At Olio, we love unique and nontraditional weddings but here's something that every wedding has in common: something in the middle of the table aka a centerpiece! Whether you are serving dinner or brunch or cocktail-style tables, you will want to consider what décor best suits you and your wedding style. We've started you off with some ideas below and keep an eye out, as they do not all include traditional flowers!
A quick about me: I'm Sarah Narcus, owner of Olio with 10+ years of wedding and event planning of experience in the greater Boston area. Olio is a unique event space in a modern/industrial setting in New England.
I've seen so many gorgeous and special centerpieces over the years so here are some highlights.
1. Classic White and Greenery Centerpieces
Is there anything more timeless than a simple white and greenery color palette? Of course, there are many ways to play this by changing up the flower type and linen color, but this style will always be "in."
2. Pretty in Pink, Red, and White Roses Centerpieces
Another classic choice is to use roses in your wedding centerpieces with lots of color options. Roses offer the perfect soft touch and come in bright, brilliant shades as well as soft, subdued colors.
3. Bright Colorful Centerpieces
When in doubt, go bright! We especially love to see super bright centerpieces on darker linens or wooden farm tables as they pop right off. The multi-color bright centerpieces can also give a 90s vibe, if you play it right. Yellow, pink, blue, purple, perfection!
4. Tall Centerpiece Floral Arrangements Add Dimension
What a wonderful opportunity to add some height and dimension to your design plans by including tall centerpieces. Be warned: these can get pricier than low centerpieces. Some couples like to mix and match with low and tall, which has a beautiful and modern look.
Pro tip: ask your florist about stands that are open so guests can see through them for conversation.
5. Feather Centerpieces
How fun are feathers?! Seriously adding so much color and texture to the table, especially combined with bright pink candles. This one came together perfectly with a colored water goblet as well. Go big or go home!
6. Real Fruit Centerpieces
Pomegranate and Grapefruit (real!) were the perfect earthy addition to these winter floral arrangements. Combined with the greenery and flowers, guests had to look closely to see that they were really fruit, but once they noticed, it was the most unique and modern centerpiece that most guests had ever seen.
7. Small Bud Vases with Wildflowers
Where should we start with our love of bud vases? They perfectly fill the long tables, leaving enough space for conversation but adding height and variety. All kinds of different florals can be used and we adore the wildflowers for Kate and Kris below. Guests can easily take one (or more!) home.
8. Small Arrangements with Soft Colors
Similar to the bud vases above, using multiple small arrangements on the table can add dimension and options to the setup. These smaller vases arranged at the center of the round guest table fit perfectly.
9. Dahlias Forever
Need we say more? Dahlias are the best, ever. If you can fill your centerpieces with them in season, do not hesitate! One warning: guests may not be able to resist touching their perfect floral structure. 😍
10. Mini Pumpkin Centerpieces
Fall in New England for a wedding is just perfection. And why not incorporate your love of fall with some mini pumpkins? We love the white pumpkins for a bridal look!
11. Uniquely Shaped Vases for Centerpieces
Want to bring in a bit more interest to a classic centerpiece? Consider upgrading your vessel with a unique color or shape and it will bring a ton of visual interest to an otherwise standard centerpiece look. So fun!
12. Candle Centerpieces
Oh everyone loves a warm and romantic candle look. There are so many different ways to display candles on guest tables, from tall (tapers) to short (votive) to blocky (poured). Candles come in all sizes and colors but be sure to get unscented and long-burning!
Pro tip: Ask your venue directly about their candle/flame policy as they may not be permitted.
13. Cheesecloth Runner and Dried Floral Centerpieces
A terrific non-fresh floral option is to use dried flowers which also add a wonderful textural component. They are often light in color, as below, but also can be done in other hues. The cheesecloth runner on the table adds a softness to the design and can be ordered in any color of the rainbow.
Pro tip: Only use LED candles with dried flowers to reduce fire risk.
14. Lush Floral Centerpieces with Greenery and Candles
If you take the candles and combine them with flowers and greenery, you get a modern centerpiece look that is all the rage. Our favorite part of this look is that there are a ton of ways to customize the specific flowers and greenery and candles for an endless combination of looks!
Pro tip: Real candles (if permitted) are a LOT of work to set up and take down. The majority of couples have their professional florist onsite for setup and breakdown, and choose to rent the candles and glass enclosures insteading of buying and transporting themselves.
15. Baby's Breath Centerpieces
Bright and cheery, baby's breath always feels cheerful and it can easily fill the middle of any table, as seen below. Guests will enjoy the scent and you'll love the look!
16. Dark and Moody Centerpieces
If you are going for something with a bit more contrast, your centerpieces should too. We love how this centerpieces includes both dark and light colors, but none of the classic peach/pinks that we often expect. Definitely a WOW moment!
17. Disco Glam
Can we resist the return of the disco ball? No, no we cannot. What a brilliant way to add shine and sparkle by including disco balls in the wedding table centerpieces. That's certainly going to be a new one for guests!
18. Interactive Lego Centerpiece
For couples looking to have their guests take an active role in building their own centerpiece, Legos are just the thing! This couple put out a bowl of fun Legos which looked great, and guests had something to do throughout dinner service. Win/win.
19. Macramé and Spring Bloom Centerpieces
Boho-inspired macramé is making the rounds and we are HERE for it! It works perfectly in this image under lush spring-inspired blooms and the flowers and macramé work together to fill the center of this farm table.
20. Sunflower Centerpieces
We are always so happy to see bright sunflowers fill up the venue! They never fail to put a smile on guests' faces so you cannot go wrong with these yellow blooms.
21. Candles and Greenery Together
Another timeline look at Olio: utilizing both candles and greenery to wow your guests for their centerpieces. This can be a simple budget-friendly look but also make a big splash, especially as the lights go down at night.
22. Growler Vase Centerpieces
The perfect way to incorporate the newlyweds' love of beer! This particular couple saved growlers from their favorite local breweries over the course of a year, collecting them for the florist to build centerpieces in. Such a great way for the couple to personalize their centerpiece option!
23. Hanging Centerpiece
Here's one that is super unique! A hanging centerpiece... the bride and groom sat directly under the hanging flowers, which adorned a beam at the venue. Such a cool photo opportunity!
BONUS: Good Luck Centerpieces
We could not resist sharing just one more stunning centerpiece option from a recent wedding: the lucky cat! This kitty was placed on each table with a few candles and guests were positively smitten but the sweet character.
BONUS: Record themed centerpiece for the music lovers
Had to add one more into the mix!
So what did you think? Is there a unique, modern, or classic centerpiece in there that inspires you? Leave us a comment below and schedule your time to come tour and dream with us!
Always your resident wedding expert,
Sarah Narcus
Owner, Olio
