Garibaldi offers a masterclass in Lowcountry scale. The floral opportunity at this 150-acre estate lies in leaning into the existing architecture—the crisp white pergolas and the grand Georgian foyer—to create a sense of intentional, “growing” design.
The Spaces
Garden Area
This is the quintessential Savannah ceremony spot, framed by mature trees and white architectural elements. The pergolas provide a structural gift to florists, allowing for verticality without the need for heavy external rigs.
- What works: Asymmetrical floral installations that crawl up the pergola posts. Ground-level “nests” or meadows at the base of the structures create a cohesive, garden-to-sky look.
- Skip: Small, isolated aisle markers. The scale of the lawn will swallow them; instead, focus your budget on the altar.
- Watch out: The afternoon sun in the Lowcountry is relentless. Choose hardy greenery like ruscus or eucalyptus that won’t wilt before the processional.
Budget hero move: Focus 70% of your ceremony budget on a single, high-impact installation on the main pergola. It creates a definitive focal point for every photo.
Main House Foyer
The interior of the Georgian-style residence is defined by warm wood tones and a grand staircase. It serves as the primary transition point for guests and a high-traffic photo location.
- What works: A lush, cascading banister installation. Mixing textures like smilax vine with large-headed blooms like hydrangeas or garden roses brings the outdoor estate vibe inside.
- Skip: Oversized arrangements on the floor that obstruct the flow of traffic in this narrower space.
- Watch out: The yellow wall tones and wood trim. Cool-toned palettes (lavender, blue) can look muddy here; stick to crisp whites, creams, or warm autumnal tones.
Pavilion and Terrace
These spaces are designed for movement, featuring open-air views of the 150-acre landscape. The aesthetic is more relaxed but benefits from a structured floral approach.
- What works: Hanging greenery installations from the pavilion rafters. This draws the eye up and mimics the Spanish moss hanging from the nearby oaks.
- Skip: Tall, spindly centerpieces that might be susceptible to the light evening breeze on the terrace.
- Watch out: The existing string lights. Ensure your floral designer coordinates hanging points so they don’t interfere with the venue’s lighting grid.
What Works at Garibaldi
- Embracing the White Palette: The venue’s white pergolas and picket fences are a blank canvas. High-contrast greenery (like Italian Ruscus) and classic white blooms create a timeless, high-end look that pops against the green landscape.
- Staircase Cascades: The grand staircase is the most underutilized floral asset in the house. A floor-to-ceiling vine installation makes the prep photos and the grand entrance feel editorial.
- Lowcountry Textures: Incorporating elements that mimic or complement Spanish moss—such as amaranthus or long-leaf eucalyptus—helps the floral design feel like it belongs on the estate.
- Weighted Floor Nests: On the brick pathways and garden lawns, use heavy-bottomed floral nests instead of pedestals. They are more stable against wind and look more integrated into the garden.
- Warm Interior Palettes: Use the foyer’s wood and gold accents to your advantage by choosing “antique” whites, peaches, or deep burgundies rather than stark, cool whites.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Investment | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $3,000 | Focus on personal flowers and a repurposed mantel or small pergola accent. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,500 - $6,000 | Full pergola installation, personal flowers, and petite centerpieces for the pavilion. |
| Full Experience | $6,500 - $10,000 | Grand staircase installation, lush pergola florals, and medium-scale reception arrangements. |
| Statement | $12,000+ | Overhead pavilion installations, full staircase greenery, and high-impact “meadow” aisles. |
The character of Garibaldi is rooted in its 150-year history; your floral budget should prioritize the “permanent” features of the estate to make the design feel like a natural extension of the grounds.
Tips
- Repurpose with purpose: The ceremony pergola flowers can often be moved to the sweetheart table or the pavilion entrance, but only if the mechanics allow for a quick flip.
- Scale for the Oaks: If you are marrying under the Live Oaks, your arrangements must be substantial; anything under three feet tall will be lost against the massive trunks.
- Wind-proof your design: The open estate grounds catch the breeze; ensure all tall centerpieces are weighted with stones or heavy glass.
- Ladder access: The foyer and pavilion have high ceilings; ensure your floral team brings the appropriate heights for rigging.
- Respect the moss: If you plan to hang florals from the trees, the venue may have specific rules about protecting the Spanish moss and the bark. Always check the current policy.