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When planning your wedding celebration, the number of things to consider can seem endless. It usually starts with picking the theme that best reflects your personalities as a couple. Then the goal should be that every aspect of your special day from the ceremony to the reception and everything before and after all comes together in a wonderful and beautiful, cohesive look. While having a specific theme or style isn’t required, having one is a great starting point for narrowing down décor options so you can create the most beautiful and memorable day possible.
If you are having a hard time imagining just what your unforgettable celebration should look like, don’t worry! Simply start looking for inspiration online and in a matter of minutes, you will have so many options to consider. After you find some ideas that are sure to be perfect, planning your reception décor which includes everything from the guest book and dessert tables to the table settings, wedding favors, and even the venue itself will be that much easier.
Speaking of centerpieces, these do feature rather prominently in how your reception space will look so if you decide that you do want to have specific centerpieces for each table, they will definitely help to set the overall mood and style of your reception. In this article, we will share some ideas about tropical wedding centerpieces which we hope will help to inspire you if you are choosing to have the beauty of the tropics be the style for your big day. There are several ways to create a specific tropical theme which is sure to wow your guests by using tablescape styles that range from organic and minimalist to elegant and luxurious, or even retro!
Since we are all about the tropics, you will find inspiration and ideas for 10 different tropical tablescapes and centerpieces below. For tropical weddings, the easiest way to set the ambiance is to use things like exotic flowers, fresh greenery and big leaves, fruit, shells, candles, sea glass, and even driftwood. All of these items can help you make amazing tropical centerpieces and create a distinctive decorative style that flow from the ideas you have pulled together. Just remember to take things slowly and focus as much as possible on only one thing at a time. By breaking down what most likely is an already overwhelming “to do” list into smaller and more manageable tasks, you will be able to reduce a lot of stress and enjoy the entire planning process. And it should be enjoyable! This is all about your special day and the new life you are starting as a couple!
Are Centerpieces A Must Have At Wedding Receptions?
While table styling is not necessary, it does play an important role in setting the overall tone. It creates a beautiful ambiance and when done correctly, it transforms a simple table into an extraordinary one. Beautiful centerpieces and any accompanying tablescapes create an inviting atmosphere which make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable.
There is also a practical side – a centerpiece helps define proper areas for placement so it’s easier for servers and guests to find their designated space. And last but not least, it offers you a chance to show who you are as a couple. Your personal touches will make your event feel all that more unique and special to you and your guests.
Popular Centerpieces Types
When deciding on what type of centerpiece décor to use, you want to make sure it is well coordinated with the venue and with whatever tabletop items the venue might be providing. Below are the most popular centerpiece ideas to help ease the decision making process.
- Floral centerpieces – A traditional display involves a floral arrangement that can match any theme or style. Flowers vary in size, colors, textures, and complexity, giving you various décor options to consider. Some of the most popular exotic flowers and tropical plants for special occasions include orchids, plumerias, hibiscus, palm leaves, Anthuriums,Monstera leaves, Alocasia,Aspidistra, and bird of paradise among others.
- Slender, tall centerpieces – These work best with round tables as long as they allow for unobstructed views. For weddings with tropical themes, slim vases with exotic leaves work wonderfully.
- Garlands – Fresh floral and foliage garlands are best suited for rectangular tables and help to create a decorative flow that has a natural look. Keep in mind though that they can be on the pricier side of available options.
- Candles – Candles are timeless decorative items and are great for beautifying spaces. Many times they are less expensive than other items used in centerpiece arrangements.
- Vases – If you plan on having floral arrangements, you will need to carefully choose which vases to use. If possible, try matching vases with the venue. For instance, if you are hosting a reception in a historical location, opt for an antique style vase. For coastal and beach themed receptions, choose clear or light-colored vases. If you want something a little more tropical and bold, you can always choose brightly colored vases in one or more tropical colors.
Do’s & Don’ts In Wedding Reception Table Décor
The power of event décor lies in its ability to establish the desired vibe or theme for the entire occasion. Creating an exquisite space with captivating table décor only adds to the overall joyous feeling of a reception. Even though centerpieces are technically not necessary, they are something guests will notice first because of the statement they make and how they beautify the space by making it more festive.
If you do choose a specific theme, it will be easier for you to create amazing centerpieces and tablescapes that will blend in perfectly with the rest of the venue decor. The result will be a single cohesive look that is all tied together. To help you with this, here are several styling tips and tricks to kickstart your design process.
Do’s
- Choose your theme first – It will dictate the rest of your decisions such as the venue itself, your dress and those for the bridesmaids, your DJ and any special effects, and even your wedding cake.
- Check the venue’s restrictions – Some venues might have certain regulations that may prohibit the use of certain decorative elements and special effects so check with them first. For instance, some venues might prohibit open flame items (candles), breakable glass, or things that contain certain allergens or even toxic elements.
- Keep table proportions in mind – Consider the shape and size of tables to determine the scale of centerpieces. Rectangular tables can have repeating décor elements and are perfect for using garland while round tables work better with a single focal point.
- Mix & match – You don’t have to have identical arrangements on every table. Feel free to mix elements for variety and to make a more powerful visual statement.
- Ensure guest comfort – This is very important! Make sure nothing used on the table will obstruct your guests’ view of you as the happy couple and of your other guests seated at the same table. Receptions are very social events and people love to visit and talk with those across the table!
- Mix taller and shorter elements – To create fullness and vibrancy, use taller centerpieces in combination with shorter ones but again, make sure views are not blocked.
- Think of ‘second homes’ for centerpieces and decor items – Many couples encourage guests to take thing homes after the celebration is over. Have a backup plan in place for anything that is left which you do not intend to keep. While floral arrangements and other foliage can many times be donated to places such as nursing homes or hospitals, be sure to have other ways of repurposing things so nothing has to be thrown out.
- Consider your budget – This is a big one. Wedding days cost money, plain and simple. Receptions range in size from small and simple to huge and extravagant. Even for something small and simple, a budget is needed. When it comes to centerpieces and tablescapes, you need to determine how many tables you would like to have and the cost of each table. Then you need to compare that total to your planned budget. To figure out the cost of each table, we suggest you do the following:
- Make a list of everything you would like to have for each table.
- Categorize each item as either a “must have” or a “nice to have”.
- Price the whole list to come up with the total cost per table. This will help you to determine what you really need and what you can honestly live without.
- Multiply this cost per table by the number of tables you would like to have to get your total. Compare the total to your total wedding budget. Does this cost allow for all of your other planned expenses? If so, great! If not, this is where you need to see where you can scale back either on a per-table basis or across the entire day if necessary. Doing this will help you to finalize the number of tables you can afford.
- If your budget is tight and you are looking for ways to save, consider using fresh, seasonal flowers as opposed to specialty tropical ones which many times are more expensive because they are not readily available in many locations.
- If you are the “DIY type” or have a crafty talent, see if there is anything you and your friends can make instead of buying them from the store.
Don’ts
- Don’t block views by using arrangements that are too tall or too wide.
- Avoid strong floral scents to prevent smells from overpowering food flavors.
- Don’t use overly complicated or complex design styles. Keep design styles simple to save time and money.
- Avoid tabletop clutter by keeping tablescapes and place setting spaces simple. Many times,
“less is truly more!” - Don’t be afraid to personalize! This is your day so don’t limit your creativity. Let your personality and design style shine!
10 Tropical Wedding Centerpiece Ideas for the Perfect Day
Tropical or beach themes are the perfect choice, especially if you want add the magic of romantic, laid-back places like the islands of Fiji, Bali, or Thailand. Beyond the actual seashore, you can host tropical-themed weddings at most venues as long as you are able to create true tropical ambiance. Below are 10 tropical-themed wedding table décor ideas that help to recreate the natural settings of exotic beach destinations and that create a carefree feeling of serenity that exists when one is in the tropics and is close to the ocean.
As you will see, both the style and color palettes of these centerpieces and tablescapes are inspired by clear blue waters, sparkling white sand, vibrant exotic flowers, and the greenery of tropical rainforests.
1. White Corals & Coconuts
If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe, why not try coconuts and white corals? This wedding tablescape is all about a natural look and a dreamy island atmosphere. A real sense of serenity is achieved by combining white with a natural color palette and incorporating natural elements like rattan chairs, ceramic dinnerware, and glass tealight holders. This simple, minimalistic, and carefree décor style features open coconuts, earthy tones, highly textured corals and simple white flowers. Using organic elements, various textures, and strategic placement in a monochromatic setting, you can create a very chic, summery scene that resembles the simplicity and peacefulness of the beach. To add a personal touch while maintaining this cohesive theme, include personalized wooden coasters as wedding favors!
Photo credit: Carly Tia Photography via Ruffled
2. Tropical Rainforest Centerpiece
In this example, a tropical rainforest look is achieved by having the centerpiece run down the full length of the wooden table. The way it is laid out creates a sense of being in dense jungle foliage with exotic flowers and tropical woods. There are a lot of textures and shapes in this design from the woven placemats and the rustic dark wooden table to the contrasting plain white napkins and the table runner. But they are beautifully put together and are a great example of how you can create a gorgeous tabletop display without spending a lot of money. The florals, the greenery, and a few candles make a striking appearance which will make your festive day so memorable.
Photo credit: Punta Cana Photographer
3. Retro Color Palette
This gorgeous retro-colored décor is from a wedding in Hawaii. The couple wanted to create an ambiance that reflected their own personalities along with the joy and happiness of the day. These bold colors are an excellent example of how a reception table can be designed in true tropical style. With the many rich reds, oranges, pinks and purples accented by shades of tropical green, it is easy to see how florals can really make a statement. Here they include Anthuriums, ornamental ginger, Heliconia, and Hibiscus which make a truly beautiful scene. This arrangement celebrates the beauty of bright colorful hues and faraway tropical jungles.
Photo credit: Brit + Co
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4. Fruit & Florals Runner
Couples who are looking for a unique and chic way to decorate their tables may want to consider combining fruit with florals and tropical foliage. You’ll notice that there are no table linens in this example. Instead, these edible decorations are placed directly on a dark wooden table. The look resembles a natural rainforest environment set in lush greenery. This fairytale-inspired wedding tablescape with its use of vintage stemware and rustic tropical furniture offers awesome inspiration with a cool tropical twist.
Photo credit: Black Bride
5. Ocean-Inspired Wedding Centerpiece
Not every table has to have flowers. Some couples prefer non-floral decorations, especially if they are on a tight budget or simply because they want something different. Here is where you can truly think outside of the box and get creative to reflect who you are and what you like. Artfully displayed seashells, corals, driftwood, sea glass and candles make a magnificent coastal centerpiece!
Photo credit: Martha Stewart
6. Tropical Greenery
If you are planning a destination wedding, consider using your tropical location’s indigenous varieties of tropical leaves for your tabletops. Or if you are staying local and you want that tropical look, see what your local florist has available. Regardless of the venue, tropical greenery fits any environment. You can go for either a lush full look or you can choose to go minimalist and use them sparingly, as shown here. Either way, add in some white elements and some wood to create a true tropical island vibe.
7. DIY Coastal Wedding Centerpiece
As mentioned earlier, if you are the DIY and crafty type, you can get creative and make centerpieces and place setting displays yourself! Here is a wonderful idea for displays that don’t take a lot of time to make and won’t cost a lot of money. To accomplish this look, use natural woven round placemats, a few shells, blue vases, blue Hydrangea flowers, and blue crackled glass tealight holders. Set the pieces on a white ceramic tray filled with decorative glass stones and you will truly have beauty on display!
Photo credit: Brebca via Destination Wedding Details
8. Pineapple Vases
A great addition to table décor are pineapples! This tropical fruit symbolizes friendship and hospitality which is why they are a great addition to tropical table décor. You can use real fruit or opt for pineapple shaped vases instead of traditional vases. As this examples shows, tropical themes can come to life quite easily in wedding receptions, even in those that are elegant and luxurious.
Photo credit: Papa Kona Events via Wedding Wire
9. Modern Elegance
Here’s a gorgeous table setting which is literally at the beach. When you have the opportunity to have something as magical as the coastline itself as the most beautiful backdrop, there’s no need to go overboard with centerpieces or any other decor elements for that matter. A few simple gold accents among bouquets of greenery with large white flowers such as white king Protea are enough to create another type of tropical elegance.
Image credit: Merari Teruel via Party Slate
10. Romantic Tropical Tablescape
For those couples who are laid-back and are looking for a relaxed celebration, you may want to consider a coastal boho theme. Here, the ambiance of a tropical beach is accomplished by putting together large green tropical leaves with flowers in coral, pink, and white, combined with natural elements like rattan chairs. You can further enhance this type of look by hanging rattan lanterns above the tables or by having a rattan candle display on each table.
Image credit: Marry Me Tampa Bay
Final Thoughts on Tropical Wedding Table Decoration
Whether you want a small and intimate gathering, or a large and glamorous celebration, we hope the information we have provided here will help you to create the perfect centerpieces and tablescapes in true tropical style for your wedding reception. Our guides for indoor and outdoor wedding ideas are tropically inspired for you and offer solutions that are both simple and budget-friendly in addition to being perfect for more lavish and extravagant events. With a bit of planning, creating magical table settings can be as easy as a day at the beach!
Dive Deeper Into Tropical Lifestyle:
- Tropical Wedding Ideas for the Perfect Ceremony at the Beach
- Unique Beach Wedding Favor Ideas
- 10 Top Picks for Outdoor Tropical Plants: Easy-Care Options for a Vibrant Oasis
- Inspiring Tropical Lighting Ideas: Create a Cozy & Relaxing Beach Vibe at Home
- Tropical Color Palette Ideas for Every Room
- Create Your Dream Escape: 20 Tropical Backyard Ideas
