Bluestone Estate, nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, offers a picturesque and versatile setting for weddings. The meticulously restored 1822 barn, coupled with sprawling grounds and waterfront views, creates a romantic and memorable backdrop. Couples planning their Bluestone Estate wedding flowers can draw inspiration from the venue’s historic charm, rustic elegance, and natural beauty. With its multiple ceremony locations and flexible event spaces, Bluestone Estate allows for a range of floral designs, from grand installations in the cathedral-ceilinged barn to intimate arrangements for waterside ceremonies.

About Bluestone Estate

Bluestone Estate is a premier wedding venue located in Willow Street, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Lancaster City. Situated on 110 acres of rolling countryside, the estate seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. The centerpiece of the property is a meticulously renovated 9,000-square-foot barn, originally constructed in 1822. The barn’s original bluestone gable walls, massive post-and-beam construction, and soaring cathedral ceilings create a dramatic and elegant atmosphere.

Beyond the barn, Bluestone Estate offers a variety of outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including a waterfront ceremony lawn with a picturesque pond backdrop, a sprawling meadow, a lower terrace overlooking the grounds, and a landscaped garden lawn. The estate also features luxurious getting-ready suites for both the bride and groom, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for the wedding party.

Bluestone Estate operates as a full-service venue, providing couples with access to the property for setup, rehearsal, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and cleanup. The venue’s dedicated staff is available to assist with technical and venue-specific needs. Its location in Lancaster County, known for its pastoral beauty and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, adds to the venue’s unique appeal.

Event Spaces & Floral Opportunities

Grand Hall of the Barn

  • Capacity: Up to 220 guests (seated)
  • Setting: Indoor, 9,000 sq ft barn with bluestone walls, 30-foot cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, and expansive windows.
  • Floral Notes: The Grand Hall is the heart of Bluestone Estate weddings, offering a dramatic and elegant setting for both ceremonies and receptions. The soaring cathedral ceilings and exposed beams provide ample opportunity for tall floral arrangements and hanging installations. Consider creating a focal point with a grand ceremony arch or chuppah adorned with lush blooms and greenery. For receptions, tall centerpieces with cascading flowers or greenery can complement the height of the ceilings, while lower arrangements allow for unobstructed views across the tables. The bluestone walls provide a neutral backdrop that complements any floral color palette, from soft pastels to bold jewel tones. The crystal chandeliers add a touch of glamour and can be enhanced with floral accents or hanging greenery.

Crystal Suite

  • Setting: Modern, upscale bridal suite with cathedral post and beam ceilings, hardwood floors, bar and kitchenette, sitting area, and spacious hairdressing area. Includes a private balcony with French doors.
  • Floral Notes: The Crystal Suite provides a luxurious and comfortable space for the bride and her wedding party to prepare for the big day. A small, elegant arrangement on the vanity or a loose bouquet of flowers adds a touch of sophistication to the getting-ready photos. Consider incorporating flowers that match the wedding palette or feature the bride’s favorite blooms. The private balcony offers a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos with the bridal bouquet.

Crystal Suite Loft and Balcony

  • Setting: Upper loft sitting area overlooking the Crystal Suite with French doors opening onto a private deck.
  • Floral Notes: This intimate space offers a quiet retreat for the bride before the ceremony. A simple floral arrangement on the railing of the loft or on a small table adds a touch of elegance to the space. The balcony provides a scenic backdrop for photos and can be adorned with floral garlands or hanging baskets.

Speakeasy Lounge

  • Setting: Ground floor groom’s suite with 10-foot ceilings, island bar with seating and kitchenette, large HD TV, sitting area, private bathroom, and direct access to the outdoor courtyard.
  • Floral Notes: The Speakeasy Lounge provides a comfortable and stylish space for the groom and his groomsmen to prepare for the wedding. A small arrangement of masculine blooms, such as succulents, protea, or dark-toned calla lilies, can add a touch of sophistication to the space. The bar area can be decorated with greenery or floral accents.

Ground Level Cocktail/Ceremony Space

  • Setting: Second large space on the ground level of the barn, suitable for cocktail hour or additional ceremony space.
  • Floral Notes: This flexible space can be transformed to suit a variety of purposes. For cocktail hour, consider using smaller arrangements on cocktail tables, such as bud vases with single stems or small posies. For an indoor ceremony, a simple backdrop of greenery or a floral arch can create a romantic focal point.

Courtyard

  • Setting: Large adjoining outdoor courtyard with outdoor bar, fire pit, and view of the pond.
  • Floral Notes: The Courtyard provides a relaxed and inviting space for cocktail hour or outdoor gatherings. The outdoor bar can be adorned with floral garlands or arrangements. Cocktail tables can be decorated with small arrangements or bud vases. The fire pit can be surrounded by lanterns and greenery to create a cozy atmosphere.

Ceremony Lawn by the Water

  • Setting: Waterfront ceremony location with pond backdrop on the 110-acre estate.
  • Floral Notes: The Ceremony Lawn by the Water offers a stunning natural backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. A simple ceremony arch or arbor adorned with flowers and greenery can frame the couple against the water. Consider using natural materials, such as branches or driftwood, to complement the rustic setting. Aisle markers can be created with small arrangements or lanterns.

The Meadow

  • Setting: Open meadow ceremony space on the grounds.
  • Floral Notes: The Meadow offers a natural and romantic setting for outdoor ceremonies. A simple ceremony arch or arbor adorned with wildflowers and greenery can create a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Aisle markers can be created with bundles of wildflowers or rustic wooden signs.

Lower Terrace

  • Setting: Terrace overlooking the grounds and water.
  • Floral Notes: The Lower Terrace offers an elevated ceremony position with stunning views of the grounds and water. A simple ceremony arch or backdrop can frame the couple against the scenic landscape. Consider using tall arrangements to enhance the height of the terrace and create a dramatic effect.

Garden Lawn

  • Setting: Landscaped garden ceremony space with flower beds.
  • Floral Notes: The Garden Lawn provides a naturally beautiful setting for outdoor ceremonies. The existing flower beds can be complemented with additional floral arrangements or potted plants. A simple ceremony arch or backdrop adorned with flowers and greenery can enhance the natural beauty of the garden.

Wedding Flower Ideas for Bluestone Estate

Rustic Romance

Embrace the rustic charm of Bluestone Estate with arrangements featuring wildflowers, textured greenery, and natural elements. Use a palette of soft pastels, such as blush, lavender, and ivory, with pops of brighter colors, such as yellow and orange. Incorporate flowers such as:

  • Dahlias: Add a touch of drama and texture.
  • Queen Anne’s Lace: Creates a delicate and airy feel.
  • Sunflowers: Bring a cheerful and rustic touch.
  • Eucalyptus: Provides fragrant and textured greenery.
  • Wheat or Dried Grasses: Adds a touch of autumnal charm.

Use wooden containers, mason jars, or burlap-wrapped vases to enhance the rustic aesthetic.

Elegant Estate

Create a sophisticated and timeless look with arrangements featuring classic blooms, lush greenery, and elegant accents. Use a palette of whites, creams, and greens, with touches of gold or silver. Incorporate flowers such as:

  • Roses: Symbolize love and romance.
  • Hydrangeas: Add fullness and texture.
  • Calla Lilies: Bring a touch of modern elegance.
  • Lisianthus: Offer a delicate and romantic feel.
  • Greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy provide lush texture.

Use crystal vases, silver urns, or gold candelabras to enhance the elegant aesthetic.

Waterfront Dream

Draw inspiration from the estate’s waterfront setting with arrangements featuring blues, greens, and whites, reminiscent of the water and sky. Incorporate flowers such as:

  • Delphiniums: Add height and a touch of blue.
  • Hydrangeas: Provide fullness and texture.
  • White Roses: Symbolize purity and elegance.
  • Sea Holly (Eryngium): Adds a unique and textural element.
  • Greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, and succulents provide lush texture.

Use glass vases, driftwood accents, or seashell details to enhance the waterfront aesthetic.

Bluestone Bloom

Highlight the venue’s namesake with a sophisticated and modern design featuring cool-toned blooms that complement the bluestone walls.

  • Blue Thistle (Eryngium): Adds a unique textural element and a touch of blue.
  • Silver Dollar Eucalyptus: Provides fragrant and textured greenery in a muted tone.
  • White Anemones: Offer a delicate and romantic feel with a dark center.
  • Gray Brunia Balls: Adds a whimsical and unexpected touch.
  • White or Cream Roses: Symbolize purity and elegance.

Use concrete or slate containers to enhance the modern aesthetic and echo the bluestone.

Seasonal Considerations

Bluestone Estate’s location in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, means that couples should consider the seasonal climate when planning their wedding flowers.

  • Spring (March-May): Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Consider using seasonal blooms such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and ranunculus.
  • Summer (June-August): Summer is warm and sunny, with lush greenery and vibrant colors. Consider using seasonal blooms such as sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, and hydrangeas. Be mindful of heat and choose flowers that hold up well in warm weather.
  • Fall (September-November): Fall brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Consider using seasonal blooms such as chrysanthemums, asters, and dahlias, as well as incorporating fall foliage, berries, and branches.
  • Winter (December-February): Winter is cold and snowy, with a serene and romantic atmosphere. Consider using evergreens, berries, and winter blooms such as amaryllis, anemones, and ranunculus.

For outdoor ceremonies, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. The Grand Hall of the Barn provides a beautiful indoor option.

What Poppy Couples Spend on Flowers Here

While we don’t have specific data on past Poppy weddings at Bluestone Estate, couples planning a wedding in the Baltimore/Lancaster area can generally expect to invest between $3,500 and $10,000+ on their wedding flowers. This range accounts for varying levels of floral detail, from simple ceremony decor and personal flowers to elaborate installations and reception centerpieces.

Factors that influence floral investment include:

  • Guest Count: Larger weddings typically require more centerpieces and larger installations, increasing the overall cost.
  • Floral Style: Elaborate and custom designs require more time and materials, resulting in a higher investment.
  • Flower Choices: Rare or out-of-season flowers can be more expensive than readily available options.
  • Number of Locations: Decorating multiple spaces (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception) increases the floral needs.

To maximize your floral budget at Bluestone Estate, consider repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception, using seasonal blooms, and prioritizing key floral moments that will have the biggest impact, such as the ceremony backdrop and reception centerpieces.