Centrepiece Calculator — Table Centrepiece Planning

As a UK DIY-floristry guide, a small centrepiece uses 6-8 stems, a medium one 10-12, and a large statement piece 15-20 stems. Smaller-headed blooms and fuller florist-made designs can need more (30+), so adjust the stems figure to suit your flowers and container. Mix focal flowers (like roses) with filler flowers (like gypsophila) and greenery for a full look.

Keep centrepieces under 30cm so guests can see across the table, or go very tall (45cm+) so guests can see beneath them. Mid-height centrepieces that block sight lines are the most common mistake.

Candle and lantern centrepieces can be prepared well in advance. Fresh flowers should be arranged the day before at the earliest — keep them in water in a cool room. Artificial flowers can be done weeks ahead.

Candle displays are usually the cheapest — buy tea lights in bulk and use glass votives. Seasonal foliage from your garden is free. For budget flowers, choose in-season blooms like chrysanthemums or carnations.

This calculator counts one centrepiece per guest table — the standard convention. Remember to add a few extra arrangements for the head or sweetheart table, cake table, bar, gift and any cocktail tables. As a rule of thumb a 100-guest wedding has ~12-13 guest-table centrepieces but needs ~15-18 arrangements in total, so add 3-5 tables to cover the extras if you want a single combined estimate.