13 DIY Wedding Centerpieces on a Budget

Staying within your wedding budget is no easy task, and we know that every penny counts when you are planning your big day. Flowers play a huge role in setting the vibe for your reception, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get that luxurious, put-together feel.

If you are looking for ways to create a beautiful atmosphere without breaking the bank, you have plenty of amazing options. Whether you love a rustic, bohemian look or something more modern, DIY projects are a fantastic way to save money while adding a personal touch. Here are 13 gorgeous DIY wedding centerpiece ideas that you can easily recreate to delight your guests and your bank account.

1. Sleek and Modern Roses

Sometimes less really is more. Keeping your table flowers simple and refined gives your decor an elegant feel while saving you serious cash. Try sticking to one type of flower, like roses, but add visual interest by using varying colors and stem heights. You can easily adapt this look to other blooms, too. Just pick your favorite flower, order it in bulk, and display a handful of stems on each table.

2. Whimsical Bud Vases

Bud vases are becoming incredibly popular for reception tables, and it is easy to see why. Using these tiny vessels provides a delicate feel while still filling up table space effectively. They allow for lots of movement and contrast in your centerpieces without requiring a massive amount of stems.

If you're looking to add variety and charm to your bud vase centerpieces, consider using a versatile DIY Flower Kit. These kits are perfect for brides who want an easy and affordable way to create unique arrangements for their wedding. They typically include an assortment of flowers, greenery, and even design tips to help you mix and match stems effortlessly. Not only do these kits take the guesswork out of flower selection, but they also give you the creative freedom to experiment with colors, textures, and styles that align with your wedding theme. Plus, having a selection of different blooms ensures each table feels thoughtfully designed while maintaining a cohesive look throughout the venue.

3. Varying Vase Styles

If you love the look of bud vases but still want a few larger arrangements, try mixing vase sizes. arranging flowers in three different vase styles across your guest tables creates a dynamic look. The larger arrangements provide that "wow" factor, while the smaller vessels add thoughtful detail without costing a fortune.

This is a great option for long farm-style tables, as the mix of vase sizes and styles naturally draws the eye along the entire length of the table. It creates a sense of flow and continuity while maintaining visual interest, making the décor feel intentional yet effortless. Plus, this approach allows for flexibility in placement, ensuring every guest has a beautiful view of the centerpiece arrangements.

4. Fresh Fruit and Greenery

If floating candles aren’t your style, lean into the beauty of fruit-forward designs instead! Consider creating citrus sculptures as statement pieces for your tablescape. Stack vibrant oranges, lemons, and limes in elegant formations, or consider stringing them like beads and have them hanging from larger arrangements. To add extra charm, incorporate small fruit clusters—think grapes, figs, or berries—strategically nestled within your centerpiece. For a cohesive look, you can even weave these fruity elements directly into your floral arrangements, blending bold colors and textures seamlessly. Not only does this approach elevate your décor, but it also brings a fresh, inviting vibe to your wedding tables.

5. Monochromatic Magic

Monochromatic centerpieces are a classic, foolproof way to decorate. This style uses various shades of the same hue or a strict black-and-white palette. Arranging flowers low to the table in a planter-style vessel, while letting some whimsical filler flowers reach upward, creates a look that is both understated and stunning.

6. Repurposed Bridesmaid Bouquets

Here is a budget hack we absolutely love: repurpose your ceremony flowers at the reception! If you love your bridesmaid bouquets, display them on your tables. Simply place the bouquets in a vase of water at the center of your guest tables. Ta-da! You have instant DIY wedding centerpieces ready to be admired.

7. Abundant Elegance with Greenery

Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. For an effortlessly stunning centerpiece, consider using one type of greenery in abundance — such as Pistachia Its lush, vibrant leaves create a timeless and fresh aesthetic that works beautifully for rustic, bohemian, or even vintage-inspired weddings. Arrange the greenery into cascading runners along the center of your tables, allowing the natural beauty of its texture and color to shine. For an extra touch of romance, intertwine warm fairy lights or place candles alongside the greenery. This minimalist approach proves that a single ingredient, when used thoughtfully, can create a bold yet elegant impact.

If a traditional runner isn't quite your style, consider arranging your greenery in a collection of matching vases to create a unique and cohesive centerpiece. Select simple, identical vases—clear glass or matte ceramic work beautifully—and fill each one with an assortment of fresh greenery. Line them up down the center of your table for a clean, modern take on a classic design. This approach allows the greenery to remain the star while adding a touch of symmetry and structure to your décor. For a romantic flair, you can pair the vases with tea lights or small candles scattered between them, casting a soft, inviting glow over your tablescape. This idea is effortless yet chic, perfect for brides seeking a fresh twist with an effortless vibe. 8.

8. Bright and Asymmetrical

Color is in style, and so are free-spirited arrangements. Try creating a centerpiece that spills out of its vase in a crescent shape to give the illusion of movement. Vibrant shades of pink and peach bring high energy to the table. While these look high-end, creating them yourself with bulk flowers keeps the price tag manageable.

9. Dried Blooms

We love the dried flower look, especially for fall or boho color palettes. Even if your other arrangements don't feature dried blooms, table centerpieces are a great place to test them out. Pairing dried filler flowers with fresh focal flowers adds amazing texture and contrast to your tables. For a truly effortless approach to the dried flower trend, check out our dried flower packs that come in a variety of colors and an assortment of textures.

10. Bold Vase Alternatives

Move over mason jars and welcome bold, modern vase alternatives! Consider using (maybe even thrifting) ceramic, crystal, or metal vases in varying shapes and sizes to add a touch of elegance and style to your wedding décor. Cluster vases in coordinating colors or contrasting textures, each filled with a curated selection of blooms. This approach not only creates a sophisticated and polished look but allows for endless personalization, ensuring your tablescapes are as unique as your big day—all while staying budget-friendly!

11. Table Runners, Candles, and Decor

To create flow throughout your tablescapes, incorporate non-floral design elements. Consider adding a beautiful table runner to add texture and dimension. Table runners can be made of materials like lace, flowing chiffon, or even luxurious velvet to match your elegant or modern theme. Pairing the table runner with vases, candlesticks, and accents in shades of brass or silver helps complete the look, allowing you to scale back on the number of flowers you need. Table numbers and picture frames are other creative ways to fill space without buying more blooms.

12. Showcase Premium Blooms with Single Stem Elegance

One of the best aspects of the single stem trend is how it allows you to highlight premium blooms without exceeding your budget. Flowers like peonies, ranunculus, or garden roses can take center stage in a minimalist display, letting their intricate details and rich colors truly shine. By using individual stems in varying heights and unique vases, you create a stunning visual impact while keeping costs manageable. This approach not only exudes sophistication but also ensures the flowers you adore become the focal point of your decor. It's a perfect way to infuse elegance and personality into your wedding design.

Consider using calla lilies, anthurium, or tulips for this minimalist approach. These flowers have striking shapes and natural elegance that make a bold statement even as single stems. Calla lilies bring a sense of sophistication with their sleek lines, anthuriums add a modern and sculptural touch, and tulips offer timeless charm with a variety of colors to match your wedding theme. These choices allow you to create a polished, high-impact look without overwhelming the budget.

13. Pin Frogs and Ikebana Vibes

To elevate your minimalist floral arrangements and create a high-design, dramatic effect without using an abundance of flowers, consider incorporating flower frogs in wide, shallow vessels like pasta bowls or "bug bowls." Flower frogs are small, often spiked devices or mesh tools placed at the bottom of a decorative vessel to anchor and support individual stems. This technique allows each bloom to be placed precisely, offering full creative control over spacing and angles, resulting in a striking and artistic display.

Using a pasta bowl or similar shallow vessel as your base adds a modern edge to your arrangements and draws the eye to the simplicity and elegance of each flower. The open surface area of these bowls creates space to play with negative space, emphasizing the shape and beauty of every bloom. For instance, a single anthurium positioned at an angle or a trio of calla lilies arranged upright can make a bold, sculptural statement. The combination of the industrial chic flower frog and the versatile yet understated bowl makes for an innovative approach to floral design that is both affordable and effortlessly elegant.

Bring Your Vision to Life

Once you have decided on your favorite DIY wedding centerpiece style, the next step is ordering your flowers. Browsing wholesale flowers by color or variety is a great way to start planning your order. If you feel stuck, scheduling a consult with a flower expert can help you decide exactly how many stems you need for each arrangement.

Remember, we are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need tips on care or inspiration for design, don't hesitate to reach out. You've got this!