Top 10 Wedding Centerpiece Ideas for Oval Tables

Tables don’t always get the attention they deserve during the wedding planning process, mostly because brides and grooms don’t know just how many different kinds of tables there are to choose from!

Rectangular and round tables are commonly used, but you can also find square tables, tall tables, and short tables. What about oval tables? Are oval tables out of style?

Absolutely not! You just don’t see them as often because traditional reception spaces don’t usually have them on-site. Instead, brides and grooms specifically choose oval tables for their unique look.

The question is, exactly how do you decorate an oval table? Here are some of our favorite wedding centerpiece ideas for oval tables.

Oval Reception Table Featuring an Oversized Tablecloth: Martha Stewart

Set the Stage With the Right Tablecloth

Before you think too much about what to put on top of the table, you have to set the stage with the right tablecloth. That’s not easy when most tablecloths are round or rectangular in shape!

What tablecloth fits an oval table? You can use a rectangular table cloth:

• 48" X 60" tablecloths will fit oval tables up to 32" X 44"
• 72" X 90" tablecloths will fit oval tables up to 56" X 74"
• 72" X 108" tablecloths will fit oval tables up to 56" X 92"

If you like an oversized look that pools on the floor, consider an extra-large velvet tablecloth that is 90” X 156”. Layering tablecloths can also be quite stunning.

Centerpiece Featuring a Line of Taper Candles and Floral Arrangements: Style Me Pretty

Long and Lean Centerpieces

Long tables look beautiful with long and lean centerpieces. That includes rectangular tables, but this concept is also one of our favorite wedding centerpiece ideas for oval tables too!

The materials don’t matter so much as how they are arranged. Instead of bunching things like vases full of flowers and candles in the center of the table, arrange them in a line along the middle of the table, stopping before the edge, so you still have plenty of room for place settings on the ends of the table.

Oval Wooden Bowl Filled With Oranges and Greenery: Shabbyfufu

Centerpieces That Mimic the Oval Shape of the Table

The oval is such a unique shape for a reception table. Why not mimic that look with an oval table centerpiece?

Oval bowls are a great way to mimic the oval-shape of the table. The bowl can be filled with bouquets of flowers, fruit, moss balls, and anything else you can come up with.

Long Table Featuring Scattered Candles and Small Flower Arrangements: The Graceful Host Events

Create a Scattered Centerpiece

Centerpieces don’t have to be structured and even. They can appear more organic and natural when you scatter items all along the center of the table.

Geometric votive candle holders can be beautiful when scattered all over the table among dainty flower arrangements, but you can also create wedding centerpieces without candles. Scatter the table with flower petals, crystals, tiny potted plants, and anything else you can dream up.

Floral Arrangement Featuring Cascading Amaranthus: Architectural Digest

Opt for High Impact Florals

Traditional-style floral arrangements can look lovely on oval tables, but because oval tables are a bit off the beaten path, we think your florals should be too.

Consider wedding centerpieces with orchids in pots, flowers that spill out of their containers onto the table, and tall floral arrangements that tower over guests.

Driftwood Centerpiece Featuring Taper Candles: Martha Stewart

Ditch the Flowers

You have plenty of options if you’re on the hunt for wedding centerpieces without flowers. Of course, candles are always an option, but there are a lot of creative options out there for you to choose from.

Instead of using flowers and leafy foliage, consider decorating with arrangements of grapewood branches. Lanterns and birdcages are popular, as are books and feathers. We are especially loving centerpieces that feature clumps of crystals, like geodes, amethyst, and quartz.

Hanging Floral Centerpiece Featuring Floating Candles: Ruffled Blog

Hang Your Centerpieces From the Ceiling

We love hanging centerpieces! They are beautiful at fall weddings and winter weddings, as well as spring and summer weddings. We think they make great wedding centerpieces for oval tables, no matter when you’re having your wedding!

Add flowers to a frame or a rack that hangs above the table. If you don’t want floral chandeliers, try rattan pendants, macrame chandeliers, or hit the second hand store for antique chandeliers.

Oval Table With Hanging Rose and Greenery Garland: Inside Weddings

Use Centerpieces That Hang Off the Ends of the Table

Why confine your centerpiece to the table when it can spill on the floor!

Oval table décor, like table runners and floral garlands, look stunning when they are allowed to drape off the ends of the table. Just make sure you get the seating count just right, as this kind of centerpiece means fewer guests can sit at each table.

Minimalist Wedding Centerpiece Featuring a Single Rose: I Take You

Modern Minimalism With Very Few Frills

An oval table is the most modern of table shapes, which means an understated centerpiece can still have a huge visual impact.

Swirling taper candles and black and brass taper candle holders inspired by midcentury modern design are among our favorites, but you can also create simple flower arrangements that feature a single bloom.

Simple Table Settings Featuring Gold Silverware: Wedding Chicks

Finish the Look With Stunning Place Settings

Once you have your centerpiece design worked out, it’s time to figure out how to set an oval table. The right place settings can really make your centerpieces pop!

You might keep things simple with white plates if you’re going for a minimalist look, but we love the idea of choosing charger plates that match the theme of your big day. Pay attention to details like napkins, napkin rings, and place cards to bring the whole look together.