"Splurge vs. Save" Centerpieces

Earlier in September we were published in Bridal Guide Magazine's article "10 Splurge vs. Save Centerpieces".  Author Stefania Sainato challenged us to redesign five of our upscale centerpieces to stay within a budget price point of $100.  I thought I would show some detail shots of the "Save" designs that didn't make it into the magazine.

 This inexpensive ceramic urn was brought into the "Autumnal Tree" theme by dabbing on layers of brown, gold, and copper paint.  Seed pods were highlighted with gold paint to match the gold votive holders and manzanita branches.  This centerpiece contains only two bronze football mums, but because of their placement within the focal area, they command a large visual weight.

 The elegant spherical shape of this all-white arrangement echos the sophistication of its pricey counterpart for the "Classic Glamour" theme.  Using a single crystal candlestick, rather than an entire crystal candelabrum, also helped reduce the price point from $850 to $90.

 For the "Enchanted Garden" theme, a slab of a freshly-cut Ash tree, and green sheet moss were used to compliment a basket full of garden flowers.

 For a "Modern Architectural" look, we used hot pink carnations on top of a tall white glass cylinder vase.  Purple design wire swirled around the orb of carnations, adorned with purple dendrobium orchid florets.  More design wire was spiraled around the pink votive holders at the base of the tall arrangement.

 The "Country Chic" motif included charming details, such as a flower basket made of chicken wire and lined with simple burlap.  A pairing of quaint yellow ribbons woven through the wire basket lent a decorative flair. Burlap was used again to adorn the votive holders, along with another ribbon treatment and tiny monte casino blooms.  Faux quail eggs seemed to match the farm-style gathering basket.

Although it isn't easy to slash a centerpiece budget by as much as 90% and preserve a reasonable semblance of the original design, I think we showed that surprising success can be achieved when the designer focuses on the key elements of the design.  With a little creativity, attractive centerpieces can be had at budget conscious prices!

Triple Publication in the knot New Jersey!

We are very excited to see three of our happy couples appearing in the Fall/Winter 2012 edition of the knot New Jersey.  Congratulations on your weddings and for making it into print!  Check out their fabulous receptions:

Christie & Thomas at The Palace at Somerset Park (pp. 92-98)

Mary & Joe at The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre (pp.106-110)

Aidan & Jon at The Stone House at Stirling Ridge (page 118)

Flipping through the magazine, I also noticed work by A Touch of Elegance in articles and ads from other vendors as well:  My Bellissima, Jasmine Cianflone, The Park Avenue Club, Jersey Street Furniture, Flanders Valley, and dp Studio Ting Yi photo & cinema.  Such a pleasure to work with these talented professionals!

Westin Bridal Show - Jersey City

We brought a trio of different looks to the Jersey City Westin for a Sunday bridal show last weekend. Shows are fun for the designers because we get to play around a bit and try out some new ideas - like this massive mirror tower! Great for getting attention at a show, this show-stopper would be more appropriate for a seating card table, or it could be scaled down to work as an actual centerpiece.

In stark contrast, a classic garden feel permeated the neighboring table, accented with mossed candle holders and real birch branches holding napkins and menus.

A surprising pop of yellow at the base of a damask lampshade defines this modern design. Check out the incredible menus and napkin treatments on all the tables, provided by Cherese from Honour of Your Presence.

Some fab bouquets to accessorize the models working the runway...

These ladies knew where to find the finer things!