How do I make my own wedding centrepieces?

Making your own centrepieces is rewarding and can save money, but it needs planning. Begin by deciding on a style that matches your venue and season. For example, a rustic look might use jam jars and wildflowers, while a modern one could use clear glass vases with single stems.

Choose your containers first, as they set the scale. You can collect jars, bottles, or small buckets over several months. Make sure they are clean and stable. For flowers, buy from a local market or grow your own, but pick varieties that last well out of water, such as roses, carnations, or eucalyptus. Greenery is forgiving and fills space cheaply.

A few weeks before the wedding, practise your arrangement. Cut stems at an angle, remove lower leaves, and use floral foam or chicken wire to hold stems in place. For candles, place them in sand or small stones inside the container to keep them steady. On the day, set aside a clear table for assembly, with water, scissors, and spare supplies. Ask a friend or two to help, and give them a photo of the finished look. Keep a backup plan, such as extra greenery or plain candles, in case something wilts or breaks.