Im so excited about this project because it was the first original idea Ive had for the wedding! I got my inspiration from a floral arrangement I saw on at television show where the groom plans the wedding and the bride has no input at all.
Anywho, since the church has a blank stage without an alter, pulpit or anything - I wanted to have something on the stage that was large and had presence. My first thought was to have an arch, but thats a time consuming process, is a lot of work and hard to move - everything has to have multiple purposes in my wedding. So I came up with a plan to create 2 giant topiaries up on the stage. My plan was to use to coat racks as the foundation to build them with.
I found an excellent choice on Amazon.com that had an umbrella basket at the bottom that was perfect for under $100 for both, shipping included. But by the time I was ready to order them they went up in price and I selected a basic stand with no basket. So now Im charged with creating a basket at the bottom. But I think I may have found a solution for that.
I am going to create a flower pot type box using foam board. I basket weaved the first piece of board with 2 inch wired ribbon that I found at the dollar tree and quickly found that I would not have enough ribbon to cover all 8 pieces I would need and decided to cover the rest in matching gift wrap. So the front side of each would have the basket weave and the other 3 sides would be wrapped. Since they would be seen mostly by the front at the ceremony this would be great. Then at the reception, they are going to flank our head table.
I also decided not to paint the racks to retain the resale value. Mainly because the only part that will be visible is the pole in the middle and Im going to cover it with ribbon and put flowers in the opening of the decorative accent.
Heres the list of items needed:
(2) large coat racks - $29 each from amazon.com
(2) 10 inch Styrofoam balls from Michaels - $12 each using 40% off (1) item coupon (2 separate purchases)
(1) roll of tiffany gift wrap - $3.99 from Party City
(6) rolls of 2.5 inch ribbon with - $1 each Dollar Tree
(4) 20x30 foam poster boards - $1 each Dollar Tree
(12) rectangle foam blocks - $1 each Dollar Tree
(12) white hydrangea bushes - $1 each Dollar Tree
(12) ivory carnation bushes - $1 each Dollar Tree
(14) pink calla lilies - $2.49 each Michaels 50% Ashland flowers
(1) box of Roses- Pink-168/pk - $38.99 Efavormart
Leftover greenery from other flowers used to fill any gaps in topiary
Lots of Floral wire - already have
2-sided tape already have
Duct tape already have
Hot glue
PROJECTED TOTAL $184.99 / $92.50 EACH
Coat rack link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELQY7S/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
If the carnations from Efavormart had been the right size I wouldnt have needed to purchase the extra flowers from the Dollar Tree. Side note, the carnations and roses I picked up from Dollar Tree where nicer than the ones I ordered. Only down side is they only have whats in stock, so I had to hit up several stores to get what I needed.
In hine sight I could have also used a box for the bottom instead of buying foam board. With all the left over boxes we have from moving I dont know what I was thinking LOL.
I stayed up late last night because I had to see how the finished pomander top looks like 100% complete. The picture shows the rack without the centerpiece added, which made it shorter and easier to work on. They racks are probably close to 6 feet high!
I was elated at my DIY job thus far. Im actually excited to get back to work on them this evening!
******UPDATE******
So I went over my initial $200 budget for this project, but partcially because I changed plans several times and needed additional material. If I add up what I ended up using, the price is far less :)
