While your ceremony decor is often straightforward, reception decor can be more challenging. Reception spaces typically start as blank canvases, allowing you to transform them into the ultimate wedding venue. However, starting with an empty space can make it difficult to know where to begin. You'll need to consider a seating chart, wedding cake, catering, your DJ and playlist, and the decor. It can feel overwhelming, right?

Finalizing your wedding design should be an easy and enjoyable experience—especially when it comes to your wedding decorations and flowers. One detail specifically is your wedding centerpieces. While it might seem small, these arrangements significantly impact your reception space. To get you started, this guide will cover everything you need to know about creating stunning wedding centerpieces, from design ideas and logistical details to inspiration. 

Average Wedding Centerpiece Prices

Centerpieces are the finishing touch for every reception table. Whether you envision a timeless design with roses or an enchanting, natural greenery garland that stretches the length of your banquet tables, each floral arrangement is uniquely crafted to match your wedding style. That being said, prices will inevitably differ from wedding to wedding. 

The average cost of wedding centerpieces in San Francisco depends on factors like floral selection and design complexity. For a budget-friendly option, consider bud vases, which cost about $20 each. To add personality to reception tables without obstructing guests' views, choose traditional low centerpieces, which typically cost between $100 and $150 each.  

For those seeking a bolder statement, raised centerpieces range from $210 to $390 per table. These arrangements add a wow factor to your reception but come with a higher price tag.

Popular Wedding Centerpiece Shapes and Styles 

Creating your dream centerpieces involves more than just selecting beautiful flowers. Wedding centerpieces come in many shapes and styles, so the design process requires thoughtful consideration. First, you need to decide on a shape. While there are numerous ways to assemble your centerpieces, here's a breakdown of a few of the most common styles.

1. Round Arrangements

Round arrangements are perfect if you aim for a classic and sophisticated look. They work well with round reception tables, creating an overall cohesive style. It’s truly a timeless option that’ll never go out of style.

2. Asymmetrical 

Choosing asymmetrical centerpieces adds a modern and artistic flair to your wedding decor. The irregular shapes options can be tailored to fit any wedding theme, from rustic to luxurious, and can incorporate a variety of blooms, greenery, and other decorative elements

3. Single Blooms 

Take the elegance up a notch by trading large lavish arrangements for singular blooms. You can add these to small decorative vases, adding non-floral elements like candles to add extra ambiance. This option offers a minimalist approach to floral decor. 

4. Floral or Greenery Garland 

Rather than opting for clustered floral arrangements, consider floral or greenery garlands. These unique decor pieces offer a seamless cascade of lush blooms or foliage spanning the entire reception table. It’s ideal for those dreaming of long, dramatic banquet-style setups.

These are just a few of the most common centerpiece shapes. Overall, choosing your centerpiece shape will be based on the size of your reception table. If you have long banquet tables, consider a garland down the center. If your reception is in a space with vaulted ceilings, heighten the arrangements. You could also mix both to add dimension to the space. 

Choosing Your Centerpiece Heights

Once your shape is secured, it’s time to decide on the height. While your centerpiece height might seem like an insignificant detail, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Height adds personality and can greatly influence your overall wedding vibe. 

1. Flush Blooms 

This is traditionally the most popular centerpiece choice. Most of the wedding inspiration you find on Pinterest features centerpieces that sit flush on the table. They are a stunning option for any wedding style and are ideal for those with limited table space. 

2. Raised Arrangements 

Take your reception to new heights with raised arrangements. This consists of flowers that are raised above your guest's heads. It could be through a long vase, geometric structure, and more. The wedding style and theme will heavily influence the podium.  

3. Hanging Arrangements 

While florals on reception tables seem to get all the love, taking advantage of your overhead space is important. Rather than just selecting flush centerpieces, consider hanging arrangements. 

Wedding Centerpiece Containers  

When you’re designing, you have to consider more than just your flowers. You also need to select the container or podium that will hold your decorative blooms. Here are a few types of centerpiece vessels you can use to kickstart your design process. 

• Tall or short glass vases

• Colorful mini bud vases

• Mason jars

• Geometric terrariums

• Wooden boxes

• Cermani or porcelain pots

Logistics to Consider When Designing Centerpieces 

While you’ll want to pick visually stunning blooms, that’s not all you’ll want to consider. Many logistical details will influence your design choices. Here are a few things to consider before finalizing your wedding centerpieces. 

1. Blocking Guests View 

When choosing centerpiece heights, consider guests' visuality. Centerpieces should not be so tall or broad that they obstruct the view, limiting conversation within the tables. Instead, opt for designs that are visually stunning and logistically sound. 

2. Table Size and Shape 

Take your table sizes and shapes into account when choosing centerpieces. They should complement both of these factors. The table's shape (round, square, rectangular) will guide your centerpiece choices that suit the layout.

3. Table Layout and Space

Consider the layout of your tables when adding elements like candles, dinnerware, glassware, table numbers, etc. Choose centerpieces that leave ample space for guests to dine comfortably. 

Wedding Centerpiece Inspiration from Flowers Valley

Trust Flowers Valley to Bring Your Centerpieces to Life

Your wedding flowers are the focal point of wedding decor. From your bouquet to your ceremony backdrop, you want to ensure every detail authentically represents your love. Hiring a wedding florist is an important decision. If you’re searching for an award-winning team of professionals offering stunning wedding flowers that exceed expectations, meet Flowers Valley. 

The Flowers Valley team understands that every event is unique, so it creates a personalized wedding proposal explicitly tailored to your needs and preferences.  They combine your inspiration with years of expertise to make your wedding day unforgettable. So, if you’re ready to bring your floral dreams to life, reach out to Flowers Valley by filling out their contact form.