Designing for Soli-Tree Farms requires a deep understanding of scale and environment. The venue is defined by its position overlooking the Ohio River Valley, meaning the landscape is your most important collaborator. Success here lies in creating floral moments that feel as expansive as the view without being overwhelmed by it.
The Spaces
Ceremony Overlook
This is an open-air concrete pad designed to showcase the valley. The venue provides a simple wooden arbor, but the real opportunity is the horizon.
- What works: Asymmetrical arbor designs that “grow” up one side and across the top, or ground-based meadow installations that create a floral nest around the couple. These ground arrangements feel modern and don’t fight the wind as much as top-heavy structures.
- Skip: Symmetrical, thin floral clusters that look like afterthoughts against the massive backdrop. Avoid lightweight pedestals that can tip in a river breeze.
- Watch out: Wind exposure is real on this hilltop. Every installation must be weighted and mechanically secure.
- Budget hero move: Focus your entire ceremony budget on two large, lush ground-based “nests” at the altar. They provide maximum impact in photos and are easily repurposed to the sweetheart table or the base of the bar later.
The Views Event Center
The main reception hall is a study in warm wood and natural light. With 12-foot ceilings and a 3,400-square-foot footprint, the room can swallow small decor if you aren’t intentional about height.
- What works: A mix of tall and low centerpieces. Use the height of the room to your advantage with slender stands that hold lush arrangements above eye level. This keeps the sightlines clear to the windows.
- Skip: Short, airy bud vases on every table. They lack the visual weight needed to ground the room.
- Watch out: The wood-paneled ceilings and floors absorb light. Lean into warmer palettes or high-contrast whites to ensure the flowers pop against the medium-toned wood.
- Budget hero move: Greenery on the chandeliers. Adding simple smilax or ruscus to the existing lighting fixtures draws the eye up and fills the vertical volume of the room for a fraction of the cost of a full ceiling installation.
Covered Patio
The patio serves as the bridge between the ceremony and reception. It is a more intimate space with its own chandeliers.
- What works: Bud vase clusters on cocktail tables and a singular, impactful arrangement on the mobile bar.
- Skip: Large floor installations that impede the flow of guests moving between the bar and the overlook.
- Watch out: Lighting shifts quickly here as the sun sets over the valley. Choose flowers with some “glow”—whites, peaches, and light yellows hold their color better in twilight.
What Works at Soli-Tree Farms
Structural framing. The Ohio River Valley is the star. Use your floral design to create a frame for the view rather than a wall. Open, airy placements in arches allow the landscape to peek through.
Warm, saturated palettes. The venue features significant wood paneling. Cool tones like dusty blue can sometimes feel “muddy” in this light. Opt for terracottas, deep burgundies, or crisp whites with vibrant greenery to complement the architectural warmth.
Verticality in the reception. With 12-foot ceilings, you have room to breathe. Use tall, narrow stands for centerpieces to fill the air space without cluttering the tables.
Weighted mechanics. This is a hilltop venue. Whether it is a floor installation or an arbor, assume there will be a breeze. We use heavy lead weights or sandbags hidden by moss and foliage for everything at the overlook.
Repurposing the mobile bar. The custom wooden bar is a signature feature. Moving a large ceremony arrangement here for the reception creates a focal point in a high-traffic area, ensuring you get the most value out of every stem.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Investment | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $3,500 | Focus on personal flowers and a high-impact ceremony moment. Use the venue’s natural beauty to do the heavy lifting for the reception. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,500 - $6,000 | Includes full ceremony decor (arbor or meadows) and a mix of low and elevated centerpieces to handle the room’s scale. |
| Full Experience | $6,000 - $9,000 | Comprehensive design including lush arbor installations, greenery on chandeliers, and floral accents for the mobile bar and entrance. |
| Statement | $9,000+ | Large-scale installations, floral walls or “growing” floor-to-ceiling designs, and premium blooms throughout all spaces. |
The architecture of Soli-Tree Farms is intentionally restrained, allowing the flora and the landscape to define the aesthetic of the event.
Tips
Plan for a breeze. Even on a calm day, the elevation of the farm creates air movement; secure all petals and lightweight decor.
Leverage the crossback chairs. The venue provides wooden crossback chairs which pair beautifully with organic, “garden-style” floral textures.
The windows are mirrors at night. Once the sun goes down, the wall of windows will reflect the interior; prioritize lighting and floral placement that looks good from the inside out.
Augusta is a destination. Since it’s a historic town, consider incorporating local textures or seasonal elements that reflect the Kentucky river valley.
Load-in is straightforward. The venue is vendor-friendly with easy access, but remember that you are responsible for all setup and teardown of floral decor.