These Japanese-Inspired Centerpieces Are the Florals Your Minimalist Wedding Needs

When you think of modern wedding flower trends, lush, sprawling arrangements likely come to mind. We're here to bring something subtler to the (reception) table, though. Enter ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, which is marked by its minimalist, structural style. A true ikebana arrangement is full of nuanced meaning, but most designs have three focal points at varying heights to represent heaven, earth, and humankind. Martha Stewart Weddings style director Naomi deMañana created these variations, which show how an ikebana arrangement can go with the aesthetic of any wedding.

To make them, stems are inserted into a spiky metal flower frog inside the wide bowl, so they stand tall without the support of other blooms. The result? Centerpieces with dynamic verticality and energy that are sure to steal the show, whatever your reception style. Take a look to see for yourself-they just might inspire your tablescapes.

Simple and Chic

Less really can be more. Case in point: this spare, structural centerpiece, seen above, uses just a handful of stems (we're loving the combination of speckled orchids with those exotic green leaves) to dramatic effect. This arrangement would be the perfect choice for a sleek nighttime fête!

World Market "Spinwash" dinner plates, $28 for 4; and Salad Plates, $24 for 4, in Blush (similar to shown), worldmarket.com. West Elm "Trapeze" Water Glasses and Champagne Flutes, each $20 for 4, westelm.com. CB2 "Pattern 127" 20-Piece Flatware Set, $60, cb2.com. Jamali Garden Low White Ceramic Bowl (similar to shown), $9, jamaligarden.com.

Colorful Casual

Planning a low-key celebration? This delphinium, star and miniature clematis, dusty miller, and seeded eucalyptus centerpiece makes a statement without looking too "done."

Romantic Garden Party

Nothing says secret garden wedding more than this ranunculus, dahlia, astilbe, and fern display. How unexpected (and romantic!) is the juxtaposition of the pinky-peach blooms against the moodier manzanita branches?

Cheerful Mod

The bright yellow centers of the Japanese anemones pop against zephyranthes, gomphrena, rain lily, and variegated geranium, and make for a modern, uplifting centerpiece.

Exotic Destination

If you're getting hitched somewhere exotic, look towards your destination's locale for floral inspiration. Arranged together, gloriosa and cobra lilies, crispy wave fern, begonia leaves, and Buddha's hand look as if they've been plucked straight from a tropical rainforest, full with one-of-a-kind blooms just waiting to be discovered.