Wedding Flowers at Cedar Springs Weddings and Events LLC

Cedar Springs is a masterclass in Pacific Northwest landscape design, where the challenge isn’t adding beauty, but competing with the sheer scale of the surrounding forest. To make an impact here, floral designs must be intentional, architectural, and high-contrast to stand out against the deep greens of the Kitsap Peninsula woods.

The Spaces

Ceremony Lawn & Wooden Arbor

This is a classic open-air setting defined by a heavy timber arbor and a dense wall of evergreens. Because the backdrop is so dark and textured, delicate or spindly arrangements will disappear. You need mass and color to define the space.

• What works: Large-scale asymmetrical arbor installations that “break” the square lines of the timber. Ground-level aisle meadows that lead the eye toward the water are particularly effective here.
• Skip: Thin garlands or small clusters of flowers on the arbor. They lack the visual weight needed to compete with the trees.
• Watch out: The venue strictly prohibits silk petals or confetti. If you want an aisle “path,” use heavy, fresh petals or low-profile ground installations.
• Budget hero move: Invest 60% of your ceremony budget into the arbor. It is the primary focal point for every photo and can often be partially repurposed for the reception fireplace or sweetheart table.

Reception Tent

The tent provides a bright, airy contrast to the forest, featuring white fabric draping and permanent chandeliers. This is a blank canvas that benefits from a mix of heights to fill the vertical volume of the peak.

• What works: Elevated centerpieces on “invisible” stands. They allow guests to converse while filling the mid-air space between the table and the tent ceiling.
• Skip: Small, low bud vases on every table. In a space this large, they can look like an afterthought unless grouped in significant clusters.
• Watch out: The tent is open-sided. While this offers great views, light winds are common. Ensure any tall arrangements are heavily weighted at the base.
• Budget hero move: Focus on greenery-heavy garlands for the chandeliers. It adds a “secret garden” feel to the tent without the cost of a full floral installation.

Cedar Gazebo & Fireplace

This space is often used for intimate ceremonies, cocktail hour, or as a lounge. The fireplace is the architectural anchor and demands a focused design.

• What works: A sprawling, organic mantel arrangement that spills down one side toward the floor. This creates a “growing” effect that mimics the natural surroundings.
• Skip: Symmetrical “bookend” vases on the mantel. It feels too formal for the rustic cedar construction.
• Watch out: If the fireplace is active, ensure all floral foam and stems are protected from direct heat to prevent wilting.

Pond & Rowboat

The rowboat is the most underutilized floral opportunity at Cedar Springs. It is the site of the venue’s most iconic photography.

• What works: A “nest” of flowers in the prow of the boat or a simple, thick garland draped over the side.
• Skip: Floating flowers in the pond. They tend to drift into the reeds and become invisible.

What Works at Cedar Springs

• High-Contrast Palettes: Whites, creams, and pale blushes pop brilliantly against the dark forest. If you prefer color, go for highly saturated tones like terracotta, deep burgundy, or vibrant coral.
• Organic Textures: Incorporate ferns, pieris, or huckleberry greens. These species are native to the area and make the arrangements feel like they belong to the landscape.
• Statement Arbor Designs: The timber frame is sturdy. Use that to your advantage with heavy, lush installations that look like they are reclaiming the wood.
• Aisle Meadows: Instead of traditional chair markers, use heavy ground-level arrangements. They feel more modern and grounded in this garden setting.
• Repurposing Strategy: Move your ceremony ground installations to the base of the sweetheart table or the perimeter of the dance floor in the tent.

Budget Guide

The natural beauty of Cedar Springs means you don’t need to “hide” the venue, but you do need to “accent” it with enough scale to be noticed.

Tips

• No Silk Petals: The venue is firm on this for environmental reasons; plan for fresh petals or skip the toss entirely.
• COI Requirements: Ensure your florist submits their insurance 15 days prior to the event, as the venue management is strict on vendor compliance.
• Wind Stability: The open-sided tent and ceremony lawn are subject to Kitsap breezes; all tall arrangements must be designed with weighted bases.
• Lighting Matters: As the sun sets, the forest gets very dark. If you have evening reception flowers, consider incorporating LED glass-enclosed candles to keep the florals visible.
• Photographic Timing: The pond area loses light faster than the open lawn; prioritize your floral-enhanced boat photos for earlier in the golden hour.