Ever After Farms Citrus provides a high-contrast design opportunity where the crisp, architectural lines of a white wedding barn meet the wild, organic texture of a Central Florida orchard. The venue demands floral designs that can hold their own against vast outdoor vistas while softening the clean, modern interior of the reception space.
The Spaces
Outdoor Ceremony Area
Set against a backdrop of mature oak trees and the citrus grove, this space is defined by its wooden arbor and paver aisle. The scale of the orchard can easily swallow small arrangements, so visual weight is your best friend here.
- What works: Asymmetrical arbor designs that look like they are growing naturally up the wood. Ground-level “meadow” installations at the base of the arbor or the oak tree create a lush, immersive feel.
- Skip: Thin, wispy greenery that disappears against the dense foliage of the citrus trees.
- Watch out: Wind exposure is common in the open field; all arbor work must be heavily secured, and ground arrangements need weighted bases for stability on the grass.
- Budget hero move: Focus your entire ceremony budget on a single, massive statement at the arbor. Use the venue’s whiskey barrels to elevate two large, lush arrangements that can later be moved to the barn entrance.
The Main Hall (Barn)
The interior is a study in white and wood. With high ceilings and abundant natural light from large windows, the barn feels airy rather than claustrophobic. The permanent string lights and chandeliers provide a warm glow that interacts beautifully with floral textures.
- What works: Leveraging the verticality. Smilax or jasmine vines wrapped around the vertical columns or draped from the horizontal beams bring the “grove” aesthetic inside.
- Skip: Standard round centerpieces. The venue uses long wooden farm tables, which require linear designs to avoid looking lonely.
- Watch out: The white walls are highly reflective; very pale or white-heavy arrangements may lose their definition in photos. Consider adding a “pop” color or deep greenery to create contrast.
Sweetheart Table Area
Located in front of elegant French doors, this is the primary focal point of the reception. It is a smaller, more intimate “room within a room” that benefits from dedicated floral framing.
- What works: A deconstructed floral arch or floor-to-ceiling greenery that frames the French doors. This creates a secondary ceremony-style moment for photos during toasts.
- Skip: Oversized tabletop arrangements that block the couple’s faces.
- Watch out: Ensure any floor installations don’t obstruct the path for staff or the couple.
What Works at Ever After Farms Citrus
- Citrus-Inspired Palettes: You don’t have to use oranges in your arrangements, but nodding to the grove with tones of apricot, honey, or deep tangerine creates a cohesive sense of place.
- Linear Farm Table Design: Instead of one large centerpiece, use a series of bud vases, petite clusters, or a lush greenery runner interspersed with fruit to fill the length of the farm tables.
- High-Contrast Textures: Pair delicate blooms like ranunculus or sweet peas with the rugged, waxy textures of tropical or citrus-adjacent greenery to bridge the gap between the barn and the grove.
- Vertical Installations: The barn’s beams are its best asset. Even a simple application of greenery on a few key beams transforms the space from a “hall” into a curated environment.
- Repurposed Statements: The distance from the ceremony site to the barn is manageable for professional teams. Plan to move your arbor florals or barrel arrangements to the sweetheart table or the barn doors to maximize your investment.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Investment | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $3,000 | Focus on personal flowers and a high-impact arbor installation. Use bud vases on farm tables to manage costs while maintaining coverage. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,000 - $6,000 | Includes full ceremony decor and a mix of lush greenery runners and low-profile arrangements for the farm tables. Adds a statement sweetheart table moment. |
| Full Experience | $6,000 - $9,000 | Introduces verticality with greenery-wrapped beams or columns. Tables feature full floral runners or nested arrangements. Includes entrance and bar florals. |
| Statement | $9,000+ | Large-scale hanging floral clouds from the barn ceiling, a fully immersive ceremony “meadow,” and premium blooms throughout every touchpoint. |
The character of Ever After Farms Citrus is rooted in its balance of Florida sun and modern clean lines; your budget should follow suit by prioritizing one “wow” moment in each major space.
Tips
- Mind the Fruit: If the citrus trees are in peak season, your floral palette should either complement the orange/yellow fruit or purposefully contrast it; avoid colors that clash with the venue’s natural state.
- Stability is Key: The outdoor ceremony ground can be uneven. Ensure your florist uses heavy-duty stands or stakes for any floor-based designs.
- Repurposing Logic: The French doors in the barn are a natural second home for any arch or arbor pieces used during the ceremony.
- Lighting Matters: The barn has great natural light during the day, but as the sun sets, the internal lighting is warm. Test your floral colors against warm LEDs if you’re choosing very specific moody tones.
- The White Barn Effect: Vibrant, saturated colors (like fuchsia, deep teal, or burnt orange) look incredible against the white walls, whereas pastels can sometimes appear washed out without enough greenery to ground them.