How big should a centrepiece be?

A centrepiece should be no more than one-quarter to one-third of the table diameter. For a 150cm round table, that means 35-50cm wide. This leaves enough room for place settings, glasses and serving dishes. Too large and guests cannot see each other or reach food.

How many flower stems per arrangement?

A small low arrangement needs 10-15 stems. A medium arrangement needs 15-25 stems. A large or tall arrangement may need 20-35 stems. Mix focal flowers (roses, peonies) with filler flowers (gypsophila, wax flower) and greenery for a full look.

Table Centrepiece Calculator

Calculate centrepiece dimensions and flower stems needed based on table size and style.

Number of Tables

Tables needing centrepieces

Table ShapeLong rectangular tables get a runner of several small arrangements; round/square get one central piece

Table Diameter

Diameter of a round table, side of a square, or full length of a rectangular trestle

Centrepiece StyleStyle of centrepiece arrangement

Include table candles

Adds 3 accent tea lights around each arrangement (3–5 is the norm). These are extra to any candles already in a candle cluster or lantern — turn off if those are enough.

How We Calculate This

Sizing Formula

Centrepiece diameter (round/square) = Table diameter (or side) × 25%, so it stays clear of place settings.

Low arrangement height = Centrepiece diameter × 0.4 — kept under ~30cm so guests can talk across the table.

Tall display height = Table diameter × 0.5 — raised above ~60cm so guests can see underneath; anything in between blocks sightlines.

Total stems = Stems per table × Number of tables.

Rectangular (trestle) tables

Long tables get a runner of several small arrangements (about one every 90cm of length) rather than one round-table-sized piece, each sized to roughly a third of the table width. Stems, vases, candles and cost all scale with the number of arrangements.

Cost basis

Estimates use a DIY/wholesale average of ~£1.50 per mixed stem plus a per-arrangement container/foliage cost, and ~£2 per accent tea light. A florist-arranged centrepiece typically runs 2–3× this, with premium stems (roses, peonies) at £3–4+ each.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.