Floral centerpieces

OK.. here's a question.
I am having a small wedding, maybe 5 tables of 10.
I know that in other weddings I have been to, somebody sitting at the table takes the centerpiece home.
Is this what is always done?
I was hopeing that my parents and my brothers would take them home but we are all at one table.
I dont want to do anything tacky but I really would like my family to be able to take home the flowers.
How would I do that without looking cheap?
Or is this wrong all together?
Thanks for your opinions

Jodi

Re: Floral centerpieces

I don't think there is anything wrong with this BUT...
most people will assume they can take the centerpiece home with them. So you're only options are:

a) print out menus for each table setting that include a note about LEAVING the centerpieces

or

b)make an annoucment (not quite as low key)

or

c)ask your catering staff to pass the word out as the night wears on and stop people who have them in hand (even more harsh)

Re: Floral centerpieces

It's in 6 weeks. I dont feel like I have the time to print out anything. Though that would of been the best thing to do
The other 2 choices just seem so wrong...

Re: Floral centerpieces

Since your party is pretty small, maybe you can have mom or MOH spread the word. I think I'd rather have someone I know ask guests to please leave the flowers than have them confronted by a maitre d.

I think that people usually assume that the centerpieces are up for grabs at the end of the night, so you definitely need to say something.

Re: Floral centerpieces

Yea, maybe I'll do it that way..
thanks

Re: Floral centerpieces

Not an easy situation. Most people who stay late assume that the centerpieces are up for grabs. About 15 minutes prior to the evening ending you could ask the wait staff to go around and gather up all the centerpieces. Not sure how that would look, but it would solve your problem.