Illinois-Chicago

HELP! Manzanita Tree Rentals

Hi Ladies,

I'm 4 weeks away from my wedding and I'm thinking seriously about calling my florist up and telling her those birch branches for my centerpieces just ain't cutting it. I had originally envisioned "manzanita trees" and as a newly engaged a year ago, hadn't done my research and just told her tree branches with hanging crystals and orchids, etc. and am already contracted. I'm planning everything from LA so its been hard for me to see things in person for the most part. Well a few weeks ago I flew in one last time for the wedding and she made a mock centerpiece and I really wasn't happy with the "plain straight birch branch look." I didn't know at the time what didn't seem right and after barely now doing research online, I come to find that what I was envisioning this whole time were "manzanita trees." I am almost positive she doesn't have them. I'm willing to get them myself (with the hopes she will somewhat work with me by giving me at the LEAST a small discount than the actual contractual amount  I promised her if we were to not use these ugly branches she has, but get new manzanita ones in return.

 I can order them online for purchase, but I figured I'd look into maybe just renting them at an affordable price from somewhere in Chicago. Anybody know anybody that will rent some nice manzanita trees?? I need at least for 10 big centerpieces?? PLEASE HELP ASAP! Thanks.
Mrs. F 9-18-10

Re: HELP! Manzanita Tree Rentals

  • edited December 2011
     Sorry, I've never heard about renting manzanita branches and they are pretty expensive so if if they're rented, the person may charge you a lot.

    I read a lot about Saveoncrafts.com for the manzanita branches, and they are supposed to be affordable there.  However,  I've heard the reason they are so expensive is because of shipping so I'm not sure how much they charge.

    Sorry I couldn't be much help.  Good luck.
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  • edited December 2011
    Just Say Yes Events in Chicago rents them but I have no idea for how much or how willingly they would be to work with your florist since they aren't your design company. Might be worth checking out though.

    Also found this
    http://vipeventsupplies.com/#/crystal-tree-manzanita/4535721282
    Last Post 7/8 Leave for Paradise 7/9 Our Beach Wedding 7/13
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    Planning Bio
  • edited December 2011
    This probably isn't what you want to hear and there will likely be many who'll disagree, but I don't think it's worth investing the extra money in renting or buying manzanita branches--especially this late in the game.  Centerpieces likely won't be remembered by a single guest even a few months after the wedding, whereas other aspects of the day will.  I understand wanting to cultivate a certain "look," but as a bride you can detail yourself to death right down to the wire, convincing yourself that every tiny detail is pivotal to the day when really they aren't at all.  If you're only a month out, I'd consider giving yourself a break and letting this one go.

    I understand this better than most.  I had ten branch-based centerpieces that weren't really at all what I envisioned (the other seven were short, flower and floating candle clusters, and I loved them).  We made a couple of adjustments, but I still didn't really like them all that much on the day.  No one else noticed or cared-- I even got some compliments!  Like you, I was working with a florist near my site (Boston) from my home (Chicago), so I didn't have the ability to stop by the shop every couple weeks to retool and touch base.  Now, six months out, my friends still tell me what a great time they had together on our wedding weekend.  Not one word about the curly willow centerpieces I so disliked!

    Manzanitas are expensive and bulky, so you'll get dinged again for pricey shipping.  Maybe look for some birch or curly willow centerpieces you do like, and ask your florist if she can fashion yours more like those?

    Good luck, and try to roll with the punches a little.  If you've taken care of your guests, you'll have a wonderful day no matter what!
    image
    Wedding Date: January 16th, 2010

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    Cycle #5: BFP on June 14, 2011 -- Due Date: February 23, 2012 -- Born: February 26, 2012
  • eartie80eartie80 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Ask the next 5 people you see if they even remember what the centerpiece was at the last wedding they went too. Bet they don't remember. They do remember good music and good food. That's about it.
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