Le Chic Fête: April 2012

One of the most defining elements of your reception space is your centerpieces. Many people choose to not focus on this or make it a priority. But this blog isnt about that. My obsession with flowers, incredible colors, and chic matching skills is what this post is about. You dont have to limit yourself to small centerpieces if your budget it tight. There are several ways to keep the cost down in order to have large stunning arrangements. Things such as reusing ceremony flowers and avoiding pricey blooms(like my favorite flower peanies) are just a few ways to help your wallet. Don't leave booking your florist for last. You should shop around and get quotes from different vendors before choosing one. I have seen a range of breahtaking centerpieces ranging from $50 to $600 per centerpiece. The sky is the limit...! Dont ever forget to keep your linens in mind. Depending on what they look like, your centerpiece may call to be simple or very detailed. It's important to try and see the big picture. Have your florist meet you with a sample of your centerpieces at your reception site. Set up your linen and have the venue set some of the plates in order to get a feel of what the room will look like.

Low Centerpieces
Depending on the budget, you may be looking at low centerpieces. Some people tend to think tall arrangements block guests view from one another. If you get the proper vase, this shouldnt be an issue. However, if low is the way you want to go, make sure you do it right in order to have enough of an impact to wow your guests.

This wedding focused on red and pink lush flowers as their centerpieces. The dramatic damask linen definately makes these pop. These are incredibly different, refreshing and daring especially for a wedding. If you think this a little too risky for your wedding, these would be an amazing option for any event such as a birthday or dinner.

Flowers: Carolyn Dempsey Design, Port Chester, NY
Photo By: Kathi Littwin Photography, Brooklyn, NY

For low centerpieces, I am a huge fan of long rectangular vases. I think its the best way to make flowers look lush and not have empty space. all you need are some votives around it and it can make a dramatic look. This wedding used bright orange roses for their wedding in Hawaii. Source

Indian Weddings are traditionally known for their opulence and rich details. This Indian couple opted for low centerpieces but by mixing different textures, colors and fire elements, the dramatic affect was definately not missed. Look at those grapes! Source

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This river of amazing red roses was created by mastermind Colin Cowie for Oprah's 2005 Legends Ball. Red roses are a very dramatic look so even using these as a low centerpiece really makes an impact. Red is a daring color and many people are afraid to use it even though its naturally viewed as the color of love! If done right, they can take anyones breath away....

Candles and Water

Another way to save is to incorporate elements such as water and fire. And by fire of course I mean candles! You can look into renting candelabras which can either be used without flowers or you can place a small centerpieces in between...

Going without flowers can be a great way to keep your wedding "green". As long as you have the right setting, it should provide you with a dramatic effect. With an only candles wedding, its all about the lighting and room.

Source Venue: Biltmore Hotel

Water is also a huge way to save money. Filling different heights and shaped vases can add to making a dramatic effect. I mostly see these used as an aisle runner for ceremonies. This can be easily moved for your reception!

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You can also consider dying some of the water a little for some color. This is definately something I would use for hosting dinners or parties at my house.

There is one cheap flower in particular that can make an incredible effect...gypsophila or commonly named baby's breath! Bunch them together to create a sphere and you can get an extraordinary effect

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Alternating between tall and low will also help keep the price down while not having to sacrifice on those tall arrangements...This wedding from my venue used 3 different centerpieces and remains as one of my favorites...

Theres always something about all white themes that I die over...

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Preston Bailey

Tall Centerpieces
If you're going tall, be sure that the vase is thin if you dont want to block anyones view from each other. This centerpiece makes me swooon! But you should be warned that they are orchids so its a pricey one..