CWPR Fall 2016

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F L O W E R S & D E C O R A T I O N S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
24
By Cathy Cassata, CTW Features
The oldest trick for saving money on your
wedding flowers and décor is to make
blooms play double-duty for both the
reception and the party.
IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW TRICKS
Most couples have heard that they should
bring ceremony flowers and ribbons to the
reception to place on the head table. It’s a
good idea to make the head table a little
more dressed up than the guest tables since
it’s the focal point of the party.
By focusing on the head table, and
incorporating simple yet still stylish
centerpieces and table décor for the rest
of the room, you can create a wedding
that perfectly suits you – and your budget.
Here’s how.
THINK THROUGH YOUR FLOWERS
Since you’re most likely planning your
wedding during a different season than it
will take place, research which flowers will
be in season at the time of your wedding
to avoid paying top dollar. Plus, if you’re
having an outdoor wedding, think about
how flowers will hold up by the time you
get to the reception.
Purchase flowers from a wholesaler to
save, and replace some centerpiece flowers
with other natural elements. Greenery is
inexpensive and adds more to the table
than bouquets and vases. Try a table
runner of greenery on the head table; it
doesn’t have to go the whole table length,
maybe just along the bride and groom.
Adding branches is stylish, too, as well as
inexpensive. Olive branches are massive, so
you can get so much out of one single stem
of a branch. Eucalyptus also makes a big
statement. Mercury glass, candles, lanterns,
tree logs or beds of grass or flowers instead
of traditional centerpieces can save money
and add personality.
If flowers aren’t your thing, you can still
create visual impact. Instead of having tra-
ditional flowers right in the middle of the
table, put something in between the tables
like a tree or another elegant element.
BUILD AROUND
THE CENTERPIECE
While centerpieces are often thought of as
the item on guest tables, the details around
it can stand out. Menus are a really fun way
to make an impact on the guest tables. You
can create an envelope with the napkin and
place the menu inside it, tuck a flower next
to it, and then place the whole thing on the
place setting.
If you’re skipping menus, adding
embellishments such as ribbons, bracelets
and brooches to the napkins or getting
creative with place cards are other options.
Chocolate place cards are usually a hit.
GET THE FAVORS IN ON THE
CHARM, TOO.
Putting favors on the table rather off to the
side adds another décor element. You’re
kind of getting two for one.
Flowers & Décor
All About the Head