There are as many different ways to decorate for weddings as there are different kinds of weddings.
Although church weddings vary from simple chapel services to elaborate affairs, they have one thing in common.
Church weddings all require a certain amount of reverence that may not be necessary in a less conventional setting.
Know What the Church Allows
Not only do the budget and the tastes of the you, the bride and groom, set the tone, but churches sometimes have rules of their own. The first step to choosing church wedding decorations is to ask about the rules the church has as far as what is allowed or not allowed. Once you know what you can do, then the fun can begin.
Another thing to consider when planning a church ceremony is that churches often have flower arrangements, live plants and candelabras that are used in their services that you may be able to make use of. Using what the church has available as wedding accessories may require a little compromise, but it can mean big savings, so be sure to ask when you book your wedding date.
Alter Decorations
Remember, that in any wedding, the alter area at the front of the church is the focal point, so this is where your decorating priority should be.
Photographs from bridal magazines and the internet are a good source of inspiration. Use these inspiration photos to convey your ideas to the florist or whoever will be creating your floral decor. If you would like to create your own inspiration board online for free, click here. Do keep in mind that the size of the church should determine the scale of the floral arrangements, which will generally mean they need to be large. If you have to use smaller arrangements, you may need to elevate them on a pedestal like the one pictured below to give them more presence.
Pew Decorations
In addition to floral pieces at the front of the church, small arrangements on the individual pews and on the entry doors add color and charm. Ribbons can add a colorful or sophisticated touch to the décor of the church and they can also function as pew decorations instead of flowers. If buying ready made bows is too expensive, beautiful ribbon or tulle can be purchased by the roll from hobby stores or floral suppliers and formed into bows and/or garlands with the help of family and friends. You can find some other ideas for pew decorations here.
Using Flowers
Flowers are a classic when it comes to decorating for weddings, and they can range from simple bouquets of daisies to elaborately constructed arrangements full of exotic flower varieties.
If you have money in your wedding budget to hire professionals for the occasion, your only work may be choosing the kinds of blooms and the styles of the arrangements. Some brides may prefer a less structured look, or elaborate bouquets may be too pricey. This, however, does not mean that beautiful flowers cannot decorate the sanctuary.
A few lucky couples may have access to fresh flowers and greenery from the gardens of friends and families. Big box stores, like Sam’s Club and Costco, sell large cases of fresh flowers ready to be used for decorating. If your wedding date falls close to a holiday, make use of inexpensive potted flowers such as poinsettias at Christmas, lillies at easter or mums in the fall.
Using Candelabras
Candelabras add to the ambiance in a church ceremony as there is nothing quit like a candlelight ceremony. If your church doesn’t allow lighted candles, you can always use the battery operated type. Whether you are using candelabras that belong to the church or rented ones they can be wound with greenery and finished off with a pretty bow to add a pop of color instead of more expensive flowers.
Using Greenery
Lush tropical plants, such as ferns, orchids, and palms, can be bought inexpensively and used later in the couple’s new home, or rented from nurseries or plant services. You might also consider borrowing potted plants such a ferns, ficus trees and peace lily from friends and family members.
Be sure to take advantage of any live plants that are in use at the church as they can serve a both a backdrop for your florals and as fillers to cut down on the cost of arrangements of flowers. Tulle or ribbon bows can be added to live plants and some, such as ficus trees, can be wound with tiny white twinkle lights as well.
No matter what the size of the church or the budget, there is a perfect wedding for every couple. Saving money is “in” these days, and all is it takes to choose and create beautiful church wedding decorations is a little ingenuity and a few helpful friends.