Wedding Flowers at A’BULAE

We know this venue well from our work here. A’BULAE is an architectural study in contrast, blending the raw, industrial bones of a Lowertown loft with the polished expectations of a modern event space. For a floral designer, the opportunity lies in the verticality of the ballroom and the expansive, unobstructed horizon of the rooftop. This is not a venue for timid, small-scale arrangements; the sheer volume of the ceilings and the scale of the city views demand designs that can hold their own against steel, glass, and sky.

The Spaces

Rooftop Terrace

The rooftop is the crown jewel of the venue, offering a panoramic view of the Saint Paul skyline. It is a clean, flat surface that acts as a blank slate, but it comes with a significant environmental challenge: wind. Because there are few physical barriers, the rooftop is a high-wind zone even on seemingly calm days.

• What works: Low-profile, heavy-based ground arrangements that “hug” the ceremony aisle or frame the altar. If using an arch, it must be a heavy-duty professional frame with significant internal weighting (sandbags or steel plates hidden by floral “meadows”).
• Skip: Tall, top-heavy pedestals or lightweight plastic urns. These are a liability in this space.
• Watch out: The glass railings are beautiful for photos but can create reflections that double the appearance of your floral arrangements—ensure the “back” of your designs is as clean as the front.
• Budget hero move: Focus all rooftop funds on a “grounded” semi-circle altar. It creates a lush, high-impact frame for photos without the structural risk of a tall arch in high winds.

Main Ballroom

The Main Ballroom is where the industrial-chic aesthetic peaks. The exposed wood beams are the most important feature for any floral plan. They provide the structural integrity needed for installations that would be impossible in a standard ballroom.

• What works: Hanging installations. Whether it is a full floral “cloud” over the dance floor or simple greenery vines trailing down from the beams, using the ceiling height is essential.
• Skip: Standard-height centerpieces that sit exactly at eye level. The room is too tall for mid-range height; you either want low and lush or very tall and architectural.
• Watch out: The modern chandeliers are a fixed point. Ensure any hanging floral elements are placed to complement, not crowd, the existing light fixtures.
• Budget hero move: Greenery smilax or ruscous trailed along three or four key beams. It draws the eye upward and makes the entire room feel like a lush conservatory for a fraction of the price of a full ceiling installation.

Wall Street Lounge

This is a sophisticated, moody space often used for cocktail hour or getting ready. With its exposed brick and pool table, the vibe is “refined clubhouse.”

• What works: Bud vases on the high-top tables and perhaps a single statement piece on the bar. The mirrors in this room will reflect your flowers, so a little goes a long way.
• Skip: Large floor installations. The foot traffic in this space is usually tight, and floor pieces are likely to be stepped on or moved.
• Watch out: The lighting here is dimmer than the main ballroom. Choose flowers with higher “luminosity”—whites, pale yellows, or vibrant magentas—that won’t disappear in the shadows.

Garden Area

Located at ground level, this space offers a softer, more organic feel than the rooftop. It is characterized by brick walkways and mature trees.

• What works: Large-scale urns or “growing” installations at the base of the trees. The masonry provides a neutral, warm backdrop that makes deep greens and burgundy tones pop.
• Skip: Delicate, tiny arrangements. They will be swallowed by the scale of the building’s exterior.
• Watch out: This is often a transition space. Ensure floral placements don’t obstruct the natural flow of guests moving toward the elevators.

What Works at A’BULAE

Architectural Rigging. The exposed timber beams in the ballroom are a gift. Use them to suspend greenery or floral chandeliers. This clears table space and creates a “wow” moment that guests see the second they walk in.

Saturated Color Palettes. The neutral grays, browns, and whites of the venue’s interior can handle bold color. Deep jewel tones or vibrant, high-contrast palettes (like peach and navy or terracotta and cream) stand out against the industrial textures.

Wind-Resistant Mechanics. On the rooftop, every design decision must be made with physics in mind. We prioritize heavy metal bases and “meadow” style arrangements that have a low center of gravity.

Geometric Synergy. The venue features modern, geometric wall patterns. Floral designs that lean into this—using structured greens like Monstera leaves or architectural blooms like Protea—feel intentional and integrated into the space.

Reflective Design. With so much glass and several mirrored surfaces, flowers are often seen from both sides. We design “in the round” at A’BULAE to ensure there are no “dead zones” in the arrangements.

Budget Guide

A’BULAE is a venue that rewards those who lean into its loft identity rather than trying to hide it under traditional “ballroom” decor.

Tips

Plan for the elevator. A’BULAE is on the 6th floor. Large installations must be built on-site or designed to fit through standard elevator doors. We factor this into our setup timeline.

Repurpose the rooftop. If you have a ceremony on the rooftop, those grounded floral meadows can be moved downstairs to frame the sweetheart table or the band stage for the reception.

Consider the sun’s path. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible light, but during “golden hour,” the backlight can be intense. Ensure your altar flowers are dense enough that they don’t look “see-through” when the sun is behind them.

Coordinate with the “all-inclusive” vibe. Since A’BULAE provides much of the infrastructure, your floral budget can go further toward “impact” pieces rather than “utility” items like basic rentals.

Seasonal transitions. In winter, the interior wood beams feel cozy and rustic; in summer, the rooftop feels like a modern urban oasis. Adjust your floral textures (velvety roses in winter, airy cosmos in summer) to match the seasonal “feel” of the architecture.