Choosing Wedding Decor for Your Special Day
- Michelle Lew
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
Your tablescapes and décor do more than fill space. They define the feel of your celebration and set the tone for your day. From lush, romantic florals to creative, non-traditional centerpieces, every choice helps tell your story. Understanding the pros and cons of different floral types can help you be more confident in choosing your design themes.
In this guide, we’ll explore three main styles: live flowers, artificial florals, and non-floral arrangements. So you can find the perfect wedding decor fit for your budget, sustainability goals, and aesthetic vision.
👇👇 download our printable guide here👇👇
Contents:
💐 Live Flowers as the main element of wedding decor
Best for: Couples who love natural beauty, fragrance, and seasonal charm.
Fresh flowers bring vitality and emotion that simply can’t be replicated. Their texture, scent, and organic movement create a timeless, romantic ambiance. You can source blooms from local florists, Costco, or Trader Joe’s, then elevate them with professional design. When it comes to wedding decor, there are so many options for professional arrangements, small bud vases, garlands, and more.
Highlights
Texture: Nothing compares to the feel and fragrance of fresh blooms.
Sustainability: Large arrangements can be donated, spreading joy and offering potential tax perks.
Gifting: Smaller arrangements can be given to guests as keepsakes.
Design Flexibility: Easy to blend with greenery or accent décor.
Considerations
Seasonal pricing and availability may affect cost.
Requires professional setup and teardown (with added labor fees).
Wilts faster in heat or direct sunlight.
Cannot be reused for future events.
Average Price per Centerpiece:💲 $80–$100 (small) | $180–$220 (large)*
🌷 Artificial Flowers in wedding decor
Best for: Couples who prefer a stress-free setup without worrying about wilting or storage.
Artificial flowers have come a long way in quality and design. They offer year-round consistency and durability perfect for busy couples or destination weddings. The average wedding generates about 400 pounds of waste in food waste and packaging. We love these sustainable wedding decor options that help reduce waste.
You can purchase from Ling’s Moment, rent through Something Borrowed Blooms, or even create your own with Sola Wood Flowers or LEGO sets for a playful twist. Looking for something else? Facebook Groups and Marketplace are great places to connect with prior brides!
Highlights
Always in Season: Your favorite flowers, any color, anytime.
Low Stress: Won’t wilt, bruise, or cause allergies.
Budget-Friendly Over Time: Rentals reduce waste and cost; purchased pieces can be reused or resold.
Interactive Option: DIY or LEGO pieces can give guests something fun to do before dinner.
Considerations
May look less natural up close.
High-quality silk or wood flowers can still be pricey.
Requires storage if you plan to keep them.
Missing that “fresh flower” fragrance.
Average Price per Centerpiece:💲 $45–$50 (small) | $150 (large)*
🕯️ Non-Floral Arrangements
Best for: Couples who want to express creativity or a shared passion — whether that’s art, travel, or music.
Non-floral décor makes a memorable statement and can often be reused as home décor. Think candles, lanterns, sculptures, or framed photos — each adds warmth and meaning to your tablescape. Many couples also enjoy the interactive element of these pieces.
Highlights
Personalization: Reflect your theme or personality through unique designs.
Long-Lasting: Repurpose as décor after the wedding.
Allergy-Free: Perfect for guests with sensitivities.
Low Waste: Reusable for future events or celebrations.
Considerations
Some materials (like LEGO flowers) can be fragile.
May require extra setup or guest participation.
Doesn’t replicate the softness or fragrance of real florals.
May not fit formal or traditional styles.
Average Price per Centerpiece:💲 $60–$80 depending on materials and complexity.*
🌿 Quick Comparison
Category | Live Flowers | Artificial Flowers | Non-Floral Arrangements |
Look & Feel | Natural, romantic | Consistent, photo-ready | Creative, unexpected |
Sustainability | Compostable, donatable | Reusable or rental-friendly | Long-term or permanent |
Setup & Maintenance | Requires florist labor | Minimal | DIY or interactive |
Longevity | 1–2 days | Years (if stored properly) | Permanent |
Average Cost | $80–$220 | $45–$150 | $60–$80 |
Allergies | Possible | None | None |
✨ Planner’s Insight
When comparing your décor options, think beyond aesthetics. Consider your venue logistics, timeline, and overall guest experience.If you love the lushness of live blooms but want to stay sustainable, combine fresh greenery with silk accents or donate larger pieces to local nonprofits after your wedding.
No matter which direction you choose, your centerpieces should reflect your story, your priorities, and the atmosphere you want to create.
Because at Lavender Crown Events, we believe every wedding should feel as intentional as it is beautiful.
Contact us to find out more!
*Prices will differ depending on geography, current wedding market, and other external factors. These numbers are meant to be illustrative towards a cost comparison rather than reflective of true prices.
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