Behind the Design: 3 Types of Tall Centerpiece Structures

It's that time again! The next installment of Art and (event) Design education posts. In the previous Design Discussions we explored the "Power of 3", then "Low & Lovely Centerpieces" and now it's time to chat about "Tall Centerpiece Structures". When a Professional Designer creates a "good design" it must meet several criteria - two of the most well known are form and function. I want to touch on on a few different structural forms and some ways they should function in a tall centerpiece design/tablescape.

If your ideal reception style includes a spacious ballroom with tall, sweeping ceilings or creating a feeling of drama then Tall Centerpieces may be a way to go. One of the most common mistakes I see or or requests I've received regarding reception tablescape or centerpiece designs is not taking into account "Line of Sight". Line of Sight is the visual area in a 3-Dimensional space (ex: across the tabletop, ballroom, reception hall, etc.) in which your guests, after they sit down to have fantastic time, are able to see everything around them from their seats. Unless you want all your guests to get up, standing "shoulder-to-shoulder", to form a huge crowd to see every single event during the evening (ie: to see the 1st dance, wedding toast, cutting of the cake, etc.) because their view from the table was obstructed, then a well designed tall centerpiece may be the key.

A popular option with tall centerpieces is restricting the number of tall centerpieces and spacing them throughout the reception/ballroom design. Why? Well, two reasons. It can save money, after all, low centerpieces tend to be less expensive than taller centerpieces. Also, varying the height of centerpieces can add visual interest, a feeling of rhythm, and a since of flow to the look of the overall rooms proportion and design. So, what you should you know about different tall centerpiece structures and finding the right design that will create the right form and function for a tablescape? Here are 3 types of Tall Centerpiece structures (forms) and how to identify a functional design:

1. Tall and Thin:

No, not Supermodels. These are centerpieces that may feature a floral arrangement on top of or using a tall, thin and solid structure (usually metallic, plaster or wooden) with the flowers or focal point of the centerpiece design hovering at least 24" above the surface of the table. They can be traditional and classic items including long silver candelabras, candlesticks, very slender silver trumpet vases, etc. The long, slender shaped centerpieces which is easy to see past, along with the flowers resting 2 ft. above the table, ensures a functional design.

2. Transparent or Translucent Vases:

You may also consider a transparent tall containers for tall centerpieces. A professional florist or event designer will develop a floral design that is constructed in a way that will not clutter the container with a lot of materials, exposed stems (unless part of a wispy or negative design - see below), or mechanics and may simply use a beautiful clear vase or a vase filled with translucent materials designed to catch light like crystals, gel beads, etc. This type of structure allows guests to enjoy a minimally obstructed view and a clean design with two distinct areas of focus - the table's surface and an decorative element that seems to float enchantingly above them.

3. Negative Space or Wispy Materials Designs:

These designs, in my humble opinion, can be one of the most artful (and sometimes challenging) of the tall centerpiece structures. This is when the design features ultra thin, wispy materials (example: thin branches or sticks) that will not obstruct the guest's view. They may or may not provide structural support to the centerpiece. These tall centerpieces may also utilize "negative space" in the design. Negative space isn't a location were you've had a bad experience. In artistic terms it is the empty area of a drawing, painting, or sculpture (and in this case tall centerpiece designs) specifically used to create part of the visual look or form of the design. Sometimes the unused or negative space can be just as interesting. In Art, it can be the spaces between a cut outs, shadows, branches, or other materials and mediums created by lines and brush strokes that creates an image, pattern or design. Just look below the crowning floral arrangement in the samples below and you'll see what I mean.

Images from our friends at The Knot

More art, event, and design tips to come.... Cheers!

Vow Bridal Event & Rising Above Near Design Disaster

When I started the "Countdown until Vow Bride's 10th Anniversary Bridal Event" posts on our blog I was hoping for an inspiring and unforgettable ending... boy did I get one. Here's a recap of the last 36 hours. Saturday evening I completed my checklists, packed our vehicle in preparation to leave at 6am to arrived at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and beginning our elaborate booth and tablescape display set-up.

Sunday, 5:30am. After waking up with the building anticipation of the day ahead, my Husband and I stepped out the front door to head to the Virginia Beach Convention Center and were slammed with shock and disbelief - the vehicle was gone. While my Husband called the police and began reporting the missing car, I was on the phone with the Vow Bridal Show producers and my contacts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center informing everyone on the situation. As the sun rose we faced the fact that the vehicle and it's contents may or may not be located that morning. The truth was there was nothing we could do until the next day. Now, with a major Bridal Event only a couple of hours away here came the moment that defines the Event Industry Professional. As I was recently reminded by one of my fave industry colleagues, Daevids of Norfolk, Creative people like us sometimes work best under pressure. I had two choices, I could stay home, crawl under the covers and work my way through a tub of ice cream or I could do what true Wedding Pros do... preserve. I took a deep breath and did the same thing I would do for any of my Clients - Rise to the design challenge!

Thinking about it now, this is a perfect example of why it is so important to work with an Event Professionals. We have immediate access to industry contacts and resources that the average Bride may not have access to. I strategically went through our available inventory for decorative products that would work with a vibrant color scheme of green, pink and orange and a spring theme, reached out to my network of colleagues and was able to secure one or two additional items, and as my Husband drove us to the Convention Center I sketched out a new tablescape design concept in black and white. We arrived, implemented the new design and in a mater of moments was able to create the display below.

Following pics are from our friends at Tidewater Production Inc. Thanks Ken!

Ok, I admit, I've been a little fixated on my own display throughout this post and that is not fair. The "Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event" was a truly phenomenal Bridal show - filled with exceptional professional wedding vendors, breathtaking Bridal Fashions, exquisite food and so much more. The Virginia Beach Convention Center staff, Vow Bride and Style Event teams were amazing, and I received so much support and encouragement from all my fantastic event colleagues. I will share a full recap of the event soon but for now enjoy the pics and feel free to let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback at VividExpressions.com

Coundown Continues... Hand-painted Vases for Vow Show Display

Ok, yesterday I unveiled a piece of my plan for our display for the Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event on February 21st by doing something I've never done before - posting an image of a design before the event to the public. Looks like people like getting a sneak-peek! It's was like an "amuse-bouche" or little appetizer to tease the senses and intrigue the palate. I've had some fun feedback on the black & white initial sketch of the centerpiece design. So, now I guess you want another taste huh? Alright, here you go. Today I've been working on some custom-made "Event Art" for the up-coming Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event. Specifically, I am creating a few small hand-painted vases which will be part of the decorative elements for the table-scape display that Vivid Expressions will showcase as Brides, Grooms and other eager guests enter the event. Want another "Sneak peek"? Ok, but for the full effect you'll have to visit us at the Bridal Event this Sunday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center... Cheers!

Sneak peek: Before Sketch for 10th Anniversary Vow Bridal Event Display

Well, this is a first! Usually I (and my Clients) are the only ones who see my Event or Floral Design Concept Illustrations but as part of my "Countdown to Vow Bride's 10th Anniversary Bridal Event" I wanted to share this part of the Table-scape Design with my followers. Check out this initial sketch!

I'm going to create this centerpiece as part of an over-the-top and elaborate table-scape design we will display in the lobby of the Virginia Beach Convention Center on Sunday, February 21st during the phenomenal Vow Bride 10th Anniversayr Bridal Event. I invite you to come out and see how close this event design illustration compares to the completed live design.

I also feel the need for a personal challenge and the Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event seems like the perfect opportunity to stretch my creative muscle. As a Floral Designer (among other things) it seems that during event's like this we pull out all the stops including using only the very best (and often the most expensive) flowers. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore exotic Orchids, chic Calla Lilies, fresh Tulips, romantic Hydrangea, flirty Peonies, fragrant Freesia and even delicate Ranunculus but the truth is it's hard to make an arrangement featuring a dozens of sprays of Cymbidium Orchids cascading throughout look bad.

So, my challenge? To take 3 of the most common flowers and creatively use them with a vibrant color scheme and custom artistic elements to create a stunning tablescape. Now, Which 3 flowers and what color scheme? The Colors - pink, orange and green (sassy spring-like combination right?). Now for the flowers. Roses, Carnations and lilies are 3 of the most commonly used flowers in floral arrangments.

Well, this should be interesting and I'd love your feedback... wish me luck!

Meet Designer Romona Keveza at Vow Bride's 10th Anniversary Event

I admit it. I've been having a lot of fun this week blogging about "a Countdown until Vow Bride Magazine's 10th Anniversary Bridal Event". Do you know who else is celebrating a decade of fabulous style and excellence? Award winning international Bridal Fashion Designer Romona Keveza.

The New York Designer's gowns have been worn by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Iman, Julia Roberts, Natasha Bedingfield, Dana Delaney, Angela Basset and Marisa Tomei and her flawless Bridal Collections have graced the pages of The Knot, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and In Style Magazine to name only a few. Her Couture Bridal designs are simply innovative, truly timeless and I am so excited to share the news that she will be a part of the "Vow Bride's 10th Anniversary" celebration!

"There are certain silhouette in Bridal that transcend time. If you look at the gowns worn by famous fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy - those pictures were taken 50 years ago and yet there are still timeless today." - Romona Keveva

Join us on Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia and meet Romona Keveza! For more information visit http://www.vowbride.com/

10th Anniversary Vendor Party

No one throws a party like Vow Bride! Some of the Hampton Roads region's "Who's Who" of wedding professionals gathered to relax, socialize and celebrate in anticipation of the up-coming Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event. Kim Wadsworth, Editor-in-Chief of Vow Bride Magazine, hosted an amazing "Vendor Appreciation Party" held at the uber stylish, modern and chic "Alot" Hotel in Chesapeake, Virginia on February 10th, 2010.

During the event I enjoyed the delightful company of Barbara Anderson of Style Events (one of the show's major sponsors), Maya Warburton (of Maya Couture), Rodney Watzlavick (of DJ Rodney Charles), Eleise Theuer of Eleise Theuer Photography (and genius behind my lovely profile pic), and other brilliant photographers Keith Cephus, David Schwartz, and Ramon Permel just to name of few. Other notable vendors who attended the Vendor Party (and guests of the Bridal Event will meet) included The Chrysler Museum of Art, Ice Art (seen with me on the left), Virginia Beach Resort Hotel, Catering Concepts, Just Cupcakes, and Shockely's Sweet Shoppe who created the exquisite and artfully done cake featured below.

I have to admit, I adored the feeling of being a pampered "guest" of a sensation party for a change. We were treated to scrumptious food, an enchanting candy station, music, cocktails, and fabulous door prizes including Fondue for Two from The Royal Chocolate in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Manicure & Pedicure, and a Gift Certificate to Salacia Restaurant (Virginia's only AAA 4-Diamond Steakhouse Dinning Establishment) located in the gorgeous Oceanfront Hilton in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Intriguing? Just wait and see what we all have up are sleeves for Brides & Grooms attending this fantastic event! Vow Bridal Event Vendors experienced a small sample of exceptional delights those who will attend the Vow Bride 10th Anniversary Bridal Event will enjoy this coming Sunday, February 21st at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

For more information or to receive a discount on admission to the event please visit www.vowbride.com. Cheers!

The Countdown... until Vow's 10 Anniversary Bridal Event!

Congratulations to all those wonderful couples who became engaged over the Valentine's Day weekend!! Oh yes, love still in the air and for many the wedding planning process is in full swing. After the "big question" has been popped and an enthusiastic "Yes" has been given, it's time for planning, researching bridal resources, and visiting local Bridal shows. Well, do I have a some exciting news for you! We are extremely thrilled to be participating in the up-coming Vow Bride Magazine Bridal Show and will dedicate our blog this week to a "Countdown to Vow's 10th Anniversary Bridal Event"!

For 10 year Vow Bride Magazine had been a priceless resource for savvy, stylish Brides in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. The magazine has showcased the artistry of award winning photographers, stunning high-end bridal fashions, cutting-edge bridal industry trends, and a full-range of phenomenal wedding professionals and talent. Throughout the years the Vow Bridal Show has blossomed into one of the area's most anticipated Bridal events.

Blog Event Spotlight: Bridal Gown
For most Brides it's all about "The Gown". Seriously, ask most newly engaged Brides what they are looking forward to doing in the planning process and, for most, finding the gown will be at the top of the list. And why not? Remember playing "Dress up" as a little kid? If you do odds are you pretended to wear a Wedding Gown (even if you don't pretend to get married). In short, a Wedding Gown symbolizes "the Bride". It is the only garment you will ever have in your life created to fully represent love, your "Special day", and designed to showcase you - a complete, absolute expression of your personal style and beauty. It's because of this that finding "the dress" is such a detailed, sometimes anxious, and special process.

My advice - bring good friends or your planner and work with a Professional Bridal Attire Expert who can guide you through the various styles, silhouettes, fabrics, foundations, and what will best work best with your body type. If you haven't found your gown yet the timing couldn't be more perfect to visit the "Vow 10th Anniversary Bridal Event" this Sunday, February 21st at the Virginia Beach Convention Center near the Virginia Beach, Virginia Oceanfront. Not only will you see a range of breathtaking wedding fashions but you'll have a chance to meet renowned Bridal Fashion Designers and Experts. One exciting feature of the Bridal Event will come from our friends at Maya Couture. Maya Warburton, Gown Designer and Owner of Maya Couture, will offer Brides visiting the show an unique opportunity. Maya Couture will conduct a "Sample Sale" during the Bridal Event. Brides attending the show are not only invited to see gorgeous designer gowns but will be given amazing deals on gown, purchase them and take their dream dress home! For more information on the Bridal Event, Bridal Attire Designers, or to register to attend the show please visit http://www.vowbride.com/

Look forward to more updates and seeing you all soon... Cheers and blessed wishes!!

What Wedding/Event Pros can learn from the Vancouver Opening Ceremony

Oh Canada, what you were up against. I, like millions, watched the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver British Columbia last night. And again, like countless others, I wondered.... "How are they going to top Beijing?" Let's face it, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony was, in a word, amazing!

Comparisons to the Beijing Show: Mind boggling fireworks across the city and over the then newly constructed "Bird's nest" arena, thousands of musician (literally, 2008 drummers) and dancers performing in perfect unison, gravity defying over-the-top acrobatics, and multi-million (perhaps billion) dollar cutting-edge technology and special effects - Beijing created an unforgettable and awe inspiring Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games. Volunteers? Ha! The Chinese Government recruited nearly the entire country's participation in a well groomed, precisely orchestrated and unprecedented show for the world. The results were simply amazing.

The Event and The Economy: Beijing was a tough act to follow but think about this. China provided Artistic Director Zhang Yimou the tremendous resources and the enormous advantage of a whooping $300 million budget for the Beijing Opening Ceremony production. Compare that to the $38 millions budget David Atkins (Artistic Director for the Vancouver Ceremony) had to work with .

So, what can Wedding/Event Planners, Designers and Coordinators learn from the opening ceremony? David Atkins faced the same issues that many of us in the Wedding and Event Planning Industry have faced recently - working with reduced budgets and sometimes resources. It certainly wasn't a jaw-dropping spectacle but it was a welcoming event that expressed the spirit of the host (or in this case Host City) and isn't that what a reception is supposed to do? Yet, despite the event's two biggest issues (budget and manpower) they were still able to produce a warm and delightful experience for the audience. In the event planning and design field this is what truly separates the best from the rest of the crowd. Of course it's easy to create lavish affairs with unlimited budgets but it are those who can use their talents, creativity and innovation to create a wonderful and well polished experience that are the industry leaders.

Here's 4 things we as wedding/event pros can learn from Vancouver:

1. Create a feeling of intimacy:

One of the most successful things about last night was the feeling - of inclusion, history, and family. It was like the entire world was invited to a small family dinner at Canada's house. This was accomplished in a few ways. Atkins united us as one people, 1st with the four native tribes of Canada and then inviting the native people from across the Globe. Incorporating traditions is an effective way to create a deeply personal feeling and allow others to connect. This was my favorite part not just because it was interesting to see but, man, I love a good party and they danced for nearly an hour as the athletes of the world made their entrance.

2. Discover Local Talent:

Another way they created intimacy is by getting to know Canada and it's history and culture. This was accomplished through a couple of different types of story telling segments. A dramatic narration of the country's legends was told by the familiar voice of Canadian born actor Donald Sutterland (yes, Kiefer's Dad). Now I know Donald Sutterland isn't your average local talent but the ceremony also featured a Canadian Slam Poet, Chris Gilpin who expressed the more hip cultural spirit of British Columbia. Again, showcasing the country's own unique personality, culture and home-grown talent.

3. Lighting and mood:

The other element that was utilized in the story telling was lighting. David Atkins developed a mood during the ceremony with his use of lighting effects. Hundreds of projectors and LED screens were used to create alluring visual effects like the Northern Lights suspend above the arena, Whales swimming across the arena's floor and then thousands of Salmon swimming upwards to later transform into trees. The lighting effects drew everyone's attention towards the center of the arena defining the visual direct of events and engaging the audiences focus in a strategic direction and flow along with the story. It was very well done.

4. The show must go on:

Ok, Tribal Dancers... check, lighting effects... check. Well, I guess I can't finish without discussing the, uhmm, "technical difficulties" of the evening with the torch lighting. As "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky, held the torch on the arena floor we all wondered "Where was the cauldron?" We soon figured it out. It seems (and I could be wrong) that four columns and the Olympic Cauldron were to rise dramatically from the floor and four athletes were to all ignite it at once. Well, as 3 (of the 4) columns and the cauldron began to rise it be came apparent that if there was a 4th column that there was a malfunction and the 4th column was stuck. Did that stop the show? No way... After a few moments the columns were lit, the Olympic Cauldron was engulfed in flames and the 2010 Olympic Games began!

Experienced Wedding and Event Planners know - no mater how well you plan there will always, always, always be snags but it is the true professionals that are ready to react and it is their job to "put out those fire" (pardon the pun) without the guests' awareness. Experienced planners are quick problem solvers who can come up with solutions as soon as the problem pops up. But in some cases you have to do what the producers of the ceremony did... you just go with what you got. No need to panic or stop the entire event just because one column doesn't want to cooperate... use what you got and remember, "The show must go on"! So, they did and you know what... everything still worked out fine. A lesson for us all. Don't stop the show and in the words of fashion expert Mr. Tim Gunn, "make it work!"

Fashion Design World looses an Artistic Talent

Here at the eve of London's Fashion week I'm saddened to learn of the loss of an incredibly talented and influential creative spirit - British Designer Alexander McQueen. Known for his truly artistic, dramatic, often over the top and fanciful designs and theatrical productions - Alexander "Lee" McQueen has been a cutting-edge creative force in the fashion industry since his career began at age 16. His work was technically innovative, artistic and unconventional couture statements. His designs told stories and featured elements created to convey a feeling of different concepts, times and places. McQueen's designs have been admired and worn by a tremendous spectrum of famous fans including Janet Jackson (Below), Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Eve, Madonna and even First Lady Michelle Obama. With his tragic death at the age of 40 his talents will certainly be missed and leave a notable void in the fashion and creative world.

Behind the design: Lovely and Low

In case you didn't know I love educating and facilitating. It's true! In fact, my 1st job as a teen was for the State of Virginia as Museum Services Assistant - giving demonstrations of 18th Century children's toys and helping with Revolutionary History Museum tours. Needless to say my focus now is more Fine Art and Event Design oriented and I'm more than happy to share theories, techniques and principles.

Ok, last time we talked about the "Power of 3" in creating visual interest on a table. Today I'd like to continue dissenting table-scapes but talking about a common mistake when choosing Centerpieces for an event. In general, centerpieces (floral or non-floral) fall into two categories; Tall and Low. Tall centerpieces tend to create a more dramatic look - giving the observer a feeling of full space and proportion by drawing the eye vertically. Low centerpieces are usually more intimate (and yes, less expensive). The reason low centerpieces create a more "intimate" feeling is because they do not draw your eye up and down, instead they keep your focus low - drawing your eyes horizontally across the table.

One of the most important things to remember with low centerpieces is they should be approximately than 10 -12 inches tall (or less). This is to make sure the design is functional (as all good design) and doe not disrupt with the guest's line of sight. An example of a bad low centerpiece design is one that obstructs the view of the guest. And although you many want to avoid your Cousin Fred, hiding behind the centerpiece should no be the way to do it.

Ok, so you don't have a ruler hand. Want a quick and easy way to check the height of a centerpiece? Don't let Mom see you do this but forget your manners for a moment and put your elbow on the table. From your elbow to your wrist or top of your fist is approximately 10' tall and roughly the maximum high for a "Low" centerpiece. Exception to the rule? There are always exceptions. If the centerpiece is clear, translucent or has design/materials with a lot of negative space but we will talk about that when we explore "Tall" centerpieces next time. Until then... Cheers!

Celebrating 10 stylish years!

For 10 years "Vow Bride" magazine has been the region's foremost wedding-style resource for trendsetting, Bridal Fashionistas. Twice a year readers drink in the simply scrumptious articles and stunning images designed to reflect all things weddings in the industry and Hampton Roads. Editor-in-Chief, Stylist, Make-up Artist and one of Hampton Road's Premier fashion mavens Kim Wadsworth is the creative mind and driving force behind the "Vow's" vision and success. With vital planning information, gorgeous models, breath-taking gowns, and the absolute best locations the magazine's pages showcase the works of some of the area's top photographers such as Keith Cephus, Eliese Thuer, David Schwartz, and Ramone Permel. In short, the Vow Bride is a must have for any Bride planning her special day in Hampton Roads.

Join Vow Bride in celebrating its 10th anniversary at the fabulous Vow Bridal Show. Over the years the show has become established as one of the area's signature Bridal events. To add to the splendor and exciting of this year's event Vow has announced the tremendous honor of hosting the talent of famed Couture Designer Romona Keveza. Come out to see, taste, and experience the Vow Bridal Event at the chic and modern Virginia Beach Convention Center on February 21st.

Behind the Design: The Power of 3

Tall Centerpieces are dramatic! There's no surprise why Brides & Grooms and party hosts love them. They capture your attention and draw your eye vertically - taking advantage of the proportion of a table or even a room. Of course there's a price to pay for such drama... it's also no surprise that smaller, low centerpieces tend to be less expensive that tall, fuller centerpieces. How can you use a lower centerpiece design without loosing visual interest? Here's the solution - remember your design principles! One of the best ways is to achieve visual interest with lower centerpieces is by creating rhythm or "a visual flow" horizontally across the table instead of vertically. This can be accomplished with smaller, low centerpieces by using multiple decorative items or floral arrangements on a single table in odd numbers - usually in 3s. Here are few examples:

More posts about using Art and Design princples in event designs are coming soon!