40 Floral Centerpiece Ideas for Your Wedding

White Vase With Pink, Yellow, Purple, and Red Flowers and Wooden Charger With Patterned Napkin and Pink Menu — Photo by Move Mountains Co.

Whether you’re throwing a nautical beachside bash or an enchanting forest affair, the way in which you design your reception tables plays an important role in executing your vision. And since your centerpieces are the focal point of every table, in order to reinforce your aesthetic and make a big impression with your guests, choosing your central arrangements wisely is pivotal. Time and time again, couples rely on flowers to form the basis of these principal table settings—no matter what type of affair they’re hosting.

Through their rich color and lush texture, blooms instantly add visual intrigue to any tablescape, from the guest tables to the sweetheart table. Plus, floral designer Rachel Cho points out that these budding plants represent love and beauty—perfect for commemorating a marriage—and each type of blossom has a particular symbolic meaning behind it, which makes any celebration more meaningful.

Meet the Expert

Rachel Cho is the founder and creative director of Rachel Cho Floral Design, a luxury floral design company in New York City.

Wondering which flowers are best for your centerpieces? Focus on in-season varieties that coordinate with the aesthetic, venue, and color palette of your big day in order to create a cohesive event. In particular, Cho mentions that flowers with softer petals and numerous color options, such as peonies, garden roses, sweet peas, and ranunculus, are some of the most suitable, sought-after choices. “They elevate the centerpiece and bring about a romantic vibe to the space,” she expresses. She also suggests paying attention to the time of the year in which you’re saying “I do,” to represent the season and cut costs.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your reception tablescape, we rounded up a list of 40 stunning floral centerpiece ideas for every wedding style.

01 of 40

Select Sherbet Shades

Colorful Wedding Menu and Floral Centerpiece With Ranunculus in Pink, Peach, and Yellow — Photo by Liz Andolina Photography

If you want to make a splash with your wedding floral centerpieces, embrace striking hues that catch everyone’s eye. Pink, yellow, and orange will add vibrancy, vitality, and excitement to any tablescape, especially warm-weather celebrations like this sherbet-colored summer wedding in Vermont. To make them really stand out, place your arrangements on white linens, paired with neutral chargers and metallic flatware.

02 of 40

Plant a Runner

Pink Flower Runner and Lucite Candelabras on Banquet Table — Photo by Hannah Miller Photography

Whether you’re looking for statement-making floral centerpiece ideas for your round guest tables or your rectangular head table, consider swapping the classic singular vase for a thick runner. Planting a bevy of blooms across your tablescape will channel a garden-like feel and create the illusion of fresh-grown flowers. This effect will be even more pronounced on banquet tables, complete with lucite candelabras (which was put on display at this pink-themed nuptials in Alabama).

03 of 40

Emphasize Height

Flower And Vine Reception Table Decor — Photo by Glorianna Chan

Tall arrangements of blossoms that tower above each table will draw everyone’s attention upward, infusing any room with drama and opulence. This floral centerpiece idea (such as the one pictured at this fall fête in Atlanta) is ideal for venues with tall ceilings to minimize negative space. Just make sure that the elevated stands refrain from blocking friends and family’s field of view.

04 of 40

Embrace Yellow

Wedding Reception Tables with Yellow Napkins and Yellow Centerpieces of Roses, Ranunculus, and Sweet Peas — Photo by Feather & Twine

Yellow is one of the most cheerful colors, bringing a warm, sunny touch to any wedding. If your color palette features this bright hue, consider creating floral arrangements that spotlight this shade. You can either go all out with solely yellow buds like this couple did at their old multi-day affair in Austin, Texas, for a dazzling display or incorporate a subtle pop.

05 of 40

Integrate Ikebana

Close Up of Reception Table Setting With Orange and White Flowers, Garlic and Brussel Sprouts, and Tinted and Clear Glasses — Photo by Jeremy Chou

Ikebana, the old-age Japanese art of arranging flowers, makes for unexpected and intriguing floral arrangements. Take cues from this pair, who mixed amaranthus, anthurium, peonies, and dahlias at their destination wedding in Mexico in an artistic, structural way, which generated a wide array of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes.

06 of 40

Assemble Single Stems

White Rose and Candle Decor at Reception — Photo by Silent Capture

While many couples choose florals that are assorted in one compact vase for their reception centerpieces, why not switch things up by opting for single-stem arrangements? Placing individual blooms in their own glass bud vase will create the illusion of floating flowers, which was on display at this Gatsby-inspired soirée on Long Island. Select a singular type of blossom for a cohesive look.

07 of 40

Build a Structure With Suspended Buds

Tall centerpieces covered in greenery and suspended with hanging tea lights in globes — Photo by Courtney Simpson Photography

Another unique way of debuting your wedding floral centerpieces is via an intricate structure, such as the one that this duo incorporated into their enchanted garden wedding in New Jersey. Replace the conventional low table arrangements with suspended gold rods, wrapped in greenery and dotted with blooms—which is guaranteed to convert your venue into a fairy-tale garden. Then, hang mini floral chandeliers and candles in glass orbs from the apparatus.

08 of 40

Embellish With Exotic Plants

Green Ribbed Vase With Hare's Tall Grass and Dried Palm Leaves — Photo by Sergio Sorrentino

Roses and peonies are constantly making an appearance at wedding receptions, and while they’re popular for a reason, why not embrace other exotic options? For a tropical, eye-catching display, combine hare’s tail grass with dried palms, featuring just a sprinkling of fresh flowers—like the arrangement at this colorful celebration in Sicily.

09 of 40

Include Amaranthus

White Flower Decor at Wedding Reception — Photo by For the Love of It

Another jaw-dropping type of flower to include in your centerpieces is amaranthus. These long, drooping tassels will cascade down your vases and add texture to your tablescape. Since these blooms come in earthy hues and are available from August to November, they are suitable for nature-focused affairs in late summer or fall.

10 of 40

Choose Primary Colors

Colorful Tablescape With Blue, Red, and Yellow Flowers, Checkered Taper Candles, and Butterfly Chargers — Photo by Perry Vaile

To brighten up your tablescape, paint your flowers in red, yellow, and blue. Since these hues are primary colors, the end result will be bold, bright, and invigorating. Although these tones are jaw-dropping on their own, feel free to play up the color in the rest of your table decorations like this bride and groom did at their carnival-themed wedding in Virginia.

11 of 40

Decorate With Fruit

Colorful Flower and Fruit Decor on Reception Tables — Photo by 515 Photo Co.

Another floral centerpiece idea is accentuating fresh buds with fruit. Whether you add them to each vessel or scatter them around the base, these edible decorations will enrich your tablescape with added color and texture—which is evident here at this regal wedding in Vancouver. Grapes, oranges, and plums, in particular, will channel opulence and elegance.

12 of 40

Bring Out Planters

Purple Flower Table Decor in Planter on Blue Linens — Photo by Sophie Epton

Give your centerpieces an upgrade by placing your flowers in planters (like the ones at this castle wedding in Portugal). In these long, rectangular boxes, your floral arrangements will emphasize width and length versus height—which is typically the case with vases. With this possibility, you’ll take up negative space and manufacture a garden.

13 of 40

Opt for All-White Flowers

White Flower Reception Decor on All-White Tablescape — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Although there are an abundance of colors to choose from for your floral centerpieces, white is one of the most timeless and versatile options. This neutral hue always looks clean and sophisticated, and it pairs well with any aesthetic (such as this rustic fête in Virginia). If you want your floral centerpieces to take on a supplemental role or if you’re hosting a classic affair, white is the perfect choice.

14 of 40

Pair With Plenty of Greenery

reception place setting with wooden charger, green goblets, and green linen napkins — Photo by Belathee Photography

Flowers are obviously a must for your floral centerpieces, but greenery is a natural add-on to consider. While the blossoms themselves come with green stems and leaves, you can also welcome additional garlands, from eucalyptus to Italian ruscus. Mixing white blooms with prolific greens is a stunning possibility for classic or organic nuptials.

15 of 40

Evoke a Tropical Feel

Reception Table Decor With Tropical, Colorful Centerpieces and Menu — Photo by 515 Photo Co.

For tropical aesthetics and climates (like this couple’s destination wedding in the Bahamas), lean on vivacious tones and native buds. Anthurium, protea, hibiscus, plumeria, and other tropical blooms in pink and yellow will reinforce your theme. Decorate the rest of your table with beachy elements and textures that supplement these centerpieces.

16 of 40

Introduce Oversized Petals

White Flower Centerpiece On Wedding Reception Table With Peach Napkins, Silver Flatware, and Clear Glasses — Photo by Katie Jean

Flowers come in all shapes and sizes, but if you want to embed a lush, fluffy texture into your tablescape, focus on large, multi-petal blooms like the various types of roses at this enchanted forest wedding in Manhattan. For a wild-grown feel, vary the height of each stem, and top it off with smaller buds.

17 of 40

Manufacture a Mirror Image

Candle Light and Colorful Flower Table Decor on Mirror — Photo by Lev Kuperman

One floral centerpiece idea that will make a lasting impression on your guests is displaying arrangements on a mirrored table. Set on a reflective surface, these plants will appear as if they’re floating on water. This optical illusion will suit glamorous and opulent functions like this moody event in Manhattan.

18 of 40

Consider Carnations

Floral Centerpieces With Pink Carnations and Terracotta Painted Chargers — Photo by Norman & Blake

Carnations are often an underrated flower choice for weddings. While many deem them filler flowers, their full, ruffled petals easily make them a strong candidate for the focal point of reception centerpieces. This duo embraced carnations in different shades of pink as the sole focus of the tablescape at their playful affair in California, which radiated romance.

19 of 40

Scatter an Array of Vases

White Table Setting Decor at Reception and White Flowers in White Vases — Photo by Kelley Williams Photography

In some instances, you may want the vase to be the star of the show, while the flowers take on a supporting role. For example, at their neutral function in California, this pair scattered white vases in different shapes and sizes across their tablescape, which elicited a chic-yet-homey feel. To let these vessels shine, make sure to select white flowers.

20 of 40

Play Up Dried Grasses

Orange Flower Decor and Grasses at Reception — Photo by Sasithon Photography

Pairing fresh flowers in bright tones with dried grasses in muted shades is one of the best ways to create contrast with your floral centerpieces. By using a grassy base and dusting it with blooms (like this couple did at their barn wedding in California), you’ll build an artistic sculpture that’s worthy of a museum exhibit.

21 of 40

Keep It Simple

Petite floral arrangements in gold leaf vases — Photo by Jose Villa

You don’t need to pull together an elaborate, oversized arrangement to make a statement. Smaller assortments with a few blooms, such as the one at this nature-inspired function in Aspen, are equally beautiful. We love this look for minimalist soirées or for tablescapes that spotlight another focal feature.

22 of 40

Don’t Skimp on Color

White Urn With Flowers in Pink, Orange, Yellow, and Purple — Photo by Move Mountains Co.

Since many flowers bloom in vibrant hues, use your floral centerpieces to enact color. Vibrant tones like pink, yellow, and orange are go-to choices for spring and summer nuptials since they evoke energy, warmth, and playfulness. Make sure to opt for seasonal varieties, too.

23 of 40

Flaunt Ferns

Reception Table with Colorful Flower Decor — Photo by Anne Rhett Photography

With their feathery texture and earthy green hue, ferns are a beautiful way to top off your floral centerpieces, especially at outdoor affairs. Whether you opt for a single sprig or a mass of greenery, these plants will bring a crisp, clean, and natural look to your tablescape—which is apparent at this personalized wedding in South Carolina.

24 of 40

Feature Complementary Hues

Red Roses and Purple Flower Center Piece at Wedding Reception — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

One floral centerpiece idea for your wedding reception is pulling complementary shades of similar colors for a coordinated look. For example, at their winery wedding in Brooklyn, this couple selected blooms in red, purple, and pink—which looked aesthetically pleasing and matched the venue.

25 of 40

Show Off Ranunculus

Flower Centerpiece With Ranunculus in Pink and Peach — Photo by Bo Shim

Ranunculus have layered petals and a soft, delicate look that is sure to bring a romantic air to any wedding, including this botanical garden nuptials in Brooklyn. Pair this textured, standout bloom with other smaller blossoms for balance.

26 of 40

Welcome a Subtle Pop

Floral Centerpiece With White and Lilac Flowers and Greenery at Barn — Photo by Jennifer Darling

If you’re hesitant about overshadowing your tablescape with color-focused blooms, you can always focus on neutral shades with a subtle pop of color. At this airy barn wedding in Maine, the pair leaned on white blooms and greenery as the basis of their floral centerpieces, yet they added a smattering of lilac for a touch of whimsy.

27 of 40

Say Yes to Pampas Grass

Floral Centerpiece With Pampas Grass and Dried Palm Leaves — Photo by by Julieta

Pampas grass is nearly synonymous with bohemian weddings. So, if you’re planning a soirée that’s earthy and avant-garde, make sure to combine fresh flowers with this wispy, wheat-colored plant. For a chic look and feel, pull an assortment of natural hues like beige, cream, and rose, plus textured varieties like dried palm leaves and dehydrated ferns.

28 of 40

Give It a Spring-Inspired Feel

Pink and Purple Flower Reception Table Centerpiece with White Candlesticks Next to A Gold Number 26 Sign — Photo by Catherine Guidry

Saying “I do” in the spring is an excuse to engulf your big day in a medley of attention-grabbing tones. For enchanted garden nuptials during this time of the year, fusing pink and purple together will generate a dreamy, fairy-tale-worthy scene.

29 of 40

Pick a Classic Color Scheme

Floral Centerpiece With White Anemones and Garden Roses — Photo by Alice Ahn Photography

There’s nothing more timeless than a black-and-white color scheme. Whether you’re throwing a modern or traditional wedding, integrating these neutral tones into your floral centerpieces (such as the arrangement at this contemporary event in California) will look crisp and clean. While many variations of flowers come in white, black is more difficult to find—so opt for anemones with black centers to check this box.

30 of 40

Separate Each Tone

Close Up of Table Setting with Colorful Flower Decor — Photo by For the Love of It

It’s always fun to combine a mass of bold colors into one vase, but separating each hue is a floral centerpiece idea that will bring a unique touch to your tablescape. For example, at this nature-focused affair in California, the bride and groom focused on a collection of monochromatic assortments, from yellow to blue, which created a rainbow-like vision.

31 of 40

Spotlight Interesting Textures

textured fall floral centerpiece in orange, brown, and yellow — Photo by The Foxes Photography

From ruffled roses to ball-shaped dahlias, every flower has its own unique texture and petal pattern. For an out-of-the-box assortment, one floral centerpiece idea is compiling a mix of blooms that have extraordinary appearances. To enhance the aesthetic appeal, embrace blooms in different shapes and sizes, too.

32 of 40

Complete With Taper Candles

Floral Centerpiece With Flowers and Two Twister Taper Candles — Photo by Joel Serrato

Floral centerpieces are often intermixed with candles and other tabletop adornments, but combining all of these elements into one structure is a savvy and unexpected use of space. To accomplish this design-oriented, garden-forward look, place twisted taper candles in a bed of fluffy blooms and dried grasses.

33 of 40

Highlight Anthurium

Pink Anthurium Centerpieces and Greenery on White Linen in Tent — Photo by Olivia Rae James

With a large, leather-like petal and extensive pistil, anthurium is a one-of-a-kind blossom. If you’re tying the knot in a tropical fête, anthurium is a complementary bloom to use in your centerpiece that will tie your aesthetic together. For a more prominent look, focus on single-flower centerpieces in hot pink.

34 of 40

Use Arch-Shaped Vases

floral arrangement with purple, cream, blue, and red flowers — Photo by Dabble Me This

Wondering how to make your floral centerpieces look larger—without interrupting the flow of conversation? Stuffing your flowers in an arch-shaped vase will create a lush, full look without the height.

35 of 40

Settle on Something Blue

blue and white flower centerpiece with chinoiserie vases and plates — Photo by Laura Gordon Photography

Your floral centerpieces are an excellent way to follow the long-standing wedding tradition of adding “something blue” to your big day. While you can certainly opt for an all-blue arrangement, another less noticeable option is adding a touch of the hue—from navy to sky blue—to your spread.

36 of 40

Channel the Fall Season

fall flower centerpiece in red, pink, and yellow with grasses and leaves — Photo by Emma Hopp Photography

For those getting married in the fall, you have plenty of in-season floral options for your centerpieces. Zinnias, dahlias, marigolds, mums, goldenrods, and sunflowers are some of the many buds that are at their peak during this season. To fully encapsulate autumn, consider decking out the compilation in burgundy, gold, and apricot to reflect the changing foliage.

37 of 40

Incorporate Hydrangeas

Tall Floral Centerpieces of White Hydrangeas in Big Glass Vases — Photo by Kate Headley

Hydrangeas are a quintessential summer flower, especially if you’re trading vows at a nautical affair. With their fluffy texture and bulb-shaped appearance, these blossoms make a stunning statement bloom in any floral centerpiece. They even look captivating solo.

38 of 40

Turn to Terracotta Pots

organic white and mauve flower centerpieces in terracotta pots — Photo by Ryan Ray

Replace overdone glass vases with terracotta pots to welcome a rustic, homey feel at your wedding reception. To make your medley look more organic, choose overflowing arrangements with plenty of blooms and branches.

39 of 40

Command Attention With Garden Roses

pink rose floral centerpiece on floral-printed tablecloth — Photo by Ether & Smith

There are over 100 different types of roses, but garden roses, with their soft, ruffled petals, are a popular pick for weddings. Combine these fluffy flowers with other multi-petal selections like peonies for a burst of texture.

40 of 40

Paint Your Arrangements in Mauve

Floral Centerpieces With Mauve Hues — Photo by Carla Ten Eyck

If the Cafe au Lait dahlias in this centerpiece don't capture your attention, the rest of the design surely will. With garden roses, lisianthus, eucalyptus, and dusty miller, this overflowing centerpiece plays with purple hues in the most beautiful way.

55 Wedding Centerpiece Ideas for Any Celebration Style