Transforming Wedding Venues - The art of breathtaking Floral Design
Approach the space - Understanding architecture and layout
When it comes to designing the floral atmosphere for a wedding, scale is everything. The right balance of size, placement, and volume can elevate an event space from simply beautiful to absolutely breathtaking. Whether the setting is a stately home, a countryside private estate such as Middleton Lodge, or a luxury marquee, floral design can transform each venue into an unforgettable backdrop for one of life’s biggest milestones. But creating this effect requires more than just adding large arrangements; it requires an understanding of the space itself, a sensitivity to the surrounding architecture and landscape, and an eye for how scale can bring out the best in each setting.
Photographer - Katy Melling Middleton Lodge Estate
Transforming Spaces
Every venue has a personality, and as a floral designer, it’s essential to get a feel for its unique characteristics before even deciding on a specific designs. When working with grand spaces like stately homes such as these images from Middleton Lodge, where the architecture is already imposing, it’s essential to design florals that work harmoniously with the architectural details rather than compete with them. Think of soaring ceilings, majestic staircases, and large windows that flood the space with natural light; these features all offer inspiration. For example, tall arrangements can beautifully echo a room’s high ceilings, while cascading florals can draw attention to key architectural elements like mantels or grand doorways. In a more contemporary private estate, clean lines and open layouts might call for structured, artful arrangements that reflect the modern aesthetic of the space. With any venue, the architecture provides a framework that guides the scale, helping floral design enhance rather than overwhelm the setting.
When designing florals for venues that celebrate the outdoors, such as private estates with sprawling gardens or tented marquees set against a beautiful landscape, incorporating the surroundings becomes part of the artistry. Here, scale is used to merge the floral arrangements seamlessly with nature, creating an organic feel that resonates with the venue’s natural beauty. Imagine a marquee set in an open field or beside a lake, where florals can be positioned to create the illusion of the space blending into its landscape. In these settings, arrangements might take on a “wild” quality, with a mix of textures and colors that mirror the surrounding flowers and foliage. Tall floral pillars at the marquee entrance create a stunning first impression, guiding guests into a space that feels both intentional and integrated. Similarly, when designing for gardens, florals can echo the hues and textures of the surrounding plants, creating continuity that feels harmonious and timeless.
Photographer - Katy Melling Middleton Lodge
Playing with scale…
Using scale in floral design is as much about the big picture as it is about the finer details. In grand spaces, large-scale floral installations—such as hanging arrangements or floral arches—can provide a sense of drama, while more subtle details add depth and refinement. Imagine entering a stately home where a grand staircase is adorned with cascading blooms; the sheer volume of florals adds impact, while the delicately chosen flowers and colors give it sophistication. Large floral pieces make a striking statement, but when combined with smaller, thoughtfully placed arrangements—perhaps delicate blooms tucked into shelves or windowsills—the result is a layered effect that feels luxurious and carefully curated. It’s a dance between boldness and subtlety, where every piece of the design contributes to a cohesive atmosphere that fills the room without overwhelming it.
A well-designed floral setup isn’t just about visual impact; it’s also about guiding guests’ experiences and creating flow within the space. Floral arrangements can act as a guide, drawing people into different parts of a venue and setting a natural rhythm to the event. For instance, in a tented marquee, where open space can feel vast, strategically placed floral clusters help define areas like the dining space, lounge, and dance floor. Tall, elegant arrangements around dining tables bring intimacy and elegance to the meal, while lower, lush centerpieces invite conversation without obstructing views. In grand indoor spaces, florals can highlight entry points, direct attention to key areas like the ceremony altar or head table, and create focal points where guests naturally gather. Each arrangement has a purpose, contributing to an overall flow that makes the space feel warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed.