The Best Centerpieces for a Wedding

From simple to elaborate, weddings benefit from centerpieces.

Couples who are planning the decorations for their wedding face the challenge of handling a multitude of details. Centerpieces are one of the most important decorations at a reception. They make each table beautiful and establish an overall look for the reception. Of the many types of centerpieces, there are a few that are truly the best.

Flowers

An ornate floral arrangement in a tall vase has a dramatic look that is perfect for elegant receptions.

Floral arrangements are a common centerpiece for weddings. Because of their versatility and natural beauty, they are also one of the best. Simple collections of flowers placed in vases have a beauty that is well suited for traditional, classic, or rustic weddings. More elaborate arrangements of different types of richly colored blooms placed in an ornate vase look stunning in more formal affairs. The type of flower used also contributes to the versatility of floral arrangements: from earthy wildflowers, to whimsical gerbera daisies, to romantic roses, to exotic orchids, there is bound to be a flower that complements any couple's wedding theme.

Candles

Colored candles with ethnic prints help give off an exotic feel.

The romantic ambiance created from the warm glow of a burning flame makes candles one of the best centerpieces for a wedding. With the various styles of candles, couples can create very different looks using candles. A number of white candles placed in glass containers, from formal glasses to mason jars, of varying sizes adds a simple yet romantic aura when spread across a reception table. Red glass containers add a very different feeling to the wedding. When used at a traditionally decorated reception, the scarlet glow from red candles adds a burst of color and a feeling of romance. When paired with beads, rich red and violet textiles, and other ethnic details, red can add to an Asian or moroccan theme.

Branches

Decorations can be used to jazz up a tree branch centerpiece.

Tree branches can be used to create the best centerpiece for an engaged couple's wedding. Whether purchased at a craft store or collected from the big outdoors, branches can be placed in a vase to become a dramatic and breathtaking centerpiece. For a simple, contemporary look, a simple solid colored vase with plain branches has a stark look that is well suited for modern weddings. When adorned with flowers, jewels, faux birds or other glitz and placed in an ornate vase, the centerpiece takes on a more opulent, formal appearance.

Floating Candles

With the simplistic beauty of water and the lovely glow of candle light, a centerpiece of floating candles is one of the best. Floating candles drift peacefully in lear bowls or glass pillars filled with water, to create a unique and stunningly beautiful reception decoration. Floating candles come in a range of shapes and sizes, from simple white circles, to delicately shaped snowflakes or flowers. For an added touch, adding flowers or flower petals gives the centerpiece more color and additional beauty.

References

• The Knot: Real Weddings: Candles, Reception Decor
• The Knot: Real Weddings: High Centerpieces, Reception Decor
• Martha Stewart Weddings: Wedding Themes: Branches and Twigs