Flower Power!
October 25th, 2007 @ 1:39 pm by Mrs. Canary
The first florist we met with back in August had such great ideas. Since our space has this long and wide hallway, he suggested that we include columns filled with petals or water and floating candles to warm up the space along the walls. To draw attention to the center and entrance, he suggested draping sheer fabric. And since we opted for a DJ, he suggested we have some chaises or lounge-y sofas near the dancefloor. It’d make it feel more inviting and since we’re having a lot of older guests, this way they can get in on the action too!
I had an image for everything, but what stumped me was when he asked, “So what were you thinking for the ceremony?” For once, I was speechless. I didn’t even consider flowers for the ceremony! Mr. C and I are not religious so we didn’t need an altar or chuppah. So the florist suggested two large floral “pieces” - not necessarily a trellis or arch, but branches that eventually connect.
I was also unaware of how much paper lanterns cost! Well, the cost increases when you have to get someone to get on a ladder to hang them. I tried to negotiate the price down and asked if it was cheaper if we didn’t light them… unfortunately no matter what you do, you still have to get someone to climb up there. So the answer was a firm “not really.”
I’m still going to check out a few other florists on the list, but I really liked this one. We clicked and had a really good time chatting.
Without further ado, some of my anal retentive collections of flowers. I haven’t really had much time to consider colors, but I really want bright pinks and light red. Flashy stuff that’s also subdued in a delicate setting, hence back to my “chinese garden in the city” theme.
I also didn’t do a good job of sourcing these when I was collecting them, but most of them are from the knot.
I heart pinks and submerged flowers.
Ceremony ideas. I’d like something more organic, but fabric makes it so lovely.
Lush, full, creative bouquets. I love the feather detailing in the one above!
little pomanders for the junior bridesmaids 
Boutonnières for Nr. C and the rest of the guys. It’s so “manly” in this presentation.
Lanterns and pompoms. Can’t live without them.
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9 Responses to “Flower Power!”
we are also doing the lantern thing and when i asked my florist she said she could quote me 1500 for them OR i can buy them myself and the venue will hang them up for free. guess whcih one i chose.
You might want to look at orientaltrading.com. They have those lanterns. That would be much cheaper than purchasing them through the flower guy probably.
I have so many of the same pictures saved! Question: I was quoted $300 for 25 paper lanterns which sounded absurd to me because I have seen them online for $3 each. Hadn’t really quite thought through someone having to hang them! Does $300 sound reasonable?
It took two of us and a ladder to hang decorations at a wedding this summer. It might be doable if you had some volunteers. How tall are the ceilings where you’d want the lanterns?
Thanks for all the recos!
Unfortunately, the venue only allows the florist to do any decorating on the site. The ceilings are really really high at our venue. That’s why we’re also planning on having fabric draped in the entryways to make it warmer and more inviting.
We would have loved to get our own lanterns, but the cost is all in the labor so even if we did, it wouldn’t do much for pricing.
May31: Was that a quote from your florist? If so, from what I researched, that’s a pretty good deal!
Yes- that was from the florist- If you think it is a good deal I am going to go with it! Ours will be outside in trees between the ceremony site and the reception (on the same property). I think they will look great! Thanks for the help!
may31: NP, I think you’re fine! We were quoted almost quadruple that… but we’re also in New York… so markup is always an issue.
Usually when you purchase lanterns online, it’s just the lamp/lantern part… no bulb or interior light. At your florist’s price, if it includes all the lighting and hanging, you’re definitely fine.
Mrs. Canary, New York
Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Journalist/Editor
Engagement Date: February 16, 2007
Wedding Date: July, 2008
Blogging Since: October 19, 2007
Venue: Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers
About Me: I'm a born and raised New Yorker who loves all things crafty and artsy, food (cheese and dessert!), magazines, and shoes. I'm a power shopper always on the lookout for good deals or great quality-- sometimes I'm lucky and I find both! I love to dance and "shake what my momma gave me" but can also really enjoy a quiet night in with Mr. Canary and a good episode of Seinfeld or curl up with a good book.
I have the same two inspirational pictures that you first listed! Too funny! HIFIVE!