Wedding Flowers at Ashton Gardens Atlanta

Designing for Ashton Gardens Atlanta is a study in managing light and scale. The venue’s signature glass chapel and ballroom offer a rare level of transparency, bringing the surrounding Georgia forest into the room. We know this venue well from our work here, and we approach it with a strategy that prioritizes structural integrity and visual height.

The primary design challenge at Ashton Gardens is the volume of the rooms. With ceilings this high and windows this large, standard-sized arrangements can look like an afterthought. To maximize a budget here, focus on a few high-impact moments—like the chapel altar or the foyer staircase—rather than diluting the design across too many small accents.

The Spaces

Glass Chapel

The chapel is a cathedral of glass and timber. It is naturally bright and architecturally dramatic, meaning the “altar” area is the only place that truly requires heavy floral intervention.

• What works: Ground-level “meadow” installations that curve around the couple. Because the windows go all the way to the floor, these arrangements feel like an extension of the forest outside.
• Skip: Heavy, four-post arches that block the view. The arched windows are the star; use asymmetrical pillars or floor clusters to frame the view instead of obscuring it.
• Watch out: Direct sunlight. In the summer months, the chapel can get quite warm. Avoid delicate blooms like hydrangeas or sweet peas in the altar installations unless they are in a water source.
• Budget hero move: Large-scale aisle markers on every third pew. They create a lush path for the processional and can be moved to the ballroom windowsills or the base of the sweetheart table for the reception.

Grand Ballroom

The ballroom is a traditional, elegant space that benefits from the same floor-to-ceiling windows found in the chapel. It is a large room that requires intentionality to feel intimate.

• What works: Tall, airy centerpieces. Using elevated stands or “skinny” trumpets allows guests to converse while filling the vertical space between the table and the crystal chandeliers.
• Skip: Small, low centerpieces used in isolation. They will disappear in a room of this scale. If you prefer low arrangements, they must be lush and paired with tall candles to add height.
• Watch out: The layout. With a capacity of 300, the floor can get crowded. Ensure tall arrangements are stable and stands have a small footprint to leave room for glassware.
• Budget hero move: Greenery garlands or “smashed” foliage along the exposed wood beams. It’s a cost-effective way to add texture to the ceiling without the price tag of a full floral installation.

Luxury Event Foyer

The foyer is where the guest experience begins. The marble floors and grand staircase set a formal tone.

• What works: A “growing” staircase installation. Starting thick at the base and tapering as it moves up the railing, this creates a massive visual impact for a relatively contained cost.
• Skip: Small bud vases on the cocktail tables. They are easily knocked over in the foyer’s high-traffic environment.
• Watch out: The staircase is a high-traffic area for the wedding party. Ensure any floral installations are secured tightly to the railing and do not create a tripping hazard on the steps.
• Budget hero move: A single, large statement arrangement on the round entry table. It anchors the room and establishes the color palette immediately.

What Works at Ashton Gardens Atlanta

Architectural Framing. Use the wood beams and window frames as guides. Installations that follow the lines of the building feel more integrated and high-end than standalone pieces.

Hardy, Sun-Loving Palettes. Because of the abundant glass, choose flowers that can handle heat. Roses, orchids, carnations, and tropicals fare better here than soft-stemmed spring blooms.

Repurposing the Staircase. The foyer is often used only for cocktail hour. If you invest in a staircase installation, ensure it is in a spot where it will still be visible or accessible for photos throughout the night.

Verticality. Everything at this venue is tall. Your flowers should be, too. If you can’t afford tall centerpieces for every table, mix them with low arrangements that feature long, vertical elements like snapdragons or delphinium.

Neutral or High-Contrast Colors. The venue is a mix of white stone, dark wood, and green forest. White and green palettes look classic and “built-in,” while bold colors like burgundies or bright corals pop beautifully against the neutral architecture.

Budget Guide

The character of Ashton Gardens is defined by its transparency and height; your budget should prioritize scale and durability to match the venue’s grand, light-filled aesthetic.

Tips

Mind the pews. The chapel pews are fixed. If you are planning aisle decor, ensure it doesn’t narrow the walking path too much for a standard wedding gown.

Hydration is key. If you are doing a DIY element or using a florist who doesn’t know the space, insist on water-based mechanics for anything in the chapel windows.

The “Flip” is minimal. Since the chapel and ballroom are separate buildings, there is no room flip. This means your florist can spend more time on intricate installations rather than rushing a transition.

Focus on the foyer. Guests spend a significant amount of time here during cocktail hour. It is often the most photographed area besides the altar.

Beam access. The wood beams are high. Any installations on the beams will require a ladder and potentially extra labor; check with the venue regarding their specific rigging policies.