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Planning Your Wedding Flowers: What Your Florist Wants You to Know
Wedding flowers have a way of bringing the entire day together. Our in-house florist, Flora by Jamae, shares how to make thoughtful floral choices, create beautiful statement moments, and design flowers that complement your venue, your priorities, and the feeling you want for your wedding.
Wedding flowers have a way of bringing everything together. They can soften a space, highlight the architecture, bring in color and texture, and completely change the feeling of a room.
But if you’re starting to plan your wedding flowers and wondering how you're supposed to know what you need—or where your floral budget will have the most impact—you’re not alone.
At Flora by Jamae, our in-house floral studio at The Lageret, I work with couples to take all of those saved inspiration photos, colors and ideas and turn them into a floral design that feels cohesive, intentional and personal to their wedding.
And you definitely don't need to have it all figured out before your first consultation.
Start With the Feeling, Not a Flower List
Before your first floral consultation, think about the feeling, colors and overall style you want for your wedding.
You don't need to know flower names. You don't need to decide exactly how many arrangements you need. And you certainly don't need to walk in with every detail planned.
Inspiration photos are always helpful—even when you can't quite explain what you like about them.
That's actually part of my job. When I look through a couple's inspiration, I can usually start to see the common threads. Maybe you're repeatedly drawn to loose, organic arrangements. Maybe it's a certain color palette, lots of greenery or a particular shape and scale.
Those common elements give us a starting point for creating a design that feels cohesive rather than simply recreating individual photos.
I also encourage couples to ask themselves one important question:
Where do you want your guests' eyes to go?
That answer can help guide so many of the decisions that come next.
You Don't Need Flowers Everywhere
One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding flowers is that more arrangements automatically create more impact.
They don't.
Often, a few intentional statement pieces will transform a space more than lots of smaller arrangements spread everywhere.
Large-scale floral moments—like a ceremony backdrop, hanging installation, statement entry arrangement or a beautifully designed head table—naturally draw the eye. They become part of the experience of the room and often end up in some of the most memorable photographs from the day.
Instead of asking, “Where else should we put flowers?” I like to think about, “Where will flowers make the biggest difference?”
Those are two very different approaches.
Let the Venue Be Part of the Design
Your venue should influence your floral design.
I never want flowers to fight with a space. I want them to feel like they belong there.
At The Lageret, for example, there is already so much character built into the venue—the exposed brick, greenery, industrial details and architecture. We don't have to cover all of that up to make the room beautiful.
Instead, we can use florals to highlight what's already there.
That might mean drawing attention to a ceremony location, adding softness to an architectural feature or creating a statement piece in an area where guests naturally gather.
Every venue has its own personality. The best floral designs work with that personality rather than competing against it.
Put Your Floral Budget Where Guests Will Notice It
When I help couples prioritize their floral budget, we start with the big picture and work backward.
What's most important to you?
Maybe you have always pictured saying your vows surrounded by flowers. Maybe the reception tables matter most. Maybe you want one dramatic installation that changes the feeling of the entire room.
Once we know the priorities, we can put more of the budget toward the elements that will actually make a difference.
Trying to make every single floral detail equally important can spread a budget very thin. I'd rather help a couple create a few really beautiful, intentional moments and simplify in the areas that matter less to them.
Repurpose Flowers When It Makes Sense
Another way to make your floral investment work harder is to consider whether certain arrangements can serve more than one purpose throughout the day.
Altar arrangements, aisle arrangements, welcome pieces and some larger installations can sometimes be moved after the ceremony and used at the head table, sweetheart table, bar or another reception focal point.
But there is an important caveat: repurposing only makes sense when it can be done safely and efficiently.
The timing, size of the arrangements, mechanics and logistics of moving them all matter. That's something your florist can help you determine during the planning process.
When it works, though, repurposing can be a great way to create impact in more than one part of the wedding without designing an entirely separate arrangement for every space.
Wedding Flowers Cost More Than the Stems
Floral pricing is one area that can surprise couples because so much of the work happens before guests ever see the finished arrangements.
When you're investing in professional wedding florals, you're not simply paying for the flowers themselves.
The price can include the product, sourcing, freight, design time, vessels, mechanics, labor, setup, installation, teardown and cleanup.
Large-scale installations in particular can require significant planning behind the scenes. We have to think about how something will be constructed, how it will be transported, how long it will take to install and how it can safely exist in the space.
What guests see for a few beautiful hours is the finished product of a much longer process.
Understanding that can also make conversations about budget easier. Instead of simply asking, “How many flowers can I get for this amount?” we can talk about how to use that investment intentionally.
Don't Make Everything a Priority
If there's one thing I wish every couple knew before planning their wedding flowers, it's this:
Don't try to make every single detail a priority.
Choose the things that matter most to you and invest there.
Your wedding flowers shouldn't just check boxes on a list. They should help tell the story of the day and create the feeling you want your guests to experience.
Come to your florist with your inspiration, your priorities and an idea of how you want your wedding to feel. Then give them some room to create.
You don't have to arrive with every answer.
That's what we're here for.
Planning Your Wedding at The Lageret?
One of the advantages of working with Flora by Jamae, The Lageret's in-house floral studio, is having a floral designer who already knows the venue—its architecture, its possibilities and the logistics behind bringing a design to life in the space.
Whether your vision is understated and organic or filled with statement floral moments, the goal is the same: to create something that feels like your wedding, while making thoughtful use of the space and your floral investment.
A Season in Bloom: Spring Weddings at The Lageret
From dramatic hanging floral installations to romantic candlelit details, these recent weddings at The Lageret showcase some of the most inspiring wedding design trends we're seeing for 2026 and beyond.
Spring at The Lageret is always a season of transformation.
As the days grow longer and Wisconsin begins to bloom, couples bring fresh inspiration, vibrant color palettes, and unique design visions into our historic venue. From romantic garden-inspired florals and dramatic ceremony installations to candlelit receptions and timeless neutral palettes, each wedding this spring reflected the personalities and stories of the couples we were honored to celebrate.
One of the defining elements throughout the season was the artistry of Flora by Jamae. From colorful floral arches and lush ceremony installations to elegant white arrangements and thoughtfully curated reception details, each design helped transform The Lageret in a completely unique way while complementing the venue's historic brick walls, soaring timber beams, and warm natural light.
Join us as we look back at some of the unforgettable weddings that filled The Lageret with love, beauty, and celebration throughout the spring of 2026.
Ashley + Wesley — April 2026
Ashley and Wesley's wedding embraced the beauty of late spring with one of the most memorable ceremony designs of the season. Soft draping transformed the ceremony space while an abundant floral arch created a stunning focal point beneath The Lageret's historic beams.
The floral installation, designed by Flora by Jamae, blended coral garden roses, delicate blue delphinium, hydrangeas, and whimsical spring blooms to create a look that felt both elegant and joyful. The colors brought warmth and movement to the space while perfectly complementing the venue's exposed brick and natural wood details.
Beyond the ceremony, the floral design carried throughout the day, adding layers of texture, color, and personality to every corner of the celebration. Ashley and Wesley's wedding was a beautiful example of how thoughtful floral design can completely transform a space while still feeling effortless and inviting.
Venue: The Lageret
Florals + Installs: Flora By Jamae
Photography: Makenna Smith Photography
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Rentals: Event Essentials
Entertainment: Big Sand Productions
Rose + Andy — May 2026
Rose and Andy's wedding embraced the softer side of spring, with a romantic palette of blush, peach, lavender, butter yellow, and sky blue woven throughout the day. Floral designer Jamae Ramsden of Flora by Jamae created whimsical arrangements filled with seasonal blooms, bringing color, texture, and movement to every corner of The Lageret.
From Rose's garden-inspired bouquet to the ceremony florals framed by flowing white drapery, each detail felt light, fresh, and effortlessly elegant. The soft pastel tones paired beautifully with The Lageret's historic brick walls and exposed timber beams, creating a setting that was both timeless and inviting.
The celebration carried those same thoughtful details into the reception space, where delicate florals, candlelight, and understated décor allowed the beauty of the venue and the season to shine. Rose and Andy's wedding was a beautiful example of how carefully curated floral design can transform a space while still feeling natural, romantic, and true to the couple.
Venue: The Lageret
Florals + Installs: Flora By Jamae
Photography: Dani Stephenson Weddings
Planning: Copper Feather Events
Catering: Wendigo Catering
Rentals: Event Essentials Madison
Entertainment: Dream Day Entertainment
Erin + Ryan — June 2026
Erin and Ryan embraced a timeless black-and-white wedding design that felt both modern and romantic. Crisp white florals, candlelit tablescapes, dramatic black accents, and thoughtful details transformed The Lageret into an elegant setting for their celebration. From emotional portraits among the summer greenery to the warm glow of the reception space, every element reflected a wedding that was sophisticated, intimate, and uniquely their own.
Venue: The Lageret
Florals + Intalls: Flora By Jamae
Photography: Copper Antler Photography
Planner: Copper Feather Events
Catering: Wendigo Catering
Entertainment: Midwest Sound DJ
Marissa + TJ — May 2026
Marissa and TJ embraced a timeless palette of crisp white florals and soft sage green details, creating a look that felt both elegant and inviting. Their ceremony was framed by lush floral arrangements displayed on statement wooden pedestals, adding height, texture, and a romantic focal point to the space. The sage green reception linens complemented the venue's historic brick, warm wood tones, and candlelit atmosphere beautifully. From their heartfelt ceremony to a reception filled with meaningful moments, every detail reflected a celebration that was classic, romantic, and uniquely their own.
Venue: The Lageret
Florals + Installs: Flora By Jamae
Photography: Carley Anne Photo
Planning: Copper Feather Events
Rentals: Event Essentials Madison
Catering: Prime Minister Catering
Entertainment: Midwest Sound DJ
Jessica + Tanner — June 2026
Jessica and Tanner's wedding beautifully blended soft, organic florals with The Lageret's historic industrial character. A palette of crisp white blooms and fresh greenery created a timeless yet effortlessly romantic atmosphere throughout the day.
Their floral design featured elegant calla lilies, garden roses, ranunculus, hydrangea, and delicate textural greenery woven throughout the venue. Guests were welcomed into a ceremony space transformed by lush floral installations suspended from the historic wood beams overhead. Cascading greenery and white blooms drew the eye upward while floral meadows lining the aisle softened the space below, creating an immersive garden-inspired setting within The Lageret's open ceremony hall.
Statement floral arrangements displayed on wood pedestals throughout the venue echoed the ceremony design and brought continuity to each space, from the grand staircase to the reception room. Jessica's bouquet carried the same organic elegance, featuring soft white blooms, cascading greenery, and beautiful texture that perfectly complemented her gown.
The celebration continued into a candlelit reception where white florals and fresh greenery were paired with soft sage green accents incorporated through the linens and table styling. The result was a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere that felt both refined and welcoming, beautifully reflecting Jessica and Tanner's vision for their day.
Venue: The Lageret
Florals + Installs: Flora By Jamae
Photography: Claire Neville Photography
Videography: Laura Hartmann Films
Planning: Copper Feather Events
Catering: Wendigo Catering
Entertainment: Kuhl Entertainment
Trends We Loved This Season
Shannon + Riley — May 2026
While each celebration was uniquely personal, several design trends appeared throughout this season's weddings at The Lageret:
Organic floral installations that transformed both ceremony and reception spaces.
Soft, romantic color palettes featuring whites, creams, blush tones, and natural greenery.
Thoughtful candlelight that added warmth and ambiance throughout the venue.
Statement floral pieces repurposed from ceremony to reception spaces.
A continued focus on meaningful guest experiences, from personalized details to intentional gathering spaces.
Timeless wedding design that complements The Lageret's historic architecture rather than competing with it.
We love seeing couples make the space their own while embracing the character and charm that make The Lageret unique.
Shannon + Riley Sweetheart Table — May 2026
As we look ahead to the rest of the wedding season, we're grateful to the couples who trusted The Lageret with such meaningful celebrations. From colorful spring florals and dramatic ceremony installations to intimate moments shared with family and friends, each wedding brought its own unique vision to life within our historic venue.
A heartfelt thank you to the talented photographers, planners, vendors, and especially Flora by Jamae, whose creativity helped make each celebration so memorable. We can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings and to continue helping couples create wedding days that are as beautiful and unique as their stories.
Inspired by these celebrations? We'd love to show you around. Contact us to schedule a tour and learn more about hosting your wedding at The Lageret.
Victoria + Chad — April 2026