How Tall is Too Tall for Centerpieces?

cowgirl8238

Hey my mom and I were discussing centerpieces today and she seemed concerned that my idea would be too tall and obstruct conversation.  This got me wondering exactly how tall is too tall for a centerpiece.  I really like the idea of watering cans stuffed with flowers, and I already own a few cans but they are either 10 or 12 inches already...is that too much?  Any ideas or imput would be greatly appreciated.

kitty8403

cowgirl8238 said:

That all makes sense, I was thinking more an acutal measurement.  I guess I will have to take on to the florist and see if she can do mock up.

See, we don't know exactly how tall your tables or seats will be. If you have a tape or a yardstick, try using that to tell what will hit just below eye level on your tables when you are seated.

Maggie0829

Eye level is typically at 12 inches, maybe 14 if you have a lot of tall guests.  So you either need to be under 12 inches or higher then 16.

Jen4948

How wide a centerpiece is is also something you should take into consideration.  If guests have to lean around big centerpieces to talk to each other or see the goings-on, or if they take up too much space on the tables, then they're too big.

As to how tall they should be, I'd say no taller than just below eye level.

kitty8403

Grab a table and chairs. Sit down. Where's eye level?
A centerpiece needs to either be lower than that or tall/thin enough that people can see each other under it.

vmj23

I woudl keep it just below eye level when sitting so there are not obstructed views.

doeydo

When sitting down at the table, I think they should be either above eye level (eg. Eiffel vase) or below so I can easily talk to people across the table from me.

cowgirl8238

That all makes sense, I was thinking more an acutal measurement.  I guess I will have to take on to the florist and see if she can do mock up.

southernbelle0915

In addition to guests being able to see each other, also take the height of your ceiling into consideration. If you have really tall ceilings, you can get away with using taller centerpieces. In fact you may WANT to if height is an element you want to emphasize.