Large floral orbs

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rsef

rsef

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Jun 11, 2008
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Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
www.roseofsharon-eventflorist.com
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I'm working on an estimate for a wedding next April where the bride wants large orbs--3' diameter or larger. Actually, she wants all sizes, some will hang from trees, some will sit on the ground at the ceremony. At the reception, they will be hanging from the ceiling and in the centerpieces. The bride wants fresh flowers except for the ones that are hanging, these can be silk or mixed. The ceremony is outdoors on private property; the reception is inside a large convention hall. Oh, and she wants mixed flowers--not just roses or carnations.

I've made the smaller ones (up to 1'), but I'm looking for any design tips on these larger ones. Any tips on mechanics, experiences, OR any things I need to avoid doing would be appreciated!

Thanks!
--Thea
 
chicken wire copper pipe oasis.frame with pipe cover with chicken wire be sure to put a post in the middle of the large ones to secure the weight.
 
I'm using hanging plant baskets wired together for a little more stability than chicken wire. Don't fill the whole thing with oasis or it will be too heavy for transport. Either add a thin layer of oasis covered with chicken wire on the outside or add something in the center of the orb like a styro ball to fill up the space inside.

I also just finish the bottoms on site. Even with air packs, the weight of the balls themselves crush the bottom flowers.
 
Actually we have used many methods. Oasis balls ...if they are just sitting on the ground or whatever, I don't see that you would need to cover the ball first (on small oasis balls
we use the little nets that come on spider mums, and slip the ball into them)...oasis balls
can break if handled too much. For large floral balls hanging from ceilings, chandeliers, etc...we use the small wire baskets that you buy in garden centers for hanging baskets. Take out the moss liners, put in DRY oasis, put the 2 halves together to form
a ball...then stick greens into it (most greens don't have to have water..they are cut
short)..then waterpik flowers into it. If you use WET oasis, it drips and it is HEAVY.
 
Sorry I thought she wanted some of them to be 3 feet around that is why I suggested building a form to support the weight.
 
Nashvillegirl said:
Actually we have used many methods. Oasis balls ...if they are just sitting on the ground or whatever, I don't see that you would need to cover the ball first (on small oasis balls
we use the little nets that come on spider mums, and slip the ball into them)...oasis balls
can break if handled too much. For large floral balls hanging from ceilings, chandeliers, etc...we use the small wire baskets that you buy in garden centers for hanging baskets. Take out the moss liners, put in DRY oasis, put the 2 halves together to form
a ball...then stick greens into it (most greens don't have to have water..they are cut
short)..then waterpik flowers into it. If you use WET oasis, it drips and it is HEAVY.
Click to expand...

Love this idea. What would the price be on a 3' orb? What greens work best?
 
We charge $250 & up, depending upon florals used. Have used hydrangea, roses, snaps,etc. Mainly use salal sprayed with foliage sealer, cut very short (just enough to
cover the mechanics), sometimes add a little ming fern scattered around...then the florals.
 
I am a big fan of gluing flowers onto dry foam balls and then soaking them w/crowing glory rather than using wet oasis. I just can't stand using those heavy wet oasis balls. :hammer:
 
If you need support, wired hanging baskets would work well.

Some of my sources show these baskets ranging in size from 12 - 72 inches diameter.

Weight from soaked Oasis wouldn't be a problem.

joe
 
The weight of the wet oasis on the wire hanging baskets is not a problem as they definitely will hold it. The problem is usually the weight that a chandelier in a country club or private home will hold! Or if hanging from a tent ceiling, the weight that the wire that
is strung across the top of the tent will hold without a huge amount of sagging.
 
One of Jay's videos on Ubloom showed how he did a centerpiece with several orbs of different sizes, looked pretty cool. I've only done the 3" ones with kermits, took lots of product and taping it first helps it from falling apart, I also used a gerb straw up the middle to hold the ribbon for hanging.
 
Yep-3' plus! But I only need 4 of these. The rest will be smaller. Some will hang and some will be on the ground. All of these are great tips! Thanks!

Brad, what about transport? Did you assemble on site or were you able to move these?

--Thea
 
We had a request last year from a customer for large floral golf balls. I asked the forum for tips in this thread and got lots of great advice!

Unfortunately, when I quoted them a price of $750 each they decided against them and went another way. It is amazing how much product they take, but nice that you can estimate the need with mathematical formulas! Who says you don't need math in real life!
 
Nashvillegirl said:
The weight of the wet oasis on the wire hanging baskets is not a problem as they definitely will hold it. The problem is usually the weight that a chandelier in a country club or private home will hold! Or if hanging from a tent ceiling, the weight that the wire that
is strung across the top of the tent will hold without a huge amount of sagging.
Click to expand...

This is a good point.

I was thinking more of the trees.

However, I still would consider hanging something like this if I could get into or know the blocking of the chandelier. Also, would a chandelier with say 10 arms and 4 chains support a 50lb orb?

Yes, this would have to be considered on a case by case basis.
 
Quote, anyone?

Anyone want to take a stab at quoting this thing? All roses and HUGE! :D

-Thea

PS-this is the 1st time I've attached a file. Please let me know if I did something wrong...
 

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  • LARGE floral orb.jpg
    LARGE floral orb.jpg
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Wouldn't want to attempt a quote on that. Just remember to make sure you charge enough for your time, because that will be time consuming.
 
rsef said:
Anyone want to take a stab at quoting this thing? All roses and HUGE! :D

-Thea

PS-this is the 1st time I've attached a file. Please let me know if I did something wrong...
Click to expand...


HOLY ****! Can't even begin to think how many roses in that! Or the
mechanics for cryin' out loud!

I swear I wouldn't price that for under $2500....then they wouldn't want it,
so I wouldn't have to make it!
 
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