Vase Arrangements because of their simplicity of design
can give an entirely different feel to the Reception display than Container Arrangements. There is a huge
variety of vases in all sizes, shapes, and colors including clear, frosted, mirrored and crackled finishes. Vase arrangements will lift the flowers off the table and bring them to below eye level (8”-15”) or above (19” and up) with eve level being 16”-17” from table for the average adult.
Most Bud Vases range in the 4 1/2” to 9” tall with an opening of 1” to 2”, 8” and 9” sizes being the most popular. New designs include the Eiffel Tower bud vase in 16” to 36”. These super tall vases create a fountain spray effect with their flowers over the heads of your Guests. Their visual effect is enhanced with a mirror underneath. Milk glass has become popular again for Rustic and Vintage Weddings. Many varieties of bud vases are sturdy enough to hold small arrangements using an adapter like a bouquet holder with a straight handle. Then you can design a larger fresh flower arrangement. Glass is not the only material they come in, plastic bud vases can add more color to tables and be used in places where glass is less acceptable, like outdoors on concrete or tile. Very useful for outdoor umbrella tables, tied to poles with ribbons or tulle. Besides bud vases, find this high luster plastic in silver and gold containers for Centerpiece use. Vases can be as short as 4” to 6 ", with openings of up to 2”. Besides the green or clear vases new special effects, such as frosting, liquid silver, and crackling, give new a dimension to the vase arrangement. Polished aluminum and glass are the materials used to create the iconic Julep Cup Vase, either for flowers or votive candles. Perfect for most Wedding themes. Find them in 3 inches tall up to 7 1/2 inches. Pair this vase with a mirror to create the illusion of a larger Centerpiece. Tall Vases can have large lips or rims, which give a ruffled effect under the arrangement. Still other vases have straight sides as in cylinder, curved or square shape. These accentuate the items with in, such as marbles, flowers and their stems or on the out side such as crystals. The variety is endless. If you are considering vase arrangements it is to your advantage to get out there and look at all the options available. Round glass marbles or stones (flat on one side sometimes called gems) give a unique look to the Vase Arrangement. By enhancing the look of the clear water and flower stems, You incorporate more visual excitement into the Centerpiece. You can use clear marbles/stones or use a color like black or dark blue. There is also an iridescent coloring, which is very popular, and natural polished rock. These marbles/ stones can be used in any number of vases and work especially well in dish like bowls called Lily Bowls. The added color or background can make the flowers or candles pop. The vase or bowl does not need to be filled with the marbles/stones, 1/4 to 1/3 of the available vase or bowl space is enough for show. Tray arrangements in an Ikebana Theme also incorporate these stones into the design of the arrangement. Relativity new on the market is a crystal polymer which when soaked in water puffs up in to clear gel like pieces. Giving a crushed glass appearance to the water. This water storing bead can add drama to any formal or candle centerpiece. Truly unusual. You can find these in squares and balls in variety of colors and sizes. Use distilled water for maxim size and clarity. Create light from with in by pairing clear beads with submersible LED lighting or a LED base. You can add color to the water once the beads are set in vase. Very effective for afternoon to night weddings. Included with Vase Arrangements are Floating Flowers. Using primarily lily bowls for this Centerpiece. Focal Flowers are floated or laid on the water. Working in odd numbers, flowers and candles can be mixed together. Other vase options for this style of Centerpiece are Ivy and Bubble Bowls. The Ivy Bowls are pretty much a standard size- 5 1/4” in height with a 2 3/4” opening, ruffled lip and footed base. Similar to the Ivy Bowl is the Rose Bowl; 4 1/4” in height with an 3 1/8” opening and footed base. Both can be used with fresh flowers and stems (vase arrangement) and both can be used for single flower floating (gardenia or orchid). Both can be used for floating candles or housing a votive or small pillar candle. Bubble Bowls range in size from 6” to 16” at the opening. Most Centerpiece sizes are the 6” to 12” size. Not only can you float flowers or candles, but free standing pillar candles (3” to 6”) can be used. An advantage for Outdoor Weddings as the candle is protected from the wind and the bowl will collect any dripping wax. Small scattered flowers and/ or greens can be tucked around the base of the candle within the bowl. The container lends it self well to the elevated centerpiece, on a pedestal or other structure. You can also stack them to create larger design placing flowers or candles inside each bowl. Larger bubble bowls can be used for accent decorations else where at the Reception to coordinate the look. As previously mentioned, marbles or stones can be used to create more dramatic effect in any of these bowl arrangements. This style works well for Indoor Weddings, too. New to the Bubble bowl line is the Half Bubble bowl. These vase like containers give a different look to the centerpiece. They range in size 4-7-9.5-12 inch sizes. Brandy Snifters also work well for floating flowers or candles. The pedestal base is a nice place to decorate with ribbons (printed or plain), tulle, or confetti cards. The flowers need not be confined to the inside only. Any of the bowls can be accented with a wreath of scattered flowers and greens; greens alone; shredded mylar, cellophane, or paper. Place doilies, paper or cotton, a mirror, or runner underneath. One of the newest and hottest trends is the use of Mason Jars and their look a likes for centerpieces arrangements. Whether you are planning a shabby/chic or country western Wedding Theme these vases give the versatility you need. You can cover them in burlap, lace, pearls and rhinestones, paint them in pastels inside or out, tie ribbon and twines to them, they have an endless variety of design. You can use the smaller sizes as favors. They can be found in sizes that range from quarts to half a cup. |
Scattered Flowers or Loose Cut Flowers - this category of Centerpieces can be inexpensive but time consuming to set up.
It works like this, cut flowers and greens are artfully arranged on to a clothed table. They are not arranged into floral foam or any medium with water-unless you have some of the flowers on water pics. The flowers can be designed to mimic any of the basic designs; round, oval (long and low). You can also use this system to enlarge existing arrangements, to help fill a table or to embellish Your Head Table, Food Tables, Guest Book and Gift Tables. Most Cake Tables will have their floral decorations done is this manner.
It works like this, cut flowers and greens are artfully arranged on to a clothed table. They are not arranged into floral foam or any medium with water-unless you have some of the flowers on water pics. The flowers can be designed to mimic any of the basic designs; round, oval (long and low). You can also use this system to enlarge existing arrangements, to help fill a table or to embellish Your Head Table, Food Tables, Guest Book and Gift Tables. Most Cake Tables will have their floral decorations done is this manner.
Not all flowers will hold up to this design. Time of year can greatly effect your choice of flowers and greens (summer heat, winter cold), total time they will be out of water, indoors or outdoors, in sun or shade. Despite these drawbacks it can be a great decorating tool.
Carnations are always the go to choice but roses, orchids, gardenias, alstroemeria and chrysanthemums can stand up to being out of water for hours. Greens like ivy, must always be kept in water for 24 hours before use to harden, they then will hold up very well out of water.
Carnations are always the go to choice but roses, orchids, gardenias, alstroemeria and chrysanthemums can stand up to being out of water for hours. Greens like ivy, must always be kept in water for 24 hours before use to harden, they then will hold up very well out of water.
All types of Ribbons, tulle, shredded cello or paper can be incorporated into the design for more color and effect. Doilles, runners, mirrors, marbles or stones can also be used. You can create an entire table Centerpiece out of ribbon runners, bows, babyʼs breath and greens that will coordinate with your Wedding Theme. Very useful on any size of shape table.
Another added attraction is Confetti. This multi purpose decorating tool comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. You can mix your own special type which coordinates with in your Wedding Theme. The possibilities are endless. Included here are rose petals, fresh or silk.
Be sure to check with Reception site on use before you decide. Glass gems and stones can act like confetti when scattered on the table as well as used in the Centerpiece.
Be sure to check with Reception site on use before you decide. Glass gems and stones can act like confetti when scattered on the table as well as used in the Centerpiece.