Wedding Centerpieces: When Less is More

By NANCY FITZPATRICK

"Less is more." This may be an old design concept but when put in the hands of a floral designer and stylist like Mariko Kawaguchi of Donaroma's in Edgartown, it takes on a new and often exciting dimension - producing, in the end, some stunning results when applied to wedding flowers.

The search for simplicity in floral arrangements is in response to our client's requests for informality, but an informality that still retains a sense of elegance, Mariko says. The Vineyard's informal style seems to naturally lend itself to the more informal approach in floral designs, Mariko says. However, as much as people may want an informal look, when it comes to their wedding, they still want to keep a sense of style and elegance.

The less is more concept works nicely with these seemingly disparate requests - whether the wedding is in Chilmark oceanside or at the yacht club in Edgartown. She elaborates by describing a variety of centerpieces where the principle of less is more is put to the creative test.

Using a large number of roses all of the same variety grouped en masse in antique Moroccan silver vases or crystal stemmed containers allows the colors and textures - as opposed to the introduction of other flowers - to provide variety and drama in the most subtle of ways. This approach is also an effective way to use such exotic flowers as orchids - a little goes a long way because of the intricate and beautiful makeup of these flowers. Orchids are also an ideal choice for special events because they will last for a month as cut flowers.

Simplicity shows up in floating arrangements, too, where a small cluster of the same flower is floated in a low-seated container. Gardenias are a popular choice for this type of arrangement. The floating centerpiece is a natural for outdoor tented receptions.

It's a way of stressing simplicity but with great elegance, and the flowers - whether they're peonies or gardenias, can be floated in glass or crystal containers or in flat earthenware. No chance, using this style of centerpiece, of having it tipped over by a sudden strong southwest breeze.

The floating centerpiece design also fits in with a Vineyard-themed wedding considering that water is symbolic for the Vineyard, Mariko says. It's a way, too, of utilizing other accents to personalize the arrangements. She notes how such items as beach shells collected by the bridal couple have been added to the floating centepiece containers. "We do a lot of work with beach glass and with miniatures, too." Incorporating this type of accent also personalizes an arrangement.

"We encourage people to personalize their centerpieces, Mariko says, and to also use their table flowers as a way to identify the guests' tables, to put a signature on each and every table. One example she notes is to use different colors or types of roses to identify each table. Or, to use a separate variety of flower for each table, so that seating charts or placecards can be labeled "the tulip table," the "rose table," the "peony table." It's a visually easy way for people to find the table they've been assigned to at the reception and it also creates an incredibly beautiful sweep of color, style and texture.

Flowers such as the beautifully scented gardenia provide another attribute when used in a floating centerpiece. Our sense of smell is instantaneous, and the wonderful fragrance of fresh flowers acts as an immediate, unconscious act of celebration, an awakening of the senses. This type of centerpiece also provides a nice backdrop for other, more elaborate settings.

Slowly but surely such traditions as "garter tossing," are giving way to new, more personalized traditions, ones that young people are creating and enriching with their own ideas of tradition. Mariko notes one popular idea at the moment is in the use of words on rocks, with one inscribed rock placed on each reception table. The idea is to have one person at each table use the word inscribed on each rock to tell a story about the couple. Mariko notes some of the words used in the inscriptions: love, magic, belief and respect. "Just like there isn't a formula for marriage, there shouldn't be one for weddings either," she says.

Most important for this most important event, Mariko says, wanting to underscore the importance of custom floral designs, is to know that "someone is listening to you, that it's important to have the kinds of floral arrangements that make you feel most comfortable and that truly express what you wish to convey on your wedding day."