By the time most brides start thinking about their centerpieces, most of the wedding and reception has already been planned and designed. Oftentimes, the centerpieces are either so over-the-top that you literally can’t see over the top of them, or there is just a candle or two, as if the couple forget about them until the last moment.

Find the perfect balance with these five easy tips for perfect wedding centerpieces:

 

Don’t make them too tall

Nothing is worse than sitting down at a table with a gigantic flower arrangement between you and the person across from you. It makes conversation awkward and you have to stand up to see anything else in the room. Give your top choices a test drive before making a final decision: Sit down at the table with a friend; if you can’t see each other, choose a different arrangement.

Keep it simple

It’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement and try to include everything in your centerpieces: candles, flowers, floating dishes, sea shells…. Keep it elegant and understated with one or two main elements. If you truly want floating gerbera daisies in a glass bowl and flower arrangements, don’t try to make them work together. Alternate them at every other table. Just make sure the color scheme stays the same to unify the room as a whole.

Be unconventional

Flowers are not your only option anymore for breathtaking centerpieces. Consider using seashells for a tropical wedding, branches and leaves for an autumn/winter wedding, or candles of different heights for a romantic affair. Not only will you surprise your guests with the unusual choice, you’ll probably find they are much less expensive than traditional floral arrangements.

Don’t lose the table numbers

Make sure the table numbers are clearly visible from a distance. If your arrangements make it hard for guests to find their table, you’ll likely have people choosing their own seats! This doesn’t mean the table number has to be the main focus. Just be sure to think about it when choosing your centerpieces. Consider elevating the numbers above the arrangements, if necessary.

Be kind to your guests with allergies

Avoid the awkwardness of having your guests sneeze through the best man’s toast – consider common allergies when ordering your centerpieces. Good options that are friendly to every nose include hydrangeas, orchids and irises. Ask your florist which ones to avoid to keep your guests happy. It’s one thing for them to cry over your vows, but another thing entirely to cry over your flowers!