Wedding Centerpiece Ideas: 50 Inspiring Designs for Tables

Here's to the prettiest tablescape of them all.

Updated 06/16/20

table numbers — Katie Edwards Photography

You've booked your venue, rented the tables and chairs, and now comes the not so easy part—weeding through the endless supply of wedding table decorations to curate your own original décor combo. Even if you've hired a wedding planner specifically to take care of said nitty-gritty organizational details, you're not completely off the hook just yet. There's the oh-so important matters of pegging your specific wedding vibe, vision, and budget, then tackling the décor department from there. "We’ve found that by simplifying the process and attempting to capsulate a general feel and aesthetic helps in creating a more effortless, organic feel to the tablescape," explains floral designer Angie Johnson. "Ideas and specifics come along as options are explored and we’ve found that the pieces picked off of a gut feeling have always looked the most beautiful." Once you've checked these off the list, you're officially ready to start designing your wedding surfaces.

Meet the Expert

Angie Johnson is a floral design expert with years of experience creating progressive centerpieces for weddings and special events. She and her BFF-turned-business partner, Emily Petros, own California-based floral design firm Bloom Babes and picture-perfect event space Studio De La Flor.

Whether round, square, rectangle, or any other creative formation in between, every bare table present at your nuptials, no matter the finish, needs some form of decoration to make it look truly wedding worthy. Even starting with something as simple as a tablecloth or natural centerpiece will instantly elevate your tablescape from a bore to wedding reception galore.

And, to help take the work out of your décor planning, we rounded up 50 pretty wedding table decorations fit to match any style. From table number card ideas to tropical placemats to floral wedding centerpieces, these picks make designing the perfect table setting an absolute breeze. Mix and match with colors, mediums, fabrics, and more for beautiful wedding table designs that are uniquely yours. "I see each item and envision a completely different theme from one another," says Johnson. "I think they add such value and interest to a tablescape, it’s the little details that really count. It’s so fun to get inspired by each of these different elements to create an entire experience."

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Rustic Linen Tablecloth

First things first in terms of wedding table decoration ideas: Pick your table-topping base (or decide if a bare tabletop is more your aesthetic), whether it be a full-spread tablecloth or a more minimal liner. This version, also available in runner form, features a pretty crochet lace border to differentiate it from the norm. It even comes in two natural hues to perfectly sync with your table colors.

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Dried Pampas Grass Bunch

"We’ve had a lot of fun this last year mixing fresh flowers and dried flowers or foliage. And they can be reused, which eliminates waste," says Johnson. "As far as a tip on how to use fresh and dried—we always say 'when in doubt, cluster it!' Sometimes a design can feel scattered if there are different elements springing up from different directions. It helps tame the eye when you cluster your same flowers, textures, and foliage."

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Faux Eucalyptus Garland

A garland of faux or dried eucalyptus can also achieve the same effect as a table runner. Snake this greenery down the middle of any rectangular tables, and surround with small decorative candle votives for the finishing touch.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $118

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Modern Wedding Seating Chart Table Numbers

Naturally, you'll need some way to denote each of your gorgeous, carefully-decorated tables. That's where these table numbers from WishfulPaperie come in. Both elegant and minimalist, each stylish card ensures guests will have no problem locating their seating assignments.

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Pressed Glass Frames

Signage should never stand alone, so incorporate vintage-esque frames into your table scheme to display any decorative papers. With three different sizes, you have the option to reserve guest seats with mini frames, or show off table numbers with larger versions.

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Frosted Glass Lantern

Set the vibe with some romantic mood lighting, alternating between lantern heights for a balanced mismatched effect. Don't just confine them to your tables, either—every corner and crevice of your venue, whether indoors or out, could use a little décor treatment (just don't go too overboard).

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"We’ve found that simplicity seems to win when it comes to creating a beautiful tablescape," explains Johnson. "We’ve had so many trials and errors of adding too much when it called for less. An example of this could be too many things on the table (candles, bud vases, etc.) or just too many elements (multiple varieties of candles, or flowers, or patterns). It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of adding more (simply because you can), but the overall look can result in feeling distracted and contrived."

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Copper Wire Candleholders

Or, go even smaller with barely-there geometric votives like these from ElevenDecorShop to modernize any table setup. These will pair wonderfully with larger decorations, especially interspersed between oversized floral arrangements.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $12.50

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Natural Teak Serving Stand

Let's not forget about dessert table décor, as well. Cupcakes, cookies, and other bite-sized confections will look all the more delicious served on this cool wooden structure.

SHOP NOW: Terrain, $158

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Digitally Printed Blue Watercolor Placecards

Up the color factor with these incredibly cool watercolor place settings from SenimanCalligraphy , especially ideal for nautical or seaside ceremonies. Set one dreamy card, customized with the guest's name, on each plate for the perfect pop of color your table was missing.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $5.95 for 15

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Mixed Mercury Votives

Stay within the same color scheme but play with shape for unique candle supplements, fit to accessorize any variety of floral arrangements. Plus, if you're hunting for wedding table decorations on a budget, these are right up your alley.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN, $4

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Beeswax Tea Lights (Set of 24)

These statement stubs can revamp any table on their own, but toss some form of greenery into the mix and the color contrast alone will be astounding, especially against a dark wood surface.

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Monstera Leaf Placemats (Set of 12)

Add a dash of whimsy and tropical vibes with quirky, true-to-size monstera leaf-inspired placemats, which you can situate underneath each set of dinnerware or simply scatter sporadically down the table.

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Marble Lazy Susan

Standard serving trays, Lazy Susan's, or even cake stands, can help pull attention toward your centerpieces and unify them at round tables. Stack your flowers, leaves, or candles atop a basic circular marble design for a look that is both elegant and modern.

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3 Piece Roundabout Taper Candleholder Set

If your tables would be better suited for less sizable tapers, turn to simple brass-plated candleholders instead. Individual candles and holders in assorted heights give you more room to experiment with placement and the overall table aesthetic when paired with the rest of your table décor.

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Clay Dotted Lines Vase

Flowers are great, but herbaceous centerpiece displays have very quickly taken over our hearts. These homespun, clay vases have just the right aesthetic for displaying fragrant bundles of fresh herbs for a natural vibe and sensorial preview of the decadent dishes to come.

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Watercolor Place Cards

These hand-calligraphed, watercolor place cards inject a colorful fluidity to any tablescape. Luxe details like the array of rich jewel tones and gilded edges with a burnished feel give these delicate seat assignments an exquisitely high-end look.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $2.75

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Bamboo Lanterns

Bamboo lanterns add tons of texture and persona to any theme without bringing in an overpowering presence. Their neutral coloring blends with just about any color palette. "I immediately think of a tiki-inspired theme," says Johnson. "Lots of tropical floral accents and ferns."

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Glass Placeholder Vases (Set of 6)

These adorable placeholder vases are the perfect two-in-one. Deftly denote each guest's seating assignment and provide a personal floral arrangement of a sweet single bloom at each setting. Now take a step back and visualize the entire length of a table sprouting with these tender flowers.

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Dried Lagurus Bunch

Who amongst us doesn't have fond childhood memories filled with these fuzzy stems? Lagurus grass, or “bunny tails,” as most of us know them, inject a delightfully charming and playful aesthetic to any rustic theme. Plus, you'll be reminded of all those precious moments of youthful joy.

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Custom Calligraphy Agate Place Cards

Agate Placecards, Natural Agate Slices — PicturaandPoesis / Etsy

With their saturated earth tones and dimensional, natural veining agate décor pieces can inject both glamour and a raw, eclectic vibe to any wedding centerpiece. These hand-calligraphed agate place cards will make a serious statement for any place setting.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $4

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Hingham Lazy Susan

An elevated cake stand, dessert pedestal, and super pragmatic lazy Susan all in one. Made of rich mango wood and detailed with raw features like natural cracks and an organically undulating shape, this piece is the ultimate in rustic refinement.

SHOP NOW: Anthropologie, from $68

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Rattan Lantern

Rattan decorative accents are a great way to add texture without weighing down a look. Their neutral tones and airy structures are ideal for any rustic, boho, garden party, beach-themed, or nature-inspired celebrations. These gorgeous rattan lanterns while quite literally lighten up any space and set an inviting scene.

SHOP NOW: Anthropologie, from $58

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Preserved Hydrangea Bunch

For a more sophisticated injection of color, opt for a dusty take on sorbet colors versus bright arrays that may appear jarring. Hydrangeas are an optimal choice for adding texture with their large, fluffy appearance and long stems. "Big clusters of these lining the runner of the table," suggests Johnson. "Or, maybe just on their own to create impact!"

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Geometry Hurricane

Ambient lighting sets the mood for your wedding reception and acts as the real-life filter that makes everyone look their very best. These contemporary hurricanes with a geometric edge will bathe your tablescapes in a flood of soft blue and amber glow, creating a warm setting for your guests to unwind.

SHOP NOW: Anthropologie, from $38

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Sea Glass Place Cards

Nautical nuptials need not be cliché. These charming sea glass place cards come in an array of natural colors and add just enough coastal inspiration to any setting.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $3.50

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Double Hinge Picture Frame

Picture frames are a super versatile when it comes to table décor. They are a great way to inject some sentiment to a tablescape by scattering photos of loved ones on their special day or showcasing some of your centerpiece florals in a creative way. We love the double-hinged design of this particular frame for its romantically vintage aesthetic, almost resembling a locket necklace.

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Square Top Marble Cake Stand

Your wedding cakes, or assortment of delectable desserts, deserve to be showcased, and what better way then to set them atop a pedestal like the prizes that they truly are. We love the juxtaposition of modern and rustic, hard and soft elements of this minimalist cake stand. Featuring a marble top and acacia wood base, the style seamlessly blends into a wide range of wedding themes.

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Fitz & Floyd Indigo Trestle Goblets (Set of 4)

Deep, vibrant blues add so much personality and pop to a table setting, and stemware is the perfect way to incorporate a restrained dose of the color without going for a total-look. And if your festivities are waterfront, the décor will seamlessly blend with the magnificent vista before you. "I see incorporating different shades of blues in foliage and florals to tie it in," says Johnson.

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Preserved Lavender Bunch

Add some French flair to your wedding centerpieces with some oh-so fragrant lavender accents. Fill up mason jars and line them down the center of a long table for a fluid, rustic display. Scrape the dried petals into aromatic satchels for take-home favors. Or, simply tuck a single sprig into each place setting, or set in a bud vase, for a restrained and sophisticated touch.

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Slate Place Cards

We've seen place cards created from stones and rocks in the past, but slate has a relatively refreshing look about it. Contemporary and raw, these hand-lettered, slate place cards from BirchandQuill Calligraphy add a natural elegance to any tablescape. Their look is quite versatile, easily blending with any minimalist, modern, rustic, or organic décor themes.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, $2.25

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Dappled Sky Vase

Low vases are the way to go to ensure that guests can actually see one another from across the table. These mercury glass renditions make the perfect table topper to highlight your flowers and add some extra pizazz. For a DIY wedding table decoration, you can even convert your vases into table markers.

SHOP NOW: BHLDN, from $4

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Stella Bamboo Lantern

These lanterns err on the larger side, but we think they would be stunning dispersed throughout long, king's tables or banquet tables. Or, set them on the ground at each end of the table, anchoring a cascading runner and acting as a glowing table marker. For an aerial effect, suspend them from a lush floral canopy hanging above the table itself.

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Bleached Ruscus Bunch

Bleached ruscus bunches are quintessentially bridal with their soft shades of ivory and frilly-yet-delicate texture that is oh-so playful. "I envision lots of dried bits to be paired with this," says Johnson. "Maybe some mauve tones in big round blooms to tie it in."

SHOP NOW: Terrain, $28

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Blue Quartz Place-Card Holder

In the mystic world, blue quartz is a powerful healer of negative energies and acts as a calming agent by absorbing the negativity. Ensure that your nuptial celebration will be free of any spiritual blocks with these minimalist, blue quartz place-card holders from HelloPosh. Use them to hold paper place cards or get creative by placing polaroids of your guests instead.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $8.50

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Black Taper Candles (Set of 12)

Don't think that you're limited to traditional ivory candles by any means, or even soft, feminine shades for that matter. Serve up some serious drama with a bevy of black taper candles to instantly elevate any dining scene. For a sexy opulence, nestle the tapers into antique brass candleholders and set atop bare tables, laden with moody florals in sensual hues of scarlets, mauves, and pinks.

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Vintage-Inspired Amber Water Goblets (Set of 6)

Nothing creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere quite like a golden glow, and that's exactly what you'll get when the sunlight hits this glassware. Warm amber, saffron, and sunflower-hues bring in a sumptuous richness to any theme whether it be boho and eclectic or opulent and luxurious. "My mind immediately jumps to using tans, browns, rust elements, and flowers with these," says Johnson.

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Glass Hurricane Tubes

Add an air of glamour to your wedding centerpiece décor by sheathing long, elegant taper candles in tall hurricane tubes. The transparent casings won't stifle the light but will actually provide a reflective surface for the beams to bounce off of. On the more pragmatic end of the spectrum, the glass protects the flames from getting blown out and ensuring an all-night glow.

SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $15

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Manzanita Candelabra

We love the romantic allure of a contemporary candelabra. Consider this a one and done wedding table decoration, and make it the dominant focal point of the table. Pick candles of any color to complement your venue and color palette.

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Natural Stone on Stand Objects

Get metaphysical with your wedding centerpiece ideas. Channel some spiritual energy into your nuptial fête and ensure that your foray into married life starts off right. It will set the tone for the rest of your life, after all. Decorate your tables with a scattering of natural quartz stones, geodes, or crystals prettily displayed on gilded stands.

SHOP NOW: West Elm, from $70

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Ekho Design Goblet Terra Cotta Planter

"Immediately my mind goes to a Puerto-Vallarta-inspired tablescape with some tropical foliage and big, round blooms," explains Johnson. "Terra cotta is so versatile though, you can equally incorporate it into so much. Large, English garden roses and richness can feel absolutely delicious, too!"

SHOP NOW: Bloomist, from $35

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Glass Votives

Glass votives of creamy pillar candles are a centerpiece staple. But there are many ways to breathe new life to the classic design. Fill the votives with water and add a floating candle at the top that mimics the width of the opening. Complement a vivacious floral arrangement of bright blooms with pillar candles in the same bold hues. For a desert theme, fill the vessels with sand and top with succulents.

SHOP NOW: West Elm, from $25

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Mason Flatware in Gunmetal

Flatware finishes can make a huge impact on table décor. Black may seem far from traditional, but a matte finish can actually provide a welcomed contrast to the soft and airy nature of most wedding themes. When paired with a mix of neutral palettes and natural textures, the soft inkiness can serve as an anchor and provide a much-needed grounding.

SHOP NOW: Pottery Barn, from $50

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French Kitchen Marble Fruit Bowl

Why not literally put your centerpiece displays on a pedestal? Transform a footed fruit bowl into a visual masterpiece by artfully assembling an array of fruits, flowers, and decorative objects. This ultra-cool marble bowl is a statement piece on its own but with the addition of a few golden pears, ruby red pomegranates, and autumnal leaves it becomes the the finishing touch to any fall tablescape. Or, line with moss and top with stems of greenery and berries for an enchanted-forest feel.

SHOP NOW: Crate&Barrel, $49.95

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Natural Reindeer Moss

Moss makes for a stunning, organic foundation to your arrangements, as a natural table runner, or to pad bowls or votives and arrange decorative objects on top of. "I see lots of deconstructed plants clustered along the runner of the table, utilizing the moss as the 'dirt' to transition it on the main table," says Johnson.

SHOP NOW: Bloomist, $12

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Chinoiserie Bud Vase

Clustered vases offer a creative spin on the single centerpiece. The style is perfect for adding an eclectic mix of dimension, depth, color, and texture. While there are a myriad of ways to go about building a centerpiece stack, these porcelain chinoiserie bud vases offer a truly elegant approach. With traditional floral illustrations in vivid colors, you can dress your entire reception with bursts of something blue.

SHOP NOW: Terrain, from $32

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Iron Candle Dish

Iron can often make for a very heavy visual accent, but the beautiful aging of this piece has an ancient softness about it. While gorgeous on its own as a minimalistic industrial-chic addition, we also see a blank canvas of opportunity for deep, sumptuous florals in scarlets and burgundies. The depth and texture of the scintillating flowers paired with the warm glow of the flames creates a comforting, romantic scene.

SHOP NOW: Terrain, from $38

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Handmade Fruit Basket

Vases always get all the attention when it comes to floral arrangements, but let's not completely discount the humble basket. This handmade, banana fiber fruit basket has the perfect shape (wide yet shallow, with high sides) for a bountiful display. Pile up a heap of colorful blooms for a wild, foraged aesthetic that's right out of a fairy tale, or neatly stack long-stemmed flowers for a fresh-from-the-garden vibe.

SHOP NOW: H&M, $29.99

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Godinger Silver Copper Revere Mug

Copper elements instantly bring in warmth and a comforting, rustic aesthetic to any venue. We especially love them paired with vibrant, warm-toned hues like bright pink, happy blossoms or muted cacti. "My mind instantly goes to big, round rooms and minimal greenery," says Johnson. "Think: rich and luxe."

SHOP NOW: Houzz, $38.99

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Preserved Palm Frond Bunch

Palm fronds have seen quite the resurgence in tropical, bohemian, desert-inspired, or beach-themed wedding décor and we couldn't be more pleased. The spiky leaves add a wild texture and sculptural feel to any centerpiece style while the natural colors effortlessly blend into any range of palettes from neutral to bold.

SHOP NOW: Terrain, $24

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Small Marble Bowl

Small bowls, like this marble stunner, are a great way to simultaneously add personality and functionality to your table décor. Fill with rose water and floating petals for a luxurious finger bowl at each place setting. Or, add nuts and small snacks to keep guests satiated between servings. For an impactful visual statement, create individual flower arrangements or nestle just one saucer-sized bloom inside each one and scatter down the length of a banquet table.

SHOP NOW: H&M, $24.99

Your Guide to Every Type of Wedding Centerpiece