Need help with centerpieces

[NPFloral]

Ok Flowerchatters...I need some suggestions.

In 2 weeks I have to do 18 centerpieces (for free) for our local Chamber of Commerce Banquet. It is at a local clubhouse where the decor is Bahamian Tropical.
The last 2 years I made simple design bowls with tropicals. (birds, gingers, heliconia etc.)
This year, for economical reasons, as well as a nice change, I would like to do something minimalistic, in glass that will be returned to me. I was thinking about a cymbie stem in a cylinder but, even by the box, cymbies are still approximately $20 each so that's out.
I would appreciate any and all suggestions!

Thanks
Tim - North Port Floral

 

[lori042499]

You could do a low glass bowl with a small monstera leaf and a nice red anthurium and a few river rocks....

 

[elmo]

How about a pineapple or two? Can even cut in half and design in each half.After going this for a school I have been ask 3 times to be used for weddings. Thinking out of the box made a little $ for the shop.
Had a teacher last week say..."Your the one that did the pineapples" ...at least she knew me.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

we did submerged James stori, black rocks at the bottom and they looked really nice,

 

[OB1]

I needed a really cheap but spectacular arrangement last summer so ...
A glass vase, tallest you have, filled with gel beads in citrus colours. Submerge an underwater light or two in each. Top with a floating candle to co-ordinate.
Place Vase on top of a giant monstera leaf. Sprinkle orchid blossoms at the base...whatever is cheapest for you, even dendrobiums taken off the stem will make an impact. (my cost, less than 20$)

Or...

Lay 2 monstera leaves on the table. In the center, place a King Protea (stem removed, so it will sit straight up) and surround with 4 votive candles. Only tie a blade of lily grass around each votive cup. Then sprinkle a few dendrobium blooms on the table. (my cost, less than 17$)

I'll let you know if I come up with more.

 

[sandytf]

I think large foliage is a good way to get show without breaking the bank. Can you go out and cut some stuff to use rather than purchasing it? How about the cylinder with colored stones, maybe a couple pincushion protea and then some taller foliage?

 

[CHERYL BAKIN]

Tim:
Wedding recently that had a HUGE budget change at the end used the following to achieve "the look"
#1.
4" glass cube, with natural stones. Stuck in the center was 1 or 2 pieces of lucky bamboo.

You could place this on a large tropical leaf, with shells, and votive candles, and sand (if permitted) around it on the leaf. Cost should be very inexpensive, especially if you are getting the glass back.

or.....
#2.
Also use a 4 x 4 or a 5 x 5 cube, but fill it with shells, sand dollars, etc.
(no flowers per se). Set on large leaf, surounded with lots of candles, and sprinkle a few dendrobs on the table. If $$ allow it, 1 or 2 stems of dendrobs included in the cube with the shells. (freeform style with a little bear grass).

Cheryl