Table-Art

Many fine-tuned elements have to be in place to create a memorable event... noteworthy entertainment, savory cuisine, the quintessential invite list with the perfect blend of loved ones and of course, the visual stimulating elements of decor and floral.

The last two elements (decor and floral) are the most striking at the majority of events as humans use eyesight over the other four senses to stimulate their intrigue. With this in mind, and the other known fact that most party goers spend the majority of their time at their designated table is exactly the reason why DesignWorks spends a great deal of time and effort focusing on the design of each Table-scape or as I like to call it Table-Art. (The image below gives an example of how variations in the centerpiece style aid in sculpting the room, while giving the design depth. Photo by: Eric Stephenson Photography.)

DesignWorks takes extra care to sculpt the room by using the table as an opportunity to gain some extra height in the room. While at the table, you want to be sure not to block your view of the guest seated opposite you, but at the same time a little obstacle supporting something grandiose should not be an issue as you are supposed to chat with the guests adjacent to you vs. screaming at the guest opposite you. (Here's an example of how a centerpiece can add height within the room. Photo by: Eric Stephenson Photography.)

At DesignWorks, we have a plethora of custom structures that are designed for the table top, giving height and drama to the room without obscuring the individual opposite you. When designing table-scapes, you should also pay a great deal of attention to the minute details such as the napkin treatment. Budget allowing, make sure to use a napkin with a linen backing. This gives some substance to folding the napkin as well as a distinguished feel when using the napkin. Take care to give the napkin tie some attention too. This is a perfect opportunity for each guest to experience some element that can personally tie (pun intended) the theme to the host. For example, a leather tie tagged with a miniature pine enhances the rustic outdoorsy wedding.
(Centerpiece photo below by: James Christianson.)

Of course florals are incredibly important as well. The appropriate aroma, hue and shape can make or break the intention of your table art, so be sure to put thought into each of these elements. (The below image demonstrates how a floral arrangement can dramatically grab your attention and depict a specific style. In this case, it was a wedding with a Colorado mountain theme. Photo by: James Christianson.)

Tableware, flatware and glassware are all equally an opportunity to express yourself as well as an opportunity to further your design concept. Check out your local rental companies for some more common choices or Google charger plates and rental flatware for some more exotic selections to create your table art. (Images below give some examples of napkins with a napkins treatment paired with a unique charger. Image below with Dragonfly Accent by: James Christianson.)

One last suggestion before you get started with your designs.... Take the opportunity to bring several of these elements in and play around with them, that gives you the chance to visually sample them in a coherent manner sensing textures, hues and fragrance. START DESIGNING!

From Here to There...

...what's the appeal of destination weddings?

Very recently we did our tenth or eleventh destination wedding. We've traveled to Montana, Wyoming and even Hawaii, but the most recent was our first international destination wedding which happened to be in the very warm (actually HOT) glamorous Costa Rica where humidity partnered with 98 degree temperatures making for a very difficult set up for our aging staff; however, big floppy hats and a ton of water breaks made the conditions tolerable.

Working with Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions or Mountain Occasions (depending on her current location or the destination of your wedding) was a godsend. She previously resided in the tropical country and had partnerships with many local vendors. However, this was her first attempt to have us design a wedding from Colorado and then transport it across borders.

Costa Rica being a smaller country is extremely concerned about using local products so they tax anything luxurious coming across their border at 100%. So you ask, "what is considered luxurious"? Almost EVERYTHING that could be sold.

Our original plan was to pack everything in a container and ship it, but once we found out about the surprise with taxes we had to rethink everything. I took a quick trip down with Aimee to reconnect with her vendors as well as meet some new ones. We toured around for miles and miles looking at what each vendor had to offer as well as a trip to the coast where the wedding was being held.

We selected appropriate items of interest with pricing and still felt like we needed more to make the impact DesignWorks is used to. After some thought, I designed several large pieces such as the wedding arbor, escort structure, plexi planter boxes and many other items. This process made me a little nervous (actually very nervous) as I had no idea if the local talent could produce up to our standards and quality control.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with most of the vendors. Here’s a tidbit of advice: Be sure to grill your potential vendors and do the research with referrals. It will save you from worrying.

Once everything was in motion, deposits had been paid to vendors, flights had been arranged and production began, Aimee flew back down to check on the progress of the work, sending images back to me. I have to be honest, I had a sigh of relief and felt much more confident in their product and actually began to get real excited.

I flew five of DesignWorks staff down, mostly florists, myself and Trudy to set up this massive event; trusting the local vendors to take care of the drape and lighting. With approximately 60 event professionals setting this up for two days, it still ran down to the wire getting it wrapped up. I am always surprised how long perfection takes to complete.

The bride, a Texas social light, and the groom a NASCAR driver had an incredible romantic evening filled with aromatic florals, rocking music, family and friends. Photographer Jose Villa and videographer Joel Serrato captured the entire event from start to finish and is also the reason I can't show any of the images at this time, as they have submitted the event into a very influential magazine. Stay tuned for the incredible spread.

So back to my original question. What is the appeal of a destination wedding? From a designers point of view it's difficult, stressful, unpredictable; but, from a bride and grooms perspective it's romantic, exotic, exclusive and most importantly a step out of the traditional box. It builds an exponential hopefulness, unanticipated excitement for their guests where, when it's all over, they can relax and enjoy themselves.

Just don't forget to include us when you're planning yours!

Urban Chic Wedding Design

Modern. Classic. Glamour. When these three elements combine, you get a unique look that many have described as “Urban Chic”. This past weekend, DesignWorks partnered with Frosted Pink Weddings and Swank Stems to participate in the Unveiled Bridal Show hosted by the Four Seasons in Denver and Couture Consulting by Chenell. The theme for our booth? Urban Chic.

To create a look that captured all three elements: modern, classic and glamour, DesignWorks combined crisp white furniture pieces, detailed with classic lines, with glamorous crystal beads and accents of silver. Placed within the foyer for the cocktails hour was DesignWorks’s grand white metal gazebo structure dripping with crystal drops and delicate floral enhancements. This structure creates a romantic haven for a bride and groom as they say their vows. Contemporary Centipede furniture groupings meandered their way throughout the setting, giving attendees to the bridal show ample opportunities to sit and take in the beautiful scenery.

For the guest tables, DesignWorks displayed two options. The first table design featured a contemporary oval table surrounded by round white ottomans. Classic silver candelabras added a definitive touch as they rose from the table supporting vibrant flower arrangements adding a dramatic splash of color. (Flower arrangements provided by Swank Stems.)

The second table design focused on an intimate silver table capped with an antiqued mercury glass round. A silver pendant chandelier dripping with crystals was suspended over the table for a glamorous touch. Modern yet classic Victoria chairs surrounded the table design as vibrant flower arrangements added an urban splash of color.

Throughout this design, dramatic fabric swags and draping created the perfect backdrop for this charming Urban Chic wedding design.

Thank you Four Seasons Hotel in Denver and Couture Consulting by Chenell for hosting this event, and thank you Kelly Karli of Frosted Pink Weddings for allowing DesignWorks to partner with you. A big thank you to Studio JK Photography for the beautiful photos!! We look forward to creating memorable weddings with you all in the future.