Wedding Flowers at Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard

Designing for Broussard’s requires a deep respect for the existing greenery and the architectural weight of the French Quarter. The floral opportunity here lies in bridging the gap between the wild, overgrown charm of the courtyard and the polished, historic formality of the interior dining rooms. We know this venue well from our work here, and we prioritize designs that feel like an organic extension of the 138-year-old wisteria tree.

The Spaces

Courtyard

This is the heart of the Broussard’s experience, defined by weathered brick, stone pavers, and a massive wisteria canopy. It is a space that feels lived-in and lush, offering a high baseline of ambiance before a single flower is placed.

• What works: Ground-level floral nests that appear to “grow” from the stone pavers. These frame the ceremony space without requiring heavy hardware or interfering with the view of the historic architecture.
• Skip: Tall, spindly stands or pedestals. The wind in the courtyard can be unpredictable, and top-heavy arrangements feel out of place against the low-slung, intimate feel of the garden.
• Watch out: The stone pavers are uneven. All ground installations must be weighted and leveled to ensure stability during the transition from ceremony to cocktail hour.
• Budget hero move: Focus your entire courtyard budget on two large, lush floor-based “meadow” arrangements at the altar. These can be easily moved to flank the entrance of the Napoleon Room for the reception.

Napoleon Room

The largest of the indoor spaces, the Napoleon Room offers a more traditional, refined atmosphere. With its neutral palette and classic lines, it acts as a blank canvas for more structured floral work.

• What works: Impactful low-profile centerpieces that allow for conversation across the round tables. Given the standard ceiling height, keeping the volume horizontal rather than vertical prevents the room from feeling cramped.
• Skip: Tall arrangements that hit the sightline of the chandeliers or block the architectural molding.
• Watch out: The venue provides branded “B” logo plates. Ensure your floral color palette doesn’t clash with the restaurant’s specific table settings.
• Budget hero move: Use the fireplace mantle as a primary focal point. A lush, trailing greenery installation with tucked-in blooms creates a massive visual impact for a fraction of the cost of individual tall centerpieces.

Empire Bar

This space is all about the marble bar top and the dark wood accents. It’s where guests congregate for cocktails, and the floral needs are specialized.

• What works: Petite, sophisticated bud vase clusters or a single, architectural arrangement at the end of the bar.
• Skip: Large-scale arrangements that take up valuable real estate for glassware and service.
• Watch out: Marble is porous and stains easily. All floral containers must be 100% waterproof and have felted bottoms to prevent scratching the historic stone.

What Works at Broussard’s

Wisteria-inspired palettes. Even when the tree isn’t in bloom, leaning into soft lavenders, deep purples, and sage greens honors the venue’s most famous resident. These tones look exceptional against the aged brickwork.

Ground-level “nests” over arches. Because the courtyard is open-to-sky and lacks rigging points, floor-based floral installations are the most practical and aesthetically appropriate choice. They feel more modern and organic than a standard four-post arch.

Low-profile designs for marble tops. The cool, refined look of the marble tables in the dining rooms is a design asset. We recommend low, lush arrangements in metallic or glass vessels that highlight the stone rather than hiding it under heavy linens.

Greenery-heavy transitions. Use smilax or Italian ruscus to “vinet” the transition points between the courtyard and the indoor dining rooms. This creates a cohesive flow and brings the garden atmosphere inside.

Architectural framing. Instead of trying to mask the historic features, use flowers to highlight them. A floral crawl up a brick pillar or a lush arrangement nestled into a courtyard corner feels intentional and integrated.

Budget Guide

The character of Broussard’s is rooted in its history, and your floral budget should prioritize quality and placement over sheer volume to maintain that sense of New Orleans elegance.

Tips

Plan for French Quarter logistics. Load-in on Conti Street is notoriously difficult due to narrow streets and traffic; ensure your floral team has a clear window for delivery and a plan for rapid unloading.

Repurpose with purpose. The walk from the Courtyard to the Napoleon Room is short, making it easy to move ceremony ground-nests to the reception to flank the cake table or the bandstand.

Respect the wisteria season. If you are booking for the brief window when the wisteria blooms (usually March), keep your floral palette simple and complementary to let the natural purple canopy lead the design.

Avoid “over-decorating.” Broussard’s has a “no additional decor” policy for a reason—the venue is visually dense. Flowers should be the only addition; avoid balloons, signage, or props that clutter the historic aesthetic.

Lighting is your best friend. The courtyard is at its best under string lights and candlelight; choose floral vessels that reflect light, like clear glass or polished metallics, to enhance the evening glow.