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Updated Oct 14, 2024Wedding Centerpieces Without Flowers That'll Make You Want to Skip Blooms
These bloom-free ideas are absolutely stunning.
Photo: Todd Danforth Photography,Design: Dia Uno Floral
The most important element of a wedding is the couple, of course, but details like flowers can really make your entire day come together. Often, fresh flowers are used in wedding reception centerpieces, but couples are increasingly opting for wedding centerpieces without flowers, and the results are stunning.
From greenery-only arrangements and designs that utilize faux blooms, to non-floral wedding centerpieces that forego the concept of plants altogether, there are options for every couple and every wedding style. To help you brainstorm, we've curated some of our favorite non-flower centerpiece ideas. Browse below, save the picks that pique your interest and check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace for vendors near you.
In this article: Do Wedding Centerpieces Have to Be Flowers? | Wedding Centerpiece Ideas Without Flowers
Do Wedding Centerpieces Have to Be Flowers?
There's no wedding rulebook that says you have to incorporate flowers into your reception decor. Non-floral centerpieces offer a little something different, capturing your personal style, sparking conversation and often lasting long after the celebration ends.
Are you a bibliophile? Maybe a stack of your favorite books paired with pillar candles is the way to go. A fan of vintage and thrifted gems? Scour your local shops during your next date night to curate a collection of decorative objects for your wedding tables. Our point is that if you think outside the box, the sky's the limit when it comes to dreaming up centerpieces without flowers.
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40 Wedding Centerpiece Ideas Without Flowers
We've curated some of our favorite non-floral centerpieces below. See an idea you love? Favorite the image using the heart icon while you're signed into The Knot. You can access your favorites later for inspiration.
1. Glass Cloche Centerpiece With Moss and Calligraphed Table Number
For couples with whimsical woodland wedding themes, cloches and moss are a fun wedding decor option. Since you're skipping wedding flower arrangements, you aren't limited to glass vases—instead, consider unique vessels like cloches to hold your terrarium-inspired table decor.
2. Terrarium-Inspired Succulent and Air Plant Centerpiece
Even if you don't plan to utilize flowers, it may be worth booking a florist to handle your centerpiece design. They'll be able to help bring all your wedding ideas to life effortlessly. A florist will know what greenery to add to the table and may even be able to provide other styling details, such as wood slabs, candle holders and votive candles.
3. Modern Driftwood Non-Flower Centerpiece
Driftwood is a great option for couples planning nautical-themed weddings. And if you live near the beach, you may be able to scout some beautiful pieces without paying a dime. (Just double-check with your local ordinances.)
4. Pinecone Wedding Centerpiece in Rustic Basket
The non-flower wedding centerpieces at this reception included dried pinecones gathered in autumnal wood baskets. If you have settled on a rustic wedding theme and are looking for some DIY wedding decor projects, consider gathering pine cones to sprinkle throughout the wedding day. It's a great idea for fall wedding centerpieces without flowers.
5. Lantern Winter Wedding Centerpieces Without Flowers
Metal decorative objects, like lanterns, make great table decorations. Pro tip: If you find a lantern you love but doesn't complement your wedding colors, a quick coat of spray paint can instantly transform it.
6. Centerpiece With Vintage Books and Metal Tins
We love this option for those who want vintage, unconventional, non-floral centerpieces. Simply visit a local thrift store to find decorative books to use as decor, along with other decorative objects.
7. Cactus and Macrame
Whether you're hosting a modern desert wedding or simply want to add a touch of greenery with edge, cactus centerpieces offer a fresh alternative to florals. Display them in terracotta pots, sleek ceramic vessels or even glass cloches for a sculptural look. Macrame can help soften the look.
8. Sparkling Glass Candelabra
A crystal candelabra centerpiece instantly elevates the atmosphere with art deco glamour. The sparkling glass details, draped beads and flickering candles really level up the romantic glow vibes.
9. Dramatic Black-and-Green Centerpiece
We're always here for the drama of tall wedding centerpieces without flowers. These greenery-only centerpieces utilized matte black vessels and the end result was a sleek, modern tablescape that would wow any wedding guest.
10. Chic Fern Centerpiece
Dramatically textured ferns graced this simple table design. Even though these are centerpieces that are not flowers, they still lend a burst of freshness to the tablescape.
11. Coral and Seashells
Photography: KMD Creations
For beachy weddings, some bright coral and seashells can go a long way. Place them in a glass vessel with some sand at the bottom, or artistically arrange them on your tables.
12. Bowl of Peaches as Wedding Centerpiece
Getting married in the warmer months? We love these summer wedding centerpieces without flowers for a summertime South affair. Fresh peaches look good and smell great—what more could you want?
13. Lamp With Silver Lamp Shades as Glam Centerpiece
A candelabra-style lamp with silver fringe lamp shades served as a glam non-floral wedding centerpiece atop this reception table. To further accent the look, succulents and votives surrounded the lamp. It's a great way to set the mood and add some low-lit ambiance.
14. Fresh Thyme Wedding Centerpieces
Photo: ART IS FOR LOVERS
Since they're more fragrant than most standard greenery, herbs are a great choice for simple wedding centerpieces without flowers if you're looking for something that makes a statement. Here, the couple placed fresh thyme in a rustic pot and surrounded the whole setup with candles for ambience.
15. Globe and Book Centerpiece
Centerpieces are a great spot to highlight the interests and hobbies you and your partner share. If travel is one of those mutual interests, pay homage with globe centerpieces. This wedding centerpiece idea without flowers feels super personalized to the couple.
16. Dried Plants in Metal Vases
Dried plants are a gorgeous option for non-flower wedding centerpieces. You can find them in wispy grasses, sculptural branches and preserved palm fronds—all of which bring natural texture and drama to your tables.
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17. Pumpkin and Fall Leaves Centerpieces
Planning a fall wedding and looking for wedding reception centerpieces without flowers? Pumpkins are a natural choice! Stack them on wood slices with a sprinkle of faux leaves for a rustic vibe that feels festive without trying too hard.
18. Star Wars Tie Fighter Wedding Centerpiece
Talk about unique wedding centerpieces without flowers! Star Wars fans, this non-floral wedding centerpiece is for you. To complement their Star Wars wedding theme, this couple had figurines of different Star Wars spaceships serving as table decor.
19. Fruit Bowls
Wedding centerpieces featuring fruit are a fresh and colorful way to style your reception. These centerpieces for wedding tables without flowers bring a seasonal, organic feel—think bowls of citrus, figs or grapes arranged in elegant vessels.
20. Pillar Candle Centerpiece With Silver Tray
This couple decorated their reception tables with groupings of white pillar candles and added some vintage flair with ornate silver trays. Wedding centerpieces with candles are a classic option for those seeking inexpensive wedding centerpieces without flowers.
21. Lobster Neon Sign Centerpiece
Photo: THE LIGHT AND GLASS
If you are a fan of the sitcom Friends, then you're sure to love this neon sign lobster centerpiece.
22. Succulents and Wood Accents
Photo: Sarah Bradshaw Photography,
Design: A Schoolhouse Garden
For a fresh take on wedding centerpiece ideas with no flowers, combine lush succulents with natural wood accents. This pairing creates a modern, earthy look, and you can even add some candles for a warm glow.
23. Miniature Potted Trees
If you're looking for wedding centerpieces without flowers, small potted trees (with some citrus at the base) are a refreshing idea. A small topiary tree paired with bright lemons in a rustic pot feels vibrant, fresh and seasonally inspired.
24. Colorful Paper Wedding Centerpieces
Instead of decorating with fresh blooms, this wedding's decor made use of delicate paper flowers in the centerpiece designs.
25. Centerpiece With Collection of Potted Herbs
This herb centerpiece idea could easily double as a wedding favor moment as well. For to-be-weds with a green thumb, decorate reception tables with a variety of potted herbs and plants—then let guests know they can take one home at the end of the evening.
26. Crepe Paper Faux Flower Centerpiece
Photo: Lisa Hessel Photography
Instead of fresh blooms, this couple had faux flowers made of crepe paper set atop their reception tables.
27. Gold-Painted Pineapple Centerpiece
Who needs flowers when you can have a gold pineapple holding court? This playful centerpiece is cheeky, tropical and just the right amount of over-the-top. Perfect for the kids' table—or honestly, any table that deserves a little extra fun.
28. Nautical Glass Orbs Decorated With Rope
Here's an idea for creative wedding centerpieces without flowers that's perfect for coastal or beach weddings. These nautical orbs are a great centerpiece idea if you're looking for something out of the box and don't want to incorporate more expected seashells in your tablescape.
29. Collection of Potted Plants and Gold Vases
For wedding centerpieces without flowers or candles, consider potted plants and/or vases. Here, gold vases were added to this centerpiece design to add a bit of drama and color to this collection of plants in terracotta pots.
30. Mason Jars with Eucalyptus
Mason jars filled with greenery make for budget-friendly wedding centerpieces. They have a simple, rustic look that ushers in some warmth and charm to the table without breaking the bank. Even better, they're easy to DIY and can be customized to fit any wedding style.
31. Persimmon and Pomegranate Centerpiece
This fall wedding leaned into the rich hues of fresh fall produce when it came to decor. The tables were laden with groupings of fresh pomegranates and persimmons as fall wedding centerpieces.
32. Handmade Mexican Migajon Centerpieces
These whimsical figurines are extra special because they were handmade by the groom's sister, who wasn't able to attend the wedding weekend. Crafted from migajon, a traditional bread dough art, the pieces became heartfelt decorations for the welcome party.
33. Tropical Monstera Leaf Centerpiece
This one's perfect for summer or spring wedding centerpieces without flowers (especially in the tropics). Given the scale of monstera leaves, they are a great choice for couples who want a minimal yet fresh tablescape.
34. Vintage Suitcase Centerpiece With Wine Bottle Table Number
A collection of vintage decorative objects worked together to create an eclectic, yet harmonious, centerpiece atop this table. To complete the look of this vintage wedding centerpiece without flowers, spray-painted wine bottles served as table numbers.
35. Colorful Lollipop Centerpiece
If you're having a kids' table at your wedding, have fun with the centerpiece design and choose something youngsters will enjoy. At these nuptials, the kids' table was decked out with wedding table decorations with no flowers that were made of colorfully wrapped lollipops to be enjoyed throughout the night.
36. Holiday Ornament Reception Centerpieces
For a winter-ready spin on wedding centerpieces without flowers, fill a tall glass vase with ornaments and surround it with glowing candles. The shine and soft candlelight instantly feel festive, chic and seasonally on point.
37. Up-Inspired Balloon Centerpiece
This couple paid homage to the whimsical children's movie by decking out reception tables with model houses and colorful balloon bouquets. These wedding table centerpieces without flowers definitely tug at your heartstrings.
38. Stacked Books and Lanterns
Photography: Katy Murray
For literary or bookish couples, consider these no-flower centerpieces for weddings. All you need is a stack of books—perhaps tied to your own romantic journey—with a flickering lantern on top.
39. Rustic Centerpiece With Greenery, Antlers and Lanterns
Calling anyone in the market for rustic wedding centerpieces without flowers. Once guests found their spot with the help of lantern table numbers, eucalyptus garland accented with antlers greeted them at their seats.
40. Tall Centerpiece With Palm Fronds and Banana Leaves
If you're concerned about wedding guests being able to chat with their tablemates throughout dinner, consider a tall centerpiece design that doesn't block guests' line of sight with elegant wedding centerpieces without flowers like these.
Additional reporting by Hannah Nowack
