The Power of Flowers

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Flowers: @twindahlias

 

Designing Your Wedding with Intention & Impact

Flowers have the ability to completely transform a wedding space, setting the tone, enhancing the ambiance, and bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re drawn to simple, budget-friendly arrangements or over-the-top floral installations, there’s a floral design that fits every couple’s style, budget, and priorities. Here’s what to consider when planning your wedding florals, plus tips for maximizing impact while staying sustainable.

Floral Design That Fits Your Vision & Budget

Floral arrangements don’t have to be extravagant to make a statement. With the right placement, design, and selection, even minimal blooms can have a big impact. Here’s how to choose what’s best for your wedding:

  • Simple & Cost-Effective Floral Designs – If you’re looking to maximize beauty while being budget-conscious, consider smaller centerpieces, bud vases, or greenery-forward designs. Potted plants or herbs can also double as favors for guests!

  • Statement Floral Pieces – If florals are a top priority, invest in a show-stopping moment such as a ceremony arch, hanging floral installation, or oversized aisle arrangements that can later be repurposed at your reception.

  • Over-the-Top Floral Installations – Love a dramatic look? Lush floral chandeliers, cascading floral walls, or a floral-clad reception entrance can make a high-end impact and create an immersive experience.

 

Florals: @twindahlias

 

Where to Invest & Where to Save

With a clear floral vision, the next step is to prioritize your budget so your florals enhance the spaces that matter most to you.

💸 Where to Invest:
✔ Ceremony Backdrop: Whether it's a floral arch, a greenery installation, or large ground arrangements framing your vows, this is a high-impact area that will be heavily photographed.
✔ Head Table or Sweetheart Table: A floral-forward design here ensures a stunning focal point for photos.
✔ Hanging or Suspended Arrangements: If you want an upscale, immersive look, floral chandeliers or hanging centerpieces create a luxurious feel.
✔ Lush Entrance Installations: Create a wow moment at dinner with a wall installation behind the bar or placed behind your sweetheart table.

💰 Where to Save:
✔ Repurpose Ceremony Flowers: Move aisle arrangements to line your reception entrance or bar, and rearrange your ceremony arch behind your sweetheart table for a second life.
✔ Mix Floral & Non-Floral Elements: Candles, fabric draping, and vintage decor can add elegance without additional floral costs.
✔ Opt for Greenery-Heavy Designs: Lush greenery is cost-effective and textural, creating a full, romantic feel without relying on premium blooms.
✔ Smaller Centerpieces: Instead of large arrangements, use bud vases or clusters of seasonal blooms to create an intimate and effortless look.

 

Flower Grower: @littleannsflowers — Arrangements by client

 

Sustainable Floral Choices for an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Florals are naturally beautiful, but they don’t have to come at a cost to the environment. Consider these eco-conscious floral ideas to align with your values:

🌿 Choose Seasonal & Locally Sourced Blooms

  • Work with local cut flower growers who prioritize sustainability and organic farming practices.

  • Opt for flowers that are in season to reduce the environmental footprint of imported blooms.

🌿 Compost Florals After the Wedding

  • Instead of letting your florals go to waste, arrange for composting so they return to the earth naturally rather than ending up in a landfill. Some florists offer this as part of their services!

🌿 Repurpose & Reuse

  • Donate your flowers post-wedding to hospitals, nursing homes, or local organizations that will continue to enjoy them.

  • Use potted plants, herbs, or dried florals that guests can take home as keepsakes.

  • Rearrange ceremony florals for your reception decor instead of ordering separate pieces.

🌿 Ditch Floral Foam

  • Ask your florist to use foam-free mechanics (like chicken wire or reusable floral structures) rather than traditional floral foam, which is harmful to the environment.

 

Florist: @goodefarm

 

Bringing Your Wedding Floral Vision to Life

At The Maples Estate, we love helping couples bring intentionally designed, high-impact florals into their wedding weekend—whether through bold, artistic statements or simple, natural elegance. We work with floral designers who share our couples' creativity and values, ensuring you have access to locally sourced, sustainable options that fit both your style and budget. From eco-conscious installations to repurposing ceremony florals for your reception, we’ll help you make the most of your floral investment while keeping sustainability in mind.

 

Caterers We Love

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Elevate Your Wedding with Exceptional Cuisine

One of the most memorable elements of any wedding is the food.

Whether you're dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, a vibrant family-style feast, or globally inspired flavors that wow your guests, finding the perfect caterer is key. At The Maples Estate, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly incredible culinary artists who bring passion, creativity, and unforgettable flavors to every wedding they cater. Here are some of our absolute favorites:

 
 

Lil Deb's Oasis – Vibrant, Eclectic, and Playful

Lil Deb’s Oasis has earned a cult-like following of food lovers who travel from near and far to experience their bold, flavor-packed dishes and electrifying ambiance. It’s no surprise they were nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality, a testament to their warm, inclusive, and high-energy dining experience. For couples who want their wedding menu to be as vibrant, joyful, and full of personality as their love story, Lil Deb’s Oasis is the perfect fit. Known for their artful, tropical-inspired cuisine, they create dishes bursting with bold flavors and playful presentations—turning every plate into a celebration. But what truly sets them apart is their incredible and diverse staff. The team at Lil Deb’s Oasis is made up of passionate, creative individuals who bring warmth, inclusivity, and a spirit of hospitality that makes every event feel extra special.

Their dedication to fostering a welcoming, love-filled atmosphere ensures that your wedding day is not only delicious but also deeply memorable. If you’re looking for a caterer that brings energy, artistry, and unforgettable flavors to your celebration, Lil Deb’s Oasis is the one.

 
 

The Swell Party – Elevated Catering with Open Fire Magic

If you’re looking for a caterer that effortlessly blends sophistication with seasonality, The Swell Party is a dream come true. Their menus showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients, crafted into dishes that are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're envisioning an elegant plated dinner or a relaxed, family-style feast, their team brings an experience that feels both elevated and deeply welcoming.

But what truly sets The Swell Party apart is their open-fire cooking experience—a breathtaking culinary spectacle that turns your wedding meal into an immersive event. Their team expertly grills, smokes, and fire-roasts dishes over an open flame, infusing every bite with rich, wood-kissed flavors and a sense of rustic elegance. This interactive style of cooking adds warmth, excitement, and a touch of drama to your wedding day, making it a one-of-a-kind dining experience your guests won’t stop talking about.

For couples who love beautifully crafted food with an element of live-fire artistry, The Swell Party delivers in every way. 🔥✨

 
 

Golden Child – The Little Viking Co. (Private Chef Matt Olley) – Rich Vegan Flavors

Chef Matt Olley of Golden Child creates menus that feel both deeply personal and wildly inventive. With a focus on hyper-local, farm-to-table ingredients, he crafts dishes that not only highlight the season but also tell a story—making every meal an experience. Whether you’re envisioning a vibrant vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free menu, or you need a custom approach to accommodate dietary needs, Chef Matt ensures that every guest feels considered and indulged. Beyond traditional catering, he also offers a private chef experience, perfect for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, or a farewell breakfast feast. If you’re dreaming of a menu that feels fresh, seasonal, and completely unique to you, Golden Child will not disappoint.

 
 

The Grand Cook NYC – Bringing the Flavors of the City Upstate

For couples who want to wow their guests with bold, creative flavors, The Grand Cook NYC is an outstanding choice. Led by Chef Jake Missen, whose decade of experience includes working in James Beard award-winning kitchens and serving as Executive Sous Chef for Dan Barber at Blue Hill New York, this team brings an exceptional level of culinary artistry and sustainability to every event.

Chef Jake and his team are passionate about cooking locally and sustainably, drawing inspiration from the abundance and quality of the Northeast. Their menus blend classic techniques with inventive pairings, resulting in dishes that are as thoughtfully crafted as they are delicious. Whether you’re envisioning an elevated farm-to-table feast, modern comfort food, or globally inspired flavors, The Grand Cook NYC will design a menu that reflects your tastes and values.

For NYC-based couples, their Manhattan-based culinary team makes wedding planning seamless. With tastings and planning available close to home, you can experience the best of NYC’s dining scene while bringing that same innovative, high-end approach to your upstate wedding. If you're looking for a seasonally inspired, restaurant-quality dining experience in the countryside, The Grand Cook NYC is the perfect fit.

 
 

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen – Heartfelt, Locally Sourced, and Community-Driven

If you’re drawn to fresh, farm-inspired flavors with a cultural twist, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen will bring something truly special to your wedding. Their Korean-inspired menu highlights bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a deep connection to the land, creating dishes that feel both meaningful and satisfying. What makes Sunhee’s truly stand out is their commitment to community and sustainability.

In addition to their beloved restaurant, they operate Sunhee’s Farm, where they grow fresh produce used in their dishes, reinforcing their farm-to-table approach. Beyond incredible food, Sunhee’s is dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees through language programs, job training, and initiatives that create sustainable opportunities. Choosing Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen for your wedding not only means treating your guests to an unforgettable meal but also supporting a business that gives back in a meaningful way.

For couples who value authenticity, cultural heritage, and social impact, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is the perfect choice to bring both flavor and purpose to your celebration.

 
 

Chef Deanna – A Culinary Artist Creating One-of-a-Kind Wedding Menus

For couples who crave a wedding menu as creative and unique as they are, Chef Deanna is the perfect match. With a background in improvisational cooking, she thrives on artistic freedom, crafting dishes inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients and the individual personalities of her couples. Her approach to catering is deeply collaborative and intuitive. Having worked extensively with artists, creatives, and makers, she understands the importance of storytelling through food. Her partnerships with local farmers often result in “mystery boxes” of ingredients, allowing her to craft spontaneous, inspired menus that are completely unique to each event. Instead of sticking to traditional catering formulas, Chef Deanna creates dishes that feel organic, personal, and full of soul.

If you’re looking for a caterer who can take your vision, personality, and love story and translate it into an unforgettable meal, Chef Deanna will deliver a wedding dining experience that is both deeply personal and wildly inventive.

 
 

DeFazio’s Pizza – Old-World Italian with a Local Touch

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable wedding feast that’s equal parts comfort and culinary excellence, DeFazio’s Pizza is a must-have. A family-run institution in Troy, NY, DeFazio’s is known for its handmade dough, house-made sauces, and locally sourced ingredients—bringing authentic Italian flavors to your wedding table. Whether you opt for their legendary wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, or their decadent antipasto platters, this team delivers rustic elegance with a warm, communal feel. Perfect for couples who want a laid-back yet elevated dining experience that gets everyone talking (and coming back for seconds!).

 
 

No matter your wedding vision, these caterers bring something truly special to the table—literally!

If you’re ready to start planning your perfect menu, we’d love to help connect you with the caterer that best suits your style and taste.

At The Maples Estate, we believe that every wedding should be as unique as the couple it celebrates—especially when it comes to food and drinks. Whether you’re passionate about seasonal farm-to-table dining, crave a vibrant street food-inspired feast, or dream of curated craft cocktails that tell your story, we’ll help you bring that vision to life. We work with vendors that are as unique as our couples, ensuring you have the freedom to craft a menu that truly reflects your personality and tastes.

Unlike many venues, we never lock you into a single caterer—you can work with one culinary team for the entire weekend or mix and match to create a dynamic, multi-faceted experience across your rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, farewell brunch, and more. However you choose to celebrate, we’re here to help make it unforgettable. 🍽️✨Let’s make your wedding weekend one to savor!

 

Sustainable Wedding Ideas for Eco-conscious Couples

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In today’s world, more and more couples are becoming aware of their impact on the planet and are choosing to celebrate their wedding day in ways that reflect their commitment to sustainability. If you're an eco-conscious couple looking for ideas to minimize your environmental footprint while still creating a beautiful, memorable day, you're in the right place! Let’s explore some fantastic sustainable wedding ideas that blend style, sentiment, and environmental care.

Start with a Sustainable Wedding Venue

Choosing a wedding venue that prioritizes sustainability is a great way to kick off your eco-conscious celebration. The Maples Estate is a perfect example of how you can merge natural beauty with eco-friendly practices. Our venue boasts antique charm, stunning landscapes, and a commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint. With gardens, grass paths, and wild meadows, our estate provides an authentic, outdoor experience while being home to local wildlife like deer, eagles, and turtles. We even use eco friendly products such as “Who Gives a Crap” for paper products and ‘Dirty Labs’ for dishwasher and laundry detergent.

By hosting your entire event here, you reduce the need for multiple locations and save on transportation emissions. We also encourage our guests to support local businesses and communities, which helps contribute to a more sustainable wedding. We offer a curated list of eco-conscious vendors, from vegan caterers to local flower farmers. Plus, our inventory of rental props, tables, and chairs allows you to use reusable decor, linens, and furniture, cutting down on waste.

As part of our eco-friendly lifestyle, we even live on-site in an off-grid converted school bus (skoolie) powered by solar energy, and our restroom facilities are solar-powered and gravity-fed, reducing our environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly Invitations & Pre-Loved Stationery

Start your sustainable wedding journey with ethical invitations. Opt for invitations made from recycled paper or go paperless with colorful digital invites. You can also consider plantable stationery that guests can later plant to grow flowers or herbs. For printed elements, choose companies like Paper Culture, which offset their carbon footprint. And for a truly unique touch, consider using pre-loved or repurposed stationery.

Sustainable and Rented Attire

Sustainability can also shine through in your wedding attire. Choose eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials. If you're not attached to buying something new, renting your wedding gown or suit is a fantastic option, as it reduces the environmental impact of new garment production. Alternatively, shop for pre-loved or vintage wedding attire, extending the lifecycle of these beautiful pieces.

Eco-Conscious Catering

Work with your caterer to craft a menu that celebrates local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. You can also opt for a plant-based menu featuring vegan and vegetarian dishes that your guests will love. Many caterers offer compostable or reusable dinnerware options to minimize waste. If possible, encourage your caterer to set up composting stations or recycling bins at the kitchen and bar for a more sustainable dining experience. After the celebration, ask if they can donate any leftover food to local shelters.

Tablecloths with a Story

Add a sustainable touch to your tablescapes with reused or vintage tablecloths. These charming finds, sourced from antique stores or flea markets, not only tell a colorful and unique story but also add character to your decor. If you want a more consistent look, consider renting linens instead of buying new ones, or opt for wooden tables that don’t require any linens at all.

Sustainable Floral Choices

If you’re dreaming of beautiful floral arrangements, consider sourcing blooms from eco-conscious florists who use local, seasonal flowers. Dried florals, wildflowers, and adaptable arrangements can be repurposed across your ceremony and reception, reducing waste. You can also donate your florals after the event to local restaurants or nursing homes, or even dry them for future use. And if you’re not sure what to do with them, we offer composting services at The Maples Estate to ensure your florals are disposed of responsibly.

Source Pre-Loved Decor

For unique and sustainable wedding decor, look no further than thrift stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You can also explore local rental companies offering one-of-a-kind decor items that will elevate your wedding day. By using pre-loved decor, you help reduce demand for new production and give these treasures a second life.

Zero-Waste Gifts & Favors

Send your guests home with eco-friendly favors like potted plants, homemade vegan treats, or reusable items like bamboo cutlery or stainless steel straws. If you're looking to give a gift with a meaningful impact, suggest donations to animal sanctuaries, renewable energy projects, or carbon offset organizations. You can even consider gifting saplings or planting a tree to commemorate your wedding while helping offset your event's carbon footprint.

Sustainable Transportation

Encourage your guests to minimize their environmental impact by staying local, carpooling, or using eco-friendly transportation options. Consider offering shuttle services to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and make getting to and from your venue easier for guests.

A Planet-Friendly Celebration

Your wedding day is an opportunity to not only celebrate your love but also show your commitment to sustainability. By incorporating eco-conscious choices in your venue, attire, catering, decor, and more, you can make a positive impact on the environment while still having an unforgettable celebration. At The Maples Estate, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you plan a wedding that reflects both your love for each other and the planet.

Let’s work together to create an eco-friendly wedding that leaves a lasting impression—on your guests, and on the Earth! 🌿

 
 

Find more tips on planning your dream wedding below!

 

Cost of a Destination Wedding

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Planning a wedding is exciting, but we know it can also feel a bit overwhelming when it comes to budgeting.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious garden ceremony, a reception under the stars, or a multi-day celebration with your closest family and friends, one thing’s for sure: you want your wedding to be as unique as your love story—and that starts with understanding your budget.

At The Maples Estate, we specialize in creating unforgettable, customized wedding weekends that are as much about the experience as they are about the design. With our exclusive 12.5-acre estate, breathtaking outdoor spaces, and hands-on planning support, we’ve made it easy for you to bring your vision to life without the stress of hidden costs or unexpected expenses.

Let’s break it down so you can confidently plan your dream wedding weekend, whether you're coming from NYC, LA, Boston, or anywhere in between.

1. What’s Included in Your Wedding Weekend at The Maples Estate?

At The Maples Estate, our goal is to simplify your budgeting process. We offer inclusive packages that cover the essentials for your wedding weekend—no surprises, no hidden fees. When you book your wedding with us, here’s what’s included:

  • Exclusive Use of the Estate: You and your guests will have access to our 12.5-acre estate for up to 4 days. This includes access to all our stunning outdoor spaces, the farmhouse, and multiple event areas for pre-wedding dinners, the ceremony, reception, and post-wedding brunch. This is your private wedding weekend—no sharing with other events.

  • Accommodations for 17 Guests: Stay in our farmhouse with 17 beds, offering a cozy and convenient stay for your closest friends and family. You don’t need to worry about transportation or finding accommodations nearby—we will help with this so everyone can stay close to the celebration.

  • Wedding Coaching & Coordination Services: Your wedding coach (that’s me!) is here to guide you through the entire process. I’ll help you with design boards, vendor recommendations, timeline management, and budget tracking. From start to finish, you’ll have a personalized experience with expert support. Plus, we handle the logistics and coordination on the day, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your celebration.

  • Design Flexibility & Creative Freedom: Your wedding should reflect your style—whether you’re envisioning a relaxed garden affair, a boho-chic vibe, or a more sophisticated celebration. Our flexible spaces are perfect for bringing any design vision to life. You’ll have complete creative control over the decor, from florals to furniture, and more.

  • On-Site Amenities: You can enjoy lawn games, campfires, and even use of our farmhouse kitchen for any pre-wedding or post-wedding gatherings. These are all included in your package, so you won’t be facing extra fees for the fun, memorable moments you want to create.

2. Breaking Down Your Wedding Costs: What to Expect

One of the biggest questions when planning a wedding is, “How much does this all cost?” At The Maples Estate, we want you to feel confident about your budget from the start. While every couple’s wedding is different, here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect when planning your $75,000+ wedding at our estate.

1. Venue & Estate Rental

Your estate rental covers the exclusive use of The Maples Estate for up to 4 days, including all event spaces, overnight accommodations, and access to our entire property. This is our 3 night weekend wedding package, and the cost varies depending on the level of planning you include, but it typically falls between $37,500 - $42,500 for a weekend wedding.

2. Wedding Design & Decor

From floral arrangements to custom signage, furniture, and lighting, designing the perfect wedding atmosphere is a key part of the experience. At The Maples Estate, we offer full flexibility in design and will help you choose vendors that align with your style and budget. For a high-end design aesthetic, expect to allocate around $15,000+ for your decor, depending on the scale of your event and your design choices.

3. Vendors: Catering, Photography, Music, and More

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all vendor packages. Instead, we’ll work with you to find the best vendors for your style and vision. Typically, couples investing in a $75,000+ wedding will allocate approximately $20,000 - $40,000+ for catering, photography, entertainment, and other event services. These costs will vary depending on the number of guests, the type of meal service (e.g., plated vs. buffet), and the level of service provided by your chosen vendors.

4. Additional Costs to Consider

While you do not need to include these items, there are a few extra expenses you may want to plan for:

  • Transportation (for guests staying off-site)

  • Hair and makeup (for the wedding party)

  • Wedding attire (dress, suit, etc.)

  • Specialized decor (e.g., custom lighting, rental items)

3. How to Stay on Track With Your Wedding Budget

Wedding budgeting doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized and ensure your budget works for you:

  • Prioritize What Matters Most: Think about what’s most important to you—whether it’s the design, the food, or a unique guest experience. By prioritizing the elements that are essential to your vision, you can allocate your budget more effectively.

  • Keep Track of Every Expense: Use spreadsheets or apps to keep a detailed record of your budget and expenses. I’ll also be here to help you keep everything on track and ensure there are no surprises.

  • Be Transparent with Your Vendors: Be open about your budget with your vendors, so they can suggest ways to meet your needs within your budget range. We’ll work with you to ensure you get the most value out of your investment.

4. Why The Maples Estate Is Worth the Investment

The Maples Estate isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s an experience. You’ll have exclusive use of our stunning property, personalized planning support, and a team dedicated to making your wedding weekend unforgettable. For couples who want a luxurious, design-driven experience in an intimate setting, The Maples Estate is the ideal choice. From the breathtaking outdoor garden spaces to the multi-day wedding weekend experience, you and your guests will create lasting memories in a setting that feels as special as your love story.

We offer clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you can plan your wedding with confidence and excitement. The entire process—from the first tour to the final send-off—is designed to make you feel supported and cared for, every step of the way.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding Weekend?

Let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Whether you’re coming from NYC, LA, Boston, or anywhere in between, The Maples Estate offers the perfect escape to celebrate your love. Schedule a tour or a call with me to start planning:

Not quite ready yet? Explore more about The Maples Estate here:

P.S. Have questions about budgeting or planning your perfect wedding weekend? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s chat soon about how we can make your vision come to life.

Check out this budget template to help you get started.

Keep in mind that your wedding budget will be unique to your vision, but to help you get started, we’ve included a couple of sample budgets in the document linked below. Simply click File > Make a Copy to personalize it and begin crafting your budget.

More helpful tips and real wedding inspiration for planning your destination wedding with us at The Maples Estate!