Wedding Flowers at Highland Brewing Company

Highland Brewing Company offers a rare intersection of industrial grit and Appalachian beauty, demanding floral designs that are as structurally sound as the venue’s steel beams. The sheer volume of the Event Center and the vastness of the Meadow mean that petite, delicate arrangements will disappear; this venue requires scale, texture, and a firm understanding of architectural contrast.

The Spaces

Event Center

The crown jewel of the brewery is a tri-level powerhouse of industrial design. With soaring ceilings, exposed metal decking, and live-edge wood bar tops, it is a space that feels both expansive and grounded. The natural light from large windows is excellent, but the scale is the primary challenge for any designer.

• What works: Dramatic hanging installations. The exposed beams are a gift for florists, allowing for suspended greenery “clouds” or floral chandeliers that break up the vertical void and create a sense of intimacy for the reception below.
• Skip: Tiny bud vases as a standalone centerpiece strategy. They will be swallowed by the room’s proportions.
• Watch out: The dark backdrop of the performance stage can act as a black hole for photography if you use dark-colored florals; choose high-contrast blooms to ensure the altar or sweetheart table pops.

Budget hero move: Focus your investment on a single, massive hanging installation over the dance floor or head table. It utilizes the venue’s best feature—the beams—and does more work than twenty standard centerpieces.

Barrel Room

For smaller gatherings, the Barrel Room offers a “posh industrial” aesthetic. The racks of aging beer barrels provide a unique, rhythmic texture to the walls, while skylights keep the space from feeling subterranean.

• What works: Low, lush arrangements that lean into a moody color palette. Deep burgundies, ambers, and forest greens look exceptional against the wood of the barrels.
• Skip: Tall, airy pampas grass or “boho” styles that clash with the clean, structured lines of the barrel racks.
• Watch out: Table space can be tighter here than in the Event Center; prioritize narrow “nesting” arrangements that leave room for the brewery’s signature glassware.

The Meadow & Outdoor Stage

This is where the mountain views take center stage. The Meadow is an expansive lawn that can accommodate large guest counts, but it is entirely exposed to the elements.

• What works: Grounded “meadow” installations for the aisle and altar. These mimic the natural landscape and are significantly more stable in the wind than a traditional four-posted arch.
• Skip: Light, top-heavy pedestals or thin-legged floral stands. The mountain breezes in Asheville are unpredictable and will topple anything without a heavy base.
• Watch out: The stage is a fixed focal point. Use florals to soften the hard edges of the wooden structure rather than trying to hide it entirely.

The Rooftop

The Rooftop is casual and modern, featuring a shipping container bar and some of the best sunset views in the city.

• What works: Monobotanical groupings or architectural greenery that can withstand direct sun and wind.
• Skip: Delicate, high-moisture blooms like hydrangeas, which will wilt quickly in the exposed rooftop heat.

What Works at Highland Brewing Company

Embrace the “Industrial Lush” aesthetic. The hard surfaces—concrete floors, brick, and steel—need the softening touch of organic, sprawling greenery. Think Smilax vines climbing the staircase or Italian Ruscus draped over the bars to bridge the gap between the brewery’s utility and the celebration’s elegance.

Contrast is your best friend against red brick. Red brick is a dominant warm tone. To make your flowers stand out, lean into high-contrast palettes. Crisp whites and greens offer a clean, modern look, while deep navy, plum, and gold provide a sophisticated, moody vibe that feels right at home in a brewery setting.

Design for the vertical volume. In the Event Center, the “ceiling” is just as important as the floor. If the budget doesn’t allow for hanging installs, use tall, architectural branches (like Quince or Cherry Blossom) in heavy glass vessels to draw the eye upward and fill the space between the table and the rafters.

Frame the mountains, don’t compete with them. In the outdoor spaces, the Blue Ridge horizon is the ultimate backdrop. Choose “broken” arch designs or low-growing floral nests for the ceremony to ensure the mountain peaks remain visible in every photograph.

Utilize the wood accents. The live-edge wood bars and accents throughout the venue provide a natural warmth. Use floral mechanics that allow for “crawling” designs that look as though they are growing directly off the wood surfaces, rather than sitting in disconnected pots.

Budget Guide

Highland Brewing Company is a venue that rewards those who lean into its scale; a concentrated investment in one or two “wow” moments often yields better results than spreading a smaller budget thin across its many levels and spaces.

Tips

Plan for wind in the Meadow. All ceremony structures must be weighted with sandbags or heavy steel plates; the mountain gusts are no joke.

Color theory matters. Avoid using too much orange or muddy red, as these tones will disappear against the venue’s extensive brickwork.

Repurpose with intention. The florals from a Meadow ceremony can easily be moved to frame the stage or the bars in the Event Center, but you’ll need a dedicated team to handle the logistics across the large property.

Think about the “dark” spots. Areas like the performance stage or the back of the Barrel Room need “bright” flowers (whites, creams, pale yellows) to be visible in low-light photography.

Ask about the lift. Rigging in the Event Center requires height access; ensure your floral team has coordinated with the venue on load-in times and equipment requirements for the beams.