Guest Table options for Weddings in 2026/27

Let’s set the scene: you’re a newly engaged couple, over the moon to finally start planning the biggest day of your lives and decide to google different flower centrepiece ideas for your guest tables. Hundreds, and thousands, of blurry, dated images appear in an overwhelming quarry of possibilities and you’re suddenly left feeling a tad overwhelmed. Well fear not, because here at Stock Florist we have a portfolio only brides and grooms would dream of; a selection of past examples from previous weddings and events that scream elegance, timelessness and unique beauty that would knock the socks off any guest or family member.

Here are some options to consider, with any colour scheme a possibility – ranging from the most budget friendly to the most luxurious.

Bud Vase Floral Centrepieces

Starting with the type of floral centrepiece that you can always count on: The Bud Vase. They really are a reliable little centrepiece, a sweet and subtle way of adding in some florals to the guest tables while keeping costs low. On average, a bud vase will set you back around £12.00 per vase, so it’s a fabulous floral centrepiece to choose compared to a larger scale arrangement that will cost significantly more. As you can see from the images from our previous weddings, you could have 1 or 2 dotted along the tables with candles or loose petals or choose a fuller look that would line the whole table. A set of 3 bud vases in mixed heights is a lovely option (and a bonus that it happens to be one of our favourite guest table options that our team loves at Stock Florist!) with candles mixed in is a classic and understated choice for a floral centrepieces.

A Small Vase Floral Centrepieces

The next step up from a Bud Vase would be one Small Vase as a singular focal floral centrepiece. Typically, these start from around £40.00 depending on the blooms used in the wedding, so again is a really great option for those couples looking to be more budget friendly. Furthermore, to save even more on the pennies: reuse your bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony and have you wedding coordinator repurpose them for your guest tables! You would just need to hire the vases. You may not have enough for all the guest tables in which we would be able to top up the remaining amount needed or simply pick and mix with another design as mixing up your guest tables is a fun way to add in some texture and interest into your wedding breakfast room.

If you want to avoid the fuss of rounding up bridesmaids’ bouquets however, these small vase floral centrepieces do work a treat and if you were to provide your own vases, also make for a great gift to family members of guests once the night is over.

Table Meadow Floral Centrepieces

Moving on, here we have a Table Meadow floral centrepiece. Perfect for couples looking to have a natural, “country garden” wedding theme, these floral centrepieces on average have a starting price of £70.00 depending on the blooms used for the wedding and the size of the meadows themselves. Whether you are going for a slightly more unstructured vibe or like the white and green example above, slightly more refined, a Table Meadow is a stunning option if you have a mid-range budget. Looking to get more out of your arrangements and your budget? Having slightly bigger meadows can look fabulous placed along the aisle and then be repurposed for your guest tables too. So, one lot of arrangements will get you twice the wow factor!

Low bowls or Punchbowls Floral Centrepieces

A low bowl or punchbowl floral centrepiece is similar to the Table Meadow, except you would hire the prop instead of the arrangement being sat directly on the guest table itself. They work perfectly alongside any other style of floral centrepiece if you wanted to mix and match, which we always love to suggest to couples especially if you have a 50/50 split between tall and short arrangements. The low bowl or punchbowl floral centrepiece is an endlessly chic option and suits so many types of weddings and venues too. Our examples above feature a monochromatic, entirely flowered low bowl compared to a rustic, heavily foliaged punchbowl so no matter your wedding style, these floral centrepieces are a guaranteed win. Depending on the flowers chosen for your wedding and the size of the prop, typically these floral centrepieces will start from around £110.00 per piece however there are lots of ways to scale up or down on this arrangement. Definitely a crowd pleaser!

Tall Squared Stand Floral Centrepieces

For the most impact, opting for a tall floral centrepiece will create a full and lush wedding breakfast. These type of arrangements do tend to be the most expensive type of guest table floral centrepiece as you will need lots of stems to create a visually pleasing display, typically starting from £160.00 per guest table depending on the type of blooms you have in your wedding.

Tall floral centrepiece are a fabulous choice if your budget allows for it as you can have these start in your ceremony, lining the aisle or have them either side of your Registrar’s table and then the venue staff can move them over to the guest tables, making the most out of your arrangements that day.

Tall Glass Vase Floral Centre

Like the geometric stands above, these tall glass floral centrepieces are basically the same in terms of make up for the florist, however the practical use of them are slightly more limited. We would recommend that if being used down the aisle for example, you would also hire a pedestal to sit the tall glass floral centrepieces on as they are not as sturdy as the props above. Still a stunning option and endlessly timeless, suiting all wedding themes!

Speak to our team to discuss your wedding flowers.

How to get the most out of your budget – Part 1

The Smart Spending Series, £1000.00 budget

It can be really hard to know where to start when planning your budget for your wedding day. Pinterest and Instagram are fabulous tools for research and inspiration, however sometimes it can give an unrealistic window into the wedding industry, especially when it comes to choosing what you actually need and can prioritise vs what would be lovely if your budget allowed for it but would most likely take you over your spending cap.

Here at Stock Florist, we pride ourselves on working with your budget to provide a personalised and fully itemised, bespoke quote after your first Consultation with us, as well as a visual moodboard and digital mock-ups to give you an insight to how your wedding day might look.

So, before you join us at one of our beautiful shops in either the quaint village of Stock or the bustling Bishop’s Stortford, consider reading Part 1 of our Smart Spending Series: How we would spend £1000.00 on wedding florals!

The Wedding Party

First things first, choosing your bridal bouquet! Arguably the most important arrangement of the whole day, this bouquet will be by your side throughout most of your wedding: from the moment your florist delivers it to you, to the getting ready photos, walking down the aisle, celebrating becoming husband and wife all the way to the wedding breakfast; your bridal bouquet is the most important bouquet you will ever hold.

Choosing your bridal bouquet should be the most fun part of the consultation as everything centres around that. It should reflect you and your personality: whether that’s classic and chic or fun and bold, no two bridal bouquets are the same. On average, a bridal bouquet ranges from £120.00 - £200.00 depending on the desired look.

Then come your bridesmaids, usually smaller versions of your bouquet that come in typically half the price of your bridal bouquet. For the sake of this example, let’s say you have three bridesmaids and one flower girl, along with five matching buttonholes for the groom and his groomsmen and two corsages for mums – that’s half your £1000.00 budget spent. We would recommend spending this much on your wedding party simply due to the fact that these floral arrangements will be in every photo you will have to look back on! So definitely worth spending a decent amount so you don’t have any post wedding day regret.

The Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast

After spending on average half your £1000.00 budget on your wedding party, it now leaves you with around £400.00 - £600.00 to spend decorating your venue. Focus on arrangements that you can get the most out of on the wedding day, arrangements that can start in one place of the venue and then be moved by ourselves or the wedding venue staff to a second location, thus making the most of your £1000.00 budget.

A popular arrangement would be a Long and Low arrangement. This is as stated in the name: long and low, starting on your ceremony table and then moved to adorn your top table (although some couples choose to have slightly different arrangements such as bud vases or meadows, so this is not the only option, best to discuss this further with your designated florist during your consultation). Long and Low arrangements tend to cost between £160.00 to £200.00 roughly so it’s important that you utilise this display as much as possible, it will frame you both beautifully so would be a crime not to.

Aisle Arrangements Repurposed for Guest Tables

Depending on how many guest tables you have will depend on what kind of guest table centrepieces that you can have.

A good way to get the most out of your wedding florals and actually look after them for the day so that they stay looking as lovely as they do when delivered is to hire vases for your guest tables that your bridesmaids and bridal bouquet can be placed into. Whether you choose to decorate your guest tables with them or not, we would recommend having vases on standby anyway! They could decorate cocktail tables, the bar, gift and cards table, the possibilities are endless.

But if you do happen to have over 5-6 tables, then repurposing the bouquets is a fab and budget optimising option.

Look to our latest blog: Guest Table Options for Weddings in 2026/27 Blog for ideas on the rest of your guest tables. However, we would recommend perhaps 5-6 tables of three mixed bud vases and candles per table, coming in at a budget friendly price of £45.00 - £75.00 including hire, that could be dotted along the aisle or around the room holding the ceremony. For this budget, it really is about optimising all your wedding florals and showing them off as much as possible!

Considering Your Venue:

A Guide to Discussing Wedding Flowers with Your Florist

Planning a wedding involves weaving together countless details, and one of the most visually impactful aspects is selecting the perfect floral arrangements. Flowers have the remarkable ability to transform a venue into a romantic and captivating space, bringing your wedding vision to life. However, the choice of wedding flowers isn't made in isolation; it's essential to consider the venue when discussing options with your florist to ensure your wedding flowers harmonise flawlessly with your chosen venue.

Venue Style and Theme

Every venue has its own unique style and ambiance. For example, the beautiful Tudor Baronial Barn at Crondon Park sports rustic beams and high ceilings and suits a pastoral, countryside theme. The first step is to ensure that your floral choices align with the venue's aesthetics. Your florist should have a clear understanding of your wedding theme and the overall vibe you wish to create and ideally would have worked with the venue before so already has an understanding of what works within the space.

Space and Scale

Consider the size and layout of your venue. For grand ballrooms, tall centerpieces and elaborate floral installations might be appropriate. However, in more intimate spaces, simpler arrangements might be more effective. Discuss with your florist how to make the most of the space without overwhelming it. Ask if they can accompany you to the venue in advance so they can suggest what can work where you can visualise it.

Color Palette

Your wedding flowers should complement the venue's color palette rather than clash with it. Bring samples of the venue's décor, such as fabric swatches or images, to your florist consultation. This will help your florist choose flowers that complement the existing colors and decor. View our gallery to see how our wedding bouquets come to life.

Natural Features

Take advantage of any natural features your venue offers. If there's a stunning fireplace, staircase, or archway, consider how floral arrangements can enhance these elements. Your florist can suggest designs that accentuate the venue's existing beauty.

Seasonal Availability

The season in which you're getting married can greatly impact the availability of certain flowers. Choosing locally available, in-season blooms not only ensures the freshest arrangements but can also help tie in with the surrounding environment. Your florist can guide you on the best floral choices for your wedding date.

Venue Restrictions

Some venues may have restrictions on floral installations due to their preservation or structural concerns. Discuss these restrictions with your florist so they can devise creative solutions that stay within the guidelines while still achieving your desired look.

Logistics and Setup

Consider how the logistics of setting up floral arrangements will work within the venue. Your florist should be aware of the setup process and any constraints they might encounter. Working closely with your venue coordinator and florist can ensure a seamless setup.

Lighting

Lighting can dramatically affect how your floral arrangements are perceived. Whether your venue has abundant natural light, soft candlelight, or vibrant colored lights, your florist can advise on flower choices that will shine in the given lighting conditions.

We work with many local venues which you can find on our venue page but when it comes to wedding flowers, synergy with the chosen venue is key. The right floral arrangements can enhance the ambiance, reinforce your wedding theme, and put your stamp on a venue. By discussing your venue's characteristics, restrictions, and features with your florist, you'll ensure that your wedding blooms become an integral part of the magical atmosphere you're creating for your special day.

Speak to our team to see how we can help with your wedding flowers, we would love to hear all about your vision. Contact us.

Outdoor wedding planning essentials

Planning a wedding is a huge challenge, even in normal times. From small details, like the shape and style of your jewellery, to larger concerns such as the food menu, there’s so much to keep in mind. Outdoor weddings, however, are even more challenging – and they’re now more popular than ever as couples seek to make their ceremonies as COVID-safe as possible.

An outdoor wedding can be incredibly idyllic and picturesque, and it can be a fantastic way to make your day even more special. But holding a wedding outdoors suddenly lumbers you with a whole host of potential challenges that you just don’t have with a traditional wedding venue. Here are some tips to help ensure that you sidestep the potential headaches.

1: Full Power!
This might seem like an obvious point, but making sure that everything you want for your wedding is adequately powered is a must. Picturesque fairy lights hanging from tree branches aren’t going to look that great if they’re off. That quiet jazz band playing softly into the evening can’t croon to your guests if they haven’t got the juice for their instruments. So be sure to power up your proceedings.

2: Whether you’re ready or not…
The great outdoors has its own challenges, namely unpredictable weather. Nothing can ruin your special day faster than a deluge drenching you and your guests, and destroying your cake, so outdoor tents or other types of shelter are essential. If your big day is taking place in the summer, you might want to consider a shelter for your guests to cool off, too. If you’re doing an autumn or winter ceremony, proper heating is a must. Frozen guests aren’t a good look, and neither is a mud bath, so rent yourself a dancefloor.

3: One with nature?
It isn’t just inclement weather that could ruin your day. Beautiful surroundings and a tastefully chosen gazebo can still be ruined if clouds of gnats, mosquitoes or other pests decide to eat your guests alive. Consider hiring an exterminator a few days beforehand to clear the area, or placing citronella candles on the tables. You don’t have to commune that closely with nature in an outdoor wedding. Stock village in Essex has some beautiful character and rustic venues we adore.

4: Flowers galore
To really lean into your beautiful outdoor wedding theme, you’ll need flowers – and lots of them. From sprawling rustic bouquets to vintage vases placed on each table, there are so many creative ways that flowers can bring colour and life to your wedding. If you’re going for a rustic barn aesthetic, then trailing flowers make the ideal decoration for all of those plain wooden chairs you’ll need. And as for the ceremony itself, what could be better than a glorious arch of flowers spreading over the happy couple? Our team is always on hand to support you and your ideas. View our wedding consultation steps here.

5: Caught short!
All of the planning and gorgeous surroundings, well-chosen flowers, and beautiful decor aren’t going to amount to a whole lot if your wedding ends up being a ripe affair. Make sure you hire enough bathroom facilities for your guests at around one bathroom for every 35 people. Luxury portable restroom stalls are of exceptional quality these days with things like granite countertops or flower arrangements, so you don’t have to settle for dingy, grey plastic, music festival-style portaloos.

6: Timing is everything!
A wedding is a complicated affair with a lot of moving parts, but with a traditional, indoor wedding venue a lot of the headaches are already taken care of by default (like shelter, power, and bathrooms). Planning your wedding outdoors adds more potential challenges to your special day, so maybe the number one tip with regards to planning an outdoor wedding is giving yourself enough time, not only to get everything in place but to be prepared for things to go wrong. Hopefully, they don’t, but it never hurts to have contingency plans in place.

Remembering these simple tips can help ensure your big day is as beautiful as you imagine it in your head.

Written by: Abbie Hartley

How to add personal touches to your wedding day

Your wedding day is not just a day to cement your relationship with your partner in front of family and friends, it’s also a day to celebrate that relationship and all the things that make it special and unique. Adding personal touches to your wedding day is all part of the excitement. It helps you to share with your guests the things that have brought you together, and set your love apart.

Start with you
There are so many ways you can add a personal touch to the day’s proceedings, so why not make a list of things that are special to you both? Think about the music that was playing the first time you kissed, or consider a shared interest such as sports, travel or books. Once you have made your list, you will be ready to choose where to incorporate your distinctive personal touches into your wedding day.

Flowers
The kind of flowers you choose can set your wedding apart. You can take inspiration from the venue and the season, or pick flowers that you both love – or maybe even colours that match your personal colour scheme. If you need guidance, you can work with us and we’ll help you to choose distinctive flowers that match your dream.

Food and drink
What is your favourite meal? What were you eating when you got engaged? Is there a drink you are well known for? Do you know a lot about wine? Even if your venue can’t offer exactly the menu you want, you can print your own menus and give the dishes and drinks names that mean something to you both. You could even get personalised labels printed for your wine choices and have them placed on your bottles!

Name the tables
Remember the list of your shared interests? Why not use them to name your tables for your wedding day dinner? It will be a lot easier for your guests to remember where they are sitting, and it will be something fun for them to talk about.

Music
Music is so personal, and there’s nothing like it for creating strong memories. Choose a band, artist or DJ who reflects your personal style and then work with them to make sure that the songs you want are included. If you want to create a classy atmosphere, for example, you could choose a jazz swing band to make your wedding really stand out.

Wedding car
Hire a quirky or distinctive car to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding day. It could be a London bus, a vintage car, or even a cute camper van.

These are just some of the ways you can add personal touches that make your special day one to remember, for everyone involved.

Written by: Blake Miller

I’ll bring you flowers...

Stock Florist Wins Best British Wedding Florist!!

It was a night of glitz and glamour at the 2018 British Wedding Awards this year as we headed to the beautiful No.1 Whitehall and the stunning Gladstone Library. Being nominated was enough but what happened next was truly magical.

Finalists at previous award ceremonies we had got used to being the bridesmaid but never the bride! Award-winning was always the missing piece of the business we had dreamed off.

After a stunning champagne reception, it was time to take our seats for a beautiful meal and the award ceremony commenced. The mood was hyped by the excitement, the chitter chatter of folk and laughter rang out along with and constant clinking of glasses as people settled at the at tables introducing themselves to others. It was a great feeling to be part of such a wonderful atmosphere.

And there we were, halfway through the dinner, before dessert it was time to announce ‘Best Wedding Florist’. We were there to enjoy the experience, never in a million years did we expect to hear our name called out! There’s a scene from my favourite film Four Weddings and a Funeral when Scarlet and Charles realise they were late for the first wedding…that was us!!!

‘And the winner of Best British Wedding Florist goes to…Stock Florist’.

That was it, we WON! As the crowd cheered we walked to the stage to collect our prize. The photographers were clicking away, it felt like a scene from the Oscars!

We have met some amazing people in the relatively short time we have been open. Industry legends, established suppliers, and lots of beautiful brides & grooms. As a wedding florist, we love the early preparation on the wedding day, from sourcing the finest flowers, creating amazing displays, and arriving at a venue where flowers are the perfect finishing touch to light any room.

From a humble little flower shop with a big heart to The British Wedding Florist of the year it has been a remarkable adventure. We could never have done it without our beautiful brides and the venues we dress. We have been humbled by the support and love from our Stock Florist brides, loyal customers, amazing suppliers, stunning venues, family, and friends.

We have a very exciting year ahead…