Question
my friend is doing the flowers for her son's wedding because they have a very small budget.  The mother of the bride has purchased very tall (over 24") skinny vases and wants a big full bouquet at the top of the vase.  She wants red roses with some type of vine.  Also, the arrangements will be sitting on tables - we need about 10 arrangements.  Any advice you can give us would be helpful.

Answer
Hi Stephanie.  First thing you should know is that those vases should be weighted to keep them balanced and upright.  Over 24" high with a heavy design sitting atop it could be a disaster if someone knocks into a table!  Clear glass pebbles or marbles would be my choice.  Secondy, you will want to afix a design bowl atop the vase.  I would use white opaque plastic design bowls and a floral putty to affix them to the tops of the vases.  Let them set well before you add wet Oasis, etc. to make sure they'll hold.  As to the floral material itself, you'll want to lighten the visual load of the red roses two feet high by using a variegated vine rather than ivy or something dark and glossy.  Your local distributor will tell you what's available (your location and season will determine it, too).  I'd think about the true red roses which can look glaring and too dominant with all the bridal white.  Take the time to look through the varieties and colors available and you may find that a burgundy tone or a deep dark pink might be more flattering to the overall color scheme.  Please feel free to ask away if I can help!