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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 2004)
Something Old, Something New – EW’s Wedding Guide 2004 A Conversation Piece Creating a center of attention. A few years ago, while helping my sister-in-law with all of the crazy details that go along with getting married, I discovered that once the flowers had been chosen for the bouquets and the tuxedos had been fitted, there was very little time or money left over to account for cen- terpieces for their outdoor reception. After a painstaking brainstorm with the florist, we devised a rather simple solution that fit into everybody’s schedule and still managed to fit into our budget. On each table, a single bur- gundy colored rose floated in a small glass bowl; the water kept the blossoms from wilt- ing as we moved on to more important details. As I began considering all of the different ways there are to dress up a table, I realized that the centerpiece serves not only as a main decoration, but also as one of the things that nearly every guest will notice as they make their way through buffet lines and cham- pagne. Whether it is something completely new and different, or a new twist on an old clas- sic, an interesting centerpiece becomes something of a conversation piece. There are truly no limits to what you can do and no rules that can’t be broken. However, a good thing to remember is to keep the arrangement ■ By Karman Ratliff low, as your guests should be encouraged to communicate across the table. But from there, nearly anything goes. Emerging trends this year in the floral realm seem to be monochromatic arrange- ments in white or in soft pastels, large bou- quets of a single type of flower or variations using several types of greenery as the focal point of each table. “This time last year, we did a lot of red and white weddings around Eugene, and people have also been really into using quite a few shades of green (for tabletop arrange- ments),” says Jewel Murphy of Passionflower Design. “But for the most part, people are just doing really personal arrangements, doing whatever the bride likes.” If you have the time to plan ahead, ask friends and relatives to plant your future cen- terpieces in their gardens. Hydrangeas and dahlias must be planted in March or April in order to bloom for a wedding in June, while others, like the dwarf calla, would have to be planted right away. Check with your local nursery for details on your favorite flower and be sure to give yourself enough time. From traditional ideas stem more creative touches, like wrapping simple vases or even jars with handmade paper, or with ribbons or fabric that follows your color scheme. Hand- painted details can be added to metal pails or to terra cotta pots to tastefully display living plants or flowers, or even a sapling that could be planted later in memory of your special day. A very locally inspired option would be to hire your neighbor or old roommate who is also your favorite glassblower to create personalized vases or candle holders to light- en up your meal. Odds are they are willing to work with you to create a unique and unfor- gettable decoration that is well within your price range. Or consider having a local ven- dor fashion several low candles inscribed with the bride and groom’s names and the date as a keepsake. Surely there are brides brave enough to think outside the vase in this case and con- sider alternatives to fresh flowers as the heart of the décor. There are several ideas that can be pulled together quickly and at a relatively low cost. Consider searching for antique goldfish bowls and placing a pair of guppies or a graceful beta fish on each table sur- rounded by greens. A colorful collection of seasonal fruit, especially citrus, looks sophis- ticated when stacked in an out-of-the-ordi- nary bowl. Whatever you decide, take time in con- sidering the centerpieces you will use at your reception. Make an attempt to personalize them in a way that connects you and your guests on your special day. Be creative, throw all of the rules out the window and most importantly, do whatever it is you need to make sure that your guests have some- thing to talk about. ■ Say “I do”... Complete Wedding Rentals • Arches • Altar Accessories • Canopies • Dance Floors • Tables & Chairs • China & Glassware • Fountains • Flatware Free Consultations 121 River Rd. 689-9260 4340 Franklin 726-6517 Email: actionrental@aol.com Photo by Something Blue From Rehearsal to Reception to a Sweet x Life cake! BY COME TH OO OUR h B e 2004 at t ridal City B d l a r Eme Show RY 17 A U N A J H & 18T Events e at Lan nter. Ce CUSTOM DESIGNS • FRESH FLOWERS AWARD-WINNING CAKES • HUNDREDS OF DESIGNS 683-5676 • www.sweetlifedesserts.com • 755 Monroe St. JANUARY 15, 2004 27
