Any type of flower can be used in a tall centerpiece. Manzanita branches are often used for additional height.
There are different ways that bride’s can choose to fill the base of a tall centerpiece’s vase. It could be filled with water and left as is, or there could be other flowers at the base, submerged flowers, petals, or even little water lights.

Low Floral Centerpieces

Low centerpieces can vary greatly. They can range in size from small to large arrangements, although they usually are short and rounded in shape. They are often placed in small glass cube vases, ceramic containers, and pedestals. Any flowers can be used as well as low potted plants.

Submerged Centerpieces

There are a few different styles of submerged centerpieces, fully submerged flowers, floating flowers, and floating candles. There are a few types of flowers that can be submerged. These include orchids (which are the most common), calla lilies, Gerber daisies, roses, and tulips. Submerged flowers can be in any size vase. Floating flowers are usually orchids, peonies, roses, and Gerber daisies.
When working with a submerged centerpiece, a glass vase is almost always used. Also, there is little to no greenery added to the arrangement.

Clusters of Mini Flower Arrangements

Clusters of mini flower arrangements can be used entirely as the centerpiece on the table or in addition to other centerpieces. They are often used to add depth to a table. Mini arrangements are typically made in a 2×2 inch or 3×3 inch votive holder sized vase. 5 inches tall is their maximum height. It is typical to find anywhere between 3 to 5 mini arrangements on a table. Although most types of flowers can be used, it is common to choose different flowers for each of the holders on the table.

A Mixture of Different Centerpiece Styles

Sometimes, a reception will have different styles of centerpieces on different tables. For instance, some tables might have high arrangements while others have low arrangements. The same flowers would be used in both styles of arrangements. The mixture of the different types of centerpieces adds depth to the reception venue. Mixing centerpiece styles is common in a room with a tall ceiling or if there are a large number of tables for the reception.