Wedding centerpieces: tall, low and how to choose

There is only one rule that really matters for a centerpiece, and it has nothing to do with the flowers: it goes either very low or very tall. Medium height is the worst possible choice.

The height rule

A centerpiece of 30 to 60 centimeters (about 12 to 24 inches) sits right at the face level of the person seated across. Guests spend the night dodging it or moving it out of the way, and in table photos it ends up blocking people.

• Low: up to 25 or 30 cm (10 to 12 in). Eyes travel over it.
• Tall: over 70 cm (about 28 in), on a slim base or a tall stand. Eyes travel under it.

Either one works. The in-between doesn't.

Low or tall: how to decide

	Low	Tall
Mood	Intimate, warm	Formal, striking
Cost	Lower	Higher: more flowers and structure
Low ceilings	Yes	No: they look cramped
Very large venue	They get lost	They fill the vertical space
Outdoors with wind	Yes	Risky: they tip over
Conversation at the table	Better	Good if the base is slim

One option that works very well: mix them. Tall on some tables, low on the rest. It gives the room visual rhythm and lowers the total cost compared with making them all tall.

How many and what size

• Round table for 8 to 10 people: one centerpiece.
• Long (banquet) table: a continuous garland or an arrangement every meter and a half (about 5 ft).
• Square table for 4 to 6: one small arrangement or three minimal pieces.
• Centerpiece diameter: about a third of the table's diameter. Any larger and there is no room for the plates.

Practical details

• No strong scent. People are eating there. No tuberose and no Oriental lilies.
• No loose pollen. It stains tablecloths and clothing, and it does not come out.
• A stable base. Especially outdoors, and especially with tall ones.
• Candles: they lower the cost and greatly improve the result at night. Check that the venue allows them.
• Reusable: if pieces move from the ceremony to the reception, decide that beforehand.

How to lower the cost without it showing

Fewer flowers and more foliage, candles and glass. A eucalyptus runner with votive candles on a long table costs much less than the same length in flowers and looks warmer at night. And choose seasonal: it is the variable that moves the total the most. It is all in how much wedding flowers cost.

Availability of each flower changes with the season. If you are looking for a specific flower, ask us before ordering and we will confirm whether we have it.