When selecting a table centrepiece for your special event, there are many options to consider. Many people decide to use floating candles, photographs, stacks of vintage books, jars of seashells and sand, and the list goes on. The need to be unique and creative has exponentially grown in importance in recent years.

However, floral centrepieces have still not gone out of style, even though they are amongst the more traditional options. These centrepieces are aesthetically appealing and provide ample opportunities to improvise and personalise. This is why floral arrangements make for great event table centrepieces. Read on to know everything that you need to know about floral centrepieces.

Design principles for floral centrepieces

● Design

This refers to the shape and size of the flower arrangement. The design is based on the event location, occasion and materials. You might have to work closely with a florist or an event decorator to get the design of the floral centrepiece right.

● Balance

The colour and form of the flower arrangement determine its balance. It can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical means that each side of the floral arrangement will have an equal amount of materials. Asymmetrical means that the sides will not have equal amounts of materials, but they will have equal amounts of visual interest.

● Scale

Scale refers to the proportion of materials that are used in relation to the container that the arrangement will be placed in. It is also defined by the shape and size of the flowers used. Typically, smaller flowers are used at the centre and top of the piece, with full blossoms placed at the centre and bottom. The in-between portion of the arrangement is filled with partially open blooms.

● Rhythm

The rhythm of the floral centrepiece plays a crucial role in directing the attention of the guests to the arrangement’s main line. It allows viewers to comprehend the piece as their eyes trace the main line of the floral arrangement.

● Emphasis

The central point of the arrangement is the focal point where the other components seem to originate. Even though it is termed as the central point, the focal point does not always have to be located at the centre. The focal point is usually an unusual or large flower or cluster that stands out from the rest. By making use of different flowers, you can create emphasis and draw the attention of the viewers to the focal point.

● Harmony and unity

This refers to the use of appropriate containers to display the floral arrangement and the seamless blending of colours. Unity and harmony are created when the flower arrangement is proportional to both the event venue and the container.

Styles of floral centrepieces

● Oriental: Oriental floral centrepieces give more importance to the lines of the arrangement. The principle of rhythm is extremely crucial when designing this form of arrangement. Additionally, the use of asymmetrical balance helps to create the focal point.

● Traditional or Western: Traditional floral arrangements emphasise on the use of various flowers in the arrangement. These pieces are usually symmetrical in balance and are extremely particular about the right use of scale in the design.

● Modern: Modern flower arrangements as event table centrepieces emphasise on the unique desires, needs and vision of the host of the event or occasion. This is why the principles of design greatly vary when someone opts for modern floral arrangements. You might choose asymmetrical balance so that it is easier to grab the attention of the guests. To define the focal point, you might want to use unique flowers instead of opting for a cluster of blooms. The drastic variations in flower size is another aspect of modern arrangements and this helps in making a statement.

So, now that you know the principles and styles of floral centrepieces, you can apply this knowledge when choosing the table centrepiece for your upcoming event. If you need, you can take help from a professional event decorator or a florist.