EVENT ELEMENT • DECOR
CLOCHE CENTERPIECES By: Kristin Devoto
Is it any surprise that something old is new again? Right now, the freshest centerpiece concept out there is the cloche, a glass covering that is placed on top of flowers or other objects. Florists and designers across Atlanta are seeing a resurgence in this quaint look as brides and event planners fall in love with its 19th century charm. WHERE DID THE CLOCHE COME FROM? Danny Wilson, owner and director of THE SAVAGE GARDEN, has seen a slight increase in requests for cloche centerpieces. “They were originally designed and used to protect seedlings,” he explained. “With lots of new trends, we actually go back and pull from history,” said Deborah Bolger, owner of BUDS N BELLS, explaining that cloches were first popular in the 1800s. “People are looking for something different, something unique,” she continued. “They don’t want a typical look, they want something more artistic.”
WHAT’S THE POWER OF THE CLOCHE? “Whenever you put something under glass, it makes it more special,” said Wilson. “You can take anything and put it under glass and take it to the next level.” When he said “anything,” Wilson wasn’t exaggerating. The cloche trend extends to far more than flowers. “Figurines, pincushions, spheres, literally anything you put in takes on added significance,” he said. “Say you had your grandfather’s pocket watch. You might put that under a cloche in your home to elevate the object. It’s really a way to showcase something with emotional importance.” That translates to event centerpieces as well. Wilson described a recent event with a very vintage feel. The centerpieces were all different vintage objects, each under a cloche. The continued use of the cloche tied the theme together and unified the room.
ARE CLOCHE CENTERPIECES RIGHT FOR EVERY EVENT?
SHOWN HERE Above: Cloche over birds nest centerpiece, Photography by Jeff Roffman Photography; Right: Floral Cloche designed by The Savage Garden, Photography by Ben Vigil Photographers
Both Bolger and Wilson agree that the cloche is not right for every event. “Anyone trying to use or exemplify a vintage or collective look, they’re perfect for that,” said Wilson. “It’s not appropriate for a contemporary event,” he continued. Wilson explained that cloches come in a variety of shapes, though most are commonly bell-shaped. “If you choose clear and not bell-shaped, you might be able to transition it to a slightly more contemporary event,” he said, though he noted that the best match for the look is a vintage theme. For example, for a bride who loves a historically charming look, this is a good fit. It would work well in a historic venue and garden setting. Whatever the setting, the number one recommendation is: get creative with your cloches and experiment with trinkets, figurines and flowers that show off your personality.
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