So, here is my first wedding planning bump in the road. And, I share it all with you in hopes of finding a solution.
The two reasons why I do not want fresh flowers for centerpieces:
1. I don't think it is fair for my hall to tell me who I should give my business to. I think it is pretty bold of them to do that for lack of a better word.
2. I can't see spending thousands of dollars for flowers that will wilt and die. It just doesn't seem practical for me. I know it's all the work that goes into it. Great. But, I am just thinking I could surely use that money towards my house where I can plant my own flowers in my own garden or start a college fund for when our kids bloom into young adults.
These places sure know how to get you. For our engagement party, we went with the perfect 'pair' theme. I found these adorable silver salt and pepper shakers. I got them for 4.70 when everyone else had them priced as 6 or higher. I even saw one site that had them for 8.50!!! My eyes are open and I will not let any of these vendors get me.
Our vendor recommends using one of the two florist listed on the contract. One of them got a really bad review. I mean the poor brides mother ended up in tears because of the way they were hadling the situation. I know that was only one situation that I have heard of, but that was enough for me to exclude them. So, now I am stuck with this other one. I am not happy about feeling cornered. And that is exactly how I feel.
So, if you have any ideas for centerpieces other than fresh flowers, please share.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
peabody
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
WinterBride2005, I feel the same way. I am not a flower person and I would rather put my $$$ towards something else.
I have been searching the web for other ideas, but haven't found anything that really thrilled me.
I am thinking floating leaf candles in a bowl and then sprinkling silk leaves around the table.
You know who has really creative ideas on here, bridget&jimmy. She has posted some good websites with interesting ideas.
My sister (Aliaspok@ aol.com ) is using silver candelabra's. She hates flower's. She is purchasing them instead of renting. They are going to cost about $30 each. I think they look really elegant.
PrincessRose
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
I'm going the floating candle route too - they look so elegant!
jar823
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
I don't understand why you HAVE to use the florist that your hall suggests????? Will they not accept centerpiece deliveries from other florists? Do you have to get your bouquets throught them too????????
I personally LOVE flowers, My family is in the flower business, but I don't think that you have to have flowers as your centerpieces. What about a nice candleabra or floating candles, or even silk flowers, they won't die, and your guests can take them home!
Do you have a specific theme? or Color Scheme? What are your favors going to be?
SomedayBride
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
If your hall is strict about which florists you can use, chances are, they'll be strict about centerpieces period. Not that you can't do them yourself, just check with them before hand since some halls require that every vendor has insurance, and will not let you use things such as candles that aren't brought in by a vendor. Also, think of who will set up the centerpieces, some halls will do it for you, others will not, and if your room is being used before your party, that will leave you virtually no time for set up. Not sure if this applies to your situation, but just a couple things to check into before you get your heart set on something, and the hall tells you that you can't do it.
StepherG
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
I got my centerpieces at Costco! Everyone I tell this to laughs, but I got gorgeous hurricane lamps with a rustic brown wrought iron base. The hurrican itself is huge and shaped tulip-ish. Everyone that has seen them in my garage has said 'wow, what a beautiful centerpiece! How original.' I paid $15 per centerpiece and bought pillar candles at Linen's & Things. They were 6 for $11.99! So in reality my centerpieces are about $17 per. They fit the reception hall perfectly.
I bought mine in February because Costco is one of those places that doesn't restock the same merchandise. I would definitely check a Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club.
Hope this helps.
Jordan
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
I don't read 'recommendation' to mean 'must use'. Unless there's something in your contract that states otherwise.
As for alternatives...candelabra's are always beautiful...you're getting married in the winter so maybe mini spruce trees...you could do a CP of ornaments in the shape of a tree. If you're going with a winter theme, I think your possibilities are endless.
usuk2004
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
Julie at Raphael told me not to do centerpieces because they're a waste of money!!
She suggested we buy bags of fresh rose petals, available at most florists, scatter them on the tables and do LOTS of candles--which she said she has.
I'm getting married in Feb. so I love this idea. I just imagine it being very warm and cozy and I'm sure the petals will smell amazing!
Good luck!
peabody
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
usuk2004, I like that idea. What do you think about silk leaves instead of rose petals?
usuk2004
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That sounds great too...especially for the fall, you can do all sorts of beautiful colors. I would've loved to have gotten married in October--it's my favorite time of year.
Here's another thought...scatter in some eucalyptus leaves...I love the way they smell!!
btrflygrl
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Peabody....for the fall, how about doing the opposite? Use dark colored linens and ivory/white leaves or petals......just a thought.
Ronnie&Theresa
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I know Russo's is a pain with the FLOWERS..
But talk to whomever you booked with..
There are ways around everything!
peabody
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usuk2004, that is a great idea, I love the way they smell too! THANKS!!
I love autumn, it is my favorite time of year.
keep the ideas coming!!!
peabody
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btrflygrl, that's a good idea too. Maybe a cranberry color for the table linens.
WinterBride2005
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Thanks guys.
Kelly9904
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I think candle arrangements make gorgeous and very elegant centerpieces!
I am not sure about the colors yet. I am thinking maybe wine,burgandy or platinum.
For our favors, we are going to make a donation to a breast cancer and prostate cancer foundation in honor of our guests.
sammi102
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I'm thinking about having some sort of candles, either floating or just around. And maybe some rose petals.....
dolphin
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Re: Centerpiece ideas? Not fresh flowers
I see your wedding is at Russo's on the Bay Are you interested in a large huricane shape vase with seashells and a candle in the bottom? I bought 18-20 (can't remember) of these and then changed my wedding place from John Anthony's to Woodbury Country Club due to the fact that JA went chapter 11. Now the seashell idea does not work. I will send you FM as well but if you (or anyone else) is interested in them I will give them to you for less than I paid ($10 each however many you want) If you are interested and want to see a picture I will use my parent's digital camera this weekend and try to post it. YOU HAVE FM
