When I helped my brother with his wedding at the Huntington Beach Hyatt, his design partner Sophia mentioned to me just hot branches are when it comes to floral design and wedding decorations. I never thought about it before, but my mom often used willow branches in her arrangements. And branches can be used in so many ways.
My brother had me tie dendrobium orchids to several of the branches of this manzanita tree, which was custom made. I think it turned out nicely.
Flickr photo by Almost Jones
For example, paper flowers are hung from branches by thread. You can use a setup like this for guest table names, you can pin cash on it as a “money tree,” or even as a “wish tree” — have your guests write down their best wishes for you and pin them on the tree!
Flickr photo by honeypoo
Same with this little setup. If you click through to the Flickr page, you can also read about how they put together this centerpiece. Spoiler alert: The little pot came from Marshalls. How cool is that?
This is an arrangement my mom did back in the day. Besides the stargazers, stock and Bells of Ireland, she used willow branches and cherry blossom branches. Ohhh, cherry blossoms are so nice. They only bloom once a year, around February, and the blossoms last only about eight days. If you’re planning your wedding for February, you might want to consider this flower — although they can be quite expensive.
Flickr photo by Designs by Courtney
I love love love this arrangement. It’s so simple, but unique and classy. This also looks like manzanita branches, with three yellow cymbidium orchids at different points, three hanging votives, with the whole setup in a glass vase filled with rocks. The rocks help anchor the whole deal down. If you want a unique arrangement for every guest table, then this would be a great way to go.
BONUS! If you’re looking for a place to find these branches, I found one for you online. Blooms and Branches offers a variety of decoration elements, including manzanita branches, lighting elements and vases. You’re welcome!