The late 1960s saw the rise of soul and R&B music which used lavish orchestral arrangements.

"And we both only like white flowers," she added, gesturing to a lavish arrangement of parrot tulips and lilies in their favorite noncolor.

Another critical influence is the early-1980's German group D.A.F., which replaced the softer and more lavish arrangements of symphonic disco with its precise andrigorous grid of synthesizer pulses.

Even the simple, no-fuss city hall wedding is getting upgraded, with couples bringing in wedding cakes and lavish floral arrangements.

On the coffee table, there was a lavish arrangement of pink silk flowers.

The two-tier dining room is done in soothing shades of beige marble with comfortable leather chairs, upholstered booths and lavish arrangements of tropical flowers.

Even after the buffet had evolved into the more functional sideboard in the 18th century, lavish arrangements of silver and porcelain continued to be laid out for the delectation of guests at large dinners.

"Until 1981, I was known for lavish, heartwarming arrangements," says Wilson, who is a classically trained flutist with degrees in composition and orchestration.

Everyone is surprised by the lavish arrangements.

They also protested the enormous overhead these galas often incur - lavish floral arrangements, chi-chi catering, vin du Bordeaux et Champagne.