Glossary of Florist Terms for Weddings Part 2 of 4

Now that you are familiar with the different shapes and varieties of wedding bouquets it’s time to tackle something a little more complicated – centerpiece shapes. There are many shapes that centerpieces can come in and this will tell you a little bit about them.

Breakaway: A few arrangements, usually short in height and containing different floral varieties, are grouped together to make one centerpiece.

Pedestal: This is based mostly on the shape of the vessel, which looks like a trophy or pedestal. Flowers tend to cascade over the sides for a dramatic look.

Tiered: This floral configuration is similar to a tiered cookie plate – a series of arrangements are stacked in tiers, small to big, giving the centerpiece a slightly triangular shape.

Globe: Flowers are arranged in a mounded circular shape or rounded vessel.

Trumpet: These arrangements are wider at that top and narrower at the base – just like the namesake instrument – balancing the shape of the vase containing them.

Candelabra: A floral centerpiece created at the base, neck or top of multi-armed candelabra. Oftentimes, greenery or ribbons are used to embellish the base of the vessel.

Garden: Garden-style centerpieces typically feature an abstract collection of wildflowers. The composition is airy and less full than other designs. Lisianthus, hollyhock, rambling roses, digitalis and smilax are well suited for this arrangement style.

Fish Bowl: Low centerpiece style with flowers clustered in a glass bowl.

These are the eight main shapes for centerpieces. Feel confident when you talk centerpieces with your florist!