Vivid Expressions: 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.