The tables for the wedding reception are beautifully set
with the finest china, cutlery and crystal, and everything
looks perfect. For just the right the finishing
touches, centerpieces and favors both are important. Which
type of table centerpieces to choose depends upon the size of
the room, says Dean Andreades, owner of Forever in Bloom in
Mount Kisco.
"If you have a tremendous ballroom with 30 foot celings,
I like to go with raised, candelabra style bouquets," he says. "If
you have a smaller room, you want lower centerpieces for a
more intimate feeling. If you want to make a room feel fuller,
use taller, bigger centerpieces."
Peter Del Bene, the owner of Mamaroneck Flowers, likes
to use both candles and flowers in centerepieces. "I might have
clusters of flowers wrapped in raffia, and no greenery," he says.
"Or sometimes I might have three vases of flowers on the table
with candles in the center. I also like to use square vases with
clusers of all one flower."
Richard Randall, senior designer at Westchester Party
and Event Design in Portchester, says that when it comes to
centerpieces, bridal couples are opting for something other
than the traditional colors.
"They want more vibrant colors, such as caterpillar
green," he says. "And candles are making a real resurgence.
People are having late afternoon or evening affairs where they
can use candles in the centerpiece."
He likes votive candles arranged across a long table that
is then accented with flowers. Sometimes for a reception,
Randall uses groups of very large pillar candles on the table.
One new trend at receptions, he says, is that couples are
choosing to have a very long table that can seat 40 or 50
guests instead of several small round tables. In this case, each
table would have several candle-based centerpieces.
As for table favors, everyone loves taking a little something
home from a wedding, whether it's candy or a little picture
frame.
"Some couples are getting away from candy as a favor,"
Randall says."We now do individual floral arrangements in
tiny baskets, both with fresh flowers and also with dried flowers,
that guests can take home and set somewhere." He particularly
likes to use an aromatic flower, like lilies of the valley,
in a tiny silver basket. While silver favors can be pricey, you
can also do the same thing with tiny wicker baskets.
"Silver is a fairly significant expense," Randall says. "But
you can make it less expensive by choosing a more affordable
flower."
Maureen McTigue, the owner of Outstanding Occasions
in Scarsdale, says she sees a demand for both vases and picture
frames as favors. The picture frame would be used as a place
card at the reception, after which guests take them home and
place a photograph inside, she explains.
Many people still love to give chocolate as a favor," she
says. "Four little chocolates in a gold box with a bow on it
makes a very nice favor, and the gold boxes arranged on a table
look very nice. Another nice idea is to have a longstemmed
silk rose filled with potpourri. This can be arranged over the
show plate and then guests see it as they come into the room."
"A special favor, besides looking great on the table, can
enhance the guests sweet memories of your wedding.
