Crystal Wedding Tree: Decor Ideas Page 1
 This is one of our big, nearly 7' tall, Deluxe Swarovski No-Lead Crystal Trees with Lighted Base. If you want to buy these crystal ropes, go to the Crystal Chains Ropes Page of our site. Our professional design fabricators manufactured this tree for a "Platinum Weddings" florist in swanky Indian Harbor Florida. It is being used as a sought after rental item for her high profile weddings and events.
Unbelievable for:
Focal Point Tree
Dance-Floor Center
Champagne or Wine Bar Decor
Guest Book Table
Beside Altar (with smaller lighted base)
Behind or Beside Head Table
Beside Buffet Tables (not on!)
Home Decor
Up-scale, Elegant Christmas Tree
Diamond Anniversary Decor
Up-scale Quinceanera Decoration
Crystal Wedding Tree Project #1
This is a Premium Grade big nearly 7' tall single trunk manzanita Crystal Wedding Tree hung with approximately 240 feet of our Swarovski Lead Free crystal ropes (1' ropes simply hooked together into 2' lengths and attached to branches). Although this one was used for a wedding, it is suitable to just about any elegant event in need of a spectacular show stopper. You can make your own simpler, easier, smaller, less expensive take on this type of tree or if your budget allows and you desire to, you can purchase an already professionally designed, Crystal Wedding Tree. Choose single trunk manzanita like this one in the lighted wood base or you can purchase a double trunk one like the one shown below by going to the "Crystal Tree" order page of our site. There is a link to the page in the left navigation bar of our site.
Finished, professionally made trees like these use only premium quality, hand selected trees (not just any tree works due to wildly varying shape of manzanita). They are highly labor intensive (time is money, of course) and includes the lighted base which has our Ethereal crystals lying scattered on the top. The labor combined with the over-the-top amount of Swarovski crystal that these come with is out of some budgets, but if you are handy, simply use it as an idea and create your own tree using manzanita or other very strong, artistic looking branches or trees in sizes within your budget. Take your branches, real wood or even our fine 4.5' tall Simulated Manzanita branches; mount them, pot them, put them in a vase, etc. and hang them with the amount of crystal ropes that fit your budget.
 However much or little crystal you use, we recommend our fine Swarovski crystal ropes to achieve the same amount of sparkle. In the photo above, we are sure you are captivated by the amount of sparkle.
There was no color or simulated "sparkle" done to the photo. The "colors" that you see flashing on the tree are simply glimpses of real rainbows formed by the awesome sparkle of the high quality crystal ropes used. The sparkle is hard to capture on film because each crystal flashes when light hits it at the right angle and photographing requires split second timing, but we caught some of it on film. No computer wizardry.
Play the video below to feel the outrageous sparkle. No computer added "stars", just real Swarovski crystal. In person, you can see flashes of light & fascinating rainbows. Our Ethereal crystals are a nice second choice. Our chains with subtle, elegant links make your crystals look more like falling, crystal raindrops. Draw attention to the crystals ... not the metal connectors in between.
Feel The Swarovski Sparkle - Click to Play Video Below
We sell these crystals (and two other more economical crystals) wholesale, in 1' lengths, but they are easily adjustable by simply hooking one chain to another in 2', 3' or whatever lengths you need. Hooking one rope to another literally takes 2 seconds. There is a link to our "Crystal Chains Ropes Page" in the left navigation bar of our site. Our fine crystals prisms make perfect wedding crystals, party crystals and crystal decorations for any occasion or event.
Have you heard about our Free information, online E-book : Secrets of How to Make a Crystal Tree? It is the original, most comprehensive instructions for making a focal point tree, wishing tree or centerpiece trees on the internet. Tree centerpiece tutorial sfor the event planner, professional florist or consumer looking to make one or many trees at the lowest cost and in the least time. Use the details to make any type of tree, with or without candles, orchids or crystals. This step-by-step, 14 page, professional tree-making e-book is FREE on the Crystal Tree Instructions Page of Our Site (click here).
 
A Stunning Focal Point for the room as shown in Bride's magazine - Brilliant idea: Simple centerpieces succeed with a single eye-catching installation, such as this crystal-festooned tree, as the party's focal point. The main attraction: tree branches—gilded (not painted) silver, and dripping with crystal ropes—sit atop a special champagne bar (or escort card station) centerpieces. Perfect for Showers, Receptions, Engagement Parties, Brunches and more. Crystal candle holders with taper candles serve as simple guest table decorations, while the same high quality crystal leafs adorne the backs of the chairs (double as guest favors).
 Because the tree is the room's focus, you can spend some of the usual fresh floral centerpiece $$$ on the tree instead ... much more stunning and memorable. The tree is mounted with a square, white, heavily weighted base. The top of the base(around the foot of the tree) is translucent with sparkling crystals. The following info is not from Brides, but direct to us from the designer: The base is lighted from the inside in order to cast light up from beneath and through the crystals strewn on the top of the base (for a most awesome sparkle).
26mm and 16mm Swarovski Lead Free Crystal Octagon Ropes are the wedding crystals sizes shown on this Brides magazine tree. No Thick Bow-Tie Links or "Loopy Loops" Disrupt the Design
This stunning tree is a full 6 feet tall and was made using 16mm and 26mm size Swarovski Lead Free Crystal octagons linked with gold, subtle connectors (not the typical "bow tie" connectors or the less desirable "rings") made into long ropes. The design is not disrupted and you are not distracted and jarred by thousands of thick bow-tie or loopy loops connectors. This tree used connectors which are subtle and almost disappear into the design like our straight connectors or coil connectors for an elegant result that highlights the crystals ... not the pins. So fluid, it almost looks like thousands of sparkling raindrops.
According to the designer, he used predominately their Lead Free Crystal Octagons (the same brand we sell on our Crystal Chains Ropes page on most of the branches and a added some Swarovski Strass 32% lead crystals mixed in on some of the outer branches. Swarovski Lead Free Crystal and Swarovski Strass lead crystal are the absolute finest precision cut crystal available anywhere. Swarovski Strass (in good sizes above 14mm) costs 2 times as much as their no-lead crystal but when hung together, it is virtually impossible to tell the two apart without examing the cut pattern. The sparkle of both is indistinguishable since they are cut and polished to the same high level by the same company. The fabricator of this specific, exact tree states that this tree was made almost entirely with Swarovski Lead Free crystal octagon ropes.
This is because he wanted it to be jaw-droppingly stunning in person (pictures really can't capture it) so he used the best which refracts the most light , resulting in the most brilliant rainbows. Swarovski Lead Free crystal achieves this fine result with unmatched precision cutting and polishing instead of relying on lots of lead. Lead also makes the crystals much heavier which is a bad thing if you are using small, weaker branches which can't hold the extra weight of lots of chains of lead crystals.
 Hanging Crystals Tree Centerpiece Project #2
We no longer sell these trees, however, you can get this look by making a simple Manzanita tree centerpiece yourself in 5 minutes. Visit our "Secrets of How to Make a Crystal Tree, FREE online e-book" page for full details and techniques. Use the permanant container method described there.
To create this look, you can use a 4.5' to 5.5' tall, full, single, real wood Manzanita branch (or other type of thick branch from the woods or a vacant lot (get permission first). Our simulated branches cannot be used alone to create a full looking tree like this (you would have to use a few and the look would be differant).
The width of the tree shown here is about 3' wide. Pick a branch tha has a nice, Bonsai-like, crooked, twisted shape that can be used on it's own if possible.
If you can't find one semi-straight enough to mount properly, simply put two branches together, each leaning in opposite directions and together, they will create a semi straight tree. It does not have to be "straight", because part of the beauty is it's crooked, quirky look.
Once you have stripped off any unwanted or looose, shedding bark with a simple piece of sandpaper, spary paint the branch a metallic gold like the one shown or you can spray paint it other colors like silver or even leave it a natural wood color.
Once the crystal tree is mounted properly in it's pot (see our instructions page) and spray painted, simpy hang some of our fine quality crystal ropes. The tree shown is approximately 5' tall (you can see the scale by comparing it to normal sized items such as glasses and plates on the table). It is hung with our fine 1' long crystal ropes (again, you can see longer lengths are not necessary since the smaller, side branches are staggered, not all at the top. You can hang them horizontally like crystal garlands if you want also. You could also hang some crystal tear-drops on the ends.
Pretty in Pink Tree Centerpiece Project #3
For a simpler tree that requires no "mounting", consider the Pretty in Pink Crystal Tree at left. This table arrangement can be made in 5 - 10 minutes, including painting of the branches.
We used 2 cast-off approximately 2' manzanita branches, simply taped them together with packing tape at the bottom to secure, and stuck them in gorgeous a silver ceramic vase.
We finished the branches with paint and hung some fabulous crystals on the branches. The sparkle you see is absolutely fantastic. This elegant little tree is great for a Pretty in Pink Wedding or Shower.
You can spray the branches any color to match your decor. TIffany blue (like the famous diamond jeweler's box), is another high style color. It can also be finished with a few small white blooms up on the branches. Hanging the crystals straight down instead of draped like Christmas Tree garlands, allows the crystals to look more like falling crystal rain ... fabulous! More details on this tree can be found on the Decor Ideas page 2 of our site. Click on the picture or click here to go there now.
 Where to Buy the Best Natural Wood Manzanita Branches for Making Branch Centerpieces with Hanging Crystals
(Special Coupon Code Saves You 10%)
If you want to buy real wood branches such as the lovely Manzanita or other popular branches favored by florists such as Curly Willow, Birch, etc., we don't sell them, but you can save 10% using Coupon Code ETH09 when you order online at www.BloomsAndBranches.com They are offering a special 10% discount to our visitors who use this coupon code when ordering.
We refer BloomsAndBranches.com instead of the others because:
1. They are good people to work with.
2. They offer the best prices to both professionals such as event planners and florists (special discount) and also sell to retail customers or brides planning their own wedding.
3. They are actually IN California where than Manzanita trees grow (unlike some of the other Manzanita and branch sellers out there). Companies selling Manzanita branches who are in New York, Florida and other places, must have the Manzanita branches trucked on tractor trailers, clear across the country to them. In most cases, this costs as much as (if not more than) the branches themselves, which means you pay more. For more details on buying the best Manzanita branches, see our "Secrets of How to Make a Crystal Tree" page of our site.
Use Coupon Code "ETH09" to Save 10% on your natural wood branches at www.BloomsAndBranches.com
Simply use this coupon code ETH09 (all upper case) when placing your order on their website. They are offering our visitors this discount and this code tells them we referred you to them and gets you the discount. Be sure to enter it during checkout on their website.
Acrylic Plastic "Crystals"
In our opinion (and we have many), acrylic and "crystal" shouldn't even be used in the same sentence. Acrylic can be ok, but if you put the two words together, we consider it a diabolical insult to fine crystal all over the world ... a mockery, a crime, a travesty, a grotesque and absurd imitation of reality ... Ok, maybe it's not that serious. Let's just say, It's just not the same. Good enough for some, but not good enough if quality is your preference over mere quantity. Less is more, if what you have is superior quality.
In Person, Plastic Acrylic "Crystals" look like Plastic ... because they are.
Crystal, to most people, usually implies a glass of fine quality and posessing a high degree of brilliance. What is acrylic? Acrylic simply refers to a certain type of polymer which is basically a different variety of plastic.
We Don't Manufacture or Sell Chains or Rolls of Acrylic Beads
We only manufacture our own Ethereal crystals of quality glass and only carry other brands of crystals that we can get truly excited about. Acrylic "crystals" cannot produce the same type of sparkle and do not make rainbows. It just won't happen. In addition, plastic usually looks even more dull in wedding photographs. We are not saying that acrylic is horrible, there are some that are reasonably nice, just not fabulous. We are impressed with fabulous crystals.
Why Some Acrylic Beads or "Crystals"Look Colorful in Pictures
Well it definitely isn't from diamond-like sparkle and rainbows! Frequently, acrylic beads, acrylic crystals or acrylic prisms are coated with a plastic coating called "AB" or Aurora Borealis which is a metallic or "mirror-like" pastel coating that makes them look colorful as opposed to the uncoated ones. Fine crystal doesn't need it. The purpose of the AB coating is to try to simulate rainbows and to add some type of shimmer, however it is light-years different from natural sparkle and real rainbows ushered in by natural sparkle.
For those who think the overall effect will be about the same as with Swarovski (or high quality glass crystal for that matter), all we can say is, dream on ... we won't wake you.
Another problem with AB is that the back of the crystal (or some of the facets or cuts) have this coating on it, stopping light from passing through properly. In addition, when the chains move or swing, or from the "other" side of your installation, project or tree, you will see the backs of the acrylic "crystals". Call us particular, but in addition to the "faux" sparkle, we don't like how Acrylic crystals with AB coating look from the back either. Most acrylic is usually easily distinguished as plastic. It may be acceptable to some, but definitely not a high-end look or for the particular client.
Acrylic is Definitely not a "High-End", Elegant Look
Have you ever heard anyone call plastic or acrylic, fabulous? Some acrylics may be "reasonable", but not fabulous. Decorating an important event like a wedding or any other upscale, elegant affair with rolls and rolls of plastic, faux crystals may be acceptable in some circumstances, but real crystal simply takes the same decor project or installation over the top from cute to luxuriously glamorous.
You never see the top 2 or 3 event planners, known for their amazing designs, using anything less than glass crystals at their events or in any of their beautiful event planning books. In most cases, they use Swarovski crystals and at the very least, other high quality glass crystals. For more information (and our totally biased opinion) on mounds of plastic acrylic crystals and rolls of acrylic beads, see the Acrylic Crystals Page of our site.
Complete Crystal Tree Set
The crystal wedding tree you see here is actually not a "project" like most of the other photos on this page. By "project, we mean something to inspire you that you have to create yourself. The pictures below are actually a PRODUCT we sell here on our site. It is one of our crystal tree sets. It's great for anyone who does not want to make a tree themselves, but wants something already figured out and practically done for them. They come with everything you need to set up this look.
Our Crystal Tree Set is available with 20' feet of Swarovski fine crystals in 20mm and 16mm sizes or with twice as much or even 3 x as much fine, sparkling crystal as you see here. It includes everything including simulated manzanita branches or real wood manzanita branches (you choose which you want), 2' or 3' tall heavy glass tree stand with stabilizing square foot, matching silver pebble or silver sand filler for the stand and of course, the show stopper, our Swarovski crystal ropes.
The finished tree set is adjustable to create a tree that can range from 4.5' feet tall to approximately 5.5' feet tall. With real wood branches can be even taller. Although probably not suitable for multiple guest table arrangements, it makes a stunning Bride's Table arrangement or altar side crystal tree. It is available in the color of your choice, Silver, Gold, Bronze, Black, etc. For pricing and more details on the options, please click on the photo or go to the "Crystal Tree Set" page of our website.
1' Foot Crystal Ropes Actually Stretch Your Budget & Hang Better
The 3' or yard long ropes used on the 6' tree seen in Bride's magazine, were actually doubled over the branches (not hung straight down) because meter lengths ropes are too long even for this 6' tree. You can't see the tops of the branches up close, but looping over the branches is actually not as neat as hanging them individually, straight down.
This is because at the top where the crystal chain or rope must bend in order to hang down the other side, you have a crystal laying on the top of the branch. In addition, doubling over causes crystals to be facing one way on one side and facing the other way on the way down. This is especially bad if your chains or ropes use bow-tie connectors which look far different from the front than from the back. You want the front of the bow-tie facing OUT, not in. This means you would have to actually separate the 3' or 1 yard rope into two in order to have the crystals all facing the right way.
If you are using crystals that are pointed on the back and flat on the front (diamond shaped), this is also not good. The crystals on one side would look fine and once looped over, coming down the back, they would be backwards. Diamond cut crystals are supposed to be used with the flat side out and the point in, funneling the light up and out through the flat front of the crystal.
By using our 1' ropes (simply hooked together into 2' lengths; takes 2 seconds), you can hang them from the branch and straight down which looks much neater in person than looping over the top. See our even bigger 7' tree on this page. It used our 1' ropes (hooked to each other in one second) and hung in 2 foot lengths and as you see, since branches are high and low, they are plenty long enough, nearly reaching the base.
Tree Branches are Staggered; Long Chains aren't Really Necessary
; You can Separate Them into Shorter Ones
Remember, not all of the branches are in the top of any tree, the branches are at different heights, staggered, which means too long ropes would be touching and overlapping onto the table if not shortened or actually doubled over the branches to make it appear to be two ropes. With shorter ropes, no doubling is needed. This means if you are buying longer chains, simply separate them out into shorter ones. For example, a meter long rope can be divided into 3 ropes of approximately 13" inches each.
Shorter ropes also stretch your crystals budget by spreading them out, covering more width, instead of length, with crystals. More information on this tree, (including how much crystal was used) can be found further down this page. Bride's magazine is full of stunning decor ideas like this. You can subscribe to Bride's by visiting their website.
The trees below were made using just one of the methods described in our online book. The first tree is natural wood, planted in an inexpensive metal pot from a craft store. It took just 5 minutes to make. Once solidly potted and properly weighted for hanging virtually any amount of crystal ropes, it was spray painted gold with a $3 can of spray paint from a hardware store. Covering the top, inside of the pot is simple green sheet moss which has also been sprayed gold.
The tree below on the left, is the same tree as the tree on the right. It is finished with mauve artificial cymbidium orchids attached (you can use live orchids; we give instructions on our instructional page). We used just a few ropes for demonstration purposes. It also has 3 candle cups hanging in the tree with tealights inside. Tealights don't burn high in the cup (votives burn higher in the cup).
We think it is safer to burn candles lower in the cup so there is no risk of the flame coming out of the cup and touching the tree. IF not burning them lower in the cup, simply hang them a little lower in the tree (further from the branches) by using chord or wire attached to your candle cups themselves or attached to the metal candle cup holders.
You can use votive size if you hang them lower in the tree as Preston Bailey does in his Platinum events (see Decor Ideas Page 2 for one of his real wood trees with candles hung low and in a lovely gold pot similar to the one you see here). Most guest table trees average about 25' of crystal. In addition, about 15, 1' ropes of fine crystals were added. You could add dozens more ropes if for a single installation or focal tree for a champagne bar or buffet, etc.
Nothing is More Natural Than Natural & The Pros Use Real Trees
Real trees are the cream of the crop, most beautiful & natural looking which is why metal trees try to replicate the natural. Top designers like Preston Bailey (designer to the stars; famous for gorgeos centerpiece trees) use the real thing for their 6 figure and multimillion dollar events that end up published in books and magazines. Real tree branches made into centerpiece trees yourself, also cost a lot less than metal trees.
 Unfinished Tree Centerpiece Project #4
This simple tree we made in literally 10 minutes from start to finish, including the painting. It was made using one approximately 5' tall Manzanita branch.
We did it with the simple steps from our amazing free, online e-book, "Secrets of How to Make a Crystal Tree". We used the container method which is just one of the 4 methods given on that page of our site. If you like the info in our e-book (once a paid e-book), please link to our site to share them with others.
We added the natural Manzanita branch to a simple 10" metal planter from Michaels craft store. It cost just $8. The planter was a horrible floral print, but we simply sprayed the tree branch and the pot gold after the tree was planted.
This tree is properly weighted and strong enough to hold 100' feet of crystal ropes if we wanted to use them. Solid as a rock. To cover the top of the planter, we put common green sheet moss and sprayed it gold as well. This tree can be finished with just crystals, flowers and crystals or even flowers, crystals and decor leaves. For details on how to do this with Manzanita or even backyard or woods branches, visit the crystal tree instructions page of our site.
 Orchids & Crystals Tree Centerpiece Project #5
The tree shown here is nearly 5' tall so you can see, one foot ropes do indeed work and stretch your budget, even if used on tall trees. We hung just one crystal rope in a 2' length in the center of the tree, hanging nearly to the table.
The crystal rope in the middle near the bottom is really two 1' ropes connected together (takes just 1 or 2 seconds to change the length). Now you can also see how low a 2' rope hangs.
If you hang more of these from the center to lower branches of the tree, you can see it would be nearly reaching the table which is plenty long.
This way you don't have to separate any 3' or yard long ropes into shorter lengths. Connecting two shorter ropes is quicker and far less likely to chip the crystal near the hole. If you purchase yard long or meter long ropes, use care when removing the connectors. Our straight connectors are easier to remove than loops.
How to Make a Crystal Tree?
For more information on how to make a tree yourself, check out our fantastic FREE 13 page online e-book, " Secrets of How to Make a Crystal Tree" . You can click here to go there now, or go to the crystal tree instructions link in the top navigation bar.
How to Determine How Much Crystal You Need
Typically, it seems 25' feet is typical for centerpiece trees, but we have customers who put as little as 12' on a guest table tree. One big focal tree will need more to really be spectacular. Once you have determined how many trees you need to make, their purpose (centerpieces for guest tables, champagne bar tree, buffet table, etc.), then you can determine how many ropes or pieces of crystal you need. Determine how big you need (small 14mm or 16mm or large 20mm - 28mm).
Determine your best budget, then visit our Crystal Chains Ropes page, look over the prices and determine what grade of crystal you can get. Add a few different sizes and grades to the shopping cart online and then play with the numbers once you have them in the cart, until you reach a figure you are happy with. If you need help, please give us a call to help you pick your crystals or reach a quantity that will work for you.
 Metal Candle Tree Project #6
Consider decorating suitable metal trees for event decor. We suggest a tree that is strong enough to hold up the weight of crystal ropes and one that is at least 2.5' tall - 4' tall.
Smaller sizes such as 3' are excellent if the host plans to give the trees as gifts after the event. Larger trees are much more expensive and not practical to give away or for many small event planners, florists or Brides to purchase for possibly one time use.
Smaller trees are more practical for this purpose. Once you've found the right metal tree, simply hang your tree with gorgeous crystals.
Spend More on the Crystals ... Not the Trees
Crystal trees are all about the sparkle, not the metal, so consider spending less on the frame (the tree) and save your money for highest quality CRYSTALS. If you can't afford $80 - $130 for a naked tree, spend less than half that on a less expensive tree and you can afford the best when it comes to the real show stopper which is the sparkle. Swarovski crystals.
On the metal tree shown here, we used one of our 3' tall, dark brown (nearly black) trees, spray painted it gold and hung it with just 12' (twelve 1' ropes) of our 16mm and 20mm Swarovski crystal. You can hang less or more or even our Diamante' crystal ropes. Trees are also available in 4' tall size, but the 3' costs less and is also our favorite of the two. Click on the photograph above or on the Metal Trees link in the left navigation bar to see the 3' and 4' tall metal trees we have.
 Paint Your Tree Gold, White, Brown ...
These metal trees can also be spray painted white or other colors or simply left as is, without painting or crystals, just candles. Up in the trees are staggered height, glass candle cups for tealights or votives. Live flowers can also be hung in the branches.
Small Enough and Affordable Enough
For event planners and florists, these trees make great Crystal Wedding Trees and are economical enough to rent, re-paint and re-use for other events with less cash out. Unlike more expensive, bigger trees, they are small enough to carry without taking apart and economical enough for your Brides to actually give away as gifts if they choose to.
On the second metal tree shown above, we used a 4' metal tree, left it unpainted (two tone dark brown color although looks black above) . This type tree can be used alone with the tea light candles up in the branches or you can add on some crystal ropes, hanging crystals from the tree branches. Crystal balls or crystal teardrops can be easily hung from decorative ribbon or trim. Consider hanging crystals from tree branches for each guest at the table.
If you want these exact metal trees in 3' or 4' tall sizes, visit our Metal Crystal Tree Page by clicking on one of the two metal tree pictures above to go to the Metal Trees page of our site or click on the link in the left navigation bar. Visit the Crystal Chains Ropes page of our site for pricing on the crystal ropes or our Loose Crystals page for prices on our fine crystal balls and teardrops for hanging on the branches.
Simulated Branches Tree Project #7
All 3 of the following examples of this type of crystal centerpiece tree are easily made using two or three branches. The first picture uses 3 gold branches and crystal ropes and teardrops on the ends. Gorgeous live, pink cymbidium orchids (not artificial) were wired to the branches. For shorter trees, these fantastic branches can be cut down to 4' (or whatever meets your needs) using heavy metal bolt cutters.
Crystal Tree Centerpieces Don't Get any Easier than This. Click on the gold or silver centerpiece tree photos or on the "Simulated Branches" link in the left navigation bar of our site to go to the product page.
Both the Gold and the Silver Centerpieces shown were made using our unique, big 54" (nearly 4.5' foot) tall Gold or Silver Gilded Simulated Manzanita Branches. They look a lot like real branches gilded (not painted) silver or gold, but ship at a fraction of the cost of real branches of the same big size. You will find two other examples below.
For More Real Life Events Using Our Branches, Visit PalloosFlowers.com
Visit the PalloosFlowers.com website and click on the "Gallery" link, and then click on the "Centerpieces" link and watch the slide show. You will see several events using our Gold Branches and our SIlver Branches purchased from us. They have purchased about 200 branches total from us on two separate occassions in 2008. The crystals they used, however are not from us. Please note that this event planner does not want other planners to know his source though.
They are sold in Gilded Gold and Silver, however both can be painted any color. See our simulated branches page for details and use ideas. As you can see from the pictures above, the same branches can be designed or arranged together differently for a different look and shape.
If designing a Focal Point Centerpiece Tree, Guest Book Table Tree, Buffet Table or Champagne Bar Trees, etc., we recommend 2 - 4 branches put together and using larger mm sizes and more high grade crystal ropes for a stunning look. Faux can look absolutely dreamy (when done right) and when finished with real orchids or flowers or finest silks (no craft-store silks) or fine Swarovski crystal.  Spray paint them neutral, natural colors for hanging flowers or decor leaves. By planting in a planter or by raising them in a suitably tall cylinder, glass stand, tall planter, etc, you can extend this type tree to a full 5' - 6' feet tall.
Click on the picture for a new page where you can click to see this branch tree close-up. Easy set up, just secure two of these big 54" branches (or our 3.5' branches) in a tall 2' - 3' tall glass stand, cylinder vase planter or pot and decorate. Do what fits your needs and budget to create the crystal wedding tree or crystal trees of your dreams. Simulated Branches Tree Project #8
The picture here shows two branches arranged differently, spray painted silver with two cream colored live flower pomander balls up in the branches. Some crystal ropes have been added, but please note that on this tree, these are not our any of the 3 varieties of fine crystal ropes from Ethereal Decor. They are some other (lower quality) variety.
The picture below shows two of our approximately 4.5' (54") silver simulated manzanita branches hung with our Swarovski Crystal Ropes. As you can see from the gold branches centerpiece tree and the silver centerpiece tree, both 1' and 2' lengths are long enough on a big 5' tall tree centerpiece. In the picture on the right, the Silver branches are actually standing in a small glass container which was removed from the picture so that you can visualize your own base of either a planter, pot or tall glass stand or cylinder. The tree is not really "hovering" with no source of support. Our unique, nearly 5' simulated manzanita branches can hold 2 - 3 times more crystal than you see in our silver branches picture at top left.
 Simulated Branches Crystal Trees Project #9
We do not sell glass vases/cylinders. You can find tall glassware in stores like Target and perhaps even Walmart at reasonable prices. Add silver or gold pebbles, rocks, decor sand or crushed decor glass can be added to the cylinder for weight if you plan to hang lots of crystal.
In addition to using a planter, pot, stand or cylinder to hold up your tree, we suggest placing shorter cylinders of votives or floating candles around the base of the tree.
This is safer than hanging candles in the tree itself. Floating candles are great because the water raises the height of the candle, bringing it closer to the hanging crystals. No matter which type of tree you use, lighting from around the tree (an uplight or downlight) is far more sparkle inducing than hanging candles in the tree. This is why the famous crystal tree (Project #1) does not have candles hanging in the tree. Candles add a nice touch to some projects, but in some cases, can clutter up the look of the crystals and in reality, DO NOT make enough light to illuminate your crystals properly. If you use hanging candles, use them for the look of candle-light, but not for the light.
A professional lighting designer (worth their weight in gold) or a simple plug in uplight or downlight purchased in the hardware store and placed out of sight does a far better job than candles. In addition, many venues don'e even allow real flame (not even candelabras) anymore, due to fires.
Light Your Branches with Battery Floralites or Acolytes
These are tiny battery powered lights smaller than the size of half your thumb. You can buy them online. Just hang a few of them in the branches of your tree and switch them on. They last for days.
Crystal & Orchids Carribean Tree Project #10 
A Stunning Focal Point for - event, wedding reception or home decorations, this stunning wedding tree from Sandals Caribbean Resorts is breathtaking. It uses far less Swarovski crystal than Crystal Tree Project #1 shown on this page (making it less expensive). Consider planning a Carribean wedding and having this identical tree decorated at Sandals as included in their Crystal Wedding Decor Package found at Sandals.com. If you will not be planning a Carribean resort wedding or event, you can make a similar tree, with or without the orchids or votive cups with the same crystal found here on our site.
The Island tree actually used at Sandals is estimated to be about 8 - 10 feet tall since the lowest branch is known to be about head level. We estimate it to have around 150 - 200 orchids. You can create a similar look with more or less, depending on your taste. You can also use a different variety of flowers to make your crystal tree, it certainly does not necessarily need to be orchids. This tree works for daytime or evening events. Suitable as a crystal wedding tree, event decor or even an elegant home decor tree. Daylight (unlike candle-light) causes unbelievable rainbows of light in the Premium crystals used, bringing out a sparkle that cannot be captured on film or with indoor lighting. It is just unbelievable for an outdoor ceremony and can be moved indoors for an indoor reception. According to Sandals Wedding Department, this tree is a special native tree found in the Carribean which is hung with Lead Free crystal (they are not round balls, but octagons which are narrow from the side and reflect more light), orchids and pot shaped glass votive cups. They stated that it is Swarovski (which is precision cut, lead free) not, "Strass' (their lead crystal). According to the experts, Swarovski crystals are finer than any 30% lead crystal due to the finest precision cutting known to man. Swarovski Strass lead crystal (in good sizes over 14mm) costs 2 times as much as it's healthier sister crystal. The no-lead version also makes less of a negative impact on the environment and water supply during and after the manufacturing process because it is lead free and therefore is not poisining the air and water.
How much Crystal is On The Sandals Carribean Tree?
We estimate this tree used around 300 - 400 large Swarovski Lead Free crystal octagon prisms (24mm - 32 mm are large enough to create this look). 14mm is smaller than a dime and simply does not create enough size impact for a similar effect. 14mm size crystals are great linked together into ropes for decorating candelabras, candle sticks, chandeliers and other event decorations, however. Instructions to Make a Wedding or Event Tree Like This You can make a crystal tree of your own using less or more pieces of crystal than were used on this tree, but 24 - 28mm will be better than using 16mm. Keep in mind that much of this tree is out of view in the picture, which means much of the crystal actually on the tree is not seen in the picture. Hang your orchids (real or silk) by sewing right through the back of the orchid with an upholstery needle threaded with monofilament (fishing line) or colord yarn of your choice.
Monofilament or thin chord can be threaded right through the hole of your Swarovski crystal and hung from the tree at staggered heights. If using monofilament, be sure to hot glue or glue the knots after they are tied, since monofilament knots tend to slip. You can also double knot if desired. Instructions for hanging pot votive cups can be found at the bottom of this page.
The tree used in the picture is a tree native to the Caribbean which you will not likely find to use and we do not sell it, but our Faux Manzanita branches or your own real manzanita tree you make yourself can be decorated the same way. You can make your own tree with real wood branches by using the step-by-step instructions on our Crystal Tree Instructions Page. It is a 14 page FREE e-book online which tells you everything you need to know about making centerpiece or focal trees for events or home decor.
Question: How do I make the tree I like?
Answer: Please read through the details of at least the Project you are interested in (before contacting us) since most questions such as which products to buy from us or elsewhere to create it, how many and what size crystals etc., are answered within each project detail. We can help you decide what you will need, but your own budget should be determined first. You can buy a Deluxe Finished Crystal Tree as shown on our site or you can simply buy components to make a finished tree yourself. Our instructions are fabulous. Read the FREE e-book here on our site for 5 different tree making techniques.
To make an easy, silver crystal tree that can be done on multiple tables reminiscent of the famous "Crystal Tree" (Project #1) check out our new "Gilded" Manzanita Simulated Branches Trees and add far less Crystal Chains, separated into two and spread farther apart. You can make centerpiece sized trees using real branches (must be hard, strong branches because wimpy ones can't hold the weight of crystal). Links to all crystal tree products and instructions to do it yourself are in the left navigation bar of our site. Our big, Deluxe, finished, real crystal trees (for those with who can afford it and want something really grande) are available for purchase.
All of Our Crystals are Fine Quality We sell several different types of crystals to meet any budget, all are high grade, however, you can't do better than Swarovski Lead Free crystal. Their Strass is much heaver due to the lead they contain, so in addition the eco-friendly benefits, the Lead Free is better for hanging on trees, especially if on lighter branches that can't hold the weight of lead crystal. Lead crystal is also more brittle or fragile. Our Swarovski, Diamante and Ethereal no lead crystals are lighter (great for hanging on branches that may not be able to support lead crystal) and less fragile.
Swarovski's crystals are so superior that they keep their precision cutting process as a patented and highly guarded secret. Literally GUARDED by guards at their plant. Both Swarovski Lead Free crystal and Swarovski Strass crystal are considered by experts to be superior to any glass or fully leaded crystal made by any other manufacturer. For this reason, Swarovski crystal is the crystal of choice found in multi-million dollar homes. We sell Swarovski and several high quality, less expensive alternatives on the Crystal Chains Ropes page of our site.
If it's not going to sparkle, what's the point of a crystal tree, right? This is one of the reasons we wholeheartedly promote Swarovski Lead Free crystal. We sell a lovely quality Diamante' diamond cut crystal and even our own brand of Ethereal crystal because we must offer options and because some budgets can't do all Swarovski. However, although we sell both, but won't bend the truth and say any other lead free, glass or acrylic can closely compete with Swarovski. They are in a league of their own.
There is no other glass crystal that can even remotely compare. They simply are not on the same level. The difference is undeniable in the sparkle and the resulting rainbows created by the sparkle.
Highest Quality Crystals are Worthy of the Cost Why spend the extra money on this brand of Premium Quality Crystals instead of acrylic plastic "crystals"? Both Preston Bailey (designer to the stars) and the Famous Crystal Wedding Tree seen in Brides both used Swarovski Lead Free crystal for the gorgeous sparkle.
Film cannot really capture the real sparkle of fine Swarovski lead free crystal. Hold acrylic (plastic) or any other lead free crystal up to the light (or take it out in the sun) next to Swarovski lead free and you will see why for yourself. There is a distinct difference in quality and sparkle between acrylic (plastic) or low quality glass with AB coating and Swarovski Lead Free crystal which is best seen when viewed in ambient spot room lighting (shining down on the crystal tree in these pictures and up from the base) or daylight. It makes stunning rainbows in sunlight and proper room lighting. Why buy tons of cheapest crystal (more of it won't make it sparkle; you'll just have, simply MORE). it's the difference between savoring a conservative serving of gourmet cuisine and gorging on mounds of low quality, cheap food. Better to get quality crystal and less of it, than heaps and mounds of acrylic with no fire and "dead" glass with no life.
SIze Comparisons
Crystals are sold in mm (millimeter sizes) not inches. 20mm is similar to the size of a U.S. nickle and 28mm is the size of a U.S. quarter. 16mm is about the size of a dime. 14mm is significantly smaller than a dime. Preferable to 14mm is the 16mm which is more like the size of a dime. The difference sounds small, but that extra adds a lot to your project. And don't forget, a 16mm Swarovski crystal will have more sparkle than a 14mm and a 20mm will bring more sparkle than a 16mm, etc. This is because, the larger the facets on the crystal (assuming they are exactly the same grade or quality), the better the sparkle.
16mm the Perfect Crystal Size for Most Centerpiece Arrangements
16mm is also a great size for most projects (especially centerpieces), because it gives more bang for the buck. Typically, when customers go smaller, they end up using more total chains, simply because it can take more to get the look they want. By increasing the mm size, it looks like more. Meaning, 10' of 14mm does not look like as much as 10' of 16mm, so the customer tends to add more 14mm, bringing their cost up to where it would be, had they used the larger mm size. However, 14mm chains are still a staple, are used a lot and are great on candelabras, for crystal curtains and linked together into ropes for chandeliers and other decorations.
Note: Lead Crystal Warning - (does not apply to no-lead or lead-free)
California Government Proposition 65 (you can Google it) states that any lead in crystal products including prisms, figurines, vases, etc. can cause reproductive and other harm from handling or ingestion of microscopic particles from handling. Some retailers will tell you this only applies to dishware, etc., however ALL retailers of crystal, including prisms are supposed to post the warning according to proposition 65.
If you put metal parts like pins or bow-ties through a crystal hole, small microscopic bits come off and form a fine dust that may not be seen. This dust is unknowingly inhaled and is also deposited on the fingers. The risks of lead exposure do apply to crystal prisms and the risk is tremendously magnified when the crystals are CONNECTED. Some sellers would like you to believe this is a scare tactic because they would rather just sell them to you. Just cover your eyes and ears and lead dust will magically become harmless... anyone who believes that might as well eat some peeling lead paint.
Don't Just Take Our Word, See for Yourself
Don't believe us and don't believe sellers of leaded crystals who say there is no risk. Believe your own eyes and your own intellect. Proposition 65 regarding lead crystal does NOT specifically address the CONNECTING of loose crystals. It warns only about crystal pieces or products it assumes you will hold, display or drink out of and warns you about the risks that exist, even if just holding the objects. Skin absorbs minerals and metals including mercury, alluminum and also LEAD. Particles from manufacturing sit on the crystals which also end up on the hands, in the mouth and nose. On top of that, connecting crystals such as octagons into chains or ropes, causes a "grinding-off" effect that is not discussed in that legislation.
"Scare Tactic" or Real Concern? An Experiment:
I'm sure you agree lead is not good in general, now let's see if lead prisms make any loose lead when connected. If you're a risk taker, do the test and see for yourself. Insert connecting pins (bow ties or a more subtle connector pin) through the holes of some lead crystals over a dark cloth. Soon you will see some sparkles happening on the cloth. These are crystal particles that can be seen with the naked eye. Others that can't be seen (too small) are now in the air around you, on the crystals and on the rug.
Sometimes it looks like a fine dust when you are pinning crystals. This can be easily inhaled as you are inserting bow-ties or othe metal parts and can cause serious neurological and reproductive problems among others. Lead's known effects on the human body is why lead paint is not recommended in any house with small children who may end up with some peeling paint chips in their mouths. It's why a landlord is not supposed to rent an apartment with old lead paint peeling on the walls. It's why toddlers shouldn't be left with lead pencils which they could nibble on. Google the effects of lead in water and in the body. Now decide for yourself if there is any risk when connecting crystals yourself or when handling the residue left on the crystals from the manufacturing process on all lead crystals (loose pieces or chains) and again when they were connected together if in chains. Why tell you about the risks of lead crystal instead of keeping our mouths shut and selling it to whoever wants to take the risk? We sold Lead Crystal previously and can sell other Lead Crystal for linking into ropes. We no longer do, simply because it's not worth the sale to us. We don't want to handle it regularly ourselves.
Need to Buy Simulated Manzanita Branches, Crystal Ropes, Loose Crystal, a Finished Deluxe Crystal Tree with Lighted Weighted Base or Other Parts? Just click on the links in the left and top navigation bars to see what we have to offer.
©Copyright 2007 Ethereal Manufacturing & Sales. Written permission required to copy or post our editorial copy elsewhere whether in whole or in part.
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