Andaz Liverpool Street has noticed a trend of smaller wedding centerpieces over the past year .
Large weddings in Hyatt Regency Bellevue ’ s Grand Ballroom tend to add height to centerpieces to help fill the space , while many couples also place various personal items in the center of their wedding tabletops .
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The world of wedding centerpieces is not what it used to be . “ It ’ s not so much about tying centerpieces to wedding colors anymore ,” notes Emily Witt , catering manager at Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue , Washington . “ There ’ s a lot more thought and craftsmanship that goes into the presentation .”
Consequently , Witt sees many couples using photos in addition to flowers in the center of their wedding tabletops , or including a card that tells the story of why they picked their centerpiece flowers .
Another notable trend is that bigger is not always better with centerpieces . “ Centerpieces used to be about height and the wow factor ,” says Karly Hunt , social events and wedding manager at Andaz Liverpool Street in London . “ Over the past year I have seen centerpieces become smaller with more attention to detail . The latest trend is tiny vintage vases with some flowers for a pop of color .”
Creativity and customization — those are the two biggest buzzwords Elizabeth Galloway identifies when it comes to wedding tabletops . The wedding manager at L ’ Auberge Del Mar in Del Mar , California , works with couples to create their all-encompassing vision for their big day , and she believes the sky is the limit for the future of tabletops .
HOTELS : Do most couples have a detailed wish list for their wedding tabletops ?
Elizabeth Galloway : With Pinterest , couples usually come to us armed and ready with photos of things they have seen or trends they like and want to know how we can create something very similar — but within their budget .
H : What is the biggest recent change you have observed in wedding tabletop arrangements ?
TABLETOP STORYTELLER
Elizabeth Galloway
EG : It ’ s always evolving , but it ’ s definitely not just about flowers anymore . It ’ s about the full picture , from the type of table to maybe a high-end runner — sequins and chevron are very popular right now , and so is mercury glass and lace . So you get the trendy and fun with the vintage and romantic . It ’ s about containers and candelabras and fun flatware and chargers to create a full look as opposed to just , “ I want peach peonies .” It ’ s bringing everything together to tell a story .
H : What are some ways you can keep wedding tabletop setups as cost-effective as possible ?
EG : Trying to repurpose pieces is a good idea . The way a lot of our venues work , we utilize the same space for dinner and the ceremony . We then can repurpose some of the flowers from the ceremony and add them to further build a tabletop display .
Some of our clients are making things themselves . They want a lace runner , and they ’ re sourcing the lace themselves . It depends on how much DIY time you want to contribute , but that does save some costs .
40 HOTELS December 2013 www . hotelsmag . com