Once you have secured your venue and chosen your bouquet style, the next big question usually involves the reception room. How do you dress the tables?

It is one of the most common debates I have with couples during consultations. Should you go for low, intimate arrangements that encourage conversation? Or should you go for tall, dramatic displays that provide the "wow" factor?

The truth is that both styles have their merits, and often, the best solution is a mix of the two.

Here is my guide to help you decide what works best for your venue and your budget.

1. The Case for Low Centrepieces

Low arrangements are the traditional choice for a reason. They sit below eye level, usually in a bowl, a small vase, or as a wreath around a lantern.

Why choose them?

• Conversation: They allow your guests to chat easily across the table without having to peer through foliage.
• Intimacy: They create a cosy, romantic atmosphere, especially when paired with candlelight.
• Scent: Because the flowers are right in front of your guests, this is the perfect place to use scented blooms like Stocks or Freesias.

The downside: In a modern hotel ballroom or a marquee with high ceilings, low centrepieces can sometimes get "lost" in the space. When you look across the room, you might see a lot of white tablecloths and empty air space above them.

2. The Case for Tall Centrepieces

Tall arrangements are elevated on stands, candelabras, or tall vases. The flowers sit high above the guests' heads, leaving the eye-line clear for conversation while filling the upper space of the room.

Why choose them?

• Drama: They instantly transform a room. Walking into a venue filled with towering floral displays creates an immediate sense of luxury and occasion.
• Photography: They fill the background of your reception photos, adding colour and texture to the empty space above the guests.
• Venue Management: If your venue has very high ceilings, tall arrangements bridge the gap between the table and the roof, making the space feel more connected.

The downside: Cost. To make a tall arrangement look good using fresh flowers, you need a significant volume of stems. A typical fresh tall centrepiece can cost upwards of £150 each, which adds up quickly if you have 10 or 12 tables.

3. The "Smart" Solution: Mix and Match

You do not have to choose just one style! In fact, mixing them often looks better. Alternating between tall and low creates a lovely rhythm in the room and stops it from looking too uniform.

This is also where my Hire Service becomes your best friend.

A fantastic way to manage your budget is to use fresh flowers for your low centrepieces (where guests can smell and touch them) and use my luxury artificial flowers for the tall stands.

Because the tall arrangements are high up, guests cannot tell the difference. They simply see the beautiful impact of the display.

The financial benefit is huge. While a fresh tall arrangement might cost £150, hiring a stunning artificial equivalent from my collection is often around £50.

If you have 10 tables, doing half of them as "hire" arrangements could save you £500 or more, without sacrificing that luxurious, full-room look you have been dreaming of.

Ready to style your venue? Whether you want fresh, scented bowls or dramatic floral stands, I can help you design a room that fits your venue and your budget perfectly. Get in touch to see my gallery of hire items and fresh designs.