There are many decisions a couple must make while planning their wedding. From the venue and bouquets to the dinner menu, a lot of thought goes into every detail of the wedding. While the ceremony is the focal point for most couples on their wedding day, the reception tends to be the most anticipated part of the evening.

Aside from the food, drinks and entertainment, a key element to a memorable reception is the décor. Florals, table linens and centerpieces are just a few of the instrumental decorations that truly set the tone for the night ahead. Some might think table décor is tacky and useless, but it plays an important role in creating a fun, party atmosphere for the couple and their guests.

If you are currently planning your wedding, don’t forget to consider your wedding centerpieces. While wedding planners might share a few key elements with you for designing a wedding centerpiece, there really are no set rules. Your table centerpieces can be whatever you’d like them to be — elegant, statement pieces or subtle, “less-is-more” arrangements.

Why Are Wedding Centerpieces Important?

Regardless of the type of wedding, guests will likely find themselves seated at their assigned table throughout the reception. If they do get up from their chair, they are likely grabbing a drink from the bar, congratulating the couple or hitting the dance floor. When they are sitting, they are looking at what’s in front of them — the table.

Table centerpieces help create a celebratory ambiance and may even be an expression of the couple’s own personalities. They provide guests with a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy the night’s festivities and socialize with other attendees.

Elements and Materials to Add to Your Wedding Centerpieces

• Florals
• Burlap
• Candles
• Mirrors
• Vases
• Floating lights or votive candles
• Table numbers
• Greenery
• Crystals
• Decorative jars
• Fruit
• Tealights
• Photographs
• Terrariums
• Wooden boxes
• Fabrics or table runners
• And more!

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Centerpieces

Aside from what your centerpieces will look like, you should also consider the following:

1. How much do you want to spend? You will likely allocate a portion of your wedding budget to your décor. Set a budget for your wedding centerpieces and do your best to stick to it. A florist or event planner may be able to provide guidance on creating compelling centerpieces on a budget.
   
   
2. How many tables will you have at the reception? This will depend on the number of guests on your list. Make sure you nail down just how many tables you’ll need to seat your friends and family so you can have an accurate number to give your wedding planner, florist or whoever is designing your table centerpieces.
   
   
3. Do you want your guests to be able to see the dance floor? If you plan to spend a lot of time on the dance floor, your guests will likely need to be able to see the activities taking place (i.e., first dance, bouquet toss, etc.) If this is the case, stay away from tall vases and large floral arrangements as those will obstruct their view.
   
   
4. Are you having your reception indoors or outdoors? This is very important to consider because some elements of a centerpiece may not hold up to the heat or cold if the reception is outside.
   
   
5. Will the reception space be dark? Some indoor (even outdoor) venues may not have adequate lighting to create the desired ambiance while still providing guests with ample light to dine. If this is the case, you may want to consider adding a string of fairy lights or a festive candle display to your centerpieces.

Host Your Perfect Wedding at CrystalView in Fairfax, Virginia



From aisle decorations to reception lighting, our wedding décor specialists at CrystalView work hard to provide elegant and tasteful wedding decorations for couples looking to get married in the Virginia and Washington D.C. area. We offer an array of floral design services, premium linens and quality tableware for all your table setting needs.

We invite you to schedule a tour of our venue to learn more about our services and amenities.