Centrepieces are where couples most often overspend for the least return. Here is what works at each budget, and the rule that beats all of them.
In this guide
- The rule: repetition over variety
- Under $20 a table
- $20 to $50 a table
- Over $50 a table
- Practical constraints people forget
- Reuse the ceremony flowers
The rule: repetition over variety
Three identical elements repeated down every table looks designed. Nine different objects looks like a car boot sale. Choose one arrangement, one candle type and one small accent, then repeat exactly. This is also the cheapest approach, because you buy in quantity.
Under $20 a table
- Three bud vases with a single stem each
- Five to seven votives grouped, nothing else
- A gauze runner and taper candles in mismatched brass holders
- Greenery only — eucalyptus or olive down the centre
- Fruit: lemons, figs or pears in a shallow bowl
- A printed menu at each setting, which lifts a bare table more than flowers do
$20 to $50 a table
- One low arrangement of seasonal blooms plus three votives
- A trio of vessels at different heights with the same flower in each
- Candlesticks in graduated heights with taper candles
- A wide shallow bowl of one variety, floating candles alongside
- Potted herbs or plants guests take home
Over $50 a table
Elevated arrangements in footed vases, or a full garland running the length of a long table with candles woven through. This is also where you should ask whether the money would do more as lighting — festoons and uplighters transform a room in a way a taller centrepiece cannot.
Practical constraints people forget
Guests have to see each other: either below 30cm or above 60cm, never in between. Nothing scented at a dining table. Nothing that sheds pollen onto linen. Nothing that needs topping up with water during service. And check the table size — a centrepiece designed for a round of ten swamps a round of eight.
Reuse the ceremony flowers
Ask your florist to move the ceremony arrangements to the reception during the drinks hour. Most will for a small fee, and it effectively halves the cost of the two biggest arrangements you are paying for.
From Sagevow
Pick a palette once and every piece — signage, menus, numbers, place cards — arrives matched to it.
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