Church Weddings
When you walk down the aisle in your perfect dress on your perfect day, you want the church to look almost as beautiful as you. Church wedding decorations can add beautiful touches to your special day.Before you decide how you want to decorate the church for your wedding, check with church coordinators to find out what decorations, if any, are allowed. Some churches prohibit decorations in certain areas, such as on the pews, while others may welcome decorations as long as you don't use potentially damaging materials like glue, tape, nails or staples. Find out what is allowed, then go from there.
After you find out what kinds of decorations are allowed, there are still considerations to keep in mind. Churches are houses of worship and the sanctity and purity of the atmosphere should not be marred in any way. In fact, church weddings often call for minimal decor. Begin by choosing wedding colors and create a color theme to unify everything -- from the flowers and the bridesmaid dresses to the pew decorations. When you are keeping these things in mind, here's what you can do to add your personal touch.
Pews
Decorate the pews with flowers, bows, tulle or a gossamer fabric. Bows are added at the end of the pews and look great along with flowers. In fact, many people get pew bows that match their floral arrangements. You could also tie balloons to the aisle ends of the pews to create a delightful and dramatic walk down the aisle. Or, place potted plants on the floor at the ends of pew rows to enrich the ceremony with a natural touch. Many nurseries rend out potted plants or trees for wedding ceremonies.You can even decorate pews to fit your theme. For example, if your theme is Western, you could hang a small cowboy hat or boot on the end of each pew. Wrap some tulle around it for an elegant touch. For a beach-themed wedding, tie seashells over tulle on each pew end along the aisle. For an Asian-themed wedding, adorn pew ends with colorful Japanese lanterns or scarves made of Thai silk. Let your imagination run wild!
Flowers
If your wedding is very traditional, you may want to consider using altar or aisle flowers that match your bouquet and color scheme as part of your church wedding decorations. Along with the color scheme, you also need to take into consideration the church itself. Is it big enough for large arrangements? Base the size of your floral arrangements on the size of the venue itself. Too-large floral arrangements can end up looking tacky. Try using flowers to decorate entrances and to accent spaces throughout the church. You can also place flowers at the end of the first few rows of the church to designate family seating. For an exotic touch, decorate the aisle using orchids or lilies. If you prefer a more casual wedding, use simpler, inexpensive garden flowers such as carnations, daisies or tulips.Aisle Runner
An aisle runner will add a touch of elegance to your ceremony and ensures that your dress stays clean on your walk down the aisle! Get one that matches the color scheme to add extra color and enhance the cohesion of the wedding setting. Or get one monogrammed with the bride and groom's initials. Make sure you get one that is non-slip--you don't want to be sliding around as you try to walk down the aisle. For an extra touch of elegance, line the aisle runner with real or silk rose petals and position freestanding candleholders on either side of the aisle. The glow of candlelight will add drama to your walk down the aisle.The Altar
Flowers are the most traditional and common altar decoration. Decorating the altar with baskets of flowers containing the same bouquet as the bridal party is a beautiful way to tie everything together. Orchids and lilies are good flowers to provide striking elegance. Less expensive options include daisies, carnations and tulips. Or, spread rose petals on the altar and altar steps to surround the newlyweds. Grapevines are a great wedding accent for the altar, as are decorative crosses or wreaths.Decorating on the Cheap
If you want to save on decorating costs, try to plan your wedding for a time when the church will already be decorated, particularly around Christmas and Easter. Try integrating the decorated Christmas tree into your ceremony by adding ornaments that fit your color scheme or personalized ornaments featuring the bride and groom (if this is allowed by the church). Ask church staff advice on what decorations enhance the space's beauty. Getting married when the church is already full of flowers and gorgeous decorations can definitely save you a pretty penny.
