Wedding Flowers at Pocono Palms

We know this venue intimately. Pocono Palms is not your typical rustic Poconos retreat; it is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, where the soaring proportions of a former church meet a crisp, industrial-chic aesthetic. The design opportunity here lies in the tension between the stark white walls and the heavy black architectural accents, requiring a floral approach that values structure and scale over mere filler.

The Spaces

Outdoor Garden Ceremony Site

This is a secluded, streamside space that feels worlds away from the industrial interior. The custom-built seating and wooden backdrop provide a structured foundation, but the surrounding trees can swallow small arrangements.

• What works: Ground-level “meadow” installations that appear to grow from the garden floor. These create a focal point without obstructing the view of the stream or the trees.
• Skip: Traditional four-post arches. They often look spindly against the forest backdrop and can be difficult to level on the garden terrain.
• Watch out: Light wind off the water. Any pedestal or pillar must be heavily weighted to prevent tipping on the uneven ground.
• Budget hero move: Focus all ceremony funds on two large, asymmetrical floor installations at the head of the aisle. These can be moved inside later to frame the sweetheart table or the band.

Indoor Reception Hall (The Chapel)

This is the venue’s crown jewel. The white wood-paneled walls and exposed black beams create a high-contrast envelope that can handle massive scale. The black-and-white checkered floor section adds a graphic, modern edge.

• What works: Verticality. Use the beams for hanging installations—smilax vines or suspended floral clouds—to draw the eye upward and fill the cavernous volume of the room.
• Skip: Short, squat centerpieces. They disappear in a room with this much ceiling height. If you aren’t doing tall arrangements, use long, lush greenery runners to ground the space.
• Watch out: The herringbone tables. These tables are beautiful on their own; do not hide the craftsmanship under heavy linens or oversized centerpiece bases.
• Budget hero move: Install greenery on just two of the central beams. It creates a “canopy” effect over the dance floor or head table without the cost of a full-room installation.

Indoor Cocktail & Bar Area

A transition space that features a custom-built bar and more of those signature arches. It’s often the first place guests see the high-contrast interior.

• What works: Minimalist, textural arrangements. Think single-variety groupings in modern vessels that lean into the industrial vibe.
• Skip: Large, sprawling arrangements that eat up bar real estate. Guests need room for drinks and elbows.
• Watch out: Lighting. This area can be moodier than the main hall; choose flowers with some “pop” or brightness (whites, creams, or vibrant corals) so they don’t recede into the shadows.

What Works at Pocono Palms

Lean into the monochrome. The black-and-white architecture is a gift. Designing with a restricted palette—all white with deep green foliage, or a moody mix of burgundy and dried textures—looks incredibly intentional here.

Frame the arches. The arched doorways are the venue’s most photographed feature. A “growing” installation that climbs one side of an arch creates a sophisticated editorial look for portraits and guest entrances.

Scale for the ceilings. Small flowers will look like an afterthought in the Chapel. Use large-scale branches (quince, cherry blossom, or maple) or oversized blooms like King Protea and Peonies to match the room’s proportions.

Respect the herringbone. Since the venue provides custom wood tables, the floral design should be “table-forward.” Use low, narrow designs or bud vase collections that allow the wood grain and pattern to remain the star of the tablescape.

Utilize the bridges. The wooden bridges on the property are prime locations for first-look photos. A small, portable floral “nest” or a few well-placed floor arrangements can elevate these transition spaces into major photo moments.

Budget Guide

Pocono Palms is a venue that rewards couples who trade “clutter” for “scale,” allowing the architecture to do the heavy lifting while flowers provide the organic softening.

Tips

Plan for the flip. If you are repurposing ceremony flowers to the reception hall, ensure your florist has a plan for the transition; the walk from the stream to the chapel requires efficient logistics.

Account for the ladder. Any beam work in the Chapel requires a tall A-frame ladder and extra setup time; ensure your floral team has factored this into their labor quote.

Stability is key. The outdoor ceremony site can be breezy; avoid top-heavy arrangements on narrow pedestals unless they are staked into the ground.

Coordinate with the floor. If your reception layout puts tables on the checkered floor, keep the floral palette clean and sophisticated to avoid visual chaos.

Don’t ignore the bar. The custom bar is a focal point during cocktail hour; a single “statement” arrangement here goes a long way in setting the design tone.