Wedding Flowers at The Mackey House

Designing at The Mackey House requires an understanding of scale. With 150 acres of lakeside property and massive, century-old oaks, small floral gestures will disappear. This venue demands structural confidence and a strategic approach to color that can stand up to the deep greens and silver mosses of the Savannah landscape.

The Spaces

Garden Ceremony Area

This is the quintessential Savannah garden setting, centered on a permanent white wooden arbor and a paved brick aisle. The structure is a blank slate, but because it sits against a backdrop of dense, dark foliage, it requires high-contrast design.

• What works: Asymmetrical floral “growth” patterns that look like they are climbing the arbor. Use white or vibrant blooms to ensure the installation pops against the shaded background.
• Skip: Thin, symmetrical garlands draped across the top. They tend to look dated and lack the volume needed for this outdoor scale.
• Watch out: The brick aisle is relatively narrow; keep aisle markers low or tucked into the grass to avoid tripping hazards for the processional.
• Budget hero move: Heavy ground meadows at the base of the arbor. These provide high visual impact for the ceremony and can be moved to the front of the sweetheart table or the pavilion fireplace for the reception.

Covered Pavilion and Patio

The pavilion is a designer’s favorite because of its white-painted wooden trusses. This space transitions from a bright, airy day setting to a moody, bistro-lit evening environment. The architecture provides the height, so your flowers must provide the intimacy.

• What works: Hanging installations. Whether it is a full floral “cloud” or simple greenery vines like Smilax or Italian Ruscus woven through the trusses, drawing the eye upward fills the volume of the space.
• Skip: Short, tight centerpieces on all tables. The ceiling is high enough that you need a mix of tall and low arrangements to break up the sightlines.
• Watch out: This is an open-air space. Wind can be a factor, so any tall table arrangements must be weighted properly in heavy glass or ceramic vessels.
• Budget hero move: Focus your budget on the large brick fireplace. A lush mantel installation becomes the secondary focal point for the entire evening once the sun goes down.

Main House Foyer and Staircase

The interior of the mansion offers a traditional Southern aesthetic that contrasts with the more rustic woodland areas. The two-story foyer is the first thing guests see and sets a formal tone for the event.

• What works: A full banister crawl. Starting the greenery on the floor at the base of the stairs and working it up the railing creates a grand, editorial entrance.
• Skip: Small arrangements on the side tables. They get lost in the architectural detail of the wainscoting and bookshelves.
• Watch out: This is a high-traffic area. Ensure all mechanics are water-tight to protect the hardwood floors and that no greenery obstructs the handrail.
• Budget hero move: A single, large-scale statement arrangement on the central foyer table. It anchors the room and requires far less labor than a full staircase installation.

The Woodlands and Pond

For ceremonies held deeper in the property, the vibe shifts from manicured to wild. The Spanish moss and lakeside views do the heavy lifting here, so the floral design should feel organic and integrated.

• What works: Ground-based semi-circles or “broken” arches. These frame the couple without obstructing the view of the water or the trees.
• Skip: Rigid, geometric metal arches. They feel out of place in such a soft, natural environment.
• Watch out: The ground can be uneven. Any pedestals or structures must be shimmed and leveled for safety.
• Budget hero move: Use the venue’s existing white pergola if available, but focus the florals on just one corner to create a high-impact “frame” for photos.

What Works at The Mackey House

• High-Contrast Palettes: Because of the dense greenery and the dark shade provided by the oaks, white, cream, and pale blush flowers stand out best. If you want color, go for saturated jewel tones; pastels can sometimes look washed out in the Savannah sun.
• Structural Rigging: The pavilion trusses are a major asset. We recommend using them for greenery “drops” over the dance floor to create an immersive environment that feels separate from the dining area.
• Strategic Repurposing: The distance between the ceremony garden and the pavilion is manageable for a professional team. Move your ceremony ground pieces to the fireplace or the base of the band stage to maximize your investment.
• Foliage Textures: Incorporate textures that mimic the environment. We often use silver-toned foliage or even touches of air plants to nod to the Spanish moss without the mess of the real thing (which often carries bugs).
• The “Front Door” Moment: The wide front steps of the mansion are a prime location for a grand entrance. Flanking the steps with large-scale potted ferns and floral clusters creates a high-end, estate-style welcome.

Budget Guide

The character of The Mackey House is defined by its duality—it is both a grand Southern mansion and a rustic lakeside retreat, allowing for designs that range from classic elegance to wild, overgrown garden styles.

Tips

• Plan for the hike: This is a sprawling property; ensure your floral team has a golf cart or vehicle access for moving heavy items between the house, the garden, and the pavilion.
• Hydration is non-negotiable: Savannah heat and wind will wilt delicate blooms like hydrangeas in minutes; stick to hardy roses, ranunculus, and orchids for outdoor installations.
• Bistro light awareness: The pavilion has extensive string lighting; coordinate your hanging installations so they don’t interfere with the light strands or create strange shadows.
• Repurpose the cart: The venue often has a rustic wooden cart on the patio—it’s a perfect spot for a small, lush floral “spill” to anchor the cocktail hour.
• Respect the history: This is a family-owned estate with specific decor restrictions; ensure all floral mechanics are non-invasive and pre-approved by the house management.