Wedding Flowers at Floral Design Guide: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Designing flowers for the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory requires a shift in perspective: you are not decorating a blank canvas, but rather contributing to a living museum. The most successful weddings here are those that lean into the “botany-first” philosophy, treating the historic Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as the primary decor element and using supplemental florals to bridge the gap between the architecture and the guest experience.

The challenge at Como is not a lack of beauty, but the presence of so much of it. Between the 64-foot glass domes, the meticulously manicured Sunken Garden, and the serene Japanese Garden, the venue provides a level of natural ambiance that few Saint Paul locations can match. Your floral strategy should focus on curated, high-impact moments that define the ceremony and reception spaces without attempting to outshine the permanent collections.

The Spaces

Sunken Garden

This is arguably the most iconic ceremony spot in the Twin Cities. The terraced levels and ornate iron railings create a natural aisle that feels both intimate and grand. Because the venue maintains its own rotating floral shows here, the “base” color of the room changes seasonally.

• What works: Ground-level aisle markers that look like they are growing out of the stone pathways. Use the existing ledges for small, clustered bud vases to add detail at the guest’s eye level.
• Skip: Large, traditional four-post arches. They often feel redundant against the glass ceiling and can block the long-view photography that makes this space so special.
• Watch out: The color palette of the seasonal show is non-negotiable. Check the schedule before finalizing your flower order to ensure your roses don’t clash with 500 seasonal azaleas.
• Budget hero move: Focus 80% of the ceremony budget on two massive, flanking “meadow” installations at the head of the aisle. The rest of the room is already finished for you.

Berglund Wright Room

As the primary modern reception space, this room offers a clean contrast to the historic glass houses. With high ceilings and large picture windows overlooking the gardens, it requires a different scale of design to feel “filled.”

• What works: Elevated centerpieces on slender stands. The height is necessary to draw the eye up and compete with the verticality of the room, while the thin stands maintain the view of the conservatory outside.
• Skip: Short, squat centerpieces that get lost on the large round tables.
• Watch out: The natural light transitions quickly here. Ensure your floral colors have enough depth to look rich both in the afternoon sun and under the evening’s artificial lighting.
• Budget hero move: Repurpose ceremony “meadows” to the base of the sweetheart table or the cake display to maximize the life of your statement pieces.

Bullard Rainforest Auditorium

This space is defined by its panoramic views and second-floor terrace. It has a more institutional feel than the conservatory, which means the flowers need to work harder to establish a “wedding” atmosphere.

• What works: Linear arrangements that mimic the horizontal lines of the bird exhibit viewing windows. Incorporating tropical foliage like Monstera or Palms helps tie this room back to the conservatory’s aesthetic.
• Skip: Traditional garden-style arrangements with English roses; they feel out of place next to a rainforest exhibit.
• Watch out: Rigging points are limited here. Focus on floor-based or tabletop installations rather than hanging pieces.

Ordway Japanese Garden

For micro-weddings and intimate ceremonies, this space offers a masterclass in restraint. Designed by Masami Matsuda, the garden follows traditional Japanese principles where every stone and plant has a purpose.

• What works: Ikebana-inspired designs. Think about line, mass, and space. A single, perfectly placed branch of cherry blossom or a sculptural orchid can be more powerful than a dozen standard bouquets.
• Skip: Anything “shabby chic” or overly rustic. No burlap, no Mason jars.
• Watch out: This is a highly protected space. Ensure your florist uses stable, non-staining containers for any arrangements placed on stone or wood surfaces.

What Works at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Architectural framing over total coverage. Instead of trying to hide the venue’s features, use flowers to draw attention to them. Frame the entrance to the Palm Dome or the stone steps of the Sunken Garden with organic, asymmetrical installations that feel like a natural extension of the park.

Saturated color palettes. The intense natural light inside the glass houses can make pale blushes and whites look muddy or washed out in photos. Moving toward “medium-plus” tones—think coral instead of peach, or raspberry instead of light pink—ensures your flowers pop against the vibrant green backdrop.

Heat-tolerant varieties. The conservatory is a greenhouse. In the summer months, the humidity and temperature can be taxing on delicate blooms. Opt for waxy-petaled flowers like Anthurium, Protea, Orchids, and Lisianthus, which can withstand the “tropical” environment without drooping before the reception begins.

Texture-heavy greenery. To make your arrangements feel like they belong at the Zoo, incorporate a variety of foliage textures. Mix the fine needles of ferns with the broad, glossy leaves of tropical plants to create a sense of depth that mimics the surrounding exhibits.

Intentional repurposing. Because the ceremony and reception spaces at Como are often in different buildings or wings, have a clear logistical plan for moving flowers. Large installations should be designed in modular pieces that can be easily transported by a professional team during the cocktail hour.

Budget Guide

The architecture of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a gift to your budget; you don’t need to “fix” anything with flowers, you only need to celebrate what is already there.

Tips

Check the “Gates Ajar” schedule. This historic mosaiculture garden is a popular photo spot; ensure your floral delivery window doesn’t conflict with public park maintenance or peak tourist hours.

Avoid heavy scents. The conservatory is already a fragrant environment; adding highly scented lilies or hyacinths can become overwhelming for guests in the enclosed glass spaces.

Weighted bases are mandatory. For any arrangements in the outdoor gardens or on the conservatory patio, ensure your florist uses heavy, wind-resistant bases to combat the “wind tunnel” effect often found around large glass structures.

Humidity is a factor for your attire, too. If you are doing a summer ceremony in the Palm Dome, choose flowers for your hair or lapel that are specifically treated or naturally hardy to prevent wilting against body heat in the humidity.

Respect the animals. No decorations are allowed in active animal exhibit areas; keep your floral focus strictly to the designated event spaces to ensure the safety of the zoo’s residents.