How to Choose Your Wedding Centerpieces
What are the four most memorable parts of the wedding as a guest? The dress, the food, Aunt Kathy's dance moves, and the centerpieces. The centerpieces are also one of the most dreaded parts of wedding planning. Centerpieces can make or break the theme, guest satisfaction, and the budget. Here are some things to consider when picking your centerpieces.
Read the Room
Centerpieces should coordinate with the venue. If you're having your reception at a traditional site, it may not be appropriate to have non-traditional centerpieces. Some modern centerpiece trends like trees, oversized garlands of leaves, and hanging chandeliers may not be feasible at many venues. Before you commit to a modern centerpiece, talk to the event coordinator at the site to see if these trends are possible. Alternatively, having your reception at unique places gives you a creative license with your centerpieces.
You'll also want to consider the color and layout of your reception venue. Most venues' decor is purposely neutral. However, some sites offer colored lighting or have bold accents. Consider these when selecting your centerpieces to avoid clashing.
Table Talk
King's, round, or square tables are just some of the more popular tables. The size and shape of the tables will impact how the centerpieces look and how many you will need. For example, if you're considering a king's table, tall, grand centerpieces may not be the best fit. Shorter, smaller centerpieces, and several of them tend to work better for these kinds of tables. For round and square tables, consider the average height of your guests. You want to make sure your centerpieces are either short enough or tall enough for guests to see each other. Your guests will want to interact with each other. Centerpieces that are eye level with guests cut them off from enjoying the night.
Blooms, Candles, and More
There are endless options for what your centerpieces can be. While flower arrangements are more traditional, they're also more expensive and come with their own set of concerns.
When selecting flowers, consider how they will match you and your bridesmaid's bouquet, if the flowers you want are in season and bloom-sized. You'll want to match the centerpieces to your bouquets without having the same arrangements. In-season flowers will be considerably cheaper than out of season flowers if you can get them at all. Larger blooms will decorate the table thoroughly, whereas smaller blooms may need a "supporting cast" of additional centerpiece items. You'll also want to consider less fragrant flowers. Flowers with bold, perfumey scents can make guests uncomfortable.
If you're over flowers as centerpieces, there are several other options available to you. Are you looking for a more romantic, cozy theme? Consider candles (in a container, so your nephew doesn't burn his fingers). Cloches give you the option of variety. Try highlighting little trinkets at each table that have meaning and tell the story of you and your partner's love. Small board games go great with a brunch wedding and help guests relax and interact, especially if they don't know each other well.ll.
Theme and Budget
Above all else, your theme and budget will be the determining factors for your centerpieces. Wedding flowers on average cost couples $1,500 according to Wedding Wire. If you can't afford full-size bouquets for each table, candles and cloches are cheaper alternatives that still give your wedding an elegant look. If you're able to purchase full-size floral arrangements, don't let the flowers go to waste after your big day! Ask the hotel, your planner, or your bridesmaids to help you donate the flowers to a local nursing home or hospital to spread your love across the community.
Radisson Hotel and Conference Center is Rockford’s premier wedding venue. With seating for 400 people in our conference center and over 140 newly renovated hotel rooms, Radisson is the perfect space for your event no matter how big or small. Want to schedule a tour or book hotel rooms? Click here to contact us!