We know this venue intimately. The Coco Plum Womanâs Club is not a space that requires heavy masking; instead, it demands a designer who understands how to accentuate its historic Mediterranean bones. The white stucco walls and red tile roofs act as a neutral gallery, allowing for either a monochromatic white-on-white aesthetic or bold, tropical color stories that feel at home in Miami.
The Spaces
Courtyard
This is the heart of the estate, characterized by its stone paving and architectural symmetry. The columns and arches provide a built-in frame for ceremonies, but because the ground is paved, every installation must be self-supporting.
- What works: Asymmetrical floor-to-arch installations. Using the existing columns as âanchorsâ for climbing greenery makes the florals look like they are part of the original landscape.
- Skip: Heavy, four-post chuppahs or arbors that block the view of the arches. The architecture here is the feature; donât hide it.
- Watch out: Wind. The courtyard can catch a breeze, so all ground-level arrangements must be heavily weighted.
- Budget hero move: Focus all ceremony funds on a single, high-impact floral ânestâ or asymmetrical arch framing. Because the space is so structured, one large statement goes further than ten small aisle markers.
Main Ballroom
The ballroom is a transition into traditional elegance. With its neutral tones and chandeliers, it is a versatile space that can handle almost any color palette, though it leans toward the formal.
- What works: Elevated centerpieces. The ceiling height is standard but the room is expansive; tall, airy arrangements on slim stands help fill the vertical volume without crowding the dinner tables.
- Skip: Short, squat centerpieces that get lost once the room is filled with guests.
- Watch out: Sightlines. With round tables being the standard here, ensure any low arrangements are kept below 12 inches to allow for conversation.
Entrance Pathway
The arrival experience at Coco Plum sets the tone. The manicured hedges and palm trees create a narrow, focused visual path for guests.
- What works: Ground-level âmeadowâ style arrangements tucked into the base of the hedges. This creates an immersive garden feel from the moment guests step onto the property.
- Skip: Hanging items from the palm trees unless you have a significant budget for professional rigging; the height makes DIY hanging look amateur.
What Works at Coco Plum Womanâs Club
- High-Contrast Palettes: The crisp white stucco is the perfect foil for deep burgundies, vibrant bougainvillea pinks, or classic sunset oranges. If you go with all-white flowers, ensure you use plenty of textured greenery to prevent the design from washing out against the walls.
- Greenery on String Lights: The permanent bistro lighting in the courtyard is a gift. Weaving smilax or Italian ruscus through the wires brings the âceilingâ down and makes the outdoor space feel like an intimate garden room.
- Asymmetrical Arch Framing: Rather than a symmetrical ârainbowâ arch, we recommend a heavy base on one side that tapers off as it climbs. This feels more modern and editorial against the traditional stone.
- Floor-Based Aisle Markers: Since you cannot stake anything into the courtyardâs stone floor, heavy, low-profile âmeadowsâ that look like they are growing from the cracks in the pavement are the most effective way to define the aisle.
- Fountain Accents: The courtyard fountain is a natural gathering spot. A simple floating floral treatment or a light greenery garland around the base adds a layer of intentionality to the cocktail hour space.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Investment | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $3,500 | Personal flowers, a repurposed ground-level ceremony focal point, and simple bud vases or low lush centerpieces for the ballroom. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,500 - $6,000 | Full asymmetrical arch installation, a mix of high and low centerpieces, and greenery accents for the courtyard string lights. |
| Full Experience | $6,000 - $9,500 | Entrance pathway âmeadows,â a lush floral arch, elevated ballroom centerpieces, and sweetheart table styling with repurposed ceremony flowers. |
| Statement | $10,000+ | Full ceiling installation in the courtyard, floral-wrapped columns, custom bar installations, and high-density premium blooms throughout all spaces. |
The Coco Plum Womanâs Club rewards couples who lean into its historic, Mediterranean character rather than trying to fight it with overly modern or rustic decor.
Tips
- Repurpose with purpose: The floor arrangements used to frame the ceremony arch should be moved to the base of the sweetheart table or the front of the band stage for the reception.
- Heat-hardy choices: Miami humidity is real. In the courtyard, opt for resilient blooms like orchids, tropicals, or sturdy roses; avoid delicate hydrangeas or sweet peas for outdoor installations.
- Lighting is a floralâs best friend: The courtyard is dark once the sun goes down. Ensure your florist works with your lighting team to âpin spotâ the cake and centerpieces so the flowers donât disappear.
- Weight everything: Because the courtyard and pathway are paved, every stand, pedestal, and arch must be self-supporting and weighted for South Floridaâs unpredictable gusts.
- Scale for the Ballroom: Use the chandeliers as a guide; your centerpieces should either sit well below them or reach up toward them to create a sense of cohesive height in the room.