Head Table and tall arrangements

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rewolf

rewolf

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Jul 4, 2007
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chatham
www.wildbunchstudio.com
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MA
In my four short years of business I have never had to design flowers for a head table. Every bride has opted for a sweetheart table ( I think the resorts push them). But now I have a 28' head table to contend with. I'm thinking of 4 tall arrangements with small cubes every 18" down the center and smilax draped on the front with flower accents. Budget is not an issue. But, do you think 4 talls is overkill? Don't want three because the center arrangement would be placed between the bride and groom. And, I'm afraid just two talls is not enough on 28'. What say you design experts?:grovel:
 
I like the idea of making a long tablescape. I always send vases for the head table (so the bridal party can put their bouquets in them). You could incorporate 6" cylinder vases for the bridal party bouquets, small 4" cube arrangements scattered throughout, assorted candles (some votives, some floaters in 9", 12" & 14" cylinders), lots of petals and your tall centerpieces. Although I would maybe only do 2 tall ones, not at the ends, but 1/3 & 2/3 across the table (think Golden Gate Bridge). That way you would visually bring the length of the table in a little. All the candles and glass would give it sparkle.

Katie, what are you doing on the other guest tables...how about on the place card table?
 
rewolf said:
In my four short years of business I have never had to design flowers for a head table. Every bride has opted for a sweetheart table ( I think the resorts push them). But now I have a 28' head table to contend with. I'm thinking of 4 tall arrangements with small cubes every 18" down the center and smilax draped on the front with flower accents. Budget is not an issue. But, do you think 4 talls is overkill? Don't want three because the center arrangement would be placed between the bride and groom. And, I'm afraid just two talls is not enough on 28'. What say you design experts?:grovel:
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I think that what you mentioned with four tall arrangements will work. However, I am not a big proponent of tall arrangements on the head table in general. I don't think that it is suitable for guests/ photos. I honestly would prefer a lush garland full of florals + vases for the bouquets on the table. Then I would bring in trees or something similar in size to the trees or fabric to act as backdrop to the head table. The highlight of the arrangements would actually be the behind the head table and would be very large.

If the couple was insistent with tall arrangements on the table, I would insist on using very narrow (almost eiffel tower) vases with sprays. For the head table, the floral should not take the people. If they have the budget, create a magical background behind them that does not take away from pictures., only enhances the background of every photo they have.
 
I have been getting a lot of brides wanting to incorporate their handtieds into the break-away design just place vases on the table with colored stones..using them to offset the other arrangements and votives greens whatever on the table..a little water so when they sit down they place their bouquets in them and actually finish the tablescape brides seem to love it and I have to admit its a cool idea.
 
Brad said:
I have been getting a lot of brides wanting to incorporate their handtieds into the break-away design just place vases on the table with colored stones..using them to offset the other arrangements and votives greens whatever on the table..a little water so when they sit down they place their bouquets in them and actually finish the tablescape brides seem to love it and I have to admit its a cool idea.
Click to expand...

That is a clever idea. Thanks Brad.
 
well Katie since you asked me......

I, for one, like to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible. Since budget is not a factor, and you have a 28' table to do I would do everything I could to sell as much stuff for that table, so long as it looks BEAUTIFUL.

With that said, What type of room are we going to be in?
Is it a grand ballroom, a tent, no room at all just outside?
What will be behind the head table? Will the table be elevated?
What does the other flowers for the wedding look like?
Without knowing all of that, it's hard for me to say....

But in "Shannons" fantasy wedding world this is what I'd do based upon what you first posted:

I do like the idea of 4 tall arrangements, I also like the idea of garlands, table scape all the way down with cubed arrangements alternating with votives or even floatives in cubes.

If the bride HAD a small or limited budget, I'd be all for "Use your bouquet on your head table to save money" BUT that is not a factor!
SO SELL FLOWERS!!!! THAT IS WHAT WE DO!!

Listen up guys, There is no shame in trying to upsell on your weddings. It doesn't make you unethical or a bad person or a "let's take 'em for all we can" type person either. It's just business. SELL YOUR FLOWERS!! SELL YOUR TALENT!!

Good grief, we are always talking about "upselling" You know add on balloons, plush and so forth to everyday orders. But for some reason here in FC, If we dare try to make any money on a wedding It's like we are slimy people.

Katie, I'd propose to her 3 different tablescape ideas, from simple to overkill...
(BTW, I love overkill.) But they don't all have to vary dramatically in price just in design.

Give her good quality flowers and design at a fair price. "fair price" doesn't have to mean inexpensive or cheap. If the fair price for the table scape is $2,500 or more then so be it. And don't forget to charge for your labor for setting up the table scape.

And I'm not implying that you don't know any of this already, I just want everybody to know it really is OK to make a living at being a florist.
 
Brad said:
I have been getting a lot of brides wanting to incorporate their handtieds into the break-away design just place vases on the table with colored stones..using them to offset the other arrangements and votives greens whatever on the table..a little water so when they sit down they place their bouquets in them and actually finish the tablescape brides seem to love it and I have to admit its a cool idea.
Click to expand...
Example maybe for future if you like the idea sells well for me actually get a lot of brides comming in to ask about it.
 

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that is a great idea Brad,
Especially for the bride on a budget. It would also be good for a buffet of gift table or entry pieces, cake table, anywhere. I've been doing that for years. It's a great idea that has stood the test of time.

But for this paticular bride Katie can sell more flowers and make more money.
So make more money Katie!!

Thanks for sharing your pics Brad.
 
I sell a similar type of set-up - I call it a bouquet table......I got some neat 24 inch tall champagne flutes from one of our craft stores......glass.....and I use those.

I crumple clear cello into the glass and tuck in rose petals......fill with water......gives the effrct of the glass being filled with sparkling ice layered with rose petals.....great effect and can be used over and over.
 
Well all ideas are great ones, but when doing head tables, you really need to think of this, 90 percent of the guests hover over to that table, and will be banging in to it lots, and also you didn't state if on a stage or floor level. and I would be ver darn careful on those eiffel=fs you are asking for trouble on those on any head table, sometime simple but elegant is the way to go, and also is the darn thing near the dance floor? There is lots to ask to do this effectively, it doesn't matter how much the budget is, as long as it is done , where safety is concerned..
 
hmm in our area, no one gets close to the head table. The bride and groom greet their guests, one table at a time....
 
Just out of curiousity. How much would each of you charge for the Bouquets that Brad is showing. They are very nice. Just wanting to see where everyone is at in price is all. Let's use the middle picture to compare......
 
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