Roses need to be stripped of thorns and cut precisely. But the prep work doesn't stop there. Garlands, wreaths and centerpieces have to be made and accessorized, including the containers. Cook sees a trend toward unique containers for centerpieces, ranging from clay pots to glass bowls and, of course, the popular topiaries. Then come the bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres.
Every single flower is wired and taped.
Garlands need securing and there's a host of last-minute arranging to be done. Cook recalls one wedding that took place on a 98-degree day outdoors under a tent. He and his staff had the air-conditioning on high in the van to keep the flowers as fresh as possible while they wrapped garlands on 58 tent poles and arranged 25 centerpieces all in a day's work. Weather is a variable that Linda DeFranco Barck of Tables of Content catering eyes like a hawk. Her job, as she sees it, extends well beyond what many see as a caterer's job.