Wedding Flowers at The Howey Mansion

1001 Citrus Ave, known historically as the Howey Mansion, is an architectural gift to floral designers. The Mediterranean-Spanish revival style, defined by terracotta tiles, wrought iron, and weathered stone, provides a heavy, textured backdrop that requires equally intentional floral weight to make an impact.

The Spaces

Fountain Courtyard

This is the heart of the estate, often used for ceremonies or alfresco dining under the stars. The brick paving and central fountain create a structured environment that benefits from softening through organic shapes.

• What works: Ground-level “meadow” clusters that frame the ceremony space without blocking the view of the mansion’s facade. These can be moved to line the base of the sweetheart table or the fountain later in the evening.
• Skip: Tall, spindly stands that feel unstable on the brick or get lost against the height of the building walls.
• Watch out: The wind can pick up in this open space; ensure all ceremony structures are heavily weighted.
• Budget hero move: Flank the fountain with two large, lush arrangements rather than trying to encircle the entire perimeter.

Main Ballroom

The interior is defined by dark wood beams, arched windows, and a massive ornate fireplace. It is a moody, romantic space that feels intimate even with a full guest count.

• What works: A full mantel installation on the fireplace. This is the room’s natural focal point and where guests will gravitate. Use trailing greenery like smilax to draw the eye upward toward the beams.
• Skip: Oversized tall centerpieces that compete with the low-hanging chandeliers.
• Watch out: The dark wood absorbs light; use flowers in creamy whites, buttery yellows, or soft peaches to ensure the arrangements pop in photos.
• Budget hero move: Repurpose your ceremony meadows to the hearth of the fireplace for a “growing” effect.

Arched Walkways and Staircases

The transition spaces at 1001 Citrus Ave are just as important as the main rooms. The exterior grand staircase and the arched walkways offer incredible photography opportunities.

• What works: Garlands on the stone balustrades or “growing” installations that climb one side of an archway. This mimics the ivy already present on the mansion.
• Skip: Ribbon or small pew markers on the stairs; they look insignificant against the scale of the stone.
• Watch out: These are high-traffic areas; ensure mechanics are tucked away and won’t trip guests moving between the ceremony and reception.

Clear-Top Reception Tent

For larger guest counts, the clear-top tent allows the mansion to remain the backdrop while providing climate control and weather protection.

• What works: Hanging installations. The tent frame is a perfect rigging point for greenery “clouds” or floral chandeliers that draw the eye up.
• Skip: Minimalist centerpieces; the vastness of the tent can make a space feel empty without some vertical interest.
• Watch out: Heat gain. In the Florida sun, a clear tent acts like a greenhouse; keep your flowers in the cooler until the last possible moment.

What Works at 1001 Citrus Ave

• European Garden Palettes: The terracotta and stone pair beautifully with “sunset” tones—dusty rose, terracotta, ochre, and deep burgundy—or a classic “old world” white and green with plenty of texture.
• Asymmetrical Design: Traditional, perfectly round arrangements feel too formal for this estate. Lean into asymmetrical arches and wilder, garden-style bouquets that feel like they were gathered from the grounds.
• Textural Greenery: Use Mediterranean-inspired foliage like olive branches, eucalyptus, and jasmine vine to complement the architectural style.
• Stone and Metal Accents: Incorporate aged stone compotes or brass vessels for centerpieces to tie into the mansion’s historic hardware and masonry.
• Floor-to-Ceiling Thinking: Because the ceilings are high and the outdoor spaces are vast, don’t just decorate the tables. Think about how to use the vertical space, from the floor meadows to the ceiling beams.

Budget Guide

The character of 1001 Citrus Ave is one of enduring elegance; your floral budget should prioritize a few high-impact “moments” rather than spreading thin across the entire estate.

Tips

• Lean into the ivy: The mansion’s existing greenery is a free design element; choose floral varieties that look natural alongside it.
• Weight is your friend: Between the courtyard wind and the uneven brick, every floral stand needs a heavy, stable base.
• Repurpose with a plan: The walk from the courtyard to the ballroom is short; have your team move ceremony meadows to the fireplace or the base of the cake table immediately after the recessional.
• Avoid bright neons: The historic nature of the venue can make neon or overly “plastic” colors feel jarring; stick to tones found in nature.
• Check the light: The ballroom is dark; if you are using deep, moody colors, ensure your photographer is prepared with off-camera flash to capture the floral detail.