Little vases, big impact: How to make the most of bud vase centerpieces
- Irene Likoudis
- Jan 4
- 4 min read
What makes a bud vase centerpiece such a popular choice for so many couples? I would say it's the versatility. A bud vase has the capacity to create so many different looks, often while being an economical option for a centerpiece.
Not all bud vase centerpieces are created equally. Let's look at the many ways we've created impactful, unique bud vase centerpieces over the years.
Use a fancy table runner
Photo by Whitney Nichols Photography
In this wedding at Dano's Hueriger (now Silver Thread Winery), lace table clothes not only provided a striking backdrop against our cobalt blue bud vases, but they also complimented the textural wildflowers we chose for the vases. We also used a combination of large and small vases, so the arrangements could vary in size and thus create a more playful, fun look.
Incorporate different elements
Photo by Abigail Lynn Photography
For this midsummer wedding at Climbing Bines Hop Farm, our couple requested a delicate, earthy vibe for their centerpieces. We used the smallest bud vases, to fit just a few sprigs of baby's breath and Queen Anne's lace. Between the vases we sprawled out silver dollar eucalyptus, and floating candles in hurricane vases added a little warmth the the table. Beneath it all were white chiffon table runners.
Use what's in season
Photo by Ali Reed Photography
For this late-July wedding at The Seneca Ridge, our flowers are coming in hot in all colors, shapes and sizes, which was perfect for this wildflower-themed wedding. Using local, seasonal flowers is not only exciting because you will be surprised by what you see in your arrangements, but it's also a very eco-friendly option because these blooms are grown on site here, and grown 100% organically. This wedding also utilized edible flowers (such as bachelor buttons, lavender, sweet William, and snapdragons), as well as pressed flowers in the acrylic table number stands (which are available for rent by Black Bantam Florals).
Let candles work their magic
Photo by Kateri Connolly Photography
This mid-August wedding at the Wedding Barn in Wilseyville featured a densely-packed strip of bud vases and taper and votive candle holders at various heights. This helped fill in any extra space, and gave guests a lot of different details to enjoy. Before planning on using centerpieces that will go heavy on the candles, check with your venue first to make sure the candles can be lit, as the effect is not the same if the candles cannot be lit.
Go bold
Photo by Kateri Connolly Photography
If lots of color is your thing, try limiting the colors for your flowers, and having your vases, drink ware, and plates provide the rest of the color. In table settings such as this, consistency in the colors is important for creating cohesion. In this example, we used orange, hot pink, and purple flowers to provide the repetition necessary for making the table setting feel intentional and cohesive.
Try going monochromatic
Photo by Kateri Connolly Photography
If contrast and simplicity are your thing, try forgoing the flowers and stick with foliage. In this table setting, we used a combination of silver dollar and spiral eucalyptus. We used milk glass bud vases to add contrast to the foliage. To create a soft, feminine vibe, we focused on little details such as mismatched votive candle holders with green candles, lace table cloth and vintage plates with colors that wouldn't compete with our foliage.
Use a variety of heights and layers
Photo by Black Bantam Florals
You don't need a lot of ingredients or materials to make a big impact; layering different heights and elements will do the trick! This couple only wanted white flowers and green foliage, and made it go the extra mile by requesting votive and pillar candles and foliage. By having a low layer of assorted foliage (eucalyptus and ruscus), then another layer of low votive holders and small bud vases, followed by another layer of pillar candles and tall bud vases, we achieve a fuller centerpiece. Using layers gives texture as well as a line for the eyes to follow (think dot to dots), which ultimately makes it feel more artfully designed.
The takeaway?
You don't need a lot of materials or ingredients to make an impactful centerpiece, just the know-how to make it all go the extra mile. That's where we come into play. By understanding the elements of art (Line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space) and principles of design (balance, pattern, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, and unity), we can compose beautiful and meaningful centerpieces.
If you are looking for bud vase centerpieces for your wedding or event, we're your people! Not only can we provide beautiful flowers for your event, but all bud vases, goblets, candle holders, and table runners seen in these photos are available for rent.
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