Flourish - Wedding Flowers & Floral Design, Florist

Centerpieces- different can be beautiful

I think it lends interest and fun to a reception room when you have a variety of centerpieces. Often times we will design half the tables with a tall arrangement and the other half with a low arrangement. Another idea is to use the same tall vase in a different way.

When designing your reception centerpieces you will want to make sure the different centerpieces relate well to each other.

The centerpieces on the right and left were from the same wedding. The vase was used in two different ways to achieve an interesting look. This can also be a way to save money. By having only half your tables with full arrangements you can save quite a bit of scratch.

Another way to add some interest is by designing half your centerpieces full and lush and on top of a tall vase and the other half a more simple version and in a low vase. The two centerpieces below were from the same wedding. The bride wanted a "Wow" effect but was able to save some money by scaling back on some of her tables.

Labels: centerpieces, Sacramento florist, Sacramento wedding flowers

Hello? Is there anyone across the table?

I am meeting with a bride, Michelle and groom, Joseph (names have been changed to protect the innocent).

"I want to make sure my guests can see over the centerpieces. I do not want the centerpieces to be in the way." Joseph says, practically.

"But- I want there to be a "WOW!" when the guests enter the room. The flowers should stand out and make an impression." Michelle asserts.

"The last wedding we attended people were moving the centerpieces off the table and on to the floor. What a waste!" Joseph says remembering the ill-fated flowers.

Is there a way to bring these two warring factions together? A Camp David for wedding flowers? Yes! It all comes down to the height of the centerpiece.

First the math- Centerpieces should be no taller than 13 inches. Elevated centerpieces should be raised above 24 inches. These formulas will allow for comfortable viewing and conversing across the table.

The picture on the left is an example of a terrible centerpiece. Imagine sitting

at this table. All you can see is a wall o' decor. Claustrophobic, uncomfortable and certainly not conducive to a friendly, partying atmosphere. If I were a guest at this wedding I would want to leave this table asap! Just FYI- I did not design this centerpiece.

The centerpiece on the right is from a wedding I designed last year. I love this centerpiece because it is an example of a classic low arrangement in a clear glass vase. This arrangement was about 13 inches tall at its highest point. There are a lot of creative options for low centerpiece designs. What a great idea for another blog post. *noted*

"What about my "WOW!" factor?" Michelle asks, butting in.

Elevated centerpieces are the way to go for visual excitement at the reception. Tall vases, metal stands, candelabras are just some of the ways you can elevate an arrangement and still allow for easy conversing

across the table. When choosing an accessory to raise your centerpiece use an item that is at least 24 inches tall and no larger than 7 inches in diameter. Also test your stand for stability. You do not want your centerpieces to come crashing down. Probably not quite the "impact" you were going for.

The exception to the rule: You know there is always a way to break the rules. Branches or other thin elements can add height to a low centerpiece with out getting in the way of conversation.

"You are the best!" Michelle and Joseph exclaim in unison. "How can we ever thank you enough?"

Bringing peace and to the warring decor factions is all the thanks I need. :)

Labels: centerpieces, Sacramento wedding flowers

Kristen + Garrett= Married!

Wh0: Kristen and Garrett

What: Casual and fun wedding accented with a relaxed flair.

When: July 18, 2009

Where: Northstar at Tahoe in Truckee, Ca

The best part about working with Kristen and Garrett was they let me be creative and have fun with the flowers. Kristen gave me a stack of inspiration photos and then turned me loose on the flower market.

Labels: centerpieces, decor, Northstar at Tahoe, Sacramento florist, Sacramento wedding flowers, vintage

Get thee to Pier One....

I was at Pier One today. They are having a massive 50% off sale!

My Picks:

Top left: I love these glasses for a small arrangement of casual flowers. They would be totally at home with garden roses, antique hydrangea and Queen Anne's lace.
Top middle: Lace covered hurricane is so perfect for a vintage romantic theme. The biggest one they have is 11 inches tall. Great size for a centerpiece.
Top right: Sassy and fun- perfect for a light hearted couple's cake table
Bottom left: L-O-V-E coasters would be cute on a guest book table, candy buffet or cake table.
Bottom left: Mercury glass votives are soooo hott right now!
Bottom middle: These Margarita glasses are substanial enough to use on cocktail table- float a candle or a bright ruffly dahlia- perfect!
Bottom right: I love this for a centerpiece if your guest tables have umbrellas.

Happy Shopping!!!

Labels: Bargins, centerpieces, Sacramento wedding flowers

Highlights from David and Sarah

I recieved a link to a highlights reel today. I designed the flowers for David and Sarah last year.

Take a look:

David and Sarah at Le Rivage

Thanks Jensen Video!

Labels: bridal bouquets, centerpieces, decor, fall, Le Rivage Hotel, Sacramento, Sacramento florist, Sacramento wedding flowers

New Camera!

I did it! I took the plunge and invested in a nice camera to document my work. Thanks to my photographer friends (Beth with True Love Photo, Wendy from Wendy Hithe Photography and Sam from Sharpe Photographers) that have given me some great tips along the way.

The pictures above are from the events of this past weekend. I look forward to taking pictures of all of the beautiful flowers we have planned for this summer!

Labels: bridal bouquets, centerpieces