The Power of Flowers
Flowers: @twindahlias
Designing Your Wedding with Intention & Impact
Thoughtfully planned florals for your Hudson Valley New York wedding.
As a wedding planner in Upstate New York and the owner of The Maples Estate, I’ve seen firsthand how florals can completely transform a space. They bring color, life, scent, texture, and personality to a celebration—serving as the thread that ties your vision together. Whether you’re drawn to simple greenery or dramatic installations, florals are one of the most powerful tools we have in shaping a truly memorable experience.
Here’s what I always walk couples through when planning their floral design—plus tips for creating visual impact while staying true to your values and budget.
Floral Design That Fits Your Vision & Budget
Floral arrangements don’t have to be extravagant to be impactful. With the right approach and intentional placement, even minimal florals can feel thoughtful and elevated.
✔ Simple & Cost-Effective Floral Designs
If you're hoping to be mindful of your floral budget, I often recommend smaller centerpieces, bud vases, or greenery-forward designs. Potted plants or herbs are another beautiful, natural choice—and they can double as favors your guests will actually use.
✔ Statement Floral Pieces
If florals are a top priority, we can help you invest in one or two high-impact designs—think a ceremony arch, a hanging floral moment, or dramatic aisle arrangements that can later be reused in your reception space.
✔ Over-the-Top Floral Installations
For couples who love a big design moment, lush floral chandeliers, immersive floral walls, or a floral-clad reception entrance create a show-stopping atmosphere that guests won’t forget.
Florals: @twindahlias
Where to Invest & Where to Save
As part of the planning process at The Maples Estate, I help couples focus their floral budget where it matters most—making sure your vision and values stay at the center of every decision.
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
One of the values we hold close at The Maples Estate is sustainability. As a planner, I’m always looking for ways to bring intention into every design choice—especially with florals. Florals are naturally beautiful, healthy for insects and pollinators and 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 Floral Vision to Life at The Maples Estate
At The Maples Estate, floral design is never an afterthought—it’s a core part of the planning process. As your planner, I guide you through every step, from setting a floral budget to sourcing the right team, prioritizing what matters most to you. Whether your style is bold and modern or soft and romantic, we’ll create a cohesive floral experience that enhances your wedding weekend from start to finish.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
Learn more about what it’s like to plan your wedding with us and explore what’s included in our wedding package.
Caterers We Love
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
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
Planning a destination wedding at The Maples Estate?
Let’s talk about what it really costs—without the guesswork.
If you’re searching for an honest, transparent guide to the cost of a destination wedding in Upstate New York, you’re in the right place.
Planning your wedding is incredibly exciting, but we know it can feel overwhelming trying to understand what goes into your investment—especially when you want something unique, intentional, and entirely your own.
At The Maples Estate, we specialize in design-forward, weekend-long wedding celebrations that feel like home—laid-back, beautiful, and full of meaningful moments. Our pricing is clear and transparent, and we provide expert planning support every step of the way. You won’t find cookie-cutter packages or surprise fees here. Instead, we tailor every experience to your vision, guest count, and priorities.
What Does a Destination Wedding at The Maples Estate Cost?
Most of our couples invest $75,000 and up for their full wedding weekend experience—though total cost varies depending on your specific celebration.
Here’s a breakdown to help you start budgeting with confidence:
Venue, Planning & Lodging: $37,500 - $42,500
The Maples Estate is the heart of your wedding weekend and includes:
Exclusive access to our 12.5-acre Upstate New York wedding venue from Thursday to Sunday
Lodging for 17 guests in our historic farmhouse (3-night stay)
Your wedding planner (hi, I’m Katie!) included in every package, offering either full-service planning & design or assisted planning
Weekend coordination, timeline management, and vendor recommendations
Access to all event spaces: tree grove, pavilion, cocktail lawn, wildflower meadows, and more
Lawn games, camp fires, tables, chairs and more—at no extra cost
Food, Drinks & Service: $10,000 - $50,000+
Food and drink are at the heart of any great celebration. Depending on your guest count and culinary goals, your catering package might include:
Welcome drinks, cocktail apps
Food truck, plated, family style or buffet dinner
Full bar or curated beverage menus
Late night snacks, dessert stations
Welcome party or farewell brunch
We’ll help you prioritize where it matters most (a fun taco truck? A seated farm-to-table dinner? Wood fired food? An ice-cream and pizza social?) and connect you with trusted pros who understand the Maples experience.
Caterers will range from $50 - $300 per person with some caterers beyond that price. Keep in mind, this may or may not include the cost for linens, cutlery, table and barware, alcohol or even service staff, so it’s best to review your contract to confirm all that’s included in the price before booking. Our clients often spend $200-250 per person for a full service caterer (food, beverages, staffing).
Service charges, taxes and gratuity are often billed separately.
Design, Florals & Décor: $5,000 - $25,000+
Your style sets the tone. Whether you envision a romantic garden aesthetic, eclectic color story, or something minimal and boldly modern, we’ll guide you in curating vendors that align with your vision and budget. You might invest in floral design, custom signage, tabletop rentals, lighting, and furniture—as much or as little as you want to bring your vision to life.
Many of our clients spend between $10,000 and $25,000 on these elements, though a more minimal design may be closer to $5,000 and a lux client may spend $100,000+.
Photography, Videography & Social Content: $4,000 - $35,000
Photography and videography are more than just documentation—they’re storytelling. Whether you're drawn to romantic, dark and moody, light and bright or a candid, documentary style photographer, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for limited or full weekend coverage.
Most of our couples spend $4,000–$15,000+ for photography, depending on hours of coverage and style.
Adding videography typically doubles that investment.
Some also opt for a social media content creator to capture behind-the-scenes or real-time moments.
Your visual team should be one that you trust completely—they’ll be with you through the most intimate and celebratory parts of your weekend.
Entertainment: $2,000 - $25,000+
Whether you’re envisioning a DJ or a live band, entertainment sets the tone for your entire celebration.
DJ Services: Typically priced between $2,000 and $10,000, a DJ can provide the versatility to curate your favorite songs and keep the energy high throughout your celebration. Many DJs offer add-ons like photo booths, lighting or props, which can increase the total cost.
Live Band: For a more dynamic experience, a live band can bring the energy. Prices for a 10-piece band usually range from $7,500 to $25,000+. Keep in mind that if the band is traveling from outside the area, lodging expenses (starting around $300/night) may be an additional cost.
Extras: $5,000 - $20,000+
Capture the magic and set the tone with the right vendors:
Hair & makeup: $85 - $150 per attendant per service, bride $250-$400 + trail + travel
Transportation: $1,000 - $2,500
Stationery: wide range
Attire: wide range
Specialty rentals: wide range
Welcome Bags: wide range
These costs depend on how you want to celebrate—and we’ll help you find just the right fit.
How to Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Your Vision
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Start With Your Priorities: What matters most to you? Is it the florals? The guest experience? Incredible food? Let’s focus your investment there.
2. Let Us Help: Your wedding planner (me, Katie!) is included in every package. I’ll create a custom design board and budget to help guide your decisions.
3. Be Honest With Your Vendors: We work with vendors who value transparency and service over ego. They’ll help you get the most out of your budget, not upsell you on things you don’t need.
Why Couples Say It’s Worth It
We limit our weddings to a select number each year to ensure we can provide high-touch service and a deeply personal planning experience. Our couples walk away saying it was “the best weekend of our lives,” because it was personal. It was intentional. And it actually felt like them.
When you celebrate with The Maples Estate, you’re not just renting a venue. You’re booking:
A private, nature-immersed estate
Three nights in our historic farmhouse
Planning & coordination built-in
Space to slow down and celebrate fully
Freedom to select your own vendors
A true experience over a single event
We’re here to help you plan a wedding that reflects your values and vision—and guide you through it all with ease.
Ready to explore more?
Schedule an IN PERSON tour or book a call with me to chat about your dream Upstate New York wedding weekend. With many of our clients living across the country and even abroad, we also offer VIRTUAL tours. I cannot wait to meet you and chat through your wedding vision!
Check out our packages and pricing or available dates!
Interested in viewing a sample wedding budget? 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.
