Wedding receptions are as unique and varied as the couples who plan them. But there’s at least one thing all receptions have in common: centerpieces. You’ll want something in the center of each table — whether you’re planning a classic reception, a rustic reception, a vintage reception, or a completely unconventional and unique reception.

With a little help from our friends at Botanica Flowers, we’ve come up with seven different ideas for floral centerpieces, which run the gamut from simple and timeless ivory hydrangeas to ornate and over-the-top brightly colored masterpieces.

SEVEN SIMPLE & STUNNING FLORAL CENTERPIECES

1. CLASSIC BLUSH

“My colors are blush and bashful.”

“Her colors are pink and pink.”

If you’ve never seen Steel Magnolias, please stop what you’re doing and go watch it. It’s OK. We’ll wait.

Hey, welcome back! Good movie, right? You’re welcome. And, for the record, Shelby’s wedding colors were so much more than “pink and pink.”

There are seemingly infinite shades of pink — but the most popular will always be “blush.” (For example, Steel Magnolias came out in 1989, but that color is still going strong!)

PRO TIP:

Let your gorgeous bouquet do double-duty. Since you’re already spending the money on them anyway… get more bang-for-your-buck by using your and your bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces! Your reception venue can place empty vases on each table (or along the head table) with just a few inches of water in the bottom. Then, when you arrive at the venue for the reception, your bridesmaids can place their bouquets into said vases after they’ve made their grand entrance!

BONUS POINTS:

Nothing says “wedding” more than an array of pastel pink garden roses.

2. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT!

The best way to add drama and flair to your reception space are with sky-high centerpieces. Check out these lovely hydrangea arrangements that Botanica created for our co-owner’s recent reception. And you’ll notice that the base of the vase is clear — so even though the centerpieces are super tall, your guests can still see the person sitting directly across from them and carry on a conversation.

PRO TIP:

Can’t decide which kind of centerpiece you like best? You don’t have to! Feel free to mix-and-match your centerpieces, as long as they all maintain the same general look and feel. Going every-other table — alternating between tall centerpieces and shorter, complimentary versions — looks great in any venue. And it’ll probably save you a little money too!

BONUS POINTS:

Our favorite part about this table arrangement is the gold “sparkler” table linen from Got Ya Covered.

3. BABY’S BREATH

Yep! Baby’s breath… with just a little twine, burlap, and a few sprigs. So simple, yet so genius. These light and airy centerpieces look amazingly romantic, especially in a rustic venue. And they’re incredible affordable.

PRO TIP:

Votives, votives, and more votives. And just when you think you have enough votives, buy a dozen more. If your centerpieces are simple like this, there’s no such thing as too many candles. Any extras can be placed around the cake table, the cocktail area, even the restrooms. Everyone loves the look of candlelight — and everyone looks gorgeous in candlelit.

BONUS POINTS:

Notice the whiskey barrel? As you might know, La Navona has more than a dozen whiskey barrels here in-house as part of our elegantly rustic décor.

4. IT’S NOT EASY BEIN’ GREEN

In most bouquets and centerpieces, the flowers are the rock stars, with little pieces of greenery playing the role of mere back-up singer. But look how incredible this centerpiece looks! And it’s mostly just greenery. The beauty is in its simplicity. A little lace, a wooden table number… done. Succulents can create a similar look — though the popular desert plant gives off more of a rustic vibe than the tall, airy greens pictured here.

PRO TIP:

Our favorite greenery is eucalyptus. It’s tall, it’s flowy, and it’s such a pretty shade of grayish green. And it smells divine. Eucalyptus scents are known to be quite soothing and calming… which is perfect for your wedding day!

BONUS POINTS:

We love, love, LOVE the use of the milk vases here. So romantic, so classy, so timeless.

5. CANDELABRAS, BABY!

Candelabras are another type of sky-high centerpiece, which looks incredibly elegant and will elevate any event space. Most couples opt to rent them as opposed to buying them — since they can be expensive, and what the heck are you going to do with a dozen candelabras after the wedding? This look does have a tendency to veer into over-the-top territory, so we recommend using floral pieces either on the candelabra with candles below, or vice versa.

PRO TIP:

Less is more… and it’s so true in this example. Sometimes it’s easy to overdo it when it comes to centerpieces. And with something as dramatic as a candelabra, you’ll want to avoid going overboard with setting up much else on the table, décor-wise.

BONUS POINTS:

Those tall, mercury glass votive holders are to die for. And the eclectic, mismatched look (using three different shapes of candle holders) actually works here.

6. LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Lanterns! We. Love. Lanterns. And this one is so simple but so pretty. The wooden crate adds a touch of rustic charm, and the pop of color looks perfect tucked into that little corner. This one single centerpiece seamlessly ties together all of the elements of good bridal décor: pinks and ivorys, woods and metals, and candlelight, candlelight, candlelight.

PRO TIP:

Websites like Tradesy and Ruffled are basically the eBay of wedding décor. Recent brides can recycle their wedding décor—and you can pick up some amazing items in practically brand-new condition for a huge savings. It’s great for things like lanterns, crates, chargers, table numbers, etc. Happy shopping!

BONUS POINTS:

Notice the generous use of greenery here? We’re thinking someone might’ve read #4.

7. COLOR CAN STILL BE CLASSIC

Burgundy, peach, purple, ivory, green, lavender… why, yes, all of those colors DO go together! They coordinate flawlessly. This bold, bright color palette is the polar opposite of traditional white, ivory and blush… and it’s just stunning. The candle holders are incorporated into the centerpiece, making the whole thing sparkle and shine.

PRO TIP:

Flowers are like produce: Whenever possible, choose what’s in season. If you’re married to a certain color palate but not a certain flower, then give your florist the freedom to choose what works best and what’s most abundant at the time. It’s the law of supply and demand; the more plentiful the stem, the less expensive it’ll be for your florist to procure.

BONUS POINTS:

We adore that this centerpiece is resting on a table linen that’s something other than white or ivory. The soft sage green works perfectly here and plays off the colors of the blooms.

For more ideas on how to choose the perfect floral centerpieces, contact La Navona today and speak to our professional wedding coordinators. We’re happy to help! And our partner vendors, Botanica Flowers and Got Ya Covered Linens, are available to assist with all your floral or event-décor needs.