A pedestal stand, alzata in Italian, is a foot or column in glass, metal or ceramic that raises flowers or food. In tall centrepieces it holds the arrangement above the guests' heads, on a slim stem that lets people see who is sitting opposite. On buffets and for the cake it adds rhythm and different heights.
Couples rarely buy them: they are usually hired from the flower designer or an event styling company and must be returned intact. The guide on hiring vases, stands and structures explains costs and deposits; the one on centrepiece prices shows how they affect the total; the one on flowers on the wedding cake covers stands for desserts.
What to ask: the height, whether it is stable on soft linen, and whether the hire cost is already in the quote.
