Saving Vases

Mr. Goodlaff and I got engaged, picked colors, and then (cue mystical psychic voice) I had a wedding vision. Cobalt blue vases, green and yellow flowers, white tables, indoor garden, pops of color. Yes!

I just wasn't sure it was going to work.

See, I need visuals.  During the dress hunting process, I photoshopped together a picture of my dream dress, and though it was completely craptastic, it gave me an idea of the hoped-for result. The centerpieces were no different, so Mama Goodlaff and I ventured to our local craft store and came up with this:

Seeing it come together made me feel like a giddy mad scientist.  Vision confirmed, Mama Goodlaff and I got right to work.

Since then, we have been busy rescuing cobalt blue vases from sad little stands in flea markets, junky garage sales, and the back corner of thrift store shelves. Mama Goodlaff has cleaned out cupboards and found cobalt blue everything--candle holders, jars, etc. If it's blue and decorative, then it goes in the decor closet (closet in my old bedroom consumed by my wedding decor and Sister Goodlaff's crap). We have gone huntin' and found all kinds of goodies.

Behold, our spoils of war:

 

I wish I could tell you how much fun it's been to find all of these vases.  Though not extremely rare, deep cobalt blue vases aren't the easiest thing to find, and when we do spot them, a lot of them look the same.  I get a little thrill when I find a new, unique vase that will look great on one of our reception tables. Some are short and fat, others Grecian and elegant, country, or modern, but they are all beautiful and they will all contribute to that homey, garden party look we are going for. 

So far we have fifteen vases, and it's probably cost us about $50 for all of them.  Score.

How do we do it, you ask?

1.  Look everywhere--Internet, flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores, bargain stores. 
2. If you don't like what you're finding, hold out for something better--trust me, it's out there.
3. Tell people what you're looking for--more people looking equals a better chance of finding better items.
4. Don't be afraid to bargain.  I've been able to get better deals just by asking for them.

I think of the process of vase-gathering as more of a rescue mission than a task, and therein lies the fun. Miss Goodlaff and Mama, saving vases one at a time...

Are you gathering items for your table centerpieces?  Did I miss any tips?