What does Seaside Setups actually do? Do you provide the décor or just set it up?

We specialize in day-of wedding décor setup and breakdown for ceremonies and receptions in the Florida Keys. You supply the décor, and we handle the rest: You provide the decor: From DIY projects to items you've purchased or rented, you bring all the personal touches. (Need extra items? We can recommend local rental vendors.) We set it all up: At your venue, we place every decoration just as you've envisioned – whether it's lining the aisle at Coconut Palm Inn or arranging centerpieces at your reception. We follow your instructions (Pinterest boards and mock-ups welcome). We break it down: After the celebration, our team returns to pack up all your decor. We'll gather everything into your bins (or bring extras) and have it ready for you to pick up. In short, you supply the style and we supply the muscle – DIY décor setup made totally stress-free 💪.

Will you coordinate with our planner or venue?

Absolutely. We often work hand-in-hand with wedding planners, day-of coordinators, and venue managers to keep everything running smoothly. Before the wedding, we'll connect with your planner or venue to understand the timeline, layout, and any site rules. (For example, popular Keys venues like Cheeca Lodge or Coconut Palm Inn may have specific setup windows – we're used to that.) On the big day, we arrive on time (usually when the venue opens for setup) and coordinate with everyone on details like where each item goes, timing of setup completion, and any "flips" between ceremony and reception. If you don't have a planner, no worries – we're experienced in managing the decor timeline ourselves and will ensure everything's done on time for your guests' arrival 🙂.

How far in advance should we book your services?

As soon as you know you'll need us! We serve the Upper Florida Keys and only take one wedding per day, so our calendar can fill up. Popular dates (spring and fall weekends in the Keys) often book 6–12 months in advance 📅. Ideally, reach out at least 3–6 months before your wedding to secure your date. If you're planning a shorter-notice or off-season wedding, still contact us – we might have availability and will do our best to accommodate. The bottom line: the earlier, the better, so you can lock in your Florida Keys wedding setup team and relax knowing we've got you covered.

Can you help design or plan how things should look?

Our main role is making your vision happen – the hands-on execution of your décor plan, rather than fully designing it from scratch. That said, with our experience from many Florida Keys weddings, we're happy to offer a few tips or minor suggestions if you ask. For example, if you're unsure how something will hold up outdoors (say, keeping candles lit in a Key Largo breeze), we can recommend solutions from past events 💡. We can even do a venue walkthrough with you (or via photos) beforehand to plan the layout. But we're not full-service wedding designers or florists – we won't create your overall theme or provide florals. Think of us as your skilled "stage crew" – you set the vision, and we'll set the stage!

What if the weather is bad or something unexpected happens?

No worries – we always have backup plans (often multiple!) for the unpredictable Florida Keys weather ☔. We come prepared with emergency supplies and a can-do attitude. For example: Rain in the forecast? We'll work with your planner or venue to move the ceremony under shelter or adjust the setup as needed to keep everything (and everyone) dry. Windy day? We secure décor items with sandbags, zip ties, or weights so that arches stay put and candles stay lit. Last-minute surprises? If an extra table is needed unexpectedly or a decor piece breaks, we'll find a quick fix on the spot. Our whole mission is to handle any curveballs calmly and competently – all you need to do is enjoy your day while we quietly fix whatever comes up.

Do you handle the décor breakdown (cleanup) after the wedding?

Absolutely – we handle the décor breakdown too, and we tailor it to your event's needs: If you want everything removed the same night, we'll return at the end of the reception to pack up all your decorations (we can even help load items into your car). If your venue allows items overnight, we can come back the next morning to collect and pack up everything. Either way, we carefully repack all décor into the bins or boxes you provide (and we can bring extras if needed) and place them in a designated spot or vehicle. All these details are sorted out with you beforehand, so you won't have to lift a finger after saying "I do" 🎉.

Do you travel to Key West or the Lower Keys?

Our focus is weddings in the Upper Keys (Key Largo through Marathon). Key West and the Lower Keys are outside our range, so we generally do not service events there. That said, if you're planning a Key West wedding, feel free to reach out. In special cases (like a full-day event), we might travel for an added fee, or we can refer you to a trusted local coordinator in Key West 👍.

Can you handle flipping the ceremony space to the reception?

Absolutely! Performing a quick "ceremony-to-reception flip" is one of our specialties. If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, we'll seamlessly transform the space while your guests enjoy cocktail hour 🍹. For example, at Largo Resort, we've turned a beach ceremony setup into a fully decorated reception in under an hour. We'll move and repurpose décor (like bringing your arch flowers to the sweetheart table or moving chairs and signage to the reception area) and add any new elements needed. Our team coordinates with other vendors (caterers, DJs, etc.) to ensure the flip is efficient. By the time everyone's done sipping mojitos, your reception area will be sparkling and ready for celebration!

Who Sets Up Wedding Décor? | Florida Keys 2025

*Photo By: Stacia Morgan Photography (Florida Keys Wedding Reception @ Coconut Palm Inn)*

Planning a DIY-friendly or destination wedding in the Florida Keys? You've probably pondered the practical puzzle: Who actually sets up the décor—the arch, candles, welcome sign, and those dreamy dinner-party tables pinned on your Instagram? In 2025, couples are scaling down guest lists but amping up immersive details—think floor-to-ceiling installs, bold colors, and intimate layouts. That means décor setup isn't a "quick favor" anymore... it's timeline-critical. And in the Upper Keys (Key Largo to Marathon), success means battling wind, heat, and a lot of sticky dots, weighted signage, low-profile centerpieces—and smart timing to dodge sun and squalls. Bottom line: Let your friends soak up the sunshine, not sweat the setup. A Keys-local team (hi! 👋) handles it so everyone enjoys the paradise.

Why a Keys-Local Setup Pro Matters (Wind • Heat • Salt) 🌬️☀️🌊

Hiring a weekly Keys warrior means fewer surprises and a cooler wedding day:

Wind-smart installs: Low-gravity florals, sand/shell anchors, LED candles, drape tensioning, sticky tape, hot glue—your signage won't surf away!
Heat-aware timing: Know where the sun/shade will be, early staging for melt-prone items (timing), no last-minute sweat-fests.
Salt-safe materials: Ocean-proof hardware/adhesives—no peeling or corroding.
Flip efficiency: Ceremony to reception flip planned out with pre-labeled layouts—no "volunteer" chaos.
Guest-first experience: VIPs stay photo-fresh; we do the heavy lifting.

Who Usually Sets Up Wedding Décor? 🤔

Venue staff: Tables/chairs basics (if provided by venue)—personal flair? Not their gig.
Planner/coordinator: Timeline bosses; light styling, but full installs? Not where their attention should be ;) .
Rental company: Drops furniture/linens—styling's on you.
Décor setup service (Seaside Setups): We place, style, secure, and breakdown your arches, candles, signage, tablescapes—with Keys-proof prowess.

New: Shipping Concierge + Venue Transport 📦🚐

Ship it, we'll whip it into shape—ideal for DIY/destination duos. How it flows (4 steps):

Pre-coordination: Our labeled address + packing guide (event-date every box).
Receiving & Check-in: We accept, inventory, photo-confirm.
Staging & Pre-assembly: Unbox, detag, sort/assemble (e.g., candle setups, ribbon ties).

Weather-safe Transport: Your decor stays safe from the elements, venue delivery, packing return. Perfect for: Signage, votives, runners, favors. Coordinate (not receive): Rentals, florals. Perks: No travel tracking woes, wrinkle-free arrivals, forgotten-item failsafe. Ask about it in your inquiry—limited slots for white-glove wins!

DIY vs Hire Matrix ✅

Keys-Specific Styling Rules 🌬️

Candles: LED or enclosed—Glass on beach bans abound.
Centerpieces: Low, weighted, secured—gust-proof gorgeous.
Signage: Anchored always (weights/easels/lines).
Florals: Water tubes/weights; flip from ceremony to reception.
Heat & timing: Early stage, light loads, If it will melt or wilt it goes out last—stay fresh!

The Ceremony-to-Reception Flip (Florida Keys Edition) ⏱️

Pre-event: Label/sort, bundle in totes.
T-60: Brief team; confirm rentals/florals.
T-45: Relocate florals; lay runners/candles.
T-30: Menus/cards; secure signage/drapes.
T-15: Lights/audio check; sweep/QA.
Go time: Reception ready—magic!

Venues & Seasonality 🏝️

Policies: Resorts enclose flames; Most beaches do not allow glass (Yes! This includes Taper/ Candle sleeves)—confirm!
Wind: Check speed and direction, are you bayside or oceanside?—adapt accordingly.
Load-in: Shade/tide-smart for discreet dazzle.

*A beautiful (windy day) reception setup at Coconut Palm Inn in the Florida Keys*

Have Questions? Reach Out

Your vision deserves to sparkle—sans shifting chairs or sailing signs. With us, details dazzle while you dive into the day. Ready to breeze through? Request a quote + Shipping Concierge—let's anchor your forever!

Who Sets Up My Wedding Decor? (Florida Keys 2025 Guide)

Proudly Serving the Upper Keys…

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