Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection, stands as a beacon of Mediterranean Revival elegance in the heart of Coral Gables. With its iconic Rotunda, rooftop terrace, and chapel-like Aragon Room, this venue offers diverse settings for unforgettable weddings. Couples planning their Hotel Colonnade wedding flowers can draw inspiration from the venue’s soaring ceilings, marble accents, and tropical surroundings. With one Poppy wedding booked here and numerous inquiries, we understand how to make flowers enhance the magic of this historic landmark.

About Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables

Hotel Colonnade is a luxury hotel and event venue nestled in the heart of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile. Known as “The City Beautiful,” Coral Gables provides a picturesque backdrop with its tree-lined streets, Mediterranean architecture, and upscale ambiance. The hotel itself embodies this aesthetic with its historic architecture, ornate details, and sophisticated public spaces.

The hotel’s design seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern amenities. The centerpiece is the Rotunda, a breathtaking space featuring a 60-foot dome, marble columns, and an indoor fountain. Other event spaces include grand ballrooms, an intimate chapel-like room, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views and lush palm trees.

Hotel Colonnade operates as a full-service venue, providing couples with dedicated event managers, customizable catering options, and luxurious accommodations for themselves and their guests. The hotel’s prime location allows for easy access to Coral Gables’ vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Event Spaces & Floral Opportunities

The Rotunda

  • Capacity: Up to 300 guests (seated)
  • Setting: Neoclassical marble-tiled space with a 60-foot dome ceiling, grand staircase, indoor fountain, and marble columns.
  • Floral Notes: The Rotunda is the hotel’s most iconic space, offering unparalleled grandeur. The soaring 60-foot dome calls for equally dramatic floral installations. Consider suspended floral chandeliers, tall centerpieces reaching 6+ feet, or floral designs that cascade down the grand staircase. The marble surroundings pair beautifully with classic white florals, but the neutral backdrop can also accommodate any color palette. The indoor fountain can be enhanced with floating florals, submerged blooms, and floating candles.

Upper Rotunda

  • Capacity: Up to 250 guests (reception)
  • Setting: Upper level of the Rotunda, overlooking the main space.
  • Floral Notes: The Upper Rotunda is ideal for cocktail receptions, creating a multi-level event flow. Floral arrangements here can be slightly more understated than those in the main Rotunda, but should still complement the overall aesthetic. Consider cocktail table arrangements with elegant blooms or greenery garlands along the railings.

Merrick Ballroom

  • Capacity: Up to 230 guests (seated), 600 guests (reception, full ballroom)
  • Setting: Grand ballroom that can be divided into two smaller spaces (Merrick I and Merrick II).
  • Floral Notes: The Merrick Ballroom offers a sophisticated setting for larger celebrations. The divisible space allows for flexibility in design. For a grand ballroom feel, opt for tall centerpieces with lush blooms. If dividing the space, consider smaller, more intimate arrangements. Chandeliers can be enhanced with floral accents to tie the room together.

The Galleria

  • Capacity: Up to 160 guests (seated), 250 guests (reception)
  • Setting: Lofty hall with elegant architectural details.
  • Floral Notes: The Galleria is frequently chosen for intimate indoor ceremonies. Focus floral design on the ceremony backdrop with a statement arch or altar arrangement. Aisle markers with elegant blooms or greenery add a touch of romance. Consider incorporating the architecture into the design with floral accents on columns or doorways.

Rooftop Terrace

  • Capacity: Up to 250 guests (seated), 300 guests (reception)
  • Setting: Landscaped outdoor terrace with palm trees and panoramic city views.
  • Floral Notes: The Rooftop Terrace offers a tropical setting for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Embrace the natural ambiance with garden-style arrangements, tropical florals (birds of paradise, anthuriums, protea), and hanging installations from palm trees. A ceremony arch with an organic, asymmetrical design would frame the couple beautifully against the city skyline. Due to potential wind, ensure all arrangements are sturdy and well-weighted.

Aragon Room

  • Capacity: Up to 50 guests (Config A), 30 guests (Config B)
  • Setting: Intimate space with a steeple-inspired chapel-like design.
  • Floral Notes: The Aragon Room is perfect for micro weddings and intimate ceremonies. The chapel-like design calls for focused altar arrangements (48-60 inches wide), aisle runners with petals, and pew decorations with small clusters. A cohesive bridal bouquet would complete the look. White and ivory palettes enhance the room’s sacred ambiance.

Aragon Cafe

  • Capacity: Up to 50 guests
  • Setting: Intimate cafe-style space with steeple-inspired architectural design.
  • Floral Notes: Similar to the Aragon Room, the Aragon Cafe is ideal for small, intimate affairs. The unique architectural details can be highlighted with strategic floral placements. Consider using the space’s existing features, such as archways or windows, as focal points for floral installations.

The Salon (Bridal Suite)

  • Setting: Private bridal preparation space.
  • Floral Notes: A small arrangement or loose stems in the bridal suite adds a thoughtful touch to getting-ready photos. Choose blooms that match the wedding palette in a simple vase. This creates beautiful imagery without a significant investment.

Colonnade Ballroom

  • Capacity: Up to 120 guests (reception), Colonnade A: 73 capacity, Colonnade B: 47 capacity
  • Setting: Flexible mid-sized ballroom that can be divided into sections.
  • Floral Notes: The Colonnade Ballroom’s flexibility allows for various event sizes and design options. Depending on the configuration, consider centerpieces that complement the room’s scale. If divided, smaller, more intimate arrangements would be appropriate.

Gables Salon

  • Capacity: Up to 180 guests (reception)
  • Setting: Mid-sized elegant salon space.
  • Floral Notes: The Gables Salon is perfect for medium-sized gatherings and receptions. Elegant centerpieces that enhance the room’s ambiance would be ideal. Consider incorporating candles or other lighting elements to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Wedding Flower Ideas for Hotel Colonnade

Mediterranean Romance

Embrace the hotel’s Mediterranean Revival architecture with a romantic and timeless floral design. Use classic blooms like garden roses, ranunculus, and sweet peas in soft pastel shades. Incorporate olive branches and eucalyptus for a touch of greenery. Choose mercury glass vessels and gold accents to complement the historic setting.

Tropical Paradise

Capture the essence of South Florida with a vibrant and exotic floral design. Use tropical blooms like birds of paradise, orchids, anthuriums, and protea in bold colors. Incorporate lush greenery and palm leaves for a tropical feel. Choose bamboo or rattan vessels to enhance the natural ambiance.

Elegant Marble

Highlight the Rotunda’s marble features with a sophisticated and monochromatic floral design. Use all-white blooms like roses, hydrangeas, and lilies in varying textures and sizes. Incorporate silver or crystal accents for a touch of glamour. The clean and classic palette will enhance the Rotunda’s timeless elegance.

Sunset Citrus

Capture the warm and vibrant colors of a Miami sunset with a citrus-inspired floral design. Use blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and pink, such as roses, dahlias, and zinnias. Incorporate citrus fruits like oranges and lemons for a playful touch. Choose terracotta or copper vessels to complement the warm color palette.

Seasonal Considerations

Coral Gables enjoys a warm, subtropical climate year-round. However, the best time for outdoor events is during the cooler, drier months of November through April. During these months, temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal.

  • Spring (March-May): Warm temperatures and blooming flowers make spring a beautiful time for weddings in Coral Gables. Consider using seasonal blooms like peonies, tulips, and daffodils.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. If planning an outdoor event during the summer, be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain. Choose heat-tolerant blooms like orchids, lilies, and sunflowers.
  • Fall (September-November): Temperatures start to cool down and humidity decreases, making fall a pleasant time for weddings. Consider using seasonal blooms like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers.
  • Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures and sunny skies make winter an ideal time for outdoor events. Consider using classic blooms like roses, carnations and hydrangeas.

Regardless of the season, it’s important to consider the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms. Be sure to have a contingency plan in place in case of inclement weather.

What Poppy Couples Spend on Flowers Here

Based on our data, the average Poppy couple spends around $3,995 on wedding flowers at Hotel Colonnade. This investment typically includes personal flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres), ceremony décor (altar arrangements, aisle markers), and reception centerpieces.

In the Miami market, couples generally allocate 10-15% of their total wedding budget to floral design. Given the Hotel Colonnade’s luxurious setting and the desire for impactful floral installations, couples may choose to invest more to fully realize their vision. Factors influencing floral spend include the number of guests, the complexity of the designs, and the types of flowers chosen. For couples seeking to maximize their budget, Poppy offers a range of customizable packages and a la carte options to suit their individual needs and preferences.