QuestionQUESTION: I am a school-trained beginner floral designer and I'm working on an upcoming wedding where the bride/mom wants 32"+ tall arrangements and arrangements that are built into the upper part of candelabras. I would like to be able to prepare the arrangement then sit them on top of and/or into the container once I'm at the venue. I understand using chicken wire wrapped foam spheres in lomey dishes but I can't figure out how to secure the arrangement to the top of the container. As for the candelabras, I'm at a lose. Your detailed help would be appreciated, or any books/video you might refer me to would help.
Thanks much!
ANSWER: I miss the days of doing wedding florals, so I'm excited for your event!
The pieces for the tops of the tall arrangements.. not sure how this is working. Are you making floral plates that will sit on top of tall vases? If you can elaborate a bit more on those, I can offer some suggestions.. I will say however, that if you're using tall clear eiffel vases or calla vases with arrangements perched on top, these are easily done on small floral plates, with a block of foam cut to size, and taped down with floral tape. If the 32" container holding the arrangement is large enough at the top, you can just set the plate on top.. if its not very stable, use some floral tack (like sticky tack.. the plasticine type stuff you use to hang posters on the wall..)..under the plate edges. If you have time, you can also tape them down with clear waterproof floral tape.
For the candelabras, I always used the Lomey foam cages.. depending on the size of arrangement, you can get the cages to fit larger or smaller sized foam blocks. Pre-soak them, of course, overnight preferably, and make your arrangements.. keep them cool until you can hang them on the candelabras.. you'll likely need some floral wire (thicker guage) to hold them in place, or some ribbon.
Hope that helps!
Good luck! Sounds fun!
Melanie Lauren
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QUESTION: Melanie, thank you for your reply. I think you're right on the money for the tall vases, and your confirmation makes me feel better. I have used the cling adhesive before but was unsure about using on a rental vase because I don't know how to clean it off after the event. If you know a sure-fire method, please share. If not, I'll try and contact the manufacturer.
As for the candelabras; I understand your method about the cages, but I guess my inexperence is showing. Would you attach and construct the arrangement then take them apart for transport, and re-attach at the venue? I assume I will just have to practice with the desired fullness of the arrangement and number of cages/igloos to know what is going to work. Of course, because of my inexperience,I'll have to try a couple of these practice arrangements so I'll know how to price it also.
If there are any other hints you can offer I would appreciate you sharing with me.
I have another question but I don't know if I can ask here. I'll go ahead and type it out, but if I need to go about this another way, please let me know. (This is great! I feel like I'm getting one-on-one teaching!)
The bride's mom doesn't want a corsage, nor wristlet, so I suggested a corsage attached to a clutch handbag. I have seen several of these on the web, mostly from the UK, and they can be just stunning! I assume that you might be able to attach to a soft-sided clutch with a few pins, but I'm also assuming that the better way would be to somehow wire it to the clasp or frame - maybe. Have you done or seen this done? Do you know how it is done?
Thanks so very much for your help!!
AnswerHello again!
A great solution to the removal of sticky stuff from rentals is Goo Gone. Not sure where you live, but here in Canada, we can get this product.. its like a solvent... comes in a small 3" tall squeeze tin. Can be found at any hardware store. If not the same brand name, just let them know you need a solvent to dissolve sticky tac. Lighter fluid works as well, but can be very fume-y.
For the candelabras, if you're worried about balance (sometimes adding florals to them can make them tip forward,etc), I would get one and have it on hand to hang the Lomey from while you work with it..then you can balance the arrangement. If it is a case where the candelabra will have two arrangements on it so it can be viewed from all sides, you won't necessarily have to do this, as the weight will be closely matched between the two.
As for the corsage issue with mom, have you considered the magnets? I'm assuming she doesn't want a corsage because of the pin issue.. most mother's don't like them because the pinning is very hard on the clothing fabric. Magnets are great: you can get them from any floral wholesaler. You simple wrap one half of the magnet in under your floral tape, the other just sits on top so the ladies can slide them off and put their clothing between. Super strong (earth magnets).. the only consideration is that you can't use them on anyone who has a pacemaker.
If you have your heart set on the floral for a clutch, I would be hesitant to use pins. I would use an alligator clip (you see them on the ends of those funky hair pieces the kids wear.. they squeeze together and they open like the mouth of an alligator.. have teeth.. about 1" long or longer). I think you can get these at any craft supply store, or even a Dollar Store.
Hope that helps!
Melanie
