Ask the Expert: Can a Florist Still Do My Centerpieces If They Don’t Include Flowers?

A summery, non-floral tablescape by La Petite Fleur. Photo by Natalie Wi of Allure West Studio

Question: I’m going to have a bouquet for my wedding, so will my bridesmaids, and we’ll probably have some other various flowers for the day, too. For my centerpieces, though, I wanted to do something with clear glass vessels, sand, seashells and lots of tea lights—both to save money on flowers and just because I love that idea for our summer wedding at the Shore. But does a florist do that, even though that doesn’t actually involve flowers? Or is that something I’ll have to either do myself or hire a different type of vendor to do?

Answer: Your florist can definitely take care of your non-floral centerpieces, says Leigh Karsch, owner of Abington’s La Petite Fleur Weddings & Events—and actually, the chances are very high that your florist or event design studio will love hearing that you want to consider incorporating accessories, rather than just flowers, into your table décor. “We actually have a soft spot for beach-themed table decor,” she says, “since it’s innately chic, often organic, and effortlessly elegant!”

Karsch recommends that because paying retail prices for things like candles doesn’t always make for an inexpensive alternative to flowers, that if your wedding designer offers both event styling and floral design, you “start with asking them about what gems and goodies they have in their rental inventory that can be incorporated into your decor,” she says. And if you’ve got a collection of your own—say, in this case, sea glass, perhaps—talk with your design partner about the possibility of providing something like that to work into your tablescape or centerpieces.

“Collaborating with your florist or event designer on all aspects of the reception’s styling,” she says, from your personal flowers to your centerpieces to any other decor element, “is the best way to ensure a cohesive, comprehensive look for your entire day.”

For more Ask the Expert questions, go here. 

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