AW: Centerpiece trial

leia1979

Hi ladies!

So I was at a nursery yesterday looking for an orchid for my mom's birthday. Low and behold, this place sold dendrobium orchids by the stem. I bought one to do a trial with (at $4 a stem from this place, I only wanted one).

First, here's the inspiration:



And here's my trial. Please excuse the mess on the table.



We will have orchids in all three vases per table, but I only wanted one for the trial. I didn't use anything to weight it down, but it doesn't float. I just used tap water, so it did get bubbles, but we decided that doesn't bother us. I did this last night and checked this morning, and the flower still looked just fine.

FI and I liked the regular purple orchid, so now I'm not sure if we just want to use those or stick with the original blue-dyed orchids. I wish I could get a mix of colors, but they come in 60 stems per color, which is already more than I need (though it's good to have extras).

Anyway, I'm happy with how this turned out, and it was super easy!

calindi

I really like the natural color!!! It's stunning!  You did such a good job, and what a creative centerpiece!

[Deleted User]

I love it! It's great too, because you won't have to pay a florist to set those up. Anyone could do it for you!

desertsun

I like the purple better, personally.

Your trial looks awesome!

desertsun

Oh how I wish I'd DIY'ed orchid centerpieces instead of overpaying a florist to do them.... My florist is one of the few things I'd change about my wedding if I could do it over. She just wasn't worth what we paid her.

leia1979

Thanks! If we go with the purple orchids, I might just get clear or iridescent rocks insetad of the clear and light blue. I also found some natural darker purple orchids for the same price.

Just in case anyone is interested, the orchids run about $140 for 60. The vases are $115 shipped for 36 (12 each of three different heights). I think the stones were about $4 per bag, and I used one bag for three vases. I think I can still find the stones cheaper, though.

Allusive - My plan is to assemble them the day before, and just put an inch or so of water in each vase (enough for the orchids to drink). Then at the venue, my DOC (aka BM's little sister) and venue staff just have to set them on the tables and fill up the water. We actually did this for my friend's wedding, too, but we were able to assemble them at the venue the morning of.

SeaTea02

The blue just look fake. I'm not a fan. 

I do love the purple and you are getting a great deal. We charge $12 per stem. 

Hazel_B

Amazing job Leia! I hope my DIY will turn out as well as yours.

cu97tiger

Those are beautiful. I actually like the natural color better. Check out places like Ross or T.J. Maxx. They have a housewares section and while they may not all be the exact same color, you can probably get a good deal on the beads if you don't mind going back every once in awhile to check.

sparkles88

Very pretty! I think they look good in both colors, but I can see how the blue ones might be a little overwhelming.

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_aw-centerpiece-trial?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:fdfb5b7f-cbcd-4387-8c7a-87fe3c43bd83Post:0c000169-ff7d-462b-9b36-f95855e1b930">Re: AW: Centerpiece trial</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks! If we go with the purple orchids, I might just get clear or iridescent rocks insetad of the clear and light blue. I also found some natural darker purple orchids for the same price. Just in case anyone is interested, the orchids run about $140 for 60. The vases are $115 shipped for 36 (12 each of three different heights). I think the stones were about $4 per bag, and I used one bag for three vases.<strong> I think I can still find the stones cheaper, though</strong>. Allusive - My plan is to assemble them the day before, and just put an inch or so of water in each vase (enough for the orchids to drink). Then at the venue, my DOC (aka BM's little sister) and venue staff just have to set them on the tables and fill up the water. We actually did this for my friend's wedding, too, but we were able to assemble them at the venue the morning of.
Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]

I love the simpler centerpieces - you get to some weddings and they're so large and so over the top that you it's just distracting and keeps your guests from having conversations.

Check out the dollar stores for the stones and marbles - the one by me always has them and they're the same size bags I can get at the craft stores.

bourgehm

Very nice!  I love it!! I agree with Angie. Check out the dollar store. I saw the exact same ones at Michaels there for way cheaper. You can also order them online from their online store if you don't have a dollar store near you.

Beads921

I love it! Very nice. I was also going to suggest the dollar store for stones. As for the colour, either is beautiful. The blue is a bit more stunning than the purple, but the purple looks more natural. That's just my opinion, and I don't think either would be a bad choice.

peekaboo2011

I love it!  The purple looks more natural, and that's definitely what I'd go with, but both are amazing!  Can't wait to see what the final result is!

kayely88

Pretty centerpiece! The purple looks fantastic and more natural than the blue to me. Can't wait to see the final outcome.

Elle1036

You did a great job, Leia!  Very pretty!

tafft1

LOVE THESE!!! Before we went the smaller wedding route this is very similar to what we had imagined for centerpieces , color and all lol ! It's so awesome to see how beautiful they are and that you did them yourself ! Lovely job!

[Deleted User]

The centerpieces will be beautiful! The purple is so vibrant, and not as crazy electric as the blue.  So much DIY going up in here!

leia1979

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_aw-centerpiece-trial?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:fdfb5b7f-cbcd-4387-8c7a-87fe3c43bd83Post:370e7883-a217-4a5e-b228-a75c357788a3">Re: AW: Centerpiece trial</a>:
[QUOTE]LOVE THESE!!! Before we went the smaller wedding route this is very similar to what we had imagined for centerpieces , color and all lol ! It's so awesome to see how beautiful they are and that you did them yourself ! Lovely job!
Posted by tafft1[/QUOTE]

You know I'm stealing all your original plans one by one. First the venue, now the centerpieces.  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="Tongue out" title="Tongue out" />

PaigeMcC

Ohhhhh! I was hoping you'd AW this when you tired it.  I LOVE it!!