20 Modern Wedding Centerpieces That'll Surprise Your Guests

A modern wedding theme typically implies clean lines, bright colors, and a new take on old traditions. While you can bring contemporary wedding details to life in a multitude of ways (through stationery, big-day fashion, and place settings, for starters), we think one of the best ways to add an extra dose of modern flair to your event is through fresh, textured wedding centerpieces. Short or tall, simple or extravagant, modern wedding centerpieces serve as the focal point for every reception table—and, if they're anything like the arrangements ahead, they'll function as a conversation starter for guests, too.

To properly execute your contemporary floral vision, begin by working with your florist to determine which flowers (or non-floral selections) give off modern vibes, so they won't be perceived as too rustic, romantic, or vintage. Once you've identified your preferred blooms—and the right color palette—take a look at your vases. Square shapes tend to feel modern, but so can vessels in every size and shape as long as they have those aforementioned clean lines and sleek compositions. Follow these simple steps and you'll wind up with a modern wedding centerpiece you absolutely love, guaranteed.

Looking for modern wedding centerpieces to jumpstart your own ideas? Take this arrangement by Bows + Arrows and 

Rico Terre

, which completely elevated this minimalistic tablescape, for example. The use of of ranunculus, muscari, andromeda, poppy, larkspur, echinacea, and sweet pea in terra cotta pots immediately commanded guests' attention at this wedding. Also take note of this tabletop's multiple elements: When designing a modern centerpiece, it's important that each accent, including non-floral components like candles, feels cohesive in the scope of the entire table. 

Putnam & Putnam filled bell jars with colorful flowers and greenery to create this whimsical, modern arrangement.

This wedding's centerpieces consisted of geometric structures that were decorated with blooms by Scarlett & Grace.

Apples, oranges, and off-white florals made up this modern centerpiece by Hessney & Co.

Plantscaping and Blooms displayed tropical leaves throughout this tall iron centerpiece.

This modern display by Hessney & Co. featured a mix of dark greenery and white florals, which created an equally masculine and feminine aesthetic.

Mallory Joyce arranged dainty wildflowers in small, deep dishes to create these modern centerpieces.

This desert-inspired centerpiece by Atelier De LaFleur showcased a large, gold vase filled with cacti.

Open Road Florals created this centerpiece out of single dried sprigs, which were placed in abstract vessels.

This bride's close friend, Lindsey Lucas, constructed her reception's centerpieces out of glass and copper vases, which were displayed on a wooden plank.

Geometric-shaped vases, some filled with pampas grass, made up this ultra-modern display by Rawfinery.

Bixby + Pine created this dramatic non-floral centerpiece out of jewel-toned candles.

Moss Floral used unexpected cone-shaped pots with rounded edges as centerpieces at this reception.

Colorful wildflowers in single-bud vessels were placed around a larger floral arrangement in this modern Briar Loft display.

Paul Phoa created these fresh arrangements out of lilacs, stems, and wooden sculptures.

These bright, patterned creations from Twigg Botanicals put a modern spin on traditional wedding centerpieces.

This black-and-white striped runner provided a contemporary backdrop for this colorful centerpiece by Mum's Flowers.

Natalie Bowen Designs decorated this eclectic tablescape white pots of cacti and wicker baskets.

Snapdragon Studio displayed summery florals and fresh greenery in white vases on the reception tables of this contemporary celebration.

These modern centerpieces by The Nouveau Romantics were comprised of clear vases that held foxglove, begonia foliage, thistle, and umbrella fern.