20 DIY Centerpiece Ideas Perfect for Rustic Weddings

DIY adds a personal touch, a subtle charm, and a hint of love to anything! Rusticism, meanwhile, embraces the beauty of natural elements, simple textures, and a vintage vibe that feels romantically timeless and a bit nostalgic. 

 It's no wonder many people are opting for a rustic wedding with DIY pieces—it's the perfect blend of love and simplicity. Rustic centerpieces are particularly popular to DIY because there are so many possibilities (and many are budget-friendly!).  

Here's everything to know about DIY rustic wedding table centerpieces, along with DIY ideas, tips and tricks:

What is a Rustic Wedding Theme: The Truth

So, what is a rustic wedding theme, like, really?

True rusticism is an ode to a beautiful countryside, a majestic mountain top, Mother Nature herself, or a simpler time. To qualify as a rustic wedding, your design elements need only to support that sentiment

Photo by @amongthepinesphoto

Rustic wedding themes have always been around, and they're more popular than ever. Despite its emphasis on days past, nostalgia, and simple living, rusticism has continued to evolve.

This means if you'd rather avoid Mason Jars and twine, you can still have a full-on rustic shindig. Remember, it's your wedding, and any materials you don't love don't belong.

What do I need to make DIY wedding centerpieces?

Crafting DIY rustic centerpieces for your wedding can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are the basic tools and equipment you'll need for DIY success:

Tools & Equipment:

• Flowers & Greenery: Ling's DIY Flower Boxes come with high-quality blooms and greenery that are beautiful, durable, and come in different colors and designs to suit your wedding theme.

• Floral Foam: Easy to find at your local craft or hardware store, floral foam helps to hold your design in place and adds structure. It can also be used to provide stability for taller arrangements.
• Craft Shears: For trimming flower stems and greenery.
• Floral Tape & Wire: Useful for securing flowers and embellishments.

• Decorative Accents: Think of ribbons or lace, candles, beads, pearls, or rustic elements for added charm.

These are the basics you'll need for most DIY rustic centerpiece tutorials... speaking of which, check out Ling's DIY tutorials.

20 DIY Rustic Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Ready to get rustic? From our creative heart to yours, here are 20 ideas for beautifully rustic DIY centerpieces:

Mason Jars

You knew these would be somewhere on the list! Mason jars are synonymous with rustic wedding decor and DIY projects of all kinds.

Make it easy by filling the jars with wildflowers, greenery, or a blend of both for an instantly rustic centerpiece. Add a dash of color with tulle or, sprinkle in some romance with lace, or make it extra personal with rustic jar labels or decals.

Wildflower Arrangements

Loving and expressive, raw and authentic, wildflowers are a natural choice for a rustic wedding. Wildflower bouquets typically feature a mix of muted blooms and grasses put together in an unstructured, free-flowing arrangement. Display them in vintage or antique jars, rustic crates, or simple glass vases, and make them dazzle with bits of twine, burlap, ribbons, or lace.

If you love the just-picked-from-the-fields look, a wildflower arrangement is the perfect DIY rustic centerpiece idea for you.

Fairy or String Lights

Fairy lights are perfect for a fairytale rustic wedding. Weave them through strands of flowers and artfully arrange them in or around Mason Jars, glass lanterns, or any see-through container.

Candleholders Tied with Twine

Candleholders tied with twine exude an elegant yet rustic charm. Wrap Mason jars, wine bottles, or traditional glass candle holders with twine or hemp. Add a few sprigs of greenery or baby's breath to the look. These warm, glowing centerpieces will create a cozy, intimate ambiance for your ceremony.

Wooden Slices

Wooden slices are a quintessential element in DIY rustic wedding decor and make an affordable, easy-to-use, natural base for centerpieces. They can also elevate candles, vases, mirrors, or floral arrangements, adding a touch of wooden warmth to your tablescape.

Whether used as a base or simply as an extra touch of rustics, wooden slices bring earthy charms that perfectly complement any boho, barn, outdoor, or natural-based wedding.

Wooden Crates

Wood crating is typically used to ship or store freight, either overland or air. Wooden crates make it versatile and easy to incorporate rustic DIY centerpieces. Fill them with flowers, greenery, candles, or books for an antique touch. Stack them at different heights to pique visual interest.

Books

Few things are as quaint, charming, and nostalgic as a pile of well-loved books. You can borrow books from loved ones, pull from your collection, or hit up your local thrift shop.

When building your rustic DIY book centerpiece, consider picking complementary colors or titles (such as love stories, poems, etc.) and tying them together with ribbon or lace. You might embellish your stack further with framed family photos or some well-placed wildflowers on top.

Chalkboard Signs

Chalkboard signs are a fun way to personalize your centerpieces by writing table numbers or sweet messages. Signage adds a playful and customizable element to your wedding decor, blending seamlessly with a rustic theme.

Rustic Birdcages

Get elevated with a rustic birdcage centerpiece. Fill the cages with candles, fairy lights, flowers, or greenery to bring them back to earth. Using a birdcage as a centerpiece creates a whimsically rustic focal point for your tables.

Faux Birds' Nest

Curate a whimsical, fairytale feel with faux bird's nest centerpieces. Use natural materials like twigs, moss, and faux eggs to craft your nest. Weave in seasonal elements like autumn leaves for fall, evergreen branches for winter, greenery for spring, or sunflowers for a summer wedding.

Eclectic Mix of Jars

We love a good DIY rustic centerpiece idea that is also affordable! Pop into your local thrift, resale, or craft store to collect a mix-and-match of jars, vases, or glass bottles to flip into centerpieces. 

Look for containers in different but complementary colors, textures, and lengths. Dress them up with tea lights, twine, ribbon, potpourri, fruit, or other rustic table decor.

Terrariums

A dab of sand, a pinch of dirt, some pretty rocks and succulents, and wah-la: You now have yourself a terrarium version of a rustic DIY centerpiece! Terrariums come in all sizes, shapes, and finishes, so mix and match for the most rustic result.

Bonus: Let guests take home their tabletop terrariums as wedding souvenirs.

Antique Water Pitcher

Antique (or antique-looking) water pitchers are easy to find and make for perfect DIY rustic wedding decor. You can also take a new water pitcher, give it a rustic makeover with silver or gold leaf paper, or keep it simple with spray paint.

Teapots

Teapots as wedding centerpieces? Absolutely! Using vintage or mismatched teapots for your rustic wedding adds a touch of whimsy and charm. Imagine tables adorned with colorful, patterned teapots filled with wildflowers or delicate blooms.

Whether you source them from thrift stores or borrow from family collections, teapots can create an eclectic, intimate atmosphere. With teapots as centerpieces, your wedding will feel like an intimate, charming tea party in the countryside.

Bonus: Teapots not only make great centerpieces, but they also make great conversation starters.

Potted Plants

Potted plants are a fantastically easy choice for DIY rustic wedding centerpieces, adding a touch of nature to each table. Whether placed in terra cotta pots, painted containers, or wrapped in burlap, potted plants provide a charming, earthy vibe. Consider weaving faux flowers in for added greenery.

Whether you choose matching pots or mix and match for a more eclectic feel, potted plants are a simple, beautiful way to enhance your rustic theme.

Tree Branches

Twist branches together to form rustic DIY centerpieces that instantly remind us of the outdoors. You can also get on a longer branch that runs the length of the table and line it with fairy lights, twine, and other rustic fabulousness.

Pine Cones

If you're having a winter or fall wedding, pine cones are the perfect outdoor and seasonal element to bring your table to life.

For a winter wedding, dash in a little fake snow, red berries, an ornate silver mirror, or evergreen branches. For a fall ceremony, consider adding pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves, or acorns. Pine cones make incredible DIY rustic wedding decor!

Moss

Looking to add major enchanted forest vibes to your tablescape? Its soft texture and vibrant color create a calm woodland ambiance, perfect for a rustic centerpiece. Moss can be used to cover bases, fill in gaps between other decorations, or even form the main feature of the centerpiece. Its versatility allows it to work with candles, lanterns, or floral arrangements.

Wheat Bundles

Wheat bundles bring a natural rustic refinement to your wedding table. Simply gather stalks of wheat and tie them with burlap, twine, or ribbon for a straightforward yet stunning centerpiece. Wheat symbolizes prosperity and provides a lovely, earthy texture that complements any rustic wedding.

Corn and Corn Husks

Corn and corn husks make unique DIY rustic wedding decor, adding a touch of country charm. Dried corn can be used as a decorative accent in vases or arranged around candles for a warm, wholesome look. Corn is an easy DIY rustic centerpiece idea for those looking for a harvest-time feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are rustic weddings so popular?

Rustic weddings have always been in vogue, but they have gained popularity because of their emphasis on the beauty of nature and simplicity. They never seem to go out of style. A rustic aesthetic curates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

What is the difference between rustic and classic weddings?

While both are traditional yet trendy, rustic and classic weddings each have their charm.

Rustic weddings focus on organic elements, earthy tones and textures, and a low-key vibe.  The decor for this type of wedding is usually handmade or has a vintage or antique feel. It can include anything from boho-inspired clothing to minimal or outdoor venues and natural elements such as mirrors, wooden tables, and smaller floral arrangements.

Classic weddings, on the other hand, emphasize elegance and sophistication. They often include formal attire, grand venues, and refined decor such as crystal chandeliers, oversized tables, and large floral arrangements.

What is the difference between a boho and a rustic wedding?

Rustic leans heavily on the simplicity of nature, which is everything a couple loves about a laid-back country life. Picture wood, woven fabrics, muted or earthy colors, and simple decor. 

In general, a boho wedding theme is a rustic wedding theme with a heavy emphasis on whimsy. Think flowing fabrics, feminine colors, and unstructured, chic decor. Both themes are popular in venues like farms, barns, vineyards, and wineries.

What is the opposite of a rustic wedding?

The opposite of a rustic wedding would be a glamorous or extremely modern affair.  

In Ian and Miranda's industrial-styled wedding, from the bright-colored wedding florals to the brick walls. Instead of natural, earthy elements, modern or industrial weddings use sleek and refined decor, a monochromatic color palette, and geometric shapes.

Photo by  @emilyrosephotos

At Jen and Vinny's winter wedding, the glam button was turned all the way up. From fancy fur shawls to embellished seats, their decor was the opposite of rustic in every way.

Photo by  @karleemikkelsonphotography

Can you make your own rustic wedding centerpiece?

Absolutely, you can make your own rustic centerpiece! DIY rustic centerpieces are a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your decor. 

With a bit of imagination and some commonly found materials, you can craft beautiful pieces that reflect your love and capture your individual style. Check out our other unique rustic wedding ideas for more DIY inspo.

One Last Great Idea

Feeling inspired to create your very own DIY rustic wedding centerpieces? We love to see it! Ling's Moment is your go-to for high-quality faux flowers ideal for DIY projects. Browse our DIY flowers to find the perfect blooms for your next dream project.