Designing for Brittany Hill requires a strategy that respects the scale of the Colorado landscape. Sitting atop a hill with unobstructed views of the Front Range and the Denver skyline, this venue demands florals that ground the “castle” aesthetic without competing with the horizon. We know this venue well from our work here, and we focus on structural stability and high-contrast palettes that pop against the venue’s dark wood and industrial accents.
The primary challenge at Brittany Hill is the wind and the light. On the outdoor terrace, flowers are exposed to significant gusts and direct high-altitude sun. Indoors, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide exceptional natural light but can wash out pale, monochromatic palettes. Successful designs here use texture and saturated tones to maintain their presence.
The Spaces
Outdoor Ceremony Patio
Perched on the edge of the hill, this space is defined by a wooden arbor and a dramatic stone aisle. It is a high-exposure environment that needs intentional anchoring.
- What works: Asymmetrical arbor installations. By focusing flowers on one or two corners of the wooden structure, you frame the mountain views rather than creating a solid wall that blocks them.
- Skip: Tall, thin pedestals. Unless they are weighted with sandbags or bolted down, the wind on this hilltop will tip them.
- Watch out: Hydration. The Colorado sun is intense at this elevation. Choose hardy blooms like roses, ranunculus, or tropicals that won’t wilt before the processional.
- Budget hero move: Large ground-level “meadows” at the base of the arbor. These provide a lush, garden-like feel, are naturally wind-resistant due to their low center of gravity, and can be moved to the fireplace or sweetheart table for the reception.
Grand Hall
The reception space is a blend of rustic wood and modern clean lines. The high tray ceilings and dark floors create a sophisticated, moody foundation.
- What works: Low, lush centerpieces in metallic or stone vessels. These feel grounded on the dark wood floors and don’t interfere with guests’ views of the skyline through the windows.
- Skip: Sparse greenery runners. On these large tables in a room of this scale, thin greenery can look unfinished. If you want a runner style, it needs to be thick and punctuated with blooms.
- Watch out: The “fishbowl” effect. At night, the windows reflect the interior. Ensure your floral colors are bright enough to be seen against the dark glass reflections.
- Budget hero move: Focus your budget on the sweetheart table. Since the room is expansive, creating one high-impact floral “moment” behind the couple creates a better focal point than spreading the budget thin across 20 tables.
Skyline Bar / Cocktail Lounge
This is where the venue’s “castle” character really shines, specifically around the double-sided fireplace.
- What works: A lush mantel installation. This is the first thing guests see as they enter from the foyer, and it sets the tone for the entire event.
- Skip: Oversized arrangements on the bar top. The original wood bar is a feature in itself; keep bar florals small and tucked to the corners to leave room for service.
- Watch out: Heat. If the fireplace is active, ensure the mantel florals are in water sources (like floral foam or tubes) to prevent them from drying out prematurely.
What Works at Brittany Hill
Saturated color palettes. Deep burgundies, burnt oranges, or vibrant blues hold their own against the dark wood floors and the bright Colorado sky.
Textural “mountain” elements. Incorporating dried grasses, thistle, or local evergreens lean into the venue’s Front Range location and provide durability against the wind.
Asymmetrical arbor designs. This modern approach feels more intentional in an industrial-rustic setting than a perfectly symmetrical, traditional arch.
Ground-based installations. Whether at the ceremony site or the fireplace, keeping the floral weight low feels organic and “growing” from the stone and wood foundations.
Framing the entrance. The castle-style doors are a major architectural feature. Using greenery or floral wreaths here creates an immediate sense of occasion for arriving guests.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Investment | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $2,800 | Focus on personal flowers and a focused arbor installation. Use high-impact bud vases on reception tables to keep costs down. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,000 - $4,800 | Includes a lush arbor design, a mantel installation for the fireplace, and low, full centerpieces for the Grand Hall. |
| Full Experience | $5,000 - $7,500 | Adds floor-to-ceiling entrance florals, aisle meadows that repurpose to the reception, and premium blooms throughout all guest tables. |
| Statement | $8,000+ | Full arbor coverage, multiple fireplace installations, and elevated floral designs that fill the vertical space in the Grand Hall. |
The character of Brittany Hill is rooted in its “castle on the hill” prestige; your budget should prioritize the ceremony arbor and the fireplace, as these are the two primary locations where guests spend the most time and take the most photos.
Tips
Secure everything for wind. The outdoor patio is a wind tunnel; all installations must be weighted or zip-tied to the permanent wooden structures.
Repurpose the arbor flowers. Ask your designer to create the arbor pieces in a way that they can be removed and placed on the long sweetheart table or the fireplace mantel after the ceremony.
Consider the sun’s path. The afternoon sun hits the outdoor terrace directly; schedule your floral delivery as late as possible to keep the blooms fresh for the ceremony.
Use the fireplace. It is the architectural heart of the interior; even a simple greenery garland with candles can transform the cocktail hour experience.
Think about the entrance. The transition from the parking area through the castle doors is a prime spot for a “welcome” floral moment that sets the tone before guests even see the view.