Gerald Said:

Flower centerpieces / table decorations???

We Answered:

I worked at a country club for years, and we catered a LOT of wedding receptions. I've seen everything from horridly tacky to exquisitely elegant.

The single most striking reception I ever saw was done in a black, white, and red color scheme. The bride wore white, her bridesmaids wore black, and the ONLY flowers (wedding party and reception) were red roses.

It was spare and stark, but it was soooooo elegant. (Definitely NOT Granny's tea party!) The tables were set with white tablecloths and black linen napkins, and the centerpieces were very simple ... just one-gallon glass bowls with clear marbles in them, each filled with a cluster of cut red roses. No baby's breath or extra ferny-things, just the roses.

Each bowl sat on a large round mirror, with three or four tea-light candles in clear glass holders scattered around the flowers. It was stunning.

If you're having your reception at a hotel, banquet hall, country club, etc, they will have the mirrors, candles, etc ... I've seen the round glass bowls at craft stores for a few bucks each.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning something like a wedding reception is to have the centerpieces too big and/or too tall. Sure, it looks great when the room is empty, but once the place fills up with all the guests and the tables are full of food, purses, cameras, drinks, etc, those centerpieces are just a nuisance.

Keep them low so that your guests can talk with each other across the table. Remember, too ... a tall centerpiece will block some guests' view of the bridal table, the dance floor, etc.

Best wishes!