Wedding Flowers at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, often utilized through the Venue on Lake Lily, presents a unique architectural duality. It pairs the raw, organic textures of a Florida lakeside retreat with the structured, clean lines of a modern event hall. For a floral designer, this venue is less about “decorating” a room and more about integrating botanical elements into the existing wood and glass framework.

We know this venue well from our work here, and the most successful designs lean into the height of the Main Hall while respecting the quiet serenity of the outdoor waterfront. The polished concrete floors and dark wood beams offer a neutral, sophisticated palette that supports everything from minimalist greenery to lush, color-saturated garden styles.

The Spaces

Audubon Hall (Main Hall)

This is the venue’s architectural powerhouse. The combination of high ceilings, exposed dark wood beams, and arched windows creates a volume of space that can swallow small arrangements. To make an impact here, you must work vertically. The natural light is abundant during the day but shifts quickly at sunset, meaning your floral colors need to hold their integrity in both bright sun and warm indoor evening light.

• What works: Suspended installations are the gold standard here. Wrapping the beams in Southern Smilax or creating “clouds” of Baby’s Breath or Hydrangea provides a sense of intimacy in the large room. On the tables, medium-scale arrangements with plenty of movement—think Ranunculus and Sweet Pea—complement the rustic wood without feeling too “country.”
• Skip: Tall, narrow trumpet vases. They look spindly against the heavy wood beams and can feel dated in such a clean, modern-rustic environment.
• Watch out: The existing globe lighting fixtures are permanent. Your suspended designs must navigate these points, and it is often better to incorporate the light into the greenery than to try and hide it.
• Budget hero move: Focus your entire reception budget on the built-in stage. A massive, floor-based “meadow” installation across the front of the stage creates a high-impact backdrop for your sweetheart table or band that carries the visual weight of the entire room.

Lakeside Lawn

The outdoor ceremony space is defined by Lake Lily and the surrounding mature trees. It is a classic Florida vista that requires a restrained hand. The wind coming off the lake is a real factor, even on seemingly still days.

• What works: Ground-level “nests” or semi-circular floral installments. These keep the view of the lake unobstructed for your guests while providing a lush frame for photography. Using heavy, woody textures like Magnolia foliage or Protea can help the arrangements feel grounded in the landscape.
• Skip: Lightweight pedestal arrangements or top-heavy arches that aren’t properly anchored. The lake breeze will tip them.
• Watch out: The white picket fence is a prominent feature. If it doesn’t fit your aesthetic, you’ll need to budget for significant greenery hedging to soften its profile.
• Budget hero move: Use two large, floor-based arrangements at the start of the aisle that can be easily moved to the indoor stage after the ceremony.

Audubon House

A smaller, more intimate version of the Main Hall, the Audubon House is often used for cocktail hours or smaller receptions. It shares the beam-and-window DNA of the larger hall but on a more approachable scale.

• What works: Bud vase clusters and low, sprawling centerpieces. This space feels more like a private residence, so the florals should feel gathered and organic.
• Skip: Anything too formal or structured. Tight, round rose balls feel out of place against the casual wood interior.
• Watch out: Space is at a premium here. Keep table designs compact to allow for glassware and platters.

What Works at Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

• Monochromatic Greenery: The dark wood beams are the perfect foil for a variety of green textures. Mixing Eucalyptus, Ruscus, and Ferns creates a sophisticated, “brought the outdoors in” look that feels native to the Maitland environment.
• Earth Tones and Terracotta: The warmth of the wood and the polished concrete floors look exceptional when paired with a palette of ochre, rust, cream, and deep burgundy.
• Asymmetrical Arches: If you choose an arch for the lakeside, make it asymmetrical. It feels more organic and less like a “prop” against the natural backdrop of the water.
• Floor-to-Window Climbing Vines: Utilizing the corners of the arched windows to “grow” flowers upward mimics the way vines grow on the exterior of the building, creating a seamless transition.
• Minimalist Table Stakes: On the round tables, let the wood be the star. Low, textured arrangements in ceramic or stone vessels feel more high-end than standard glass cylinders.

Budget Guide

The character of this venue is defined by its honesty—it is a structure that celebrates its natural surroundings, and the floral budget should be allocated to reinforce that connection.

Tips

• Prioritize the stage over the ceiling if the budget is tight. A stage installation is at eye level all night and offers more “bang for your buck” in photos than high-up greenery.
• Always use weighted bases for lakeside ceremonies. Florida’s afternoon breezes are unpredictable; sandbags or heavy lead plates are non-negotiable for any standing structure.
• Repurpose with a plan. The transition from the Lakeside Lawn to the Main Hall is short, making it easy to move ceremony pieces to the stage or the entrance.
• Consider the backlight. The arched windows provide beautiful light but can silhouette flowers. Choose blooms with strong shapes (like Lilies or Anthurium) that read well even when backlit.
• Ask about load-in timing. Because this is a working center, load-in windows can be specific. Ensure your design can be executed quickly or has components that are pre-built off-site.