Event Type: Wedding

PartySlate’s marketing team may have spent the last couple months gushing about fall. However, we’re just as ready to start dreaming about hot cocoa by the fire, sledding on a favorite hills, and dazzling winter wedding centerpieces.

If you live in the Midwest like us, winter is not the most popular time of year for wedding celebrations. It’s true, sub-zero conditions can pose a challenge for everyone, from traveling guests to your photography team.

Of course, daring the elements has its own reward. Wintertide weddings wow with their brilliant winter wedding color palettes, cozy (or dramatic) lighting opportunities, and photo-worthy tablescapes.

Forget the endless Pinterest scrolling. PartySlate’s shortlist of winter wedding centerpieces will have you eager for the next snowfall — minus the shoveling.

Winter Wonderland Centerpieces
Moody & Romantic Centerpieces
Rustic Winter Centerpieces
Festive Winter Centerpieces
Whimsical Winter Centerpieces
Blue Winter Centerpieces

Winter Wonderland Wedding Centerpieces

Is there anything more magical than that first snowfall? Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of a winter wonderland. Think lavish white floral décor, glimmering candlelight, and moody uplighting in brilliant winter colorscapes. As you’ll see, these winter centerpieces are anything but bleak. 

Moody & Romantic Winter Centerpieces

Fall isn’t the only season for dramatic landscapes. Whether it’s a crimson cardinal alighting on a frosted winter branch or a velvety evergreen forest pitched in shadow, winter scenes capture our imaginations with their bold tableaus. With this in mind, we invite you to evoke the season’s startling beauty with moody and romantic winter centerpieces. 

Rustic Winter Wedding Centerpieces

Rustic weddings have gone from trending to a classic wedding style that’s always in vogue. Their laid-back elegance is perfect for the no-fuss couple. While rustic weddings are often associated with summer and autumn months, where couples can celebrate outdoors, winter weddings can also benefit from rustic vibes. Keep coziness at the forefront of your winter wedding with an inviting tablescape — and the right centerpieces.

Festive Winter Centerpieces

However you celebrate, the holiday season is a time that’s ripe for cheer and connection. It’s also the perfect time of year to say, “I do.” These winter wedding centerpieces embrace the festive spirit of the season — while keeping elegance first in mind.

Whimsical Winter Centerpieces

Think of that snowy field (or empty tablescape) as a blank canvas — ripe for the most imaginative ideas. It’s time to indulge in winter whimsy with playful and creative centerpieces. From Ikebana-inspired designs to elvish-like décor, these winter centerpieces have us thinking outside-the-box.

Bright & Blue Winter Wedding Centerpieces

Sparkling snowfall and endless blue skies are our favorite types of winter days. Add a touch of blue to your winter wedding centerpieces for a bright and merry aesthetic. Trust us, your photographer will thank you. 

People Also Ask

What flowers are in season for a winter wedding?

Despite its reputation as a barren season, winter has many in-season flowers for your wedding centerpieces. Whether your aesthetic is bright and bold or dreamy and romantic, your options are plentiful. 

For local options, make sure to check your region’s plant hardiness zone. Otherwise, speak to your wedding florist for help procuring the blooms of your choice. You can also discover some of our favorite winter flowers below:

Where can I find a florist to design my winter centerpieces?

Head to PartySlate’s curated directory to find an available wedding florist near you. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, services, and more. Moreover, make sure to click on the vendor’s profile to see examples of their work from real wedding celebrations.

Where can I find more wedding ideas and inspiration?

PartySlate is here to connect you with the best wedding ideas and inspiration. Click on the following to discover the latest trends as well as classic ideas:

Bring romance and mystery into your nuptials with a moody wedding celebration. This elusive wedding style ranges from elevated gothic to sumptuous and dreamy — making it the perfect vibe for the non-traditional couple. 

We’ve searched through thousands of real weddings on PartySlate to find our favorite dark and moody wedding elements. Discover bold wedding color palettes, enchanting candlelight, and dramatic tablescapes. Romance is about to meet its edgy counterpart, and the results are wow-worthy.

People Also Ask …

How do you have a Halloween wedding?

There are many ways to pay homage to Halloween with an elegant and traditional wedding aesthetic. We love how this Halloween wedding makes subtle nods to the season with chic white pumpkin escort cards and ghostly baby’s breath. Of course, you can also embrace the holiday with more overt gothic décor. See how this Halloween surprise wedding featured skeleton floral décor, swirling fog, and costumed attire.   

What is a masquerade wedding?

A masquerade party invites guests to wear lavish costumes and decorated masks. Like the masquerade balls that originated in 14th century Europe as part of carnival season, masquerade weddings often feature glamorous attire and décor. We love how this masquerade wedding wowed with ornate architecture, dark jewel tones, and stunning costumes — proving a fun wedding theme can still be elegant and elevated. 

Where can I find a venue for my moody wedding?

Head to PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find an available wedding venue near you (or in your preferred destination locale). Use the filters to narrow your search by location, guest count, venue type, amenities, and more. If you see a venue you like, make sure to click into the PartySlate profile to see how the venue utilizes the space for real wedding celebrations. You can also reach out to a venue directly through the directory.

Moreover, you can use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find your entire wedding vendor team. Use the filters to narrow your search by vendor category, services, and more.

There is something oh-so glamorous and timeless about a wedding tent. From the gorgeous florals and ceiling installations to the romantic lighting variations, tent weddings offer a romantic and elegant way to commemorate the joys of a wedding celebration. 

Wedding tents vary in shape, size, and even color — making them the perfect venue space for your particular wedding needs, regardless of the season. 

PartySlate is here to help you plan your dream tent wedding. If you see a tent style you like, click on “See More Photos” to see the wedding celebration in full. You can also use PartySlate to find tent rental companies to bring the following 8 types of tent weddings to life. Use our curated directory to search for rental companies near you. Make sure to narrow your options by selecting your location.

But first: Keep reading to discover 8 wedding tent styles from some of our favorite events as seen on PartySlate — along with the talented team of wedding event professionals that pulled off the look. 

1. Wedding Tent Lights

How do you light up a wedding tent? Forget what you know about wedding tent chandeliers or lanterns. String light tents offer guests a sense of intimacy and enclosure — without sacrificing beautiful views or a romantic summer breeze. 

From lavish drapery to dramatic ceiling installations, string lights transform any space into a romantic dreamscape. Keep reading to discover this unique and stunning wedding tent style.

2. White Tent Weddings

A classic white wedding tent never goes out of style. This versatile wedding tent encompasses everything from canopies and pole tents to frame tents and sailcloths.

White tent weddings create the perfect blank canvas for the décor, style, or theme of your choice. Whether you are dreaming of an elegant tent wedding or a one-of-a-kind celebration, discover how this time-honored tent style can capture your unique vision.

3. Clear Wedding Tent Ideas

A clear wedding tent is the perfect solution for couples who want to enjoy the outdoors — regardless of weather. Not only do clear tents offer a window to stars, they also beautifully reflect chandeliers and candlelight.

Much like a frame tent, transparent tents allow for open floor plans and unobstructed views. Wedding planners and design teams will love the freedom to bring your wedding vision to life — without the need to work around poles or other obstructions. A clear-top tent wedding, like a blank canvas, awaits your imagination. 

4. Wedding Canopy Tents (and Pole Tent Weddings)

Imagine a beautiful tent on a sprawling lawn, and you will likely conjure up an image of a wedding canopy tent. These iconic tents capture the imagination with their soaring pitched roofs.

Sailcloth tents, like pole tents, are another popular option that captures natural lighting while adding a nautical element to your setting. 

While a pole tent wedding comes with some limitations (such as the need for ropes, stakes, and center poles), a talented wedding planner and design team can help create a floor plan that optimizes such a space. 

Keep reading to see how these design teams take advantage of all the bells and whistles that come with this photo-worthy style of tent.

5. Frame Tent Weddings

Unlike the canopy tent, frame tents are open structures. The lack of ropes and poles result in a more flexible floor plan — with the option for custom installations.

Wedding planners and design teams love a frame tent wedding for its limitless possibilities — especially when it comes to décor. Expect elaborate wedding tent drapery, wow-worthy lighting installations, and dazzling color combos.

By the way, did we mention the metal frame means a sturdier structure? That’s right. You can use a frame tent on grass, concrete, or anywhere in between. 

6. Cabana Tent Weddings

A cabana tent, also known as a beach wedding tent, combines a wooden framework with elaborate drapery. Perfect for waterfront celebrations, these eye-catching structures offer a relaxed (yet romantic) vibe. 

Use cabana tent wedding drapery to incorporate your wedding color palette. The overhead beams also create the perfect opportunity to feature wedding tent chandeliers or other unique lighting installations. Ask your wedding planner for more ideas, or check out PartySlate’s Wedding Idea Gallery for additional inspiration.

7. Marquee Tents for South Asian Weddings and Other Celebrations

Marquee tents boast the visual flair of a pole tent with the flexibility of a frame tent. They often come in diverse colors and sizes, making them a favorite for South Asian and Indian weddings. 

Whether you opt for a single Marquee tent or several consecutive Marquee tents, this stunning structure will make a gorgeous addition to your wedding celebration. Keep reading to discover some of our favorites.

8. Miscellaneous Wedding Tent Styles

Look beyond more traditional wedding tents and discover other unique tent wedding styles. From conical tents to draped organic structures, there’s plenty of innovative ways to create your ideal wedding space.

Searching for other unique wedding ideas? Head here to see creative wedding ceremony ideas. You can also discover some of our favorite unique wedding centerpiece ideas here. 

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People Also Ask…

Where can I find more wedding tent ideas and inspiration?

A wedding tent offers a luxurious event space — regardless of location or season.

Hosting a beach wedding? Consider the cabana tent with it’s open views and billowing drapery (perfect for an ocean breeze).

Or looking for a luxury wedding tent in a gorgeous winter landscape? We recommend a clear wedding tent with panoramic views (and lots of heat lamps, of course).

Ask your rental company for ways to customize your wedding tent to fit your surroundings. Patio heaters and diffusers are just a few of the ways to ensure your guests enjoy the celebration in full comfort.

Where can I find a wedding tent rental company (and other event professionals)

Putting together your ideal wedding is no easy task, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be overwhelming. 

Keep reading to discover even more inspiration for tent weddings. Remember, PartySlate is also here to help you find a tent rental company and other wedding event professionals.

Check out our curated directory to find your dream wedding team. Use the filters to narrow by location and category. 

Where can I find more tent wedding décor ideas?

A tent wedding is also the perfect choice for couples looking to customize a blank canvas. Floral décor, lighting installations, and colorful drapery allow you to transform your wedding tent in your dream venue — even one inside your backyard. 

Talk to your wedding design team about how to create a stunning backdrop in the tent of your choice.

You can also search for tent wedding décor ideas here:

• Wedding Colors
• Lighting Design
• Floral
• Balloon Installations

How should I configure my wedding tent layout?

Your tent style, in addition to guest count, will determine the overall floor plan and layout. A canopy tent, for example, will require working around poles. On the other hand, a frame tent allows for a more flexible floor plan. 

When creating your wedding tent layout, it’s important to consider the shape and size of the following:

• Tables and Seating
• Bar Area and Catering Stations
• Dance Floor
• Lounge Areas

Remember to ask your wedding planner for diagramming solutions and suggestions. 

Should I have wedding tent flooring?

While natural ground is always an option, wedding tent flooring comes with several advantages. Flooring circumvents the need to deal with soggy or icy ground due to unforeseen weather. It also offers another blank canvas for your any wedding colors and themes. 

*Find more wedding rentals here.

Should I have wedding tent draping

Looking for wedding tent décor ideas? Consider draping. Draping is a beautiful way to incorporate your wedding colors and style.

Click here to see how wedding tent drapery can serve as a blank canvas for uplighting and light mapping — with ever-changing colors and designs.

Also, discover how draping (along with the right lighting) can act as a delicate accent to beautiful tent roof designs here.

*Connect with drapery designers here.

It goes without saying, choosing your wedding place cards is an important part of the wedding planning process. As you already know if you’ve been wrestling with your seating chart, table assignments matter. Escort cards not only inform guests of their table numbers, but they also transition your guests from the wedding ceremony to the reception. 

In fact, place cards create the first impression of your wedding reception. And we all know how important it is to make a memorable first impression. Seating cards also create the perfect opportunity to showcase your wedding style and color palette. Use escort cards to complement your wedding flowers, centerpieces, and other décor elements. 

We’ve searched through thousands of real wedding albums on PartySlate to find wow-worthy wedding place cards. Best of all, we’ve included the wedding planners and vendors behind each event. 

Click on the vendor credits beneath your favorite place cards to learn more about the invitation and print teams who can design and produce your top ideas. 

Keep reading to discover 50 of our favorite place cards for wedding celebrations. We’ve organized them by theme and style to help you find the perfect fit. From hand-painted escort cards to larger-than-life seating charts, these place card ideas promise to seat your guests in style. 

Unique Wedding Place Cards
Wedding Favor Place Cards
Simple & Elegant Wedding Place Cards
Luxe Wedding Place Cards
Modern Wedding Place Cards
Rustic Wedding Place Cards
Tropical & Beach Wedding Place Cards
Boho Wedding Place Cards
Whimsical Wedding Place Cards
Seasonal Wedding Place Cards

Unique Wedding Place Cards

At PartySlate, we love watching wedding vendors come up with imaginative and one-of-a-kind designs — be it invitations, ceremony ideas, or seating charts. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite creative place cards for wedding celebrations — and get ready to be inspired. 

Wedding Favor Place Cards

Turn your wedding place cards into lifelong memories with the addition of on-theme party favors. Take-home escort cards are the perfect way to thank your guests for all of their love and support throughout the years. Plus, your photographer will thank you for the perfect photo op.

Simple & Elegant Wedding Place Cards

Make no mistake; simple does not have to equal boring. We love how simple, yet elegant wedding designs create a fresh and elevated look. When it comes to choosing your wedding place cards, consider delicate details such as custom wax seals, floral sprigs, and hand-painted designs. Make sure to ask your wedding planner how you can successfully incorporate these elegant elements into the rest of your wedding celebration. 

Luxe Wedding Place Cards

Wedding escort cards are the perfect opportunity to take your wedding vision to the next level. Luxury weddings don’t stop at the wedding arch or tablescapes; they take into account every detail. Think beyond printed cards with lavish materials such as lucite or agate. Consider adding elements from the surrounding landscape such as seashells or bright florals. It’s time to start thinking outside the box (or place card). 

Modern Wedding Place Cards

Modern weddings wow with unique materials, bold colors, and sleek décor. For couples who love everything from minimalism to dynamic designs, a modern wedding offers the perfect style for your imagination. Use your wedding place cards as an opportunity to showcase your modern style. Whether you opt for acrylic signage or personalized place settings, you won’t be disappointed by these contemporary designs.  

Rustic Wedding Place Cards

Rustic-chic weddings are perfect for the couple who prefer laidback elegance. We love how this popular style pairs vintage charm with cozy comfort. Keep reading to see how rustic-style place cards contribute to this romantic aesthetic.

Tropical & Beach Wedding Place Cards

Tropical-themed celebrations allow your guests to experience the beauty of paradise. Whether you are on the beach or the ballroom, transform your wedding venue into a destination spot with the right tropical décor. That includes place cards for wedding celebrations. Keep reading to discover everything from fresh fruit displays to hand-painted tambourines. 

Boho Wedding Place Cards

Boho-inspired weddings bring out the inner creative in us all. Mixing hippie style with bohemian artistry, boho weddings are a photographer’s best friend. From dream catchers and crocheted wall hangings to feathers and wildflowers, boho décor pairs natural elements with human ingenuity. Keep reading to discover how wedding escort cards can bring your boho theme to life.

Whimsical Wedding Place Cards

Fun-loving couples will love a whimsical wedding style that elevates color and playful designs. Use wedding seating cards to incorporate an eclectic wedding color palette and imaginative décor. In addition to your invitation & print company, your wedding planner can help you successfully connect your wedding theme to your wedding place cards and seating chart. 

Seasonal Place Cards

Let the season guide you as you choose your wedding theme and style. Indulge in the warm tones of autumn, or revel in the light and airy elements of spring. Your wedding seating cards can reflect the joys of the seasons. From poinsettia designs to butterfly paper art, there’s the perfect way to seat your guests — every month of the year. 

People Also Ask…

How to make wedding place cards?

Elevate the look and feel of your wedding celebration by making sure each detail is perfectly curated. Of course, this includes wedding place cards. A top invitations and print company will ensure your seating chart or wedding place cards are beautiful and photo-worthy. 

Make sure to also speak to your wedding planner about how your wedding seating chart or cards can reflect your wedding theme and style. 

PartySlate is here to connect you with the best print teams, wedding planners, and other party vendors. Head to our curated directory to search for the best event professionals near you. Make sure to filter by pro category, location, and event type to yield the best search results.

How to address wedding place cards?

While etiquette varies across cultures and eras, you want to ensure your guests feel welcome. With that in mind, we recommend omitting words like “plus one” or “guest” on your wedding place cards. Whenever possible, try to include each guest’s name.

From there, options vary. More traditional approaches include using titles such as Ms., Dr., Mr., etc. For a modern approach, you can omit the titles and just use first and last names. 

Additionally, you can list couples on one card or give each guest an individual escort card. The most important thing is to make your guests feel valued and part of the celebration.

Remember, your wedding planner is there to help you navigate these decisions. Make sure to speak to your planner on which style best suits your needs. For help finding a top wedding planner, head to PartySlate’s curated planner directory.

Imagine arriving at your friend’s milestone birthday party, maybe even offering a toast to her years well-lived, before discovering that you are, in fact, at her wedding instead. Maybe her father lifts a glass and makes the announcement, or perhaps there’s a shift in the music that indicates something is happening, or maybe a drape is swept open to reveal an aisle and altar. It’s a moment you will never forget.

When it comes to weddings, guests are often informed of the event date months in advance. Save-the-date cards ask friends and family to make note their calendars. Parents weigh in on plans, the wedding party shares opinions, and, often, the planning process becomes a joint effort.

However, there’s a growing trend where couples invite their friends and family to join them for an event — perhaps a holiday party, engagement dinner, or birthday celebration — before revealing at some point during the gathering that it is actually their wedding. These surprise-loving couples work together with their wedding planners to produce a celebration that is uniquely their own, fully aligning with their own vision and preferences. 

While surprise weddings create especially memorable moments for couples and their guests alike, a spontaneous event like this isn’t for everyone. Read on for insights and guidance from expert wedding planners who have produced successful surprise weddings.

_{photographer: Chris Bailey Photography | planner: Ann Whittington Events | florals: Plants n’ Petals | venue: Royal Oaks Country Club}

Friends and family arrived expecting an engagement party and were delighted when the event turned into the actual wedding — a surprise planned and produced by Ann Whittington Events — and they were ushered into the floral-laden ceremony. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS  

A surprise wedding might be right for you if…

You have a short planning time

Ann Whittington, Owner of Ann Whittington Events, shares, “Surprise weddings work well when there is a short lead time — so less chance of someone finding out.” She also notes that “it’s not for everyone,” but the couple that she planned a suprise wedding for “did not want parties before the wedding or a long engagement!”

Your guest count and venue lend themselves to the concept

Rachel De Marte, Planner with Rachel De Marte Events, says that when considering whether or not to have a surprise wedding, there are “many important factors from guest count to the scope of wedding, as well as the couple’s history and desire to have the surprise factor.”

She asks, “What’s fueling the surprise? What does the guest count look like? The desired venue? What’s the ease of setting the stage for said surprise? It needs to make sense on a number of levels, and working through these questions will ensure the right decision.” At PartySlate, we always recommend working with an experienced wedding planner on these types of decisions.

You have a “must-go” event that guests will attend

Jessica Boskoff, Founder + CEO of Neon River Weddings, says, “Surprise weddings are not for everyone. It definitely does add that layer of secrecy (and potentially stress!), but if the couple is up for the challenge or just wants a fun way to combine another occasion — like a birthday, big bash, or holiday where guests would gather without question — then this could be an option to consider.”

You are okay with some loved ones not being present

Whittington says, “You have to be okay with the possibility that some of your loved ones may not be there” For the engagement party/surprise wedding she produced, there was a risk that some guests may have decided that they couldn’t travel to both the engagement and wedding, meaning they might have opted out of the engagement party. 

She says, “Then you have to decide whether you will tell them they need to be there — and if they can hold the surprise. Also with a shorter lead time, some people have already made plans.”

You can keep a secret

Ally Prince, Owner of Social Revelry, says, “It’s all about the personalities. You have to be someone who can keep a secret first and foremost.” She shares of the Halloween party/surprise wedding she planned for Jessica and Randy: “When they called me, it was about three weeks before their annual Halloween party and Jessica said ‘We want to get married during it.’ And it suited them perfectly.”

_{photographer: James Atkins Photography | venues: Private Rooftop & The Art Institute of Chicago}

This engagement-party-turned-surprise-wedding from Rachel De Marte Events featured a glamorous rooftop, guests clad in all-white, a pup ring bearer, and one more surprise — a performance by singer Jason Derulo. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS

Who should you let in on the plan?

The fewer people who know, the better

Prince of Social Revelry says, “We keep a very tight circle. I recommend it just stay between the planning staff and the couple so we can limit who knows about our surprise and give the guests the best reveal. The moment is so worth the secret.”

Whittington of Ann Whittington Events adds, “The fewer people who know, the better it is. Many people cannot keep a secret. I would suggest a couple only tell their parents.” For the engagement party/wedding she planned, she shares, “Even the grandparents and siblings did not know — and you can tell that in the pictures.”

But key people need to be informed

Boskoff of Neon River Weddings says, “Firstly, tell someone that can keep a secret! It could be a family member, plus a friend — those that you can see having a vital role in the planning process or day-of deception!”

DeMarte, of Rachel De Marte Events, says, “For a successful surprise, key people must be in the know. For example, the couple’s parents, select members of the wedding party, officiant, photographer, musicians — all key vendors, for all key moments. Think about what a key moment the surprise is, let alone the actual ceremony and celebration!”

_{photographer: Scott Clark Photo & Jules Slütsky | wedding design: Neon River Weddings | floral: Designs by Ahn | venue: Private Residence}

Guests arrived at a 40th-birthday party and ended up at a surprise wedding produced by Neon River Weddings; the celebration wowed with a blush and blue palette, branded fare, and spur-of-the-moment meaningful toasts. 

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How can you ensure that your most important guests will attend?

Invite guests in a formal way

Boskoff says, “This could be a tricky one. To get them to attend, and to dress for the occasion, could be a challenge in itself if they don’t know it’s a wedding — especially for those who would need to travel. If there is a big milestone that you are celebrating, and you create a more formal invite, that could help those on the fence to decide. 

She adds, “You always have the option of letting someone very important to you in on the secret if they are leaning towards not being able to attend, as I’m sure they would feel awful if they found out after the fact! Keeping it small could also help with managing your expectation of RSVPs.”

Draw guests in with a “can’t-miss” event

Prince recommends that you consider what type of event you will invite guests to. She says, “It’s important to make it a notable event. For instance, this one was their annual Halloween party that everyone comes to, so it was easy to get everyone excited about it and to attend. I suggest making it an event with a theme — something guests won’t second-guess when they get an invite.”

Create a compelling storyline to lend gravity

De Marte says, “The storyline you share with people is key. For example, perhaps you are throwing an ‘engagement party’ and plan to have a small intimate destination wedding as the cover story. This puts urgency on attending as there wouldn’t be another celebration. The narrative we tell is paramount for a successful surprise.” The consequence of missing out is a powerful driver.

Promise a “special moment” for your most important guests

Whittington says, “If a VIP declines, you have to decide if you want to tell them; it may risk the surprise. You could also tell them you want them to give a toast at the event.” She notes that since the pandemic, the response rate for events has gone up. “I think guests now really appreciate being included in a festive occasion and make more of an effort to attend any event.”

_{photographer: Kristin Morris | event planner: Social Revelry | florals: Botanica International Design Studio | venue: Private Residence}

This surprise wedding from Social Revelry unfolded against the backdrop of a Halloween party — which meant guests got to delight in the sight of the bride’s father dressed as Thor walking her down a fog-lined aisle. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS

What is the best way to reveal that the event is actually your wedding?

First, create a joyful vibe with a cocktail hour

De Marte says, “I just love doing a cocktail hour first (regardless of a surprise factor or not). When you arrive to a cocktail hour, guests are greeted with food and beverage, creating an enjoyable experience out of the gate. Revealing a ceremony from there simply takes it over the top. Again, this applies to a non-surprise scenario as well.  Happy guests happily sit down quickly!”

Boskoff agrees, saying, “If you want guests to be on their toes and build that excitement, you can have the cocktail hour first, and then move everyone over to a different area where the ceremony will be held. And remember, it’s okay if guests start to guess what’s happening. Your big day will still feel like a surprise!”

Or launch right into the ceremony upon arrival

Boskoff offers an alternative to the cocktail-party-to-wedding transition: just launching right into the wedding from the beginning. She says, “The ceremony will be a dead giveaway! If you want to get the surprise over with, you can have guests walk right into the ceremony. We can guarantee that a few jaws will drop!”

Consider a meaningful toast that ends in the reveal

Whittington says she is partial to the reveal of the surprise wedding that she planned, which was a toast that led into the surprise. She says, “The father of the groom gave a toast — after a video montage of the couple’s lives from birth to now — then said, ‘We are having the wedding now, go to the next room for the ceremony.’ The bride had already left to change into a wedding dress. No one was expecting this announcement.”

Build suspense and awe with a dramatic moment

Prince says that she likes “a musical moment or dramatic moment” — a shift in the gathering that gets everyone’s attention. For the surprise wedding that she planned, Prince shares, “We used low-lying fog to fill the floor and had a shift in the tone of the music at the perfectly-planned moment when the groom stepped on the stage and the gate opened for the couple’s kids to walk down the aisle. Everyone got it immediately, and the excitement of the event was so amazing!”

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People Also Ask…

How can I plan a surprise wedding?

We strongly recommend that you start by hiring a wedding planner. Your planner can help you with every important decision, from choosing a venue to deciding who to tell about your big surprise. 

Our panel of expert planners below is a great place to start as they’ve all successfully produced epic surprise weddings. They know about everything from the invitations to the reveal.

You can also use PartySlate’s vendor directory to find a skilled event planner near you. You can filter by services offered and more to narrow down your search. Then visit each planner’s PartySlate profile to see real events that they’ve curated, as well as venues they’ve worked in and the vendors they’ve worked with.

Consider our expert planner panel

Your wedding will be one of the most photographed days of your life, so make sure it’s picture-perfect with these elegant wedding centerpiece ideas. Elegance is more of a vibe than a style. In fact, an elegant wedding can accommodate any wedding style — just look at the examples below.

The PartySlate team searched through thousands of photos from real weddings to find our favorite wedding centerpieces that exude beauty and taste. We know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but we are here to help with everything from advice and inspiration to recommendations for the best vendors to pull off your vision. Keep reading to discover 47 elegant wedding centerpieces that range from glittering candlelight to artful floral arrangements.

Classic Elegance
Modern Elegance
Boho Elegance
Romantic Elegance
Glam Elegance
Vintage Elegance
Garden Elegance
Rustic Elegance
Moody Elegance
Whimsical Elegance
Tropical Elegance

Elegant & Classic Wedding Centerpieces

Elegant & Modern Centerpieces

Elegant Boho Wedding Centerpieces

Elegant & Romantic Centerpieces

Elegant & Glam Wedding Centerpieces

Elegant Vintage Wedding Centerpieces

Elegant Garden Centerpieces

Elegant Rustic Wedding Centerpieces

Elegant Moody & Gothic Centerpieces

Elegant & Whimsical Centerpieces

Elegant Tropical Wedding Centerpieces

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People Also Ask…

How do I find a wedding planner?

Now that you’ve found your favorite elegant centerpiece idea, it’s time to find the talented team of vendors to bring your vision to life. We always recommend that you hire a wedding planner before checking off any other item on your to-do list. Your wedding planner will guide you through every step of the planning process — and they’ll even help you save money along the way (yes, really).

Head to PartySlate’s curated wedding planner directory to find your perfect fit. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, services, and more. If a particular planner catches your eye, make sure to check out their PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business. You can then reach out right from their profile or the directory page.

How do I find a wedding venue?

PartySlate is also your go-to resource for finding the perfect venue. Remember, so much goes into choosing the right event space, so make sure you know which questions to ask before booking a venue.

Start your search by heading to PartySlate’s venue directory. From there, use the filters to narrow your search by event type, guest count, amenities, and more. Make sure to view a preferred venue’s PartySlate profile page to see real weddings hosted in the space. You can also reach out to your list of venues right from their profile or the directory — saving you the hassle of having to juggle multiple websites at one time.

Where can I find more wedding ideas?

Wedding centerpieces are just one important wedding décor element. Make sure your wedding is picture-perfect with stunning decorations from start to finish. Click below to discover trending wedding ideas as well as classic inspiration that never goes out of style.