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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.
Four Seasons Wedding Inspiration at The Lageret | Stoughton Wisconsin Wedding Venue
Step inside The Lageret’s Four Seasons Wedding Open House in Stoughton, WI. Explore spring, summer, fall, and winter wedding inspiration, floral design by Flora by Jamae, and catering highlights from top Wisconsin vendors.
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Wedding Inspiration in One Historic Venue
On March 4th, The Lageret welcomed more than 200 guests for our Four Seasons Wedding Open House, an evening designed to offer four seasons wedding inspiration and help couples envision how their wedding day could come to life in this historic Stoughton, Wisconsin wedding venue.
From candlelit winter tables to airy spring florals, the space was transformed into four distinct seasonal wedding designs, each styled with its own menu, floral palette, and atmosphere. Couples were able to walk through the venue, explore the designs, meet incredible local vendors, and gather inspiration for their own wedding day.
It was a beautiful evening filled with creativity, collaboration, and excitement for the weddings still to come.
A Venue for Every Season
Ceremony space at The Lageret in Stoughton, Wisconsin with warm industrial architecture and flexible layout options
One of the things couples quickly discover when they step inside The Lageret is how versatile the space is. The historic brick walls, warm wood beams, and glowing string lights create a timeless backdrop that can be styled to fit nearly any wedding vision — from light and airy spring celebrations to rich, romantic winter evenings.
Beyond the main reception space, the venue offers multiple areas for guests to gather and connect throughout the event, from cozy lounge seating to beautifully designed bar spaces. Whether you’re envisioning a full ceremony and reception in one location or a seamless transition between spaces, The Lageret allows your day to flow naturally while still feeling completely personalized.
Our downstairs Drikke bar served delicious Mocktails
For this open house, each table was thoughtfully designed to showcase how the venue transforms throughout the year — from fresh spring florals to cozy winter candlelight.
Floral designs were created by Flora by Jamae, whose work brought each season to life with thoughtful textures, colors, and arrangements that complemented the architecture of the space.
Spring: Fresh, Romantic & Light
Spring at The Lageret featured soft pastels, flowing ribbons, and delicate florals that created a fresh garden-inspired atmosphere beneath the venue’s warm string lights.
A suspended floral installation floated above the table, adding a modern design element that felt airy and romantic. The palette of soft greens and blush tones reflected the feeling of a spring wedding in bloom.
Guests enjoyed a seasonal menu from Up North Catering / Upstairs Downstairs Catering featuring:
• Spring greens salad with fresh pears, gorgonzola, and candied walnuts
• Ribeye with horseradish chive butter
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Sautéed seasonal vegetables
Delicious bite tastings by Upstairs Downstairs Catering
The design captured the lightness and renewal that makes spring weddings so beautiful.
Summer: Elegant Evenings & Lush Florals
Summer weddings at The Lageret embrace long evenings, glowing bistro lights, and elegant floral design.
This tablescape featured sculptural white florals including calla lilies and hydrangea paired with floating candles and soft greenery. The overall design felt modern yet romantic, with candlelight adding warmth as the evening set in.
Catering was provided by Blue Plate Catering, whose summer-inspired menu included:
• Spring mix salad with strawberries, blueberries, and feta vinaigrette
• Apricot glazed chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes and caponata
• Tenderloin medallions with chimichurri
• Garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus
Delicious bite samples by Blue Plate Catering
The combination of fresh seasonal ingredients and soft candlelight created an atmosphere perfect for a summer celebration.
Fall: Rich Colors & Cozy Elegance
Fall weddings at The Lageret bring warmth, depth, and rich color palettes that beautifully complement the venue’s historic brick and wood textures.
The fall table featured copper chargers, peach garden roses, warm greenery, and glowing candlelight. The overall effect was cozy yet elegant — a perfect reflection of autumn celebrations in Wisconsin.
Guests enjoyed a fall-inspired menu from Buck & Honey’s Catering, featuring:
• Garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Champagne chicken with mushrooms and champagne cream sauce
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Broccolini
Delicious bite tastings by Buck and Honey’s Catering
The rich tones and layered textures created a romantic tablescape that felt both seasonal and timeless.
Winter: Candlelight & Evergreen Textures
Winter at The Lageret transforms the venue into an intimate, candlelit space filled with warmth and atmosphere.
The winter design incorporated evergreen textures, pinecones, wood candle bases, and tall glass hurricanes filled with soft glowing candlelight. Copper tapers added a subtle warmth to the palette while white florals kept the design elegant and refined.
The menu from Wendigo Catering reflected comforting winter flavors:
• Winter greens Caesar salad with apples
• Delicata squash risotto with crispy leeks
• Pumpkin braised short ribs with honey carrots and parsnips
Delicious bite samples by Wendigo Catering
The result was a cozy, romantic setting perfect for winter weddings.
A Collaboration of Incredible Vendors
Events like this open house are only possible thanks to the talented vendors who helped bring each design to life.
Catering
Florals
Photography
Photo Booth
Rentals
Calligraphy
Content Creation
Collaboration
Each vendor contributed their unique talents to create an evening filled with inspiration for couples planning their wedding day.
Experience The Lageret for Yourself
Seeing photos is wonderful, but there is something special about experiencing The Lageret in person — walking through the historic space, seeing the lights glow above the reception tables, and imagining the celebration that could unfold there.
Upstairs mobile bar
Whether you’re dreaming of a spring garden wedding, a summer celebration under string lights, a rich autumn reception, or a candlelit winter evening, The Lageret provides a setting that makes every season beautiful.
If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a wedding venue in Stoughton or near Madison, Wisconsin, we would love to welcome you for a tour.
And for couples looking for a truly magical celebration — New Year’s Eve 2026 is still available.
Schedule a tour, explore the space, and start imagining the day that will be uniquely yours.
At The Lageret, it will always exceed your expectations. It’s simply what the team does best.
The Lageret is a historic wedding venue located in Stoughton, Wisconsin, just outside Madison, known for its warm industrial charm, exposed brick, and beautifully versatile event spaces. From intimate gatherings to full wedding celebrations, The Lageret offers a timeless backdrop that can be customized for every season.
Schedule a tour or inquire about your date.
Winter Weddings at The Lageret: Cozy, Romantic, and Effortlessly Elegant
Winter weddings at The Lageret feel intimate, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful. From candlelit ceremonies to rich seasonal florals and cozy celebrations that flow naturally from one moment to the next, winter offers a uniquely meaningful way to gather.
Winter weddings have a quiet kind of magic — the kind that feels intentional, intimate, and deeply romantic. At The Lageret, winter isn’t something to work around. It’s something to embrace.
From glowing candlelight and historic brick walls to thoughtfully designed indoor spaces that keep guests comfortable and connected, winter weddings at The Lageret feel warm, elegant, and effortlessly memorable.
Here’s why so many couples choose to celebrate their winter wedding here.
A winter wedding moment outside The Lageret, where snowfall, evergreens, and historic brick create timeless romance.
A Space That Feels Warm — Even in the Coldest Months
One of the first things couples notice when they step into The Lageret in winter is how welcoming the space feels. The historic character of the building, layered textures, and natural warmth of the brick create an atmosphere that feels cozy without ever feeling heavy.
Winter light filters softly through the windows, candlelight dances across tables, and the space feels intimate in the best way — perfect for gatherings that focus on connection, conversation, and celebration.
Indoor Ceremonies Without Compromise
Winter weather brings peace of mind at The Lageret. With beautiful indoor ceremony options, couples don’t need backup plans or last-minute pivots.
Ceremonies flow seamlessly into cocktail hour and the reception, keeping guests comfortable and eliminating the stress that often comes with outdoor winter logistics. Everything happens under one roof — warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed.
A candlelit winter ceremony inside The Lageret, where glowing brick walls, soft lighting, and flickering candles create an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
A winter wedding ceremony framed by lush, artfully designed florals by Flora by Jamae, set against The Lageret’s historic brick walls — blending natural warmth, texture, and timeless elegance for a truly unforgettable winter celebration.
From ceremony to cocktail hour — the celebration unfolds naturally.
Winter Florals That Feel Rich and Romantic
Winter florals are anything but limited — in fact, they often feel more refined, expressive, and intentional.
From deep, dramatic hues to soft neutrals, winter palettes invite creativity. Evergreens, textured greenery, berries, layered arrangements, and seasonal blooms bring depth and movement throughout the space. Rich tones like burgundy, plum, forest green, and warm blush feel especially striking against The Lageret’s historic brick and wood textures, while softer palettes offer timeless elegance.
Paired with candlelight and natural materials, winter floral design feels romantic, elevated, and uniquely personal.
It’s a season that allows creativity to shine — and the results are truly stunning.
Layered greenery, soft whites, and candlelight create a winter floral moment that feels timeless and intimate.
Bold winter florals in blush, ivory, and deep red bring warmth, texture, and drama to the space.
Snowy Moments Without the Stress
Snow has a way of turning simple moments into unforgettable ones. At The Lageret, winter weather adds beauty without adding pressure.
Couples can step outside briefly for photos when conditions allow, capturing soft snowfall against the historic brick backdrop, then return to the warmth inside. The result is the best of both worlds: iconic winter imagery without sacrificing comfort.
A quiet winter moment outside The Lageret, where snowfall and historic charm create unforgettable portraits.
A moment made magical by winter.
A More Relaxed Planning Experience
Winter weddings often come with added benefits couples love — including increased availability, more flexibility, and a calmer planning process.
With fewer competing events and a naturally slower pace, couples often find winter planning more enjoyable and intentional. It’s an opportunity to focus on meaningful details and create a celebration that truly reflects who they are.
Soft draping and warm light transform the historic space into an intimate winter ceremony setting.
A warm, candlelit winter reception designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant.
A Season Made for Gathering
Winter is about togetherness — and that feeling carries beautifully into a wedding day. Guests linger longer, conversations feel deeper, and the celebration feels grounded in warmth and connection.
At The Lageret, winter weddings feel less like a production and more like a meaningful gathering of people who matter most.
Moments of laughter, connection, and celebration — the heart of a winter wedding.
Surrounded by the people who make the day even more meaningful.
Considering a Winter Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels romantic, cozy, and thoughtfully designed from start to finish, winter may be the perfect season — and The Lageret the perfect place.
We’d love to show you how winter weddings shine here.
Winter weddings bring everyone closer — in every sense.
Floral Design: Flora Designs by Jamae
Photography: Bobbi Petersen Photo · Nicole Hansen Photography · Kimberly Marie Photography · Tara Draper Photography · East Elm Photography
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