The Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly DIY Table Centerpieces

Planning a wedding is nothing short of exciting, but we all know how quickly the costs can add up.

If you're searching for ways to stay within budget while still creating a beautiful atmosphere customized for your love, learning how to make your own table centerpiece is a great solution. Not only will DIY solutions help you save money, but they also give you the chance to customize your decor to fit your wedding style.

Our made-with-love guide will walk you through every last thing you need to know to design your own wedding floral centerpieces from start to finish:

How Much Do Wedding Centerpieces Cost?

Wedding Centerpieces will vary in cost depending on the design, flowers, and materials used. On average, couples spend anywhere from $540-$200 per table for professionally arranged centerpieces. If you've got your heart set on out-of-season florals or elaborate designs, that cost can skyrocket even further.

Considering that most weddings have between 8 and 15 tables, you could quickly find yourself with a centerpiece bill totaling thousands.

Good news: there is another way! By using your creative spirit and a DIY mindset, you can create masterpieces centerpieces (say that 3 times fast!) for a fraction of the price.

What are the best flowers to create a DIY wedding centerpiece with?

  • Pre-designed for DIY: Ling's Designer Flower Boxes come with everything you need to create ornate arrangements. Each Designer Flower Box includes different types of florals, along with greenery and matching embellishments, all in an expertly curated wedding color palette.
  • Versatile: Easily adjust florals and greenery for your DIY centerpiece without damaging or breaking them.
  • No season is off-season: Incorporate your favorite flower species into your DIY centerpiece in any season, any weather, anywhere.

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Wedding Centerpieces?

Remember: If this project doesn't excite you, it may not be for you.

While DIY'ing means you won't be paying for someone else to spend time making your designs, the cost of labor isn't actually eliminated. Instead, the price is passed onto you via hours of labor.

So, if DIY'ing your wedding centerpiece feels more stressful than fun, you may want to opt for Ling's Premade Wedding Centerpieces.

What Do You Need to Make a DIY Wedding Centerpiece?

Making your own wedding centerpiece doesn't need to break the bank. Here's a basic list of the most commonly used items for DIY centerpieces:

  • Your creative spirit. This is key!
  • Designer Flower Boxes
  • Greenery
  • Floral foam
  • Pliers
  • Scissors or craft shears

How Do You Create Your Own Wedding Centerpieces?

Now that you have gathered your supplies, it's time to have fun! The key to making DIY centerpieces is to plan a simple design and work in layers.

Here's a breakdown to guide you through the process:

  • Step 1: Choose Your Base
  • Start with a vase or container that fits your wedding theme. Popular choices include glass vases, rustic-friendly mason jars, acrylic holders, or metallic bowls for a modern touch.

  • Step 2: Arrange Your Focal Flowers
  • Choose your weapons—er, flowers. Select your focal flowers to be the stars of your centerpiece. Start by placing floral foam inside your base of choice, spacing them evenly throughout the arrangement.

  • Step 3: Add Greenery and Fillers
  • Next, add greenery or filler flowers to create a lush, full look around your focal flowers. Don't skip this step! Greenery adds texture and depth to your DIY centerpiece.

  • Step 4: Incorporate Accent Flowers
  • Erase any gaps in your design with smaller accent flowers. Feel free to add extra greenery along with your accent flowers for an ultra-lush look.

  • Step 5: Finish with Decorative Elements
  • Put the metaphorical cherry on top of your DIY centerpiece with candles, bows, ribbon, or other decorative embellishments. If you've decided to use clear vases, consider adding colorful pebbles, decorative beads, or craft rocks.

For a more in-depth look at how to create DIY wedding flower centerpieces, check out our full tutorial.

DIY Wedding Centerpiece FAQ

What Is the Most Popular Form of Centerpiece for Weddings?

Without a doubt, the most popular form of centerpiece for weddings is the traditional flower arrangement in an elegant voice.

Flowers bring color, texture, romance, and whimsy to any table setting, making them a timeless, fail-safe option. In recent years, nonfloral centerpieces like candles or Mason jars have grown in popularity.

DIY Kits For Centerpieces

Does Every Table Need a Centerpiece at a Wedding Reception?

Traditionally, every table at a wedding reception is adorned with a centerpiece, however, this rule is not set in stone. Many couples choose between smaller and larger centerpieces or have larger arrangements on select tables, such as the bride and groom's sweetheart table.

Centerpieces in Red Colors

How Do You Save Money on Wedding Centerpieces?

Here are a few clever ways to cut costs on your centerpieces:

  • Use high-quality faux flowers: Artificial flowers, especially premium silk flowers, look incredibly realistic and can be reused or repurposed after the wedding.
Artificial flowers in Dusty Blue & Navy
  • Repurpose from the Ceremony: See what flowers or arrangments from the ceremony can be easily repurposed at the reception.
Mini Premade Flower Centerpiece Set in Dusty Rose & Navy
  • Keep it simple: Go for simple or minimalistic arrangements to keep costs down and avoid overcomplicating the DIY process.

What Can You Use Instead of a Table Centerpiece?

If you want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of centerpiece alternatives to choose from:

  • Candles: A literal glow-up!
Glass Tealight Candle Holder
  • Mason Jars: Rustic Mason jars add rustic charm to any centerpiece.
  • Potted Plants or Succulents: Use (or borrow!) your fav houseplants or buy new ones that wedding guests can take home.

These are just a few of the most popular alternatives to the traditional centerpiece. For more ideas, read 14 Wedding Floral Centerpiece Ideas You’ll Love: Premade & DIY

Bring it Back Around

Creating your own DIY wedding centerpieces is a fun, budget-friendly way to personalize your big day.

Check out Ling's TikTok or YouTube for even more inspiration.


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