Designing for Old Hickory Golf Club requires a balance between the expansive, organic landscape of the PB Dye course and the structured, traditional interiors of the clubhouse. The most successful designs here lean into the venue’s neutral foundation, using color and texture to define spaces within the vast greens and the classic ballroom.
The Spaces
Main Event Hall
This is a clean, sophisticated room defined by wood floors, large windows, and a distinctive coffered ceiling. The neutral drapes and beige walls allow for bold color palettes or monochromatic white-and-green schemes to feel equally at home.
- What works: Medium-scale elevated arrangements that draw the eye up toward the coffered details. Compotes on round tables work well to keep sightlines open to the golf course views.
- Skip: Extremely tall, spindly stands that might look lost against the visual weight of the ceiling structure.
- Watch out: The modern chandeliers are beautiful but can compete with overly elaborate hanging installations.
- Budget hero move: Focus on a lush, floor-based “nest” at the sweetheart table to create a focal point that pops against the wood flooring.
Outdoor Ceremony Lawn
The ceremony site is framed by mature trees and rolling hills, featuring a permanent wooden arbor and a paved aisle. It is a classic “green” backdrop that demands structural floral work to avoid being swallowed by the landscape.
- What works: Asymmetrical floral clusters on the arbor. Ground-level “meadow” arrangements along the brick walkway help define the aisle in the open lawn.
- Skip: Small, delicate aisle markers that will be invisible from the back row.
- Watch out: Wind exposure is significant on the open course. All installations must be heavily weighted and mechanics must be rock-solid.
- Budget hero move: Repurpose your arbor florals to the reception fireplace or bar area to maximize your investment.
Private Dining Room
Often used for rehearsals or smaller receptions, this space has a warmer, more residential feel. The fireplace is the undisputed star of the room.
- What works: A lush, asymmetrical mantle runner with trailing vines.
- Skip: Tall centerpieces on the tables; the room’s proportions favor low, intimate designs.
- Watch out: Check if the fireplace will be active, as heat can wilt delicate blooms like hydrangeas or ranunculus quickly.
What Works at Old Hickory Golf Club
- Structural Framing: Use the provided wooden arbor as a skeleton for heavy floral coverage. Organic, “growing” placements look more intentional here than stiff, symmetrical sprays.
- Neutral Palettes with a Pop: The ballroom’s beige and wood tones are the perfect canvas for “dusty” tones—think mauve, terracotta, or slate blue—which feel sophisticated against the traditional architecture.
- Aisle Definition: Because the ceremony lawn is expansive, using ground-level florals to “bracket” the start and end of the aisle helps create an outdoor “room” feel.
- Refined Greenery: Given the venue is a golf club, avoid overly wild or “weedy” greenery. Opt for polished foliage like Italian Ruscus, Salal, or Camellia leaf to match the manicured grounds.
- Mantle Statements: In the smaller dining spaces, a single high-impact mantle installation is more effective than multiple small table bud vases.
Budget Guide
| Tier | Price Range | Floral Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $1,750 - $3,000 | Focus on personal flowers and a high-impact arbor installation. Use simple greenery and candles for reception tables. |
| Sweet Spot | $3,500 - $5,500 | Lush arbor florals, a mix of compote arrangements and bud vases for the ballroom, and a dedicated sweetheart table design. |
| Full Experience | $6,000 - $8,500 | Full arbor coverage, aisle meadows, elevated centerpieces in the ballroom, and a decorated fireplace mantle. |
| Statement | $9,000+ | Large-scale installations (hanging or floor-to-ceiling), lush floral runners, and premium blooms throughout all spaces. |
The character of Old Hickory is best preserved by designs that feel as manicured and intentional as the greens themselves.
Tips
- Anchor your outdoor florals: Ensure your florist uses heavy weights or stakes for any ground-level ceremony decor to combat Missouri wind.
- Repurpose with purpose: The walk from the ceremony lawn to the ballroom is straightforward; move your arbor pieces to the bar or the fireplace to double their life.
- Consider the sunset: The large ballroom windows provide incredible light, but check the sun’s position during your reception to ensure centerpieces aren’t creating awkward shadows.
- Mind the flame: The venue does not allow open flames; plan for high-quality LED pillars or enclosed hurricane glass if you want a candlelit glow.
- Load-in ease: The paved walkways make for easy floral transport, but the rolling terrain means any “freestanding” arch must be perfectly leveled by the design team.