Woodend Sanctuary Wedding Flowers: A Florist's Complete Guide to Budget, Seasonality & Design
- Lindsey Walsh
- 4 days ago
- 16 min read
A DC-Area florist shares 30 years of experience with real budget breakdowns, seasonal tips, and nature-inspired design ideas for your Woodend Sanctuary wedding
A Florist's Love Letter to Woodend Sanctuary Weddings
In our 30 years designing wedding flowers across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the DC metro area, Woodend Sanctuary holds a special place in our hearts. Located in Chevy Chase, Maryland—just minutes from DC and Falls Church—this 40-acre nature preserve offers one of the most magical outdoor wedding settings within an easy Uber ride of downtown DC.
We've created floral designs for more than 100 Woodend weddings, and each one feels like a collaboration with nature itself. The historic mansion, the ceremony grove with its towering trees, and the meadow spaces provide a stunning canvas that requires a thoughtful, nature-first approach to floral design.
What Makes Woodend Sanctuary Unique as a Wedding Venue
The ceremony grove creates a natural cathedral with minimal decoration needed
Strict sustainability requirements align perfectly with eco-conscious couples
Seasonal beauty shifts dramatically from spring blossoms to fall foliage
Outdoor-only ceremonies mean weather contingency planning is essential
The venue's natural palette should guide your floral choices
As a family-owned, sustainable florist serving the DMV area for three decades, we've learned exactly what works (and what doesn't) for Woodend Sanctuary weddings. This guide shares our honest recommendations for creating breathtaking floral designs that honor the venue's natural beauty while staying within your budget.
Understanding Woodend's Built-In Beauty: The Goal is Enhance Not Overwhelm
One of the best things about Woodend Sanctuary? You're starting with incredible natural beauty that many indoor venues spend thousands trying to recreate. Understanding how to work with what you have is the first step to smart floral budgeting for Woodend.
The Meadow & Woodland Paths
These spaces photograph beautifully without any floral additions. Many couples use them for first looks or portraits, and the wildflowers (in season) provide natural color. Your photographer will love these areas for romantic portraits, and they require zero floral investment.
Picturesque Personals (estimated costs $350+) -- Traditionally, the bridal party, parents, grandparents and officiant will have some form of personal flower. This is a way to acknowledge their special role on your wedding day and set them apart from everyone else. Personal flower costs are dependent on the size of your wedding party and family.
A Charming Path (estimated cost $300 to $500+) -- Looking to do something unique and charming? Consider shepherds hooks with florals or LED lanterns undulating down the path as guest walk from the ceremony to cocktails.
The Ceremony Grove: Nature's Cathedral
Weather permitting, the grove is likely your ceremony backdrop. The canopy of mature trees creates natural framing, and the dappled sunlight through the leaves is better than any lighting designer could create. Couples can pick between facing the meadow and standing in the grass, or facing away from the meadow and standing on the elevated stone terrace surrounded by evergreen scrubs.
30 year tip - if it has rained the 3 days prior to your event, consider standing on the stone patio side to reduce mud and the potential for slipping.
We do not have standardized packages as every event is unique, but we do know from experience that three different ceremony set-ups can work really well in the grove.
Naturally Minimalist (estimated cost $700 to $760) -- Looking to keep it simple and understated? Do you want the tree canopy to be the spotlight? Consider going with two altar arrangements flanking the officiant to create a visual altar. This will provide a visual anchor for both your guests when they walk in and for your vow photos. Altar arrangements can be easily repurposed to the reception space after the ceremony.
Elevated Garden (estimated cost $950 to $2000+) -- Looking to elevate Woodend's natural elegance with natural florals and pops of color? The natural cathedral of the grove is the perfect setting for an elevated, but not over the top, natural floral arch or chuppah. We have multiple structures with various types of wood (e.g. oak, birch etc) and metals (e.g. copper) that blend in beautifully while also declaring it's a wedding day. Keeping with the elevated garden vibe, we recommend jar-posies for the aisle. These charming jars hold clusters of blooms and hang from the chairs created an small pop of color for the eye and camara to follow during processions. Conveniently, chair posies are easily repurposed to cocktail table arrangements.
Floral Cathedral (estimated cost $10,000 to $15,000+) -- Looking to create an elegant and sophisticated floral cathedral to reinforce and emphasize the grove's tree-lined architecture? Consider a 3 part arch - two medium sized ones emphasizing the aisle and a large one creating a cathedral like altar and elevating the eye. Link them together with a lush meadow of flowers along the aisle. The aisle meadow is easily repurposed to the reception space, the arch florals will need to be removed after the ceremony while it is still daylight.
30 year tip -if weather is a concern given you wedding date, we highly recommend an arch or chuppah that can be put up in the tent instead of the grove. We typically leave them up during the reception to add extra color and cheer on a rainy day.
Tight budget? If you're working with a tighter floral budget, go more minimalist on the grove and embrace nature's own beauty. However, consider your rain plan and what would be ideal if you do end up saying 'I do' in the tent.
The Meadow & Woodland Paths
These spaces photograph beautifully without any floral additions. Many couples use them for first looks or portraits, and the wildflowers (in season) provide natural color. Your photographer will love these areas for romantic portraits, and they require zero floral investment.
A Charming Path (estimated cost $300 to $500+) -- Looking to do something unique and charming? Consider shepherds hooks with florals or LED lanterns undulating down the path as guest walk from the ceremony to cocktails.
The Historic Mansion
While ceremonies are outdoors, cocktail hour and receptions can utilize the mansion's covered porch and adjacent spaces. The architecture is charming but understated—it welcomes floral accents without requiring them.
The Welcoming Portico (estimated cost $500) -- As guest walk up from the grove to begin the festivities, welcome them to cocktail hour with cheerful blooms flanking the pillars to the portico. This helps guest know where to go, and sets the stage for an elegant evening of drinking, dancing, and celebration. We don't recommend repurposing florals from the ceremony to this space as guests will have already walked up by the time the flowers can be repurposed here.
Cocktails in the Garden (estimated cost $0 to $300) --Once guests have gotten a beverage and have began to meander out into the natural beauty, give them a spot to place their drink or phone when taking selfies and reconnecting with old friends. Consider small pops of florals on the tables to add color and ambiance. This is a great place to repurpose jar posies from the ceremony as they can be placed while guests are getting their drinks.
Essential Touches (estimated $350 to $700) -- One of the most charming aspects of Woodend's grand interior are the beautiful fireplaces and mantles in the main ballroom and side ballroom. Absolutely add touches of florals here for an elegant touch to your evening of dancing!
The Grand Entrance (estimated $500 to $2000+) -- Another iconic moment for Woodend weddings is the wedding party walking down the wrapping grand staircase. Make sure to get an epic top down photo of this moment. Elevate the look with draped greenery down the handrail.
Delightful Accents (estimated $125 to $300+) -- There is a small table near the front door across from the bathroom, consider a small accent arrangement here. Also, often we see a welcome/guestbook table in the corner of the second ballroom adjacent to the portico. This is a perfect spot for an accent arrangement.
The Tented Stone Patio
Wine and dine your guests with great food and even better conversation outside on Woodend's tented stone patio.
Low Compotes or Bud Vases (estimated cost $150 to $175 per table) -- Make it easy for guests for chat with one another over a beautiful array of flowers in a low compote vessels or bud vases.
Elevated & Dramatic (estimated cost $350+ per table) - Make a statement with elevated florals on some or all of the tables. These create a double layer of florals in the line of sight for guests and cameras.
Sweetheart Tables (estimated $0 to $200+) - Do something special for the sweetheart table to set it apart. Either use your bridal bouquet as table decor or do something personal for your toast photos.
Repurpose from the Aisle - Inside the tent framing the couple or along the walls of the tent hallway into the main ballroom is a wonderful place to repurpose florals from the grove.
30 year tip- Woodend does not allow wax candles (when this was written) check your contract to understand what options are available to you. There are lots of great LED options now, even votives and lanterns that will hide the LED-ness and still create ambiance.
One last note here, it's not about doing it all. It's about doing what feels right to you. Don't forget to calculate tax and service, delivery, set-up fees. We offer both full service (includes custom design, delivery, set-up and clean up) and partial service (you pick the florals up from us). Schedule an initial call with us and we will put a customized itemized proposal together for you. Our Woodend weddings tend to range in floral costs from $5,500 to $12,000.
Seasonal Flower Recommendations: Choosing Blooms That Feel Native to Woodend
As farmer-florists, we know seasons and we know bloom times. The beauty of working with local flowers, is it is very easy to create a seamless aligned aesthetic for the Woodend. Here's a quick guide to what's going on when. Contact us for more details about what is in season for your color pallet. Red in spring? No problem. Dusty pink in fall? We've got you covered.
Seasonal Considerations for Woodend Weddings
Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms, dogwood, and native wildflowers are already blooming throughout the sanctuary. The trees are budding with fresh green foliage and delicate spring blooms.
Summer (June-August): Lush green canopy provides natural shade and a verdant backdrop. Be prepared for heat and humidity that can affect certain delicate flowers.
Fall (September-November): Peak season at Woodend. The foliage provides breathtaking burgundy, orange, and gold tones naturally. This is when the venue is at its most dramatic.
Winter (December-March): Bare branches create sculptural, minimalist beauty. Note that Woodend allows only micro-weddings during winter months (under 50 guests).
One of our core principles is using seasonal, locally-sourced flowers whenever possible. At Woodend Sanctuary, this approach isn't just sustainable—it makes your flowers look like they naturally belong in the setting.
Spring Woodend Weddings (April-May)
What's blooming naturally at the sanctuary: Cherry blossoms, dogwood, tulips, daffodils, bleeding hearts
What we recommend for your floral design:
Tulips (Virginia-grown when possible)
Ranunculus in soft pastels
Anemones
Leucojum
Icelandic Poppies
Hellebores (early spring)
Flowering branches (cherry, dogwood, quince)
Ferns and spring greenery
Sweet peas (if available—they're delicate and romantic)
Spring bulbs and early-blooming perennials
Peonies (mid-May)
Summer Woodend Weddings (June-August)
What's blooming naturally: Lush green canopy, Queen Anne's lace in meadow areas, black-eyed Susans, native wildflowers
What we recommend:
Garden roses (incredibly romantic and fragrant)
Lisianthus (holds up well in heat)
Spray roses
Hydrangea
Zinnias (farm-fresh and cheerful)
Scabiosa (unique texture)
Lots of textured greenery to balance the lushness
Dahlias (late summer into fall)
Veronica
Delphinium
.
Weather warning: Summer heat and humidity in the DC metro area can wilt delicate flowers quickly. We use hearty blooms and keep arrangements hydrated until the last possible moment. We also avoid flowers like sweet peas, anemones, and tulips in summer heat. Fortunately Woodend's grove offers a needed shady retreat compared to other outdoor venues.
Fall Woodend Weddings (September-October)
What's blooming naturally: THIS is peak Woodend season. The foliage provides incredible burgundy, gold, and orange tones naturally. The sanctuary is absolutely breathtaking.
What we recommend:
Dahlias
Café au lait roses (perfect fall neutral)
Garden roses in warm tones
Chrysanthemums (underrated and stunning)
Amaranthus (draping texture)
Celosia (unique form and rich color)
Japanese maple foliage
Oak leaves and branches
Ninebark and other textured foliage
Asters and fall perennials
Why fall is magical at Woodend: The venue does half the decorating for you. Your florals should complement (not compete with) the natural fall foliage. We often use the changing leaves as inspiration for the color palette.
Dahlia season: September to November are peak dahlia season in the DMV area. Locally-grown dahlias are abundant, relatively affordable, and absolutely stunning. They come in every color and size imaginable. If you're getting married in fall, dahlias should be central to your design.
Winter Woodend Weddings (December-March)
Note: Woodend only allows micro-weddings (under 50 guests) in winter months.
What's blooming naturally: The bare branches create stunning sculptural quality. The sanctuary has a minimalist, stark beauty in winter.
What we recommend:
Anemones (bold and graphic)
Ranunculus (winter availability)
Hellebores (winter blooming)
Tulips (forced indoors in VA)
Evergreen branches (pine, fir, cedar)
Dried elements (grasses, seed pods, preserved foliage)
Amaryllis for drama and bold color
Winter berries (holly, winterberry)
Forced branches (magnolia, quince)
Pro Tips from 30 Years: Lessons Learned from Woodend Sanctuary Weddings
Weather Contingency is Non-Negotiable
Woodend ceremonies are outdoors with no indoor backup option. We always design florals that can transition if needed. Consider:
Portable arrangements (not arches or installations permanently attached to trees)
Flowers that can handle brief rain (skip delicate blooms like sweet peas in spring; choose hardy flowers like roses, hydrangea, and mums)
Reception flowers that work under a tent OR inside the mansion
We've done outdoor weddings in light rain, and they're often incredibly romantic. But you need to be prepared. We coordinate closely with your planner to have a transition plan. Please make your rain call early enough for us to set up any structures in the tent if need by.
Sustainable Practices Are Required (And We Love It)
Woodend has strict environmental guidelines:
No single-use plastics
Minimal waste
Local sourcing encouraged
Composting and donation options preferred
These requirements align perfectly with our business values. We've been doing sustainable floristry for 30 years, so Woodend is a natural fit for our approach. Many couples specifically choose Woodend because of their environmental commitment, and we're proud to support that mission.
Setup Timing Matters
The venue has specific setup windows and restrictions. For flowers:
Ceremony flowers: Typically set up 2 to 3 hours before ceremony start
Reception flowers: Can only be placed after catering gets the tables set.
Coordination is key: We work closely with your planner/coordinator to align timing
If you have a morning ceremony (10am or 11am), discuss early setup access with your planner. Most couples opt for afternoon ceremonies (3pm-5pm) which gives more flexibility for setup. Please confirm your set-up window with Woodend, in particular if you have a arch or chuppah.
Embrace Natural and Organic Design
This is perhaps our most important advice: Woodend is NOT the venue for perfect symmetry or formal arrangements. The most stunning weddings we've done here embrace the wild, whimsical organic aesthetic.
Think: garden party, not ballroom elegance. Think: gathered from a meadow, not arranged in a formal grid. Think: movement and texture, not rigid and controlled.
Couples who fight against Woodend's natural aesthetic often end up disappointed. Couples who embrace it have breathtaking weddings that feel authentic to the space.
Photography Opportunities Are Everywhere
Tell your photographer about:
The meadow areas: Gorgeous for portraits, especially in golden hour
The woodland paths: Dappled light creates magical photos
The mansion exterior: Classic architecture provides elegant backdrop
We often create a small "takeaway bouquet" or floral crown that can be used for portraits in these areas—makes for stunning photos with minimal additional cost ($75-150).
Vendor Relationships Matter at Woodend
We've worked with most of the top wedding planners, coordinators, caterers, and photographers who regularly work at Woodend. This matters because:
We know the venue's rules and restrictions inside and out
We coordinate seamlessly with other vendors
We can recommend trusted partners if you need referrals
Setup and breakdown run smoothly when everyone knows each other
In the competitive DC/NoVA wedding industry, experienced vendor teams make all the difference in execution.
Frequently Asked Questions: Woodend Sanctuary Wedding Flowers
How much should I budget for flowers at Woodend Sanctuary?
We really need more information to tell you what to budget for your wedding at Woodend Sanctuary. You can start with your total wedding budget, allocate 8-12% to florals, then prioritize within that number.
Here are 3 common setups we see at Woodend:
Medium Sized Wedding with No Bridal Party
Bouquet = $350
Arch = $1000
Chair Posies = $270
10 round tables = $1500
Mantle arrangements = $700
Service, Setup & Delivery = $955
Total = $4775 + tax
Big Wedding with A Big Bridal Party
Bouquet = $350
8 Bridesmaids = $1000
18 round tables = $2700
Altar arrangements & pillars= $760
Service, Setup & Delivery = $1202
Total = $6012 + tax
An Elevated Garden Party
Bouquet = $350
8 Bridesmaids = $1000
18 round tables = $2700
Large arch= $2000
10 aisle meadow markers = $2000
10 cocktail table arrangements = $450
2 mantle arrangements = $700
Service, Setup & Delivery = $2300
Total = $1150 + tax
We're experts at creating stunning designs at every price point and for any vision.
What flowers are in season for my wedding date at Woodend?
April-May weddings: Tulips, ranunculus, flowering branches (cherry, dogwood), sweet peas, hellebores, hyacinth
June-August weddings: Garden roses, hydrangea, lisianthus, zinnias, spray roses, scabiosa
September-October weddings: Dahlias (PEAK season and our favorite!), café au lait roses, chrysanthemums, amaranthus, celosia, garden roses
November-March weddings: Anemones, ranunculus, amaryllis, evergreens, hellebores, forced branches
Can you source sustainable and local flowers for Woodend weddings?
Yes! Sustainable floristry is literally our business foundation. We've been committed to eco-friendly practices for 30 years. We work with local Virginia and Maryland flower farms whenever possible and always use sustainable mechanics (no floral foam).
Woodend Sanctuary requires sustainable practices, which aligns perfectly with our values. We were designing sustainable weddings long before it became trendy.
Local sourcing reality:
Peak growing season (April-October): We can often source 60-100% of your flowers locally from DMV-area farms
Off-season weddings (November-Early March): We require some imported blooms, but we prioritize ethical suppliers, seasonal availability, and waste minimization
We're transparent about what's local versus imported and work with you to maximize local sourcing based on your priorities and budget.
How far in advance should I book a florist for Woodend?
Woodend wedding dates book 12-18 months in advance, and we recommend securing your florist as soon as you have your date confirmed. Peak season dates (May, September, October) fill fastest both for the venue and for florists.
We typically start detailed design consultations 3 - 6 months before your wedding, but but start booking 18 months in advance.
Timeline recommendation:
12-18 months out: Book venue and key vendors (planner, photographer, florist)
9-12 months out: Initial design consultation
6 months out: Finalize design details and palette
3 months out: Confirm final counts and any design tweaks
1 month out: Final walkthrough and timeline confirmation
Do you handle setup and breakdown at Woodend Sanctuary?
Yes! We handle complete delivery, setup, and breakdown. This is included in our pricing and is clearly indicated on the proposal.
Our process:
Setup typically happens 1-2 hours before your ceremony, but timing is dependent on the venue and the work.
Breakdown happens after your event ends, typically within 1 hour.
We coordinate closely with your wedding planner and other vendors to ensure seamless setup that doesn't interfere with other timeline needs. We're experienced professionals who've worked at Woodend many times—we know the venue's requirements and restrictions inside and out.
What if it rains on our Woodend wedding day?
Great question. Since Woodend ceremonies are outdoors-only (no indoor backup), we always design with weather contingency in mind:
Our weather-proof strategies:
We use flowers that can handle brief moisture (skip delicate blooms like sweet peas and anemones)
We coordinate with your planner for a "plan B" setup location before getting started.
Real talk from 30 years of experience: We've done hundreds of outdoor weddings in the DMV area, and light rain often creates magical, romantic moments. Some of our favorite wedding photos have been in misty, soft rain. However, heavy rain requires a backup plan.
Make sure your timeline allows for quick transitions if needed, and trust your planner to make the call. Most couples are surprised how beautiful an outdoor wedding can be even in less-than-perfect weather.
Do you work with specific wedding planners who know Woodend well?
Yes! We've partnered with many of the top planners and coordinators who regularly work at Woodend Sanctuary. If you need referrals, we're happy to share our list of trusted collaborators who understand the venue's unique requirements and opportunities.
Why vendor relationships matter:
Seamless communication and coordination
Everyone knows the venue's rules and restrictions
Setup and breakdown are efficient and stress-free
Problem-solving happens quickly when experienced teams work together
Some of our favorite planners for Woodend weddings include [you can add specific names if you want, or leave this general]. In the DC/NoVA wedding industry, vendor relationships make a huge difference in execution. We pride ourselves on being collaborative, reliable, and easy to work with.
If you already have a planner, we're excited to work with them. If you need recommendations, we're happy to connect you with people we trust.
What makes Growing Wild Flora different from other florists for Woodend weddings?
Great question. Here's why couples choose us for their Woodend Sanctuary weddings:
30 years of experience: We're a family-owned business that's been designing wedding flowers in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland for three decades. We've seen trends come and go, but our commitment to quality and sustainability has remained constant.
Sustainable practices: Woodend requires eco-friendly approaches, and that's literally been our business model since day one. No floral foam, minimal waste, local sourcing when possible—these aren't add-ons for us, they're our foundation.
Venue expertise: We've designed dozens of weddings at Woodend specifically. We know the grove, the timing restrictions, the setup challenges, what works and what doesn't. This expertise saves you money and stress.
Honest guidance: We'll tell you when you don't need something. We're not trying to upsell you on ceremony arches if the grove is already perfect. Our goal is creating beautiful designs within your budget, not maximizing our invoice.
Local knowledge: Based in Falls Church, we serve the DMV area exclusively. We know the local flower farms, the seasonal availability, the best suppliers. We're embedded in this community.
Personalized service: As a family business, you work directly with the owners. No sales team, no disconnect between consultation and execution. The person you meet with is the person designing your flowers.
How do I get started with Growing Wild Floral for my Woodend wedding?
We'd be honored to be part of your Woodend Sanctuary wedding. Here's how to get started:
Step 1: Contact Us for Availability: Fill out our contact form with your wedding date and contact information. We'll get back to you with our availability.
Step 2: Initial consultation We'll schedule an initial phone call to discuss your vision, budget, and Woodend-specific considerations. We'll create an itemized price proposal based on your specific needs.
Step 3: Book your date Once you're ready, we'll secure your date with a deposit and signed contract. Then we'll mark our calendars and get excited to start planning!
Step 4: In Person Consultation Come to the farm to create an in-person physical mood board, refine the floral pallet and pick containers.
Step 5: Design refinement Two weeks before the wedding, make any last changes to the order, and we'll get going on your florals!
Ready to Create Your Woodend Sanctuary Wedding?
After 30 years of creating wedding flowers across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland, we can say with certainty: Woodend Sanctuary is one of the most magical venues in the region. Its natural beauty deserves floral designs that feel organic, seasonal, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Whether you're planning an intimate micro-wedding or a full celebration with 150 guests, we'd be honored to bring your vision to life with sustainable, personalized floral design that honors both your love story and Woodend's breathtaking setting.
Contact Growing Wild Floral
Looking for More Wedding Flower Guidance?
Growing Wild Flora is a family-owned, sustainable florist serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland for 30 years. We specialize in garden-style, organic wedding designs using seasonal and locally-sourced flowers whenever possible.
