bloomsandbranches.com?

-oops- "They have the BRANCHES I would want to use..."

No clue, but beautiful centerpiece! good luck!

I believe there are cheaper sites out there if you are wanting manzanita in particular. Mtnmanzanita.com has the same sized/style branches for $4. 25... so it's just a matter of searching.

As a cheap DIYer, I personally prefer free branches and get mine from a local landscaping company, Craigslist, or farmer's market for nothing (except the gas to inquire and pick them up). Yeah they aren't true manzanita, but all I'm after is the branch look. Slapping some Glossy Wood Tone (or comparable florist's wood color) on them and they look all the same.

Thank you both for you input. I will def. have to check out that site and my local landscaping suppliers/companies. Free is always better! I've considered getting cheaper branches and just spraying them the desired brown. My FH has a farm so maybe I could find some in the timber?? Only concern would be bugs... wonder if they sell a type of sealer or something?

Hi Erin,

Our manzanita branches, on average, run larger than our competitors. Our 18" branches measure 18" from the first fork to the top, and with the stem they are 24" overall. Our current harvests are producing more full and symmetrical pieces, which is good. Be sure to include a note in the Special Instructions box to let us know what shape of branches you are looking for!

Thanks,

Blooms and Branches

I CAN GET MANZANITAS! JUST PAY ME SHIPPING AND A TANK OF GAS!

My grandparents have some property in the mountains here in california where the manzanita grows rampid! Its gorgeous right now! You will have to do the research on laws with shipping plants but we could work this out for ya if you get desparate!

PM me if you want to take me up on this. we are getting married in sept so things are hectic right now but if your wedding is next year, ill totally be down!

@Erin -- I've never really had a problem with insects when using branches from local land, etc. Of course it IS a concern, but I make sure the branches have a tight bark and I inspect it for holes or other obvious insect traces. Even still, a coat of paint will take care of anything. If worse comes to worse, a mixture of 1 part Murphys Oil Soap and 3 parts water will deter any bugs. Just give yourself some time for soaking, painting, drying, etc.

@Vanessa -- I'm very interested in your branches opportunity. If you would like to talk to me about selling, please feel free to email me!

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@blooms - thats great to hear! I will def. keep that in mind when I decide to place my order. Im thinking I will need to order 12 branches.

@Vanessa - That would be wonderful! I'll let you know if I get desperate lol. Our wedding isnt until October 2012 so we have a while. It was suppose to be this October but due to finances we pushed back to next year BUT then we found out my FH brother in law is being redeployed to Iraq for a year tour sooooo now its Oct. 2012.

@Alison - Thank you for the tips. If I come across any branches worthy of being a centerpiece I'll def. check for those signs!

Once I get everything together and decide to make the centerpieces I plan on taping myself doing so. So hopefully my artistic ability exceeds my expectations! haha

Free branches are the best !have your brides maids raid someones back yard and cut them yourself!spend the money on more wine&food!!your guest will remember those things over any center piece!!!I used branches from my yard bugs were not an issue.I spray painted mine gold and attached silk flowers.total cost for 12 tables 45.00 0veryone thought I spent a ton of $$ and my guest wanted to take them home for themselves!

@a s. - Thats great to hear they only cost you $45 for 12 pieces, since I'll be doing 12 myself. I think before I order anywhere, I'll def. have to go out to the farm with FH and steal some branches! Would you happen to have any pictures of your completed centerpieces? For the spray you used, was it just plan ol' spray paint or something different?