Four Hot Floral Trends for 2009
Here are some hot floral trends for 2009
by Aubrey Blankenship | Published in February 2009 decor | event design | floral design | flowers | it report | Departments
Notwithstanding the less-than-rosy ending to 2008, 2009 holds a lot of promise. And while budgets may have decreased, you don’t have to settle for mediocre floral arrangements. With these hot trends, your guests can still party like it’s 1999.
Courtesy: Longwood Events
1. A Table with a View
In 2009, guests are bored with traditional floral arrangements — and tire of the associated costs.
“People no longer want to see a centerpiece, they want to see a scene — a table with a view,” says Alexandra Rembac, owner and lead designer of Sterling Engagements, an Agoura Hills, Calif.-based event design and production company. Instead of a simple centerpiece, create an environment by covering tables with moss, rocks, flowers and vegetables that will give your guests a true “garden” feel.
Courtesy: Longwood Events
2. Small and Tall
Save money and make an impact by varying your table arrangements. Instead of all tall vases, introduce arrangements of various heights.
“Mixing various heights and sizes of centerpieces is much more exciting than a room full of the same centerpieces,” says Brian Worley, co-owner of YourBASH! and BASH! by Brian Worley Event Production in Los Angeles.
Candice Dowling, owner and lead consultant at Jubilee Events in Naugatuck, Conn., agrees. “Instead of singular tall arrangements on tables, you will see groupings of arrangements in different vessels of varying height and size.”
Photo: Person and Killian Photography
3. The Un-Vase
Instead of purchasing expensive, matching vases, peruse your local Good Will for interesting or vintage-looking vases that will give your event a unique feel. Or better yet, utilize items that were not meant to hold flowers at all.
“Bring in personal style with vintage bottles, coffee cans, tea canisters or ceramics,” suggests Lauren Tlush, a Los Angeles-based freelance floral and event designer. “In my opinion, if it can hold water, it’s a vase.”
“There has been an emphasis on innovative materials and unique containers for centerpieces,” echoes Susan Verge, director of event management at boutique event venue company Longwood Events. According to Verge, this trend speaks to the economy and environmental awareness.
Photo: Dean Ballan
4. Keep Greening
Businesses are actively seeking out eco-friendly floral for their events, says Stephanie Franco, principal at SpotOn Events LLC in San Francisco. “Look forward to seeing more organic flowers, reusable plants, grass, bamboo containers and other natural products,” she says.
Another trend is exchanging potted, live plants for traditional cut flowers.
“Potted orchids mixed with other varieties of potted plants make amazing centerpieces,” says Worley. “Unlike cut flowers, guests can take them home and either replant them or keep them the way they are.”
About the author: Aubrey Blankenship
Aubrey is the former editor and art director of Event Solutions magazine and a freelance contributor.