Not Just Pretty: The Grit, Glam, and Grind of Event Design
Behind-the-Scenes of Floral Design and Event Planning in New Orleans
In a city that lives for spectacle, creating unforgettable events is an art form—and we’re not just talking about pretty petals and candlelit tablescapes. From sourcing fresh blooms before dawn to orchestrating full-scale installations that wow in seconds and disappear before sunrise, the behind-the-scenes world of floral design and event planning in New Orleans is equal parts magic and madness.
But what really goes into those lush weddings in the Garden District, or that showstopping gala at The Higgins Hotel? Let’s pull back the velvet curtain.
“More Than Flowers—It’s a Whole Production”
The Planning Starts Long Before the Petals
Design Begins with the Vibe, Not the Vase
Floral design isn’t just about arranging flowers. It’s about creating a feeling. And in New Orleans, feelings run deep—from soulful celebrations of life to luxurious soirées under dripping Spanish moss.
Every event starts with a creative concept. We sit down with clients (sometimes with beignets in hand), learn their story, their style, their “musts” and “please-don’ts,” and begin crafting a visual narrative that complements both their personality and the venue’s character.
A wedding at Race + Religious feels different than a rooftop party at The Four Seasons. A second-line themed anniversary celebration in the French Quarter calls for florals that are just as bold as the brass band leading the way.
Sourcing the Stars of the Show
Early Mornings, Local Markets, and Rare Finds
Before a single bouquet is built, we’re hunting. At 5am. In the rain. In heels or in boots.
Why? Because finding the perfect blooms means digging deep—sometimes literally. We source from local New Orleans growers whenever possible and supplement with premium stems flown in for their vibrancy, symbolism, or rarity. For high-end events, that might mean securing specific Japanese ranunculus or heirloom garden roses weeks in advance.
Timing matters. Condition matters. And having a florist who knows the real difference between blush and dusty rose? That matters, too.
The Studio is Organized Chaos (and We Love It)
It Takes a Village to Make It Look Effortless
Inside the design studio, there’s a rhythm—part choreography, part caffeine. Buckets of blooms line the walls, ribbon streams hang like chandeliers, and the scent of eucalyptus lingers in the air. The team works like artists—snipping, fluffing, twisting, tweaking.
Centerpieces are prepped, arches are mapped out, and installations begin to take shape. Every bloom has a role. Every detail gets checked twice. Because when setup day comes, there’s no time for do-overs.
Installation Day: Where the Real Drama Happens
Timelines, Trucks, and Transformations
This is the part most people never see—and it’s where the magic (and the sweat) happens. We arrive on-site hours before guests do. Sometimes we have 45 minutes to transform a space, sometimes we have six hours. Either way, we move fast and with intention.
Think ladders. Crates. Emergency zip ties. Precision placement. Floral chandeliers hung from 20-foot ceilings. Backup candles. Extra petals. And nerves of steel.
Every table, every arrangement, every accent is placed just right—then checked under lighting, from every angle. Because when the doors open, it has to feel like a dream.
Why It’s Worth It—And Why Clients Keep Coming Back
Beauty with a Backbone
The end result may be effortlessly beautiful, but what’s behind it is grit, grace, and experience. Our clients don’t just hire us for flowers. They hire us for vision. For emotional storytelling. For the ability to turn “I kinda want something romantic but not too pink” into a showstopping space that speaks for itself.
They know we’ve navigated the quirks of New Orleans venues, juggled Mardi Gras logistics, and made miracles happen inside shotgun houses and historic cathedrals.
We don’t just design events. We design memories.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
If you want florals that don’t just decorate—but speak—let’s talk. We’re not just arranging flowers. We’re building an experience, one bloom at a time, right here in New Orleans.