Garland Decorations
Garlands are the obvious choice for balconies and railings. They can also be used for wreaths, tabletop decorations and sprays. Leaf garlands are available in fall colors, ivies and spring greens. Fir branch garlands can be purchased around the holidays for Christmas or lodge weddings. Decorating these garlands to match your theme or season is really quite easy.First, stretch them out along the floor of a wide hallway or living room, and measure and cut longer strands to fit doorways or alters. Wrap grapevine frames for wreaths or clip sections for sprays. Leave it full length for walls and buffet tables. If you want colored lights for Christmas or white lights for ambiance, lay strands of your chosen color on top of the garland. Add a strand of pearls or colored beading for more wedding pop. Get a friend to hold one end of strands together while you twist the other end, and keep twisting until the lights are nestled in the garland and the pearls or beads look even (don't forget to keep track of your outlet plugs!). Once you have the lights settled where you want them, lay everything back down on the floor. With florists wire, tie in your accessories. Clusters of hickory nuts, red silk roses and imitation fruits will herald your autumn Missouri wedding. White lights, golden cherubs and ivory roses will give your decorations a celestial touch. You can hang wreaths or theme inspired ornaments, such as birdhouses from your wall garlands. String long garland ropes along pews or chair backs to frame the aisle of your venue. One trip through your local craft store will supply you with all the accessories you can imagine. Ask about classes or special order possibilities to create the exact look you want. Check out stores like Michaels in St. Louis or browse their website if you live too far away.
Other Decoration Inspiration
Look for decoration inspiration in your venue. The dark pews of older Missouri chapels look rustic and enduring with lighter-colored pew bows. Newer churches with lighter woodwork become excellent backdrops for darker flowers and richer ribbon colors. Lobbies, balconies and stair railings can be used for garlands and larger flower arrangements. Watch for dark corners which could be lightened with giant sunflowers or gladiola arrangements. Guest book and program tables need smaller arrangements to keep them from landing on the floor. Walk through your venue when it is empty to get a better idea of your options. Walkways, lobbies, and even ceilings can become canvases for the creative type. Check with your venue officials before making your decision regarding silk or real flowers. Many churches require real flowers just on the altar and some will not allow silk arrangements at all.Budget Decorating
If all these options sound like budget busters, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to decorate without breaking the bank. Skip the garland and think about tying a single flower in your dominant wedding color to each spindle of a railing. Adding wheat for a fall wedding, pastel ribbon for a spring wedding, or snow white baby's breath for a winter ceremony will give you seasonal details. You don't need to cover every available inch for a decorated look. Simple arrangements, placed judiciously, can have as much impact as intricate arrangements and dozens of blooms. Check out rental stores such as Party Perfect in Columbia. These types of retailers rent everything from arches to wine buckets. Mirrored tiles can jazz up reception tables and staggered columns add impact and flare to the venue. Ask rental companies for suggestions on how to use the items they offer.Decorating for a wedding is a happy and special time. Make it a family affair and get everyone involved in some pre-wedding laughter. Let your inner crafter come out and have some fun. Don't worry if every bloom isn't perfect or every pew bow isn't a mirror image of the others. Extravagant or simple, select your decorations based on your style as a couple. All decorations are really a backdrop for the main event. Remember, on your wedding day, all eyes will be on you and the groom.
