Do people take these after the wedding? I was having this discussion with FMIL on Saturday and because I am using special vintage vases that I have paid for, I do not want people taking these. She says that in New York it is typical for people to grab the centerpieces and take them home...I am not from NY and was a little shocked to hear this because this is not what people do where I am from. Any advice as to what I should do? I am not worried about the flowers, just the vases. All family is coming from out-of-state so I cannot give flowers away to family members.
SoonToBeMrsCali
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Re: Center Piece Question
It's up to you.
My friend (from CT) let us take the centerpiece if we wanted - it wasn't announced.
My other from (from NY) had tickets under the seats that if you had one you could take a vase - there were 3 at the table.
I don't think I will have my guests take them home because I am doing a water/floating candle centerpiece (3 vases) and I'd like to re-sell.
ETA: I signed it like an email... sorry
Tomsbride
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Re: Center Piece Question
Yes, they're usually taken. My friend didn't have floral centerpieces (just large candle holders) and she had the catering company pack them up in boxes at then end of the reception so people could take them home. They also do a game at some wedding to see who gets to take home a centperience. I am not doing a game but I expect people to take home the flowers. However, they can't take home the tall vases they're in since those are rented from the florist.
FutureMrsTlasek
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Re: Center Piece Question
Posted by SoonToBeMrsCali
It's up to you.
My friend (from CT) let us take the centerpiece if we wanted - it wasn't announced.
My other from (from NY) had tickets under the seats that if you had one you could take a vase - there were 3 at the table.
I don't think I will have my guests take them home because I am doing a water/floating candle centerpiece (3 vases) and I'd like to re-sell.
Thanks, Marisa
Thanks for your help! But how do you prevent them from just walking out with them? FMIL made it seem like people just assume they are for the taking and grab them and leave...seems a little rude to me but she said that's completely normal. I'm just worried that I will be busy with other things and won't see this happening...I would be upset if somebody walked out with a vase because some of them were expensive!
LindyBride22
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Re: Center Piece Question
I was a little nervous about this too especially when I was thinking about renting things for centerpieces. I can think of a couple of options... Have someone by the door at the end of the night (a groomsman or family member or staff member perhaps) and if they see someone leaving with a vase just have them quietly pull them aside and let the guest know (as politely as possible) that they arent giveaways.
Have the dj make an announcement if youre really worried (might be a little tacky)
Try to just spread it word of mouth maybe?
Maybe get some cheap glass vases and do a giveaway for the flowers at the end of the night and have them transferred to the glass vase for the winner to take home? That should make it clear that the other vases are not for the taking.
Good luck!
FutureMrsTlasek
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Re: Center Piece Question
Posted by LindyBride22
I was a little nervous about this too especially when I was thinking about renting things for centerpieces. I can think of a couple of options... Have someone by the door at the end of the night (a groomsman or family member or staff member perhaps) and if they see someone leaving with a vase just have them quietly pull them aside and let the guest know (as politely as possible) that they arent giveaways.
Have the dj make an announcement if youre really worried (might be a little tacky)
Try to just spread it word of mouth maybe?
Maybe get some cheap glass vases and do a giveaway for the flowers at the end of the night and have them transferred to the glass vase for the winner to take home? That should make it clear that the other vases are not for the taking.
Good luck!
All great ideas! Thanks so much!
AugustFeather
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Re: Center Piece Question
It is common for people to take them. Since most weddings have 20 or so centerpiece (depending on the size) its a huge waste to leave them behind at the hall. Instead brides and grooms encourage guests to take them home so they don't just go in the garbage!
If you have special vases that you want to keep, you might have to spread the word so that no one leaves with them.
wearefamily608
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Re: Center Piece Question
What you can do depending if you're doing small or bigger arrangements is have them removed after dinner is served. The staff at your RH can remove the flowers and wrap and give a small bouquet to each lady leaving the venue and then put away your vases. My friend did this for her Sat night wedding and it was well received.
Jesebelle
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Re: Center Piece Question
I don't think most people just grab them, but they are usually given away. Maybe you can get some cheap vases for people to take the flowers home in. It's such a waste for them to stay there!
VCanizalez
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Re: Center Piece Question
... good question. I have this question too!! =-)
Notwedyet08
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Re: Center Piece Question
Yes it usually is common to take them home. I've seen it where they put the ticket under the chair and that's the person who gets to take the CP.
My friend had bought glass cylinders and did floating candles. She still had people take the cylinders home-guess she figured she really didn't need all those back at her apartment!
ETA: the last weddding we went to; they had High centerpieces. The wait staff just went around at the end and removed the long cylinder from the table holding the CP and informed everyone to feel free to take home just the floral arrangements.
runnerbride1023
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Re: Center Piece Question
crashing!
at my wedding, my florist came back to break down the CPs and actually made mini bo-ks for the females guests to take home. It was a really big hit!
