We love beautiful flower centerpieces as much as the next bride, but sometimes a wedding’s aesthetic calls for something a bit more unique than plain flowers. If you’re looking for a gorgeous and unforgettable wedding centerpiece, try one of the 13 ideas below, or mix and match the elements for a truly one-of-a-kind display.

Potted Plants

Everybody loves a cute potted plant, which is why they make fantastic wedding favors and centerpieces. Succulents, cacti, and ferns are all great options to add some green to your wedding tables while avoiding the stereotypical flower arrangements. Keep things simple with the traditional terracotta pots or plant them in baskets, vases, or even PVC pipes (see below).

Fruit

If you want some kind of plant incorporated into your wedding centerpiece, but want something a little more unusual than potted plants, fruit is a great way to add a burst of color to your tablescape (and as a bonus, it’s edible!). If you’re looking to combine several types of fruit in one centerpiece, choose different colors, shapes, and textures for a most impressive centerpiece.

Vegetables

Give the other half of the produce family some love by incorporating vegetables into your centerpiece. While fruit is an obvious choice for a wedding centerpiece, vegetables are more unique and add great seasonal details. If you’re getting married in the fall, think pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Your guests will be surprised and delighted at your creativity when they discover your artichoke centerpiece.

Cloches

A cloche is a bell- or dome-shaped glass cover that often has a ball-shaped handle on top. Cloches are a sophisticated way to display objects, drawing attention while protecting them from the elements. While flowers are the most popular item to put inside a cloche, you can display almost anything in them, including candles, art, fruit, vegetables, or just about everything else on this list.

Fabric

A well-chosen fabric adds visual interest and texture to your wedding centerpiece. Make it the foundation of your centerpiece by laying a table runner beneath other items, or turn the fabric into the focal point by arranging it in a vase or laying it over other objects. Look for bright-colored linen and tablecloths that also have a lot of texture, such as velvet and brocade, for maximum impact.

Branches

For a rustic and natural look, consider branches for your centerpieces. Branches stripped of their leaves will have a stark, wintry look, while branches with leaves will look lush and green on your tables. Be careful with flowering branches if you plan on large arrangements, as the smell can quickly become overpowering.

Books

If you and your fiancé both love reading, there’s no better centerpiece for your wedding than books. We recommend getting some used volumes at your local used bookstore or an estate sale instead of using your own books in case something gets spilled on them during the course of the reception. If you’re combining books with candles, be sure to keep the flames separated from the paper items to avoid fires.

Candles

Candles are a fantastic addition to any wedding centerpiece: They add romantic ambient lighting and subtle scents that enhance the ambiance. Choose a scent that means something to you as a couple, whether it’s a state candle that smells like your hometown or a beach cottage candle that matches your ocean-front theme. Be sure to check with the venue on their open flame policy before finalizing your centerpiece plans because not all venues allow candles.

Balloons

Nothing says festive like a wedding centerpiece made of balloons. For a sophisticated look, choose a monotone color palette that fits well with the rest of the tablescape. Combine opaque and translucent balloons for visual variety, or do one color for a cohesive look. Make sure that the strings on the balloons are long enough that they don’t block the guests’ view when they are sitting down.

Cupcakes

If you were already planning to serve cupcakes at your wedding, turn them into your centerpieces and they’ll serve a dual purpose. Choose a tiered holder that will elevate the cupcakes above the table and show off their beautiful icing to the full advantage. For a cheeky nod to the traditional flower centerpieces, you can have the tops of the cupcakes decorated with a rosette design in icing.

Upcycled Glass

If you’re a big fan of reduce, reuse, recycle, you’ll love this environmentally-friendly centerpiece idea. In the months leading up to the wedding, save your glass containers such as wine bottles and jars. Clean them and remove the labels, then arrange them in artful combinations. While glasses are the easiest to collect, you can also use tea tins and other containers as well. Leave them empty or put flowers or candles inside them.

PVC pipe

If you’re pretty handy at DIY projects and don’t mind doing some extra work, you can create some truly one-of-a-kind centerpieces out of PVC pipe. Turn the PVC into statue-like shapes, or leave one end open so you can use it as a vase. If you’re going for a modern wedding aesthetic, this is the perfect unexpected touch to round out the look.

Seaside

Ocean-themed weddings are pretty popular in the summer, so you’ll want a centerpiece that matches the theme. Driftwood, faux coral, seashells, and beach glass are all excellent options. Use them individually or arrange them together in a large vase. For extra seaside vibes, drape unused fishnet around the centerpiece. To enhance the look, consider incorporating candles or small string lights to add a warm, romantic glow to your table setup. These elements not only complement the oceanic theme but also tie in beautifully with other outdoor wedding planning ideas, like soft lighting and natural decor. Don’t forget to select colors that evoke the sea, such as shades of blue, aqua, and sandy beige, to tie everything together seamlessly.

If you’re not having a traditional wedding, why have a traditional centerpiece? Choose one of these 13 ideas for a unique and beautiful wedding centerpiece that will set your table apart.