• ABOUT
    • SERVICES
    • CORE VALUES
    • PROCESS
    • APPROACH
    • MEET THE TEAM
  • EVENTS
    • FEATURED
    • BRIDES + SOCIAL EVENTS
    • CORPORATE + BRANDS
    • CURATED EXPERIENCES
  • WEDDING GUIDES
    • BLOG
    • CATEGORIES
  • SHOP
  • FREEBIES

Wedding Planning Resources | DIY Guides | Tips | Events

Design•Guides

How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide

January 5, 2021

Versatile & Stylish! How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide.

  1. Where to purchase bulk greenery
  2. What is the best variety to order for DIY
  3. How much to order
  4. Processing and cleaning
  5. Prepping
  6. Packaging and storage
  7. Setting-up
  8. Easy and affordable add-ons

The best thing about this greenery style is you can take it as minimalist as possible, to even as rustic as can be! Absolutely versatile!

This site contains affiliate links. For more info please see our full disclosure.

from left to right: Via Southbound Bride // Via Bon Paper House // Via Five Fourteen

Where to purchase bulk greenery

Check your local flower market and see if you can pre-order a large number of bunches (ask them for the minimum number to get a volume discount!), will definitely be helpful for you.

Another option is bulk wholesale flower websites like Fifty Flowers and Bulk Wholesale Flowers.

What is the best variety to order for DIY

2 of the most long-lasting greeneries you can purchase are Salal and Italian Ruscus. These greenery bunches can last without being in the water! You have to keep them in a really cool place. What does this mean to you? This means you can pick up these babies 1-2 (even 3!) days before your wedding.

Salal & Italian Ruscus from Fifty Flowers

How much to order

Start by purchasing one bunch of each from your local flower market or shop. This way you can see exactly the volume and the effect. You can then play around how heavy or light you would like them to be on your tables.

*** PRO TIP: If you are mixing both Salal and Italian Ruscus, do not overdo the Salal. It will easily overpower the Ruscus. Start with a base of Salal and then layer the Ruscus on top. The pointed tips of the Ruscus are what it’s known for. Make sure you layer and put Ruscus last.

Once you’ve figured out the style and volume that you prefer, count the stems accordingly.

SALAL: Usually around 8-10 stems per bunch.

ITALIAN RUSCUS: Usually 5-8 stems per bunch.

When calculating the number of stems you need, always go on the lower count (Salal: 8 and Italian Ruscus: 5)

*** PRO TIP: To ensure you are happy with the volume of your centerpiece, check the table WIDTH, not just the length but also the width. If your banquet is narrower, you might not need to cover a wider area, and a few stems might be more appropriate. If it is wider, consider wider coverage and add-ons like candles.

How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide - 2

Here is a sample of what your breakdown of stems/bunches will be:

PER TABLE BREAK DOWN: 3 stems for base Salal + 5 stems Ruscus

NUMBER OF TABLES: 10 rectangulars

*** PRO TIP: Always add 10-20% padding. When you get the greenery, not all the stems might be 100% useful, and you might need to discard some of them. To have a good amount of extras, 10-20% will save you the stress! In the sample below, we added 20% (multiplied by 1.20).

SALAL TOTAL STEMS: 3 stems x 10 tables = 30 stems x 1.20 = 36 stems

SALAL TOTAL BUNCHES: 36 stems ÷ 8 stems/bunch = 4.5 ≈ 5 bunches

ITALIAN RUSCUS TOTAL STEMS: 5 stems x 10 tables = 50 stems x 1.20 = 60 stems

ITALIAN RUSCUS TOTAL BUNCHES: 60 stems ÷ 5 stems/bunch = 12 bunches

*** PRO TIP: Always round up the stems. For the extras you have, you can put it on your head table or other tables like the cake table, welcome table, etc.

More of this wedding we set-up and designed here.

Processing and cleaning

Italian Ruscus usually arrives without much cleaning needed. There might be some leaves that you might want to check on. It also sometimes comes with some small yellow fruit like balls. You can either keep them or just cut them straight off.

Salal sometimes arrives with some sediments. You can wipe it off with water as needed.

Prepping

The best way to prep is to pre-cut the long stems (see photo below!). These stems are usually a telltale sign that you just literally laid the greenery on the table. You will, but this prep step will help elevate the look and make you look like a PRO DESIGNER!

Trim off the long bottom/lower stem part (circled in the photo)

Without these long stems, it will almost look like they are all connected like a garland; since the long bottom stems will no longer be visible, the “endpoint” will almost “disappear.” Yep. You just elevated a seemingly “ordinary” idea with this DIY design pro tip! We’ve done something similar to this here.

Packaging and storage

This is probably one of the most important steps on How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: (Step by step guide); PACKAGING!

The best way to package is to do it individually per table after you have trimmed the extra stems, group the stems accordingly already (based on your breakdown).

Put the number of stems needed per table in a bag. We would suggest using a clear bag to ensure that it doesn’t “accidentally” get thrown out.

Label each bag with the table number for where it’s supposed to be, especially if you plan to put more stems on the sweetheart table. 1 bag with the exact number of stems per table is the best, easiest, and fastest way to go!

When you have these packaged and labeled accordingly, you and whoever might help you set up at your venue will be able to reference much easier and set-up much faster.

Store in a cool place, away from any draft or heat. Italian Ruscus might need a little more love and care (water!), but the Salal will usually stay in good condition if you keep it in a cool place.

Setting-up

Since you have already amazingly pre-packaged everything per table, it will be literally easy peasy to set-up them and place them on the table accordingly.

If you have some friends or family helping you set-up, you can provide a reference photo of how you would like the set-up and how many stems per table. It can look something like this:

How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide
The more detailed, clearer and the shorter the steps are, the easier it is to pass on to someone else to do – because it really is easy peasy.

Easy and affordable add-ons

The easiest add-on to elevate the look of this greenery centerpiece is to add votive and floating candles.

Yes, we know, it is tempting to add the sexy tapered candles. You can definitely add them. They do, however, need a stand, and of course, they are open flame. Most venues are ok with an open flame, but some are not.

Votive Candles // Vase Set for floating candles // Floating Candles

The easiest of them all to elevate the greenery look and add that romantic touch are votive candles. You literally pull them out of the box, place them on the table, and light them up, or you can have your venue coordinator light it up 30 minutes before the door opens for the guests to walk in.

The floating candle is gorgeous, but let me tell you that there is work needed to fill those vases with water and place the floating candle on top. It might seem like an easy and fast thing to do, but if you are using the kitchen sink or the venue’s bathroom sink, this will take up time.

If you are really keen on adding them, you can add them to specific special tables or if you have that extra set-up time.

There you are! How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide! Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! xo

RELATED POSTS

  • A-Line Style Bridal Dresses under $800: Top 10 from David’s BridalA-Line Style Bridal Dresses under $800: Top 10 from David’s Bridal
  • How To: DIY Wedding CalligraphyHow To: DIY Wedding Calligraphy
  • How to: Plan a Backyard WeddingHow to: Plan a Backyard Wedding
  • Tips on Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic: Extra 10Tips on Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic: Extra 10
  • Easy Wedding Color Combos: Top 14Easy Wedding Color Combos: Top 14
  • Why you Should Do a Long EngagementWhy you Should Do a Long Engagement
  • FREE WEDDING PRINTABLES: Planning Binder, Invitation Suite and Minimalist SignsFREE WEDDING PRINTABLES: Planning Binder, Invitation Suite and Minimalist Signs
  • Planning a wedding: Do’s and Don’tsPlanning a wedding: Do’s and Don’ts
  • Cocktail Wedding Planning Guide: How ToCocktail Wedding Planning Guide: How To
Enjoyed this post? Please share! xo

IMPORTANT: Please consult your local public health professional when planning your wedding/event to help you follow health and safety protocols and government mandated by-laws during pandemic times. Read more..

–

Plan a wedding and event you’ll LOVE and ENJOY with the help of our resources, design ideas, DIY guides, creative concepts, and budget-friendly tips.

xo, Maria & The Peppermint & Co. Team// read more about our story

Featured in Canada and the United States, we have collaborated with clients to produce events of all sizes.

With over 8 years of extensive experience in wedding + event planning, including design and florals, and a collection of insights from fellow industry experts, we’ve curated these guides to help make your wedding planning journey manageable and fun!

–

LATEST ON THE BLOG

  • Fashion

    Bridal Lingerie: Top 10 picks from BHLDN

  • Discussions

    Why you Should NOT do a Long Engagement

  • Guides

    DIY Make your own Wedding Cake Hacks and Tips

  • Discussions

    Why you Should Do a Long Engagement

  • Guides

    DIY Cocktail Micro Wedding: Top 20 Easy Appetizers + HACKS. Part 2 of 2.

  • Guides

    DIY Cocktail Micro Wedding: Top 20 Easy Appetizers + HACKS. Part 1 of 2.

  • Design

    How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide

  • Fashion

    What Perfume to Wear on your Wedding Day

About Maria & The Peppermint Team

We are a team of designers, planners, and creatives, working together to create tips and guides using our expertise and experience to help you plan, design, and execute your wedding, event, or celebration.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous What Perfume to Wear on your Wedding Day
Next DIY Cocktail Micro Wedding: Top 20 Easy Appetizers + HACKS. Part 1 of 2.

Primary Sidebar

Wedding Registry: Living Separately

How to: Plan a Backyard Wedding

How to plan a BRIDAL SHOWER (budget friendly)

Wedding Registry: Living Together

Indoor wedding during a pandemic. PART 1: Ceremony.

DIY Wedding Planning Guide + Checklist

Planning a wedding: Do’s and Don’ts

Best Disposable Plates for your Wedding

Why you should have an intimate or a micro wedding even when there is no pandemic

Tips on Planning a Wedding During a Pandemic: Extra 10

Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Step by step: Planning a wedding: Breaking it down

Easy Sangria Bar: DIY guide

How to make a day-of wedding timeline

Why you should consider having your wedding at a restaurant

Wedding First Dance Song Ideas: 25 Classic & 15 R&B

Wedding hacks that will save you money: Top 30

Ballgown style bridal dresses under $800: Top 10 from David’s Bridal

Wedding Makeup Tips: Wearing A Mask, Acne-Prone, Oily, Sensitive Skin

Time-Saving Wedding Planning Tips

Why you Should Do a Long Engagement

Lush Greenery Wedding Design Guide

How to Plan an Engagement Party

DIY Make your own Wedding Cake Hacks and Tips

How To: Greenery Wedding Centerpiece: Step by step guide

DIY Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

How to plan an elopement

Mermaid Style Bridal Dresses under $800: Top 10 from David’s Bridal

Pre-arranged Wedding Flower Designs (budget-friendly and affordable)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Sexy Style

How to: Prepare for Your Wedding Dress Shopping

How to: DIY Dried Flower Arrangements: Wedding

Tips for a DIY wedding

What do bridesmaids pay for?

Beautiful Wedding Bar Signs: TOP 14

Indoor Wedding During a Pandemic. Part 2: Reception.

How to plan a Micro Wedding

Wedding Welcome Bag Ideas: DIY Top 10

A-Line Style Bridal Dresses under $800: Top 10 from David’s Bridal

Cocktail sandwich station: Elevate & Enjoy

Easy DIY halloween Wedding Decor

DIY Brunch Wedding: How to (budget-friendly)

Bridal Party Expectations

Top 10 Wedding Planner Secrets

Easy Wedding Color Combos: Top 14

Micro Wedding: Rustic Glam Design Guide

Why you Should NOT do a Long Engagement

How to Plan a Wedding on a Small Budget

Outdoor Fall Wedding Essentials: For Your Guests

DIY Cocktail Micro Wedding: Top 20 Easy Appetizers + HACKS. Part 1 of 2.

Food Station Ideas: Easy DIY Dessert Station

How to plan a virtual wedding

DIY Micro Celebration: Set-up & Design Guide

What Perfume to Wear on your Wedding Day

Wedding Reception Seating Configuration Ideas: Top 10

How to plan a micro picnic-style wedding

How to stick to your wedding budget

Easy DIY Pool Flowers for your poolside wedding (floaties!)

How to: Plan your own wedding 2021

Creative ways to save money on your wedding: How To + Top 21

Do I Need Wedding Insurance: Why and Why Not

Creative and Fun Wedding Exit Send-off: Top 13 Ideas

How to Plan a Weekday Wedding

Pastel Wedding Design Cocktail Event Guide

FREE WEDDING PRINTABLES: Planning Binder, Invitation Suite and Minimalist Signs

Designer Bridal Dresses over $5k: Our top 10 favorites

Burgundy and Greenery Wedding Design Guide

How to DJ your own Wedding

How to Plan a Garden Wedding

Wedding Ceremony Seating Configuration Ideas: Top 10

Tips for Making Wedding Planning Easier: Top 10

How to Decide on Wedding Guests’ Dress Code

Wedding Entrance Decor (also for your aisle!) DUPES: TOP 5

Writing Wedding Vows: The Dos and Don’ts

Modern Minimalist Wedding: Inspirations & Ideas

Bridal Lingerie: Top 10 picks from BHLDN

How to Choose a Wedding Venue

What to do after your wedding

Cocktail Wedding Planning Guide: How To

Evening Outdoor Wedding: Do’s and Don’ts

How To: DIY Wedding Calligraphy

How to make a wedding seating chart plan

How to Entertain your Wedding Guests

Classy Fake Flower Arrangements: How to make it less tacky

DIY Cocktail Micro Wedding: Top 20 Easy Appetizers + HACKS. Part 2 of 2.

Easy cookie dessert bar: Quick DIY (also budget friendly!)

Wedding Menu Options that Will Save a Lot of Money

Get guides and tips weekly straight in your inbox!

By signing up, you agree to these terms and conditions.

PO Box 91156, Bayview Village M2K 2Y6

Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Contact | Advertise with us

Guides
Themes
Social Events
Registry Picks
Fashion
Discussions

Copyright © 2021 Wedding Planning Resources | DIY Guides | Tips | Events
Theme by SheShoppes