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Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life at Geneva National Resort: A Florist’s Guide to Dreamy Decor

Updated: Dec 18, 2024


Photography: Rachel Kazmier
Photography: Rachel Kazmier
We’ve had the privilege of adorning countless wedding venues, and one that always leaves us inspired is Geneva National Resort. This stunning golf course venue in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, offers breathtaking views and versatile spaces perfect for creating an unforgettable wedding. From outdoor ceremonies to grand indoor celebrations, Geneva National has something for every couple. Today, we’re taking you on a tour of its most popular spaces—Fairview Pergola, Lake Geneva Room, and The Grand Ballroom—and sharing ideas for floral decorations that will transform these spaces into your dream wedding backdrop.




The Pergola

For couples who love the beauty of nature, the Fairview Pergola is an idyllic ceremony site. Overlooking manicured golf course greens and Lake Como, this open-air space offers unmatched serenity and romance.


Pergola Draping & Lush Florals: Transform the Pergola into a breathtaking haven by incorporating elegant pergola draping alongside lush floral arrangements. Imagine soft, flowing fabrics gently cascading down the beams of the pergola, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere that captivates your guests. The choice of fabric can range from delicate chiffon to rich satin, and the colors can vary from gentle pastels that evoke a sense of tranquility to classic white adorned with lush greenery, each option serving to enhance the overall aesthetic of your ceremony. The lush floral arrangements, featuring an array of blooms such as roses, peonies, or hydrangeas, can be artfully arranged to cascade gracefully from the structure, adding depth and dimension. This stunning visual not only serves as a beautiful backdrop for your vows but also becomes the focal point of your ceremony, making it a memorable experience for everyone present. The combination of flowing fabric and vibrant florals will create a magical ambiance, ensuring that your special day is both picturesque and romantic.

Ceremony Entrance: As your guests arrive, make a lasting first impression by welcoming them with a custom Welcome Sign that reflects your unique style and personality as a couple. This sign can be beautifully designed with elegant calligraphy and personalized messages, setting the tone for the celebration ahead. Surrounding the sign with stunning floral arrangements adds an extra layer of charm and beauty, drawing attention to the entrance and inviting your guests to step into your carefully curated wedding ceremony. The entrance serves not only as a practical guide for your guests but also as a delightful photo opportunity, capturing the essence of your wedding right from the start.

Aisle Accents: Elevate the beauty of your ceremony by enhancing the aisle with thoughtfully placed floral arrangements that guide your guests toward the altar. These stunning accents can be positioned at regular intervals along the aisle, creating a visual pathway that leads to the heart of your ceremony. As the bride and bridal party make their way down the aisle, they will feel as though they are walking through a lush garden, surrounded by lush blooms. This enchanting experience will not only heighten the emotional impact of the moment but will also provide a stunning backdrop for photographs that will be cherished for years to come. To maximize the beauty and efficiency of your floral arrangements, consider reusing these aisle decorations at your reception. This not only allows you to create a seamless transition from ceremony to celebration but also helps in managing your floral budget effectively. By repurposing these beautiful arrangements, you can enjoy their beauty throughout the entire day, ensuring that every moment of your wedding is infused with floral elegance.










Lake Geneva Room

Cocktail Hour & Intimate Gatherings


If you’re planning a more intimate reception or a large cocktail hour, the Lake Geneva Room is a sophisticated choice. Offering panoramic views of Lake Como, this space combines cozy charm with its fireplace, lounge seating and baby grand piano to bring understated elegance for your guests. The Lake Geneva Room’s neutral tones and scenic surroundings allow your floral designs to shine.
Ashley Durham Photography
Ashley Durham Photography


Fireplace Mantel: Decorating the existing fireplace mantel can be as simple as incorporating a touch of greenery and a few carefully placed candles, or it can be transformed into a lush and dramatic display reminiscent of a full flower meadow! The mantel serves as a focal point in the room, so let your creativity shine by curating a look that reflects your personal style and enhances the overall ambiance of the space.

Bookshelves: The bookshelves surrounding the fireplace provide the perfect opportunity to infuse your personal decor into the space, allowing you to showcase cherished photographs. By accenting these items with touches of greenery or votives, this highlights your photos and ties them in to the rest of the wedding deocor.
TIP: Plan on using LED battery-operated candles in the bookshelves instead of real candles! These modern alternatives not only ensure safety but also provide the warm glow of candlelight without the worry of wax drips or open flames.

Cocktail Tables: During your cocktail hour, highboy tables will be utilized throughout this space by your guests, creating an interactive and social environment. Adding a small floral arrangement or a few simple bud vases to each table will not only enhance the visual appeal but also tie together the overall decor theme with the floral arrangements used during your ceremony and reception. Consider using colors and flowers that complement the larger arrangements in the room, creating a harmonious flow that guides guests through the event. Additionally, incorporating small, tasteful decorative elements such as upgraded linen or personalized napkins can elevate the experience, making your cocktail hour feel more curated and special.

Place Card Table: If your guests will be working their way through the Lake Geneva Room for cocktail hour, this is a useful spot for your Place Card Table. Some couples opt to place this table strategically under the center chandelier, adorned with a large signature statement arrangement that captures the eye and attention of your guests. Alternatively, positioning the table near the windows that overlook Lake Como can create a picturesque setting that not only enhances the decor but also provides a beautiful backdrop for photos. TIP: You can repurpose this table for desserts or your late-night snacks! This multifunctionality not only maximizes the use of space but also adds an element of surprise and delight for your guests as they transition from the formalities of the event to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Welcome Table: Whether you plan on utilizing the existing sideboards or bringing in a beautifully styled table, don’t forget to include an arrangement and candles alongside personal items such as framed photos and your guest book. This welcome table serves as the first impression for your guests, so consider incorporating elements that reflect your love story or shared interests. Thoughtful touches, like a custom sign or a unique guest book alternative, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to engage with one another right from the start.

Lounge Set and Photo Opps: A guest favorite is a styled lounge area and backdrop that can be utilized during cocktail hour, providing a cozy and comfortable space for guests to relax and socialize. If you will be opening the Lake Geneva Room back up after dinner, guests love to have a designated area where they can take a brief break from the dance floor while still enjoying the festivities. Consider creating a chic lounge set with plush seating, decorative pillows, and stylish side tables, all arranged to encourage conversation and connection. Additionally, incorporating a photo backdrop with fun props or a beautiful floral installation can create memorable moments for guests to capture throughout the evening.

Check out one of our favortite rental comapanies for custom styled lounge: www.parkerdriveeventco.com











The Grand Ballroom: A Space for Opulence


For large weddings, the Grand Ballroom at Geneva National Resort offers a show-stopping space. With its lake view, grand chandeliers, and sophisticated design, this ballroom provides endless opportunities for creating a luxurious atmosphere.




Kings Table or Head Table:

Throughout the duration of dinner, your guests' attention will undoubtedly be drawn to the focal points of the event, the bride and groom, who will be seated at the King's Table, Head Table, or Sweetheart Table. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that this table is not only functional but also visually stunning and captivating. To achieve this, consider filling the table with an array of candles that vary in height and style. This not only adds a warm and inviting glow to the atmosphere but also creates an enchanting ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience.

In addition to the candles, incorporating greenery or floral runners down the length of the table can significantly elevate its aesthetic appeal. Choose lush greenery, such as eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, or smilax, to create a natural and organic feel. Alternatively, you may decide to use vibrant floral arrangements that reflect the color palette of your event, weaving them through the greenery to add pops of color and texture. This combination of elements will draw the eye and create a harmonious visual flow down the table.

To maximize your budget, consider repurposing your bridal party bouquets on this table. This will also ensure that the beauty of these arrangements is not lost after the ceremony. Placing these bouquets elegantly on the table can add a personal touch and serve as a lovely reminder of the day's earlier festivities. Tip: Have your florist or private wedding coordinator remove the ribbon from your bouquet handles to give the appearance that you are not repurposing these florals, but as if they are separate arrangements altogether. If you are getting married in a warmer month, ask your florist to budget in some extra blooms to refresh any flowers that may begin to wilt after a warm, sunny day.

Additionally, think about repurposing your ceremony floral arrangements as well. These can be positioned in front of, on top of, or behind the table, providing a stunning backdrop that enhances the visual impact of the table. By doing so, you not only get the most out of your floral budget but also create a cohesive and beautifully designed environment that ties together different elements of your special day.

Elevated Centerpieces:
 Create an upscale ambiance with elevated floral arrangements that become the statement of the ballroom, besides the bride and the groom of course. These magnificent displays can transform the space into a breathtaking scene that captures the essence of elegance and grandeur. You can choose from a variety of tall stands or vases that not only elevate a large floral arrangement but also complement the overall decor of the ballroom. Selecting the right height for these arrangements is crucial, as it allows the flowers to reach towards the chandeliers and ceilings, creating a harmonious balance that draws the eye upward and enhances the perception of space. Incorporating these tall floral arrangements into your event or space will not only serve as stunning focal points but will also evoke a feeling of luxury and sophistication. Moreover, these floral masterpieces can be strategically placed throughout the ballroom, ensuring that every corner is infused with beauty and floral As guests enter the venue, they will be greeted by these stunning arrangements, setting the tone for an unforgettable reception.

Low Floral Centerpieces:
Low and lush centerpieces are the perfect option to balance elevated centerpieces and spread floral throughout the large ballroom. These arrangements not only create a visual harmony but also ensure that the guests seated at the tables can engage in conversation without obstruction. The use of low centerpieces allows for an intimate atmosphere, as they encourage eye contact and connection among guests, enhancing the overall experience of the event. Incorporating a variety of textures and colors in these arrangements can add depth and interest, making each table a unique focal point while still maintaining a cohesive look throughout the venue. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, we always recommend adding candles to your guests' tables to set the ambiance of the evening. The warm glow of candlelight creates a welcoming and romantic environment, perfect for any celebration. Whether you choose tapered candles in elegant holders, votive candles scattered among the floral arrangements, or even floating candles in our stemmed candlesticks, the soft flicker of the flames will provide a captivating contrast to the vibrant colors of the flowers. By thoughtfully combining low and lush centerpieces with carefully placed candles, you can create a beautifully balanced and inviting atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on everyone attending the event.

Dance Floor & Band Stage: Enhancing your wedding for your guests can be achieved by decorating the cake table with an exquisite arrangement of flowers, typically positioned on the dance floor to create a focal point, and adding stunning floral arrangements in front of your band or DJ to elevate the overall ambiance of the event. The cake table serves not only as a place to showcase your beautiful wedding cake (our favorites are baked by Julie Michelle Cakes!) but also as a significant element of your reception's decor. By adorning this table with a variety of seasonal blooms, you can create a visually striking display that reflects your wedding's theme and color palette. Consider using a mix of heights and textures in your floral arrangements to draw the eye and create a sense of depth. In addition to the cake table, the dance floor itself can be transformed into a vibrant celebration space. Utilizing floral accents around the perimeter can help to define the area, encouraging guests to let loose and enjoy the festivities. You might also consider adding twinkling lights or draping fabric to enhance the romantic atmosphere, making the dance floor an inviting space for all. Moreover, the area in front of your band or DJ is equally important, as it sets the stage for the entertainment that will keep your guests engaged and dancing throughout the night. By incorporating floral arrangements here, you not only enhance the visual appeal but also create a seamless connection between the music and the overall decor. Large, bold arrangements can serve as a backdrop for performances, while smaller, more delicate pieces can complement the musicians or DJs without overpowering them. Ultimately, the thoughtful integration of floral decorations in these key areas of your wedding will not only beautify the space but also create a cohesive and memorable experience for your guests, ensuring that every detail contributes to the celebration of your special day.

Foyer of Grand Ballroom:
Welcome to the Enchanting Foyer of the Grand Ballroom. To enhance this beautiful area, consider adding a delightful small floral arrangement beside the existing bar. There is a cozy nook that presents the perfect opportunity to create a stunning lounge set or a captivating backdrop display. Imagine plush seating where guests can relax and mingle, or a beautifully arranged backdrop that serves as a picturesque photo opportunity. This thoughtful touch will not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also encourage interaction and enjoyment.
Furthermore, make the most of the existing elegant boxwood decor provided by Geneva National. These lush green accents will complement any floral arrangements and enhance the overall sophistication of the space. Together, these elements will transform the foyer into a memorable prelude to the festivities that lie ahead.