How to Make a Simple Inexpensive Centerpiece for Your Wedding

Beachfront wedding setup with floral centerpieces, white canopy, ocean view.

Congratulations on getting engaged! In preparation for one of the biggest days of your life, you may be thinking about a simple inexpensive centerpiece for your wedding.

Flowers are an essential part of your wedding decorations. They signify growth, youth and fertility as you and your partner start your new life together. Rather than paying for a florist, you can make your own flower centerpieces for a fraction of the cost. Doing it yourself can also make your decorations feel more personalized to you.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make your own floral design for your special day. Whether you want simple, inexpensive centerpieces or you have grand designs in mind, we’ve got you covered.

Floral Centerpieces for Spring Weddings

For spring weddings, there are plenty of beautiful flowers that are usually in season. Here are some popular options and tips on how to mix them to make lovely floral centerpieces:

1. Peonies

Peonies are luxurious, full flowers that bloom in colors of white, blush, pink, and coral. Try mixing peonies with other spring blooms for a romantic and classy centerpiece. They go particularly well with roses, ranunculus, and tulips.

2. Tulips

Tulips are available in many different hues, representing the arrival of spring. You can craft a centerpiece by grouping tulips together based on their colors. Or, you can mix different shades to add dimension to your floral design.

3. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are large flowers available in white, blue, pink, and purple hues. Use hydrangeas as the main flower in your centerpiece and pair them with delicate filler flowers like baby’s breath or wax flowers.

4. Ranunculus

Ranunculus have layers of delicate petals in white, pink, orange or yellow shades. Combine spring flowering ranunculus with greenery like eucalyptus or ferns for a fresh centerpiece that adds a splash of color.

5. Lilacs

Lilacs are lovely flowers that bloom in shades of purple, lavender, and white. Make a charming centerpiece by mixing lilacs with other blossoms such as freesias, sweet peas, and daisies.

Tips for Blending Flowers

Before you can think about blending different flowers, you need to think of your color theme. You may have thought of this already, or you may need to go to the drawing board. Think of a color that will compliment your theme and existing decor.

Some spring wedding color scheme ideas include:

  • Pastels
  • Lush Greens
  • Blues
  • Lavender

Once you have a color palette in mind, you can experiment with different heights and textures. This will make your simple wedding centerpieces more appealing. To give your flowers more dimension, add greenery like ferns or ivy.

Evening outdoor table with flowers, centerpieces, candlelight, crystal stemware.

Simple Inexpensive Centerpiece Ideas for Summer Weddings

Summer wedding displays are all about vibrant colors reflecting the heat of the season. Let’s look at visually stunning flowers available for the summer season and how you can turn them into a simple inexpensive centerpiece.

1. Roses

With their wide array of colors, roses are timeless and versatile flowers that are ideal for summer weddings. Mix different shades of roses, like peach, coral, and cream, to create a romantic and sophisticated centerpiece. Enhance the beauty of roses by pairing them with greenery like eucalyptus, ferns or rosemary to add texture and depth.

2. Dahlias

Known for their large size and vibrant hues, dahlias offer a diverse selection of colors and shapes. Make an impressive centerpiece by combining different types of dahlias in shades spanning from pink to orange to burgundy. So the centerpiece has dimension, use smaller blooms like daisies and asters alongside the dahlias.

3. Sunflowers

Representing joy and sunshine, sunflowers are perfect for the summer season. Make sunflowers the focal point of your centerpiece, surrounded by filler flowers like solidago, feverfew, or baby’s breath. For a rustic touch inspired by nature, include elements like wheat or burlap in your floral arrangement. Craft elegant flower arrangements with these Ikebana Flower Arranging Kit.

4. Zinnias

Zinnias are cheerful flowers known for their vivid hues that span across a variety of colors. Fashion a lively centerpiece by blending zinnias in shades ranging from red to orange to yellow and pink. To soften the boldness of zinnias, complement them with foliage like dusty miller or lamb’s ear.

5. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most romantic flowers, with a calming scent and light purple hue. This is a wonderful choice for infusing a hint of romance into your centerpiece. Combine lavender with aromatic herbs such as rosemary or mint to create a fragrant and botanical centerpiece. Include gentle purple blooms like lisianthus or delphinium to complement the lavender.

Romantic pink roses with soft focus, gentle elegance, perfect for a wedding centerpiece.

Tips for Combining Summer Flowers

Incorporate hints of grasses or wheat for a natural yet rustic appeal. Here are some tips for your wedding decorations. Choose colors that match the season and go well with your wedding theme.

Keep the size and shape of your vases in mind when setting up your centerpieces. Use a mix of focal flowers, filler flowers, and greenery to achieve a balanced-looking floral centerpiece. Collaborate with your florist to pick flowers that are in season and can withstand the summer temperatures.

Simple Wedding Centerpieces for Fall Weddings

Fall weddings provide a beautiful array of warm colors and textures. Therefore, it’s the ideal time to design gorgeous floral centerpieces. Here are some types of flowers that are commonly in season during the autumn months and some ideas on how to blend them to create simple wedding centerpieces:

1. Roses, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums

During autumn, roses, dahlias, and chrysanthemums are popular flower choices that are easily accessible. Combine these blossoms in deep, warm tones like rich reds, oranges, and golden yellows to create a centerpiece that suits an Autumn wedding. Mix different sizes and shapes of flowers to add layers and visual interest to your display.

2. Sunflowers and Marigolds

Sunflowers and marigolds are iconic blooms that embody the spirit of fall with their vibrant hues and cheerful appearance. To design a rustic centerpiece, try pairing sunflowers with marigolds in shades of yellow, orange, and rust. For a harvest-inspired look, add touches of dried wheat or decorative grasses.

3. Autumn Leaves and Berries

Infuse your centerpieces with autumn leaves and berries for a natural yet textured aesthetic. Incorporate foliage such as maple leaves, oak leaves, and eucalyptus to build a lush green backdrop for your arrangement. Introduce bursts of color with berries like hypericum, viburnum, or rose hips for a festive flair.

4. Ranunculus and Anemones

Ranunculus and anemones are lovely flowers that bring a touch of sophistication to fall centerpieces. Opt for blossoms in deep jewel tones like burgundy, plum, and rich purple for an elegant appearance. Combine them with foliage such as dusty miller or lamb’s ear to create a gentle and romantic ambience.

Helpful Hints for Combining Autumn Flowers

When selecting your centerpiece design, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding. Embrace the autumnal spirit by including seasonal elements like foliage, berries, and pumpkins. Play around with various textures and heights to create visually captivating arrangements. Collaborate with your florist to choose flowers that are currently in season and will flourish during the fall climate. Choosing seasonal flowers will also be a cheaper option.

Cheap Centerpieces for Winter Weddings

Winter weddings bring a special charm with their warm and inviting vibe, perfect for adding festive elements. Here are some popular winter flowers and ideas on how you can combine them to create stunning yet cheap centerpieces:

1. Roses, Tulips and Ranunculus

Timeless flowers like roses, tulips, and ranunculus are readily available during the winter season. Combine them in classic white or ivory shades to create an elegant and sophisticated centerpiece. Enhance the arrangement with green accents like pine branches or eucalyptus for a touch of winter magic.

2. Poinsettias and Amaryllis

Poinsettias and amaryllis are iconic blooms that embody the holiday spirit. Design a festive centerpiece by showcasing vibrant red or white poinsettias as the focal point of your display. Pair them with amaryllis flowers in complementary hues to achieve a bold and captivating centerpiece.

3. Evergreen Foliage and Berries

Infuse your centerpieces with natural beauty by combining evergreen branches and berries for a rustic look. Utilize foliage such as pine, cedar, or juniper to create a lush green base for your arrangement. Introducing splashes of color with berries like holly, viburnum, or winterberry will add extra festive flair.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas and orchids are sophisticated blooms that add a touch of luxury to winter centerpieces. Opt for flowers in soft hues like white, cream, or pale blue to achieve an elegant and refined look. Arranging these flowers in a compact centerpiece with frosted pinecones or metallic ornaments will introduce an added touch of glamour.

Pink hydrangea bouquet in white vase, elegant wedding centerpiece.

Tips for Combining Winter Flowers

Consider your wedding’s overall theme when selecting your centerpiece design. Think about combining seasonal elements like evergreens, berries, and pinecones to enhance the ambience of your winter wedding. Play around with different textures and heights to add visual appeal to your floral arrangements.

Cheap Centerpiece Ideas

Looking for cheap centerpiece ideas that will still impress your guests? You can easily achieve this by tapping into your creative skills and being resourceful. Below are some cheap centerpiece ideas that can help you keep costs low while still making a fantastic impression:

1. Elegant Candlelight

Arrange clusters of budget-friendly pillar candles or tea lights on mirrored or glass plates. You can improve the ambience by surrounding the candles with scattered petals, pinecones, or hints of greenery. This will bring a touch of romance and sophistication to your special day.

2. Mason Jar Blooms

Collect mason jars or repurposed glass containers and fill them with seasonal blooms or wildflowers. If you’re after a rustic wedding, add charm by tying ribbons or twine around the jar openings. Create an appealing centerpiece by grouping multiple jars on each table’s center or lining them along a runner.

3. Fruits and Flowers

Add inexpensive fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, or apples into your centerpieces. You can arrange your fruits in bowls or vases alongside fresh flowers to create a lively yet budget-friendly centerpiece. Add charm with ceramic vases and beautify your space effortlessly.

Wedding centerpiece: apples in bowl with red rose bouquet backdrop.

4. Building Terrarium Gardens

Make small terrarium gardens using glass jars, succulents, and tiny pebbles or sand. Arrange the succulents in the jars and include decorative elements such as small figurines or pretty rocks. Terrariums are both cost-effective and serve as distinctive centerpieces that guests can keep as souvenirs.

Final Words

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Making your own floral centerpieces is a great way to save some cash and infuse a unique charm into your special day.

No matter the season you’re tying the knot in, there are countless ways to craft gorgeous centerpieces that showcase your personal style.  By tapping into your creativity, you can make stunning floral displays that will captivate your guests.

Find more useful information in our comprehensive guide about plant displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions on making your wedding centerpieces.

When is the Best Time to Start Preparing My Wedding Centerpieces?

You should start planning your wedding centerpieces a few months before. Use this time to do your research and figure out where you’re getting your flowers from. Practice is also important. You don’t want to leave your arrangements until the day before.

Depending on what flowers you decide to choose, you need to consider whether they’re in season and if you can order them in advance.

What are Some Budget-friendly Ways to Create floral Centerpieces For a Wedding?

To keep costs down, you should think about using a blend of fresh flowers and greenery. Adding nonfloral elements like candles, lanterns, or branches can also give your centerpieces added appeal while staying on budget.

Consider saving money by getting flowers locally or choosing blooms that are in season, so they’re easier to find.

How Can I Make Sure My Wedding Centerpieces Stay Fresh Throughout the Event?

To ensure your centerpieces stay fresh all day long, make sure they are hydrated using floral foam or water-filled containers. Try arranging them as close to the wedding date as possible to avoid wilting. In addition, keep them away from direct sunlight or drafts that could cause them to wilt faster.

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