A Romantic April Wedding at a Botanical Park in Florida + Pro Planning Tips
This Edgy Pink Wedding Decor Brings Serious Summer Vibes to an Outdoor Celebration
Before we jump into today’s real wedding, I have one question? Who else has a weekend of wedmin planned. I am so excited because we finally received our Save the Dates this week and I can’t wait to get them sent out our guests. We also have our notice of marriage appointment coming up next week so I really feel like we’re getting stuck into our planning.
Personally I am in love with the theme of today’s wedding, a bright pink color palette, pretty floral arrangements and the most amazing balloon display, that I think you’ll enjoy!
“We wanted to stay local to our friends and family and I knew I wanted the majority of the day outside so that was important and we wanted everything at one location – ceremony, dinner, reception, everything. We looked at 8 or 9 venues and The Highgrove Estate just felt right from the moment we stepped inside. It was the perfect mix of old and new, had enough space, and it just felt good. The staff was incredibly accommodating and let us create a day completely unique for us, instead of a typical package they offer.” Began Shannon.
“We wanted it to feel more like a giant awesome dinner party that happened to include a wedding, rather than a traditional ‘wedding wedding’. We wanted incredible food and lots of it, great drinks and music, lots of furniture/places to hang out and a cool dinner party vibe. Everything was served family style and we made sure it was all food we would serve at a party at our house – no typical chicken or salmon wedding entrees here! We wanted people to have to pass and share and talk with their table. Really we just wanted it to be comfortable and fun for everyone, not stuffy or formal and uptight at all.” She told us.
“My mother and I originally thought that we could handle the planning ourselves. We very quickly realized that between our jobs and the rest of our lives we did not have the time to devote to planning that the day we envisioned would require. Mark and I – and my mom – all agree that hiring Kelley Ann and A Southern Soiree was the best money we spent, hands down. It took me a good year to even start planning and begin looking at venues after we got engaged, and then we had a solid year to plan after we set the date. I would share ideas with KA and she would set appointments for us with vendors.The schedule was all in Kelley Ann’s hands after that!”
“I spent a lot of time researching planners through reviews, online searches, and mostly stalking other people’s weddings through Instagram. If I saw a vendor tagged that I liked I would search them, and time and time again A Southern Soiree kept being the planner so that’s why I reached out to them. Kelley Ann was amazing!!! She had incredible relationships with so many local vendors and had great recommendations – for stationary, the clear tent, the string and guitar music, and even a balloon vendor when I sprang that on her 2 weeks before the wedding!!” Shannon added.
“Pinterest is an incredible tool! We did a fun favor/seating chart with vintage hotel key tags we had made. I made the “seating chart” by assigning each table the name of a place Mark and I have visited, then made the board to display the tags. We also had a guest “book” of a wall of envelopes where our guests could write us a note and stick it in one of the envelopes. Reading all those notes at the airport waiting to leave on our honeymoon was super fun and we plan on framing some of them. We also made the streamers for the party room balloons. That took a lot of YouTube tutorials and thankfully we got a whole “hurricane day” at home together to do it!”
“I can honestly say just about everything we wanted (I wanted ?) we got – even the things I threw in at the end, like balloons, a photo booth, more flowers, extra video time – we made it all work and it was magical!!”
“I know everyone says it and we were certainly told a million times – but it really does go by SO FAST!!! Enjoy every minute of the day – and the days leading up to it! Especially the quiet moments. It can definitely be stressful and there will inevitably be a few disagreements along the way, just keep remembering that it is a day to celebrate your love. It isn’t a wedding contest, nobody will notice if something is ‘wrong’ because they don’t know what it was ‘supposed’ to be. So calm down, just have fun, and hire a planner!”
Shoes: Kate Spade I Event Venue: Highgrove Estate I Event Planner: A Southern Soiree I Photographer: Mikkel Paige Photography I Videography: Twenty-One Films I Submitted via Two Bright Lights I
Tips and Ideas for Having Pink Wedding Decor
Pink wedding decor is one of those trends that never really goes out of style—it just keeps reinventing itself. Over the last 13 years of covering weddings for Bespoke Bride, I’ve seen pink evolve (yes, I know I’m not supposed to say that word) from a soft, romantic accent into a bold, unapologetic statement. The thing about pink is that it’s versatile—it can be subtle and sophisticated or loud and playful, depending on how you use it. But getting it right takes balance and a bit of creativity. Too much pink, and your wedding might look like a six-year-old’s princess party; too little, and it might not read as intentional. So, let’s talk about how to master pink wedding decor without losing your mind—or your sense of style.
1. Choose Your Pink Palette Wisely
Not all pinks are created equal. There’s soft blush, dusty rose, bubblegum, hot pink, coral, fuchsia—the list goes on. Each shade sets a different mood, so it’s important to figure out what vibe you’re aiming for.
Blush and rose gold scream romance and elegance. Think classic floral arrangements, delicate table settings, and soft candlelight. It’s the kind of pink that whispers, not shouts. On the other hand, hot pink and fuchsia bring the drama. Imagine bold centerpieces, statement neon signs, and vibrant bridesmaid dresses. I once attended a wedding where the couple mixed dusty rose linens with hot pink floral installations—it was like a perfect dance between soft and striking.
Tip: Mixing different shades of pink creates depth and avoids a one-note look. Pair soft pink with white and gold for a refined aesthetic, or combine hot pink with magenta and deep purple for a more energetic vibe.
2. Don’t Overdo It—Pink Works Best in Layers
Pink works beautifully when it’s layered with other colors and textures. If everything is pink—walls, flowers, tablecloths, napkins—it starts to feel overwhelming.
Instead, treat pink like a guest at the party, not the host. Start with a neutral base (white, cream, or soft grey), then add pink accents through floral arrangements, table runners, and candles. I once attended a wedding where the couple used white linens and glassware, but added pink roses, peonies, and hydrangeas as the centerpiece. It was elegant without feeling over-the-top.
On the flip side, I’ve also seen weddings where pink was so dominant that it felt like you’d stepped into a cotton candy machine. One couple had hot pink uplighting, pink tablecloths, pink flowers, pink napkins—you get the idea. The effect was more nightclub than wedding.
Tip: Balance is key. Pink flowers, pink lighting, and pink drinks? Yes. Pink chairs, pink tablecloths, pink walls, and pink bridesmaid dresses? Maybe not.
3. Use Pink in Unexpected Places
Flowers and table settings are the obvious choices for pink wedding decor, but the most memorable weddings use pink in creative ways.
Think pink velvet lounge furniture in the cocktail area. Or a pink neon sign over the bar that reads “Drunk in Love.” I once saw a bride wear white heels with hot pink soles—subtle, yet so chic.
Another underrated way to use pink? Food and drink. Pink cocktails (like a classic strawberry daiquiri or a pink gin fizz) make for great Instagram moments. Pink macarons or a raspberry wedding cake can tie the theme together without feeling forced.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of lighting. A soft pink wash over the reception area instantly adds warmth without feeling garish.
4. Flowers and Foliage: The Heart of Pink Decor
Flowers are where pink wedding decor truly shines. Roses, peonies, ranunculus, and tulips are obvious choices, but you can also get creative with texture and contrast.
Soft pink peonies with eucalyptus and white roses feel timeless and romantic. On the other hand, hot pink anthuriums mixed with tropical palm leaves give a modern, exotic edge. At a beach wedding I covered in Ibiza, the couple used pink proteas mixed with dried pampas grass—it was boho perfection.
The downside to going all-pink with flowers is cost. Peonies, for example, are notoriously expensive, especially when they’re out of season. If you’re on a budget, consider adding greenery to balance things out or opt for locally grown flowers.
Tip: Spray-painted foliage is having a moment. A touch of metallic rose gold on palm leaves or eucalyptus gives a modern edge without blowing the floral budget.
5. Pink for the Wedding Party and Fashion
When it comes to the wedding party, pink is surprisingly flattering on a wide range of skin tones—if you pick the right shade. Blush works well on fair skin, while deeper pinks like coral and magenta pop beautifully on darker complexions.
For grooms and groomsmen, a pink tie or pocket square is a subtle way to incorporate the color. I once saw a groom in a dusty rose velvet blazer paired with black trousers—it was bold, but he absolutely pulled it off.
For bridesmaids, mismatched pink dresses in varying shades and fabrics create visual interest without looking too coordinated. Think silk slip dresses, lace gowns, and chiffon frocks in a mix of blush, rose, and peach.
Tip: If you’re unsure about dressing the entire wedding party in pink, go for neutral tones and introduce pink through accessories (bouquets, jewelry, or shoes).
6. The Psychology of Pink—Why It Works
Pink is more than just a pretty color—it has psychological weight. It’s calming and nurturing, which explains why it’s often used in hospitals and therapy rooms. But it also has an energizing side; hot pink and fuchsia can increase heart rate and stimulate conversation.
Blush and dusty rose give off an air of softness and romance, while hot pink says, “Let’s party.” This balance between calm and excitement is why pink wedding decor feels so right for weddings—it reflects both the intimate and celebratory aspects of the day.
7. Pink + Metallics = Wedding Gold
Pink pairs beautifully with gold, rose gold, and copper. Blush tablecloths with gold-rimmed glassware and rose gold cutlery? Gorgeous. Or try hot pink florals with copper candle holders for a more modern vibe.
Silver, however, can be tricky with pink. Cool-toned silver tends to clash with the warmth of pink, so tread carefully. If you’re set on using silver, opt for a pale pink or blush rather than coral or fuchsia.
Tip: Mixing metals can work if you keep the overall palette consistent. Blush pink with rose gold and copper creates a soft, cohesive look.
Final Thought
Pink wedding decor has staying power for a reason—it’s versatile, emotional, and just plain pretty. Whether you lean into soft romance with blush tones or go bold with hot pink, the key is balance. Pink should enhance the vibe, not overwhelm it. And if you’re still on the fence? Just add a pink cocktail or a rose gold centerpiece—you’ll be amazed at how it transforms the whole vibe.
