Wedding Flowers at Beau Chene Country Club

Beau Chene Country Club offers a masterclass in Northshore scale, where the weight of ancient oaks balances the airy, light-filled interiors of the clubhouse. For a floral designer, the opportunity lies in bridging the gap between the wild, textural nature of the Louisiana landscape and the polished, traditional lines of the reception rooms.

The Spaces

Outside Events Area & Golf Course

The ceremony space is defined by the club’s championship golf course and, most notably, the massive oak trees that anchor the property. This is an expansive, open-sky environment where the wind is a genuine factor.

• What works: Large-scale ground installations that appear to “grow” from the base of the oaks. Heavy-based floral pillars or arches are necessary to withstand the Northshore breeze.
• Skip: Delicate, top-heavy pedestals or lightweight shepherd’s hooks that can easily tip on the lawn.
• Watch out: The sun exposure is significant. Choose hardy blooms like garden roses, carnations, or tropicals if the ceremony is in the heat of the afternoon.
• Budget hero move: Focus your entire ceremony budget on a “meadow” style installation at the base of the primary oak tree. It utilizes the tree’s natural gravity and creates a high-impact focal point without the cost of a full structural arch.

Main Reception Room

This is a grand, newly remodeled space that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The neutral palette and abundance of natural light make it a versatile canvas, but the large windows mean your flowers are constantly competing with the bright green of the course outside.

• What works: Elevated arrangements on slender gold or acrylic stands. These lift the flowers into the “air space” of the room while keeping the view of the grounds clear at eye level.
• Skip: Mid-height, dense arrangements that sit exactly at the horizon line of the windows.
• Watch out: The fireplace is a major architectural feature. It begs for a lush, asymmetrical mantle installation to anchor the room.
• Budget hero move: Repurpose your ceremony “meadow” pieces to the base of the fireplace or the front of the sweetheart table to maximize your investment.

Morgan’s & Adjoining Rooms

For more intimate gatherings or cocktail hours, these rooms offer a sophisticated, clubby atmosphere with the same panoramic views.

• What works: Low, lush “garden style” bowls. Because the ceilings are standard height here, keeping the decor low creates a more intimate, conversational vibe.
• Skip: Tall arrangements that make the ceiling feel lower than it is.
• Watch out: The bar area often becomes a bottleneck; keep bar arrangements compact but high-impact.

What Works at Beau Chene Country Club

1. Embrace the Moss: Given the proximity to the oaks, incorporating subtle touches of Spanish moss or hanging amaranthus into your designs creates a cohesive link between the indoors and outdoors.
2. Scale for the Oaks: If you are designing a structure for the ceremony, it must be substantial. A standard 7-foot arch will look like a toy next to a 200-year-old oak tree. Think wide and textural.
3. The Horizon Line Rule: In the dining rooms, keep centerpieces either under 12 inches or over 24 inches. Anything in between will clutter the panoramic views that are the venue’s primary selling point.
4. Neutral-Plus Palettes: While the venue is a neutral “white box,” the vibrant green of the golf course is a constant visual element. Palettes that include creamy whites, soft peaches, or even deep burgundies pop beautifully against the green backdrop.
5. Chandelier Rigging: The lobby and ballroom chandeliers are sturdy enough for greenery accents. A simple smilax wrap can transform the clubhouse feel into something more “secret garden.”

Budget Guide

Beau Chene is a venue that rewards those who lean into its traditional country club roots while adding modern, textural floral layers.

Tips

• Anchor for wind: All outdoor arrangements, especially on the terrace and lawn, must be weighted with sandbags or heavy lead bases.
• Hydration is key: The Louisiana humidity can be brutal; ensure all outdoor floral is designed in water-source foam or heavy-duty vases.
• Repurpose with purpose: The walk from the ceremony oaks to the clubhouse is a journey; have your team move ceremony pieces to the fireplace or cake table during the cocktail hour.
• Mind the dress code: This is a functioning country club; ensure your floral team is dressed professionally for load-in and setup.
• Use the fireplace: It is the strongest indoor architectural feature—don’t leave it bare.