Creating A Wedding Altar With Curtains

A wedding altar sets the tone of the ceremony and serves as a backdrop for memorable moments like the first kiss as a married couple. There are endless ways to decorate a wedding altar, from traditional floral arches to more quirky ideas. One option is to use curtains or drapes to create a romantic and elegant setting. For an outdoor wedding, a simple curtained tent draped in white flowers and greenery can make a statement, while for an indoor wedding, floor-to-ceiling drapes in a venue with high-vaulted ceilings can be stunning and dramatic. Fabric choices like organza, chiffon, and tulle add volume and drama, with the ability to create different styles like faux curtains or a backdrop. Whether it's a tropical setup with white curtains and greenery or a rustic arch with neutral-coloured drapes, curtains can be a beautiful way to frame the wedding ceremony.

Choosing the right fabric (organza, chiffon, tulle)

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your wedding altar, organza, chiffon, and tulle are all popular options, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some things to consider when deciding between these three fabrics:

Organza

Organza is a crisp and lightweight sheer fabric, traditionally made from silk but can also be made with polyester or nylon. It has a stiff, transparent appearance and is often used for bridal gowns, formal wear, and decorative elements. One of the benefits of organza is its ability to provide structure and volume to garments. It is also less prone to water or heat damage and is simple to press. However, it has a tendency to wrinkle and snag, so brides may need to be cautious of that.

Chiffon

Chiffon, on the other hand, is known for its soft, flowing drape. It is made from silk, polyester, or nylon fibres and has a slightly rough feel with a subtle sheen. Chiffon is perfect for creating ethereal and romantic looks, making it a popular choice for wedding dresses and evening wear. It is also quite sheer, so it often has a lining. While chiffon is not particularly easy to wrinkle, it can fray easily, so extra care is needed to avoid snags.

Tulle

Tulle is a fine and airy net-like fabric, usually made from silk, nylon, or polyester. It has a stiff texture and is commonly used for bridal veils, tutus, and decorative purposes. Tulle is flexible and drapes nicely while still holding volume and shape. It is considered a lightweight fabric, ideal for warm weather weddings. However, due to its very thin netting construction, tulle can be difficult to work with and is prone to snagging and breaking.

Ultimately, the choice between organza, chiffon, and tulle depends on the desired look and feel of the wedding altar, as well as the level of comfort and durability required. All three fabrics offer a delicate and elegant appearance, but each has unique characteristics that set them apart.

Lighting options (lanterns, string lights, candles, chandeliers)

Lighting Options for a Curtain Wedding Altar

Lanterns

Lanterns are a versatile addition to your wedding altar, whether you're going for a rustic, bohemian, or whimsical theme. For an outdoor wedding, hang lanterns of varying heights from nearby trees or a simple arch. Paper lanterns hung at different heights can add a whimsical and soft glow to a backyard wedding, while jute lanterns can boost the romantic ambiance of an intimate beach wedding.

String Lights

String lights are a popular choice for wedding lighting, as they are versatile, affordable, and can be used to create a starry night effect. Opt for warm yellow or white lights, or choose string lights in your wedding colors. For a unique touch, hang disco balls and string lights to boost the energy of the space. To create a magical forest chapel feel, criss-cross string lights with orbs suspended at different heights, keeping the focus on a botanical installation overhead.

Candles

Nothing screams romance like candles, and they are a great way to add a warm and cozy ambiance to your wedding altar. Use large votive candles to light the aisle or line the steps during your ceremony, and smaller candles for decor on reception tables. For a dreamy backdrop, place large tree stumps at your altar and aisle, holding tapered candles of varying heights. Intersperse candles with greenery or floral arrangements on reception tables to help set the mood.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a go-to choice for a traditional wedding, adding a dazzling sparkle to your celebration. Hang crystal chandeliers from the altar during the ceremony, or from a trellis at an outdoor reception. For a rustic wedding, use chandeliers made from materials like wagon wheels, wrought iron, tree branches, or fake antlers.

Greenery and flowers

Flowers and greenery are a classic way to decorate your wedding altar, creating a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony. You can use real or faux flowers, but real flowers are especially lush and high-end, making them perfect for your special day.

If you're using flowers with greenery, lights, and fabric, consider a subtle floral accent to create an elegant backdrop that doesn't overwhelm the scenery. You can achieve this by accenting the sides of the altar where you tie back fabric curtains, featuring a bouquet in the corner of a square arch, or scattering flowers across a greenery arch.

For a more dramatic look, dedicate an entire section of your arch to flowers. This could be the top of a square arch with hanging greenery, one side of a square or rounded arch for an asymmetrical floral accent, or half of a full circle arch.

For a truly enchanting and magical look, especially for a storybook wedding, consider a full flower arch. You can use a variety of flowers or keep it uniform with the same type of flower. This can be done in a hedge style with flowers layered throughout the greenery, flowers and greenery woven into a trellis arbor, or flowers all along an arch with a fabric curtain detail.

Another whimsical option is to use your wedding arch as a frame to hold strands of flowers. This can be done with floral garlands or simple strands of flowers. You can feature a dense floral curtain or a sparse hanging floral display, and even choose a single flower type in one colour for a minimalist touch.

If you want to make a statement, consider a floral-covered canopy. This is an excellent choice for botanical garden weddings, creating a three-dimensional structure that will make your "I do's" even more magical.

To add a rustic flair, stack crates and lanterns on the floor below your suspended florals or greenery. You can also incorporate candles, which create a serene ambiance indoors and look stunning in photos. Nothing screams romance like candles!

For a unique twist, try hanging flower or greenery arrangements from nearby trees or a simple arch. This adds a pop of colour and a beautiful, natural aesthetic to your indoor venue.

If you're looking for something more traditional, a floral arch can be absolutely stunning and highly personalised to suit your taste and colour scheme. You can go all out with a large floral arch or scatter flowers and greenery in a more minimalist fashion.

For a dreamy wedding altar, add volume to your arbor with tulle, a stiff netting that's typically more sheer than chiffon and organza. Tulle holds its shape better than other fabrics, so you can use it to add volume to any arch shape, especially a rounded arch for a classic combination.

Finally, consider using your flowers and greenery to secure fabric curtains on your arch for a subtle, classic option.

Altar shapes (circle, square, heart-shaped)

The altar is the focal point of your wedding ceremony, so it's important to choose a shape that reflects your theme and personal style. Here are some ideas for circle, square, and heart-shaped altars:

Circle Altar:

A circle-shaped altar is a popular choice for weddings as it symbolizes endless love. You can create a circular altar by using a round arch or hoop decorated with flowers and greenery. This shape is also perfect for a photo opportunity, as it frames the newlyweds beautifully. Consider using a metal hoop with a floral garland or a wooden circle arch for a more rustic look.

Square Altar:

For a modern and minimalist look, a square-shaped altar is a great option. You can achieve this shape by using a simple wooden or metal frame, with or without a fabric drape. Add some flowers or greenery to soften the edges and bring in a touch of nature. A square altar provides a clean and structured backdrop for your ceremony.

Heart-Shaped Altar:

A heart-shaped altar is a unique and bold statement that symbolizes love. You can create this shape by using a heart-shaped arch, which can be made from metal or wood. Decorate it with flowers, such as baby's breath, to add a romantic and whimsical touch. A heart-shaped altar is perfect for couples who want to showcase their love and affection.

When designing your wedding altar, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as the venue and surrounding environment. You can incorporate curtains or drapes to add a soft and romantic touch to any of these altar shapes. Play with different colours, textures, and materials to create an altar that truly reflects your personality and ties in with the rest of your wedding decor.

Whether you choose a circle, square, or heart-shaped altar, don't be afraid to get creative and incorporate elements that are meaningful to you. Your altar will be the backdrop for many cherished memories, so make it something that truly represents your love story.

Using candles

Candles are a beautiful addition to any wedding style, location, and season. They add a romantic and ethereal touch to your special day and can be used in a variety of ways to create a dreamy atmosphere. Here are some ideas for using candles to create a stunning curtain wedding altar:

Candle Types and Displays:

• Mix and match different candle types and styles to create an eclectic and whimsical look. Combine taper candles, pillar candles, tea lights, and votive candles of varying heights and sizes to add visual interest.
• For a rustic wedding altar, use tree stumps of varied heights as candle holders. Top them with pillar candles, and add greenery, flowers, and moss to create a woodland-inspired setting.
• Floating candles with geometric vessels and floating flowers create a magical and unique centerpiece. Consider using flameless candles to avoid wax dripping onto your tabletop.
• Hang tea lights in glass orbs from a greenery-covered arch or curtain backdrop for a whimsical and fairy-like effect.
• For a simple and elegant display, opt for classic taper candles in gold or white candlesticks. Place them on a table or use them to line your wedding aisle.
• Create a romantic and intimate atmosphere by surrounding your wedding altar with dozens of candles. This works especially well if you have a fireplace or vintage mantel as your backdrop.
• For an industrial chic vibe, pair metal candle holders with tapered and pillar candles. This style complements an industrial wedding venue and adds a touch of warmth to the open space.
• If you're looking for a modern and elegant centerpiece, try using tall candelabras with tapered or pillar candles. These can be placed on tables or used to line the pathway to your wedding altar.
• For a unique and natural display, consider using river rocks and smooth glass pillars to hold your candles. This look is perfect for a sweetheart table or a more intimate setting.

Safety Considerations:

• Always prioritize candle safety, especially when using open flames. Keep flammable materials like flowers and greenery away from direct flame.
• Never leave candles unattended, and ensure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lighting and safety.
• Use heat-resistant surfaces for your candles, especially if you're using multiple candles or large displays.
• If your venue has a no-flame policy, opt for battery-operated flameless candles. These can be found in various styles, from tealights to tapers, creating the same romantic ambiance without the risk of open flames.

Frequently asked questions