Creating A Beautiful Wedding Space In Your Church

Decorating a church for a wedding is a fun and creative way to make the day feel extra special. Whether you're working with a small or large budget, there are endless options to make the church look beautiful. Before you start, it's important to meet with the church coordinator to understand any rules and regulations they may have in place and to ask for inspiration from previous weddings. It's also a good idea to meet with your wedding planner and/or decorator at the church to discuss ideas and how they fit with your wedding colours or theme.

If you're looking to make a big impact, focus your decor on the aisle. You can dress up the church pews with bows, flower arrangements, candles, flower petals, and lanterns. Adding an aisle runner will also help to create a grand entrance. You can make this from fabric, flower petals, or mirrored flooring.

If you're looking to keep things simple, you can add subtle floral arrangements to the altar and windowsills, and line the aisle with candles or lanterns. You can also tie mini bouquets to the pews, or add single strands of garland.

For a unique touch, try adding an archway at the entrance, or hang floral installations and wreaths on the doors.

Remember, the most important thing is that the decorations reflect your taste, personality, and budget.

Entrance: Add an archway, floral arrangements, candles, or custom signage to create a dreamy portal

The entrance to your wedding venue is the first impression your guests will have of your big day, so it's worth putting some thought into how to make it look special. Here are some ideas to create a dreamy portal for your church wedding:

Archway

A floral archway is a beautiful way to frame the entrance to your wedding venue and can be tailored to suit your wedding theme and colour palette. You can use fresh flowers, dried flowers, or even artificial flowers for a budget-friendly option. If you're handy, you could even make your own archway using a combination of flowers and greenery. For a cohesive look, you could also incorporate an archway inside the church, perhaps at the altar or framing a special feature.

Floral Arrangements

Flowers are a classic choice for wedding decor and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the entrance of your church venue. You could opt for a simple floral garland draped across the church door or go for a more dramatic look with cascading floral installations. If you're looking for something in between, try adding bold blooms and wispy flowers to the doorway or creating a floral backdrop.

Candles

Candles create a warm and romantic atmosphere and can be used to line the entrance or create a secret garden-like pathway leading up to the church door. For a modern twist, you could use sleek glass-encased pillar candles or LED candles if open flames are not permitted.

Custom Signage

A welcome sign adorned with flowers is a lovely way to greet your guests and can be customised to match your wedding theme. You could also use signage to direct guests or display information such as your reception bar options.

Other Ideas

• Potted plants and flowers can be used to line the entrance or flank the doorway.
• Wreaths made from flowers or eucalyptus can be hung on the church doors.
• Lanterns, either ornate or rustic, can be used to line the aisle or entrance for a unique and charming addition.
• For a simple yet effective touch, drape greenery or garlands along the entrance or around the doorway.
• If you're getting married in a historic church, consider a wall of greenery to enhance the décor while still showcasing the building's historical details.
• For a tropical or beachside wedding, introduce giant palm leaves to accent the entrance and bring the outside in.
• For a whimsical touch, add colourful trees or draped flowers to the entrance area.
• For a cohesive look, repurpose your entrance decor by transporting and rearranging it at the reception venue.

Aisle: Dress up the church pews with bows, flower arrangements, or lanterns

Bows, flower arrangements, and lanterns are all great options for dressing up church pews for a wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Bows

Bows are a timeless and traditional way to decorate your wedding pews. You can choose different types of bows, such as satin, tulle, or burlap, depending on the style and theme of your wedding. For a more elegant look, go for satin or tulle bows, while burlap bows will give a more casual feel. You can also DIY your bows using lace fabric to match your bridesmaids' dresses. These bows are easy to put up and take down, making them a convenient choice.

Flower Arrangements

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding decorations and can add a touch of elegance and romance to your ceremony. You can choose fresh or artificial flowers, depending on your preference and budget. White flowers, such as roses, hydrangeas, daisies, or lilies, are classic choices that complement many wedding themes. For a rustic or boho vibe, consider baby's breath arrangements, while wildflowers or sunflowers are perfect for a rustic or country-style wedding. If you want to add a pop of colour, choose floral arrangements that match your wedding colour palette.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a versatile option that can be used to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. You can find lanterns in various sizes, shapes, and finishes to suit your wedding style. For a uniform look, place small lanterns of the same size and colour down the aisle, or mix and match different lanterns for a more eclectic feel. After the ceremony, you can repurpose the lanterns and use them as decorations at your reception or on various wedding tables.

Floor: Use an aisle runner or rugs to make a statement

The floor of your wedding venue is often overlooked, but it needn't be. A statement floor can transform a space and make your ceremony even more memorable. If you're getting married in a church, consider these ideas to make a stylish statement and wow your guests.

A traditional way to decorate the floor of your wedding venue is with an aisle runner. Aisle runners can be made from fabric, flower petals, or durable mirrored flooring. They can also be made from rugs that match your wedding theme and colour palette. An aisle runner will create a clear path for the happy couple and their wedding party to walk down and will ensure that the focus is on them.

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional aisle runner, you could try using rugs. Rugs can add colour and pattern to your wedding venue and help to define the space. They can also be a great way to cover up any unsightly floors. If you're using rugs, make sure they are secure and won't cause a trip hazard.

Another way to decorate the floor of your wedding venue is with petals. Scattering petals down the aisle can add a pop of colour and create a romantic atmosphere. You could also use petals to create a design or pattern on the floor, such as a monogram or a heart.

If you're looking for a more unique way to decorate the floor of your wedding venue, consider using light projections. Light projections can be used to create patterns and designs that will dazzle your guests. They can also be used to create a custom monogram or logo for the happy couple.

Finally, don't forget about the space outside your wedding venue. You can decorate the floor of the entryway or steps leading up to the church with items like rose petals, elaborate floral arrangements, or candles. This will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests as they arrive.

Altar: Enhance the sacred space with subtle floral arrangements and candlelit mood lighting

Enhancing the sacred space of the altar is a vital part of decorating for a church wedding. Here are some ideas to create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere with subtle floral arrangements and candlelit mood lighting:

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery can add a touch of elegance and romance to the altar. Consider using subtle and delicate floral arrangements with soft colours such as white, cream, and blush pink. You can also incorporate potted plants or ferns to bring a natural and fresh look to the space. If you want to make a statement, opt for large and dramatic floral arrangements with bright colours.

Candles

Candles are a great way to create a romantic and sacred ambiance. You can use real candles or LED candles for safety purposes. Place candles of varying heights and sizes around the altar, ensuring they are securely arranged. Candlesticks with ornate designs or simple glass-encased pillar candles can add a touch of elegance or modernity, respectively.

Lighting

To enhance the mood lighting, consider using soft, flickering lights or fairy lights. You can also use spotlights to highlight certain features, such as a beautiful archway. If you're feeling whimsical, add neon cross lighting to create a unique and modern atmosphere.

Backdrops and Arches

A beautiful backdrop or arch can transform the altar space. You can use tulle or ivy garlands draped across the altar railing to create a soft and romantic look. Alternatively, choose a backdrop that reflects your cultural or aesthetic values, such as a simple white drape or a more ornate design with meaningful symbols.

Accessories

To complete the look, add some subtle accessories to the altar. This could include small, decorative pillars or columns, a unity candle on a small table, or large sculptures such as hearts or crosses. Ensure that any accessories complement the overall style and colour scheme of your wedding.

Remember to always check with the religious leader or church authorities about any restrictions or guidelines for decorating the altar. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and memorable altar space for your wedding ceremony.

Chairs: Decorate the couple's chairs with white fabric, chair covers, florals, or signage

There are many ways to decorate the couple's chairs and make them stand out. Here are some ideas to achieve a beautiful and elegant look:

Chair Covers

Chair covers are an excellent way to transform the venue and create a cohesive look, especially when complemented by chair sashes in colours that match the wedding theme. For a more luxurious feel, consider satin or polyester chair covers, or opt for stain-resistant and wrinkle-resistant spandex covers for a more practical approach. Self-tie universal chair covers are ideal for mismatched sets of chairs.

Florals

Add a romantic and elegant touch to the couple's chairs with floral arrangements. Consider the wedding colour scheme and opt for flowers that match or complement it. Drape garlands of flowers and greenery over the chair backs, or place large floral arrangements behind the chairs for a garden-fresh feel. For a more subtle approach, add a spray of blooms to the chair legs.

Signage

Signage is a fun and whimsical way to decorate the couple's chairs. From "Bride" and "Groom" signs to personalised messages, there are endless options. Acrylic or wooden signs can be customised with the couple's names, initials, or new prefixes. For a rustic look, consider cardstock chair signage, or opt for elegant acrylic signage for a modern twist. Signs can also be used as photo props, creating unique and memorable wedding photos.

Fabric

Decorating the couple's chairs with fabric, such as draped garlands, ribbons, or sashes, adds a luxurious and elegant touch to the wedding decor. Consider using fabric that complements the wedding colour scheme or the couple's favourite fabric. For a winter wedding, embroidered tartan blankets can be used as chair decor, providing a cosy and memorable experience for the couple and guests.

Frequently asked questions