Church Wedding Flower Arrangements: A Guide For Beginners

Flowers are a key part of many couples' wedding days, and a beautiful church dressed in flowers is a dream for many. Whether you're planning a traditional church wedding or having your ceremony elsewhere, there are a few things to consider when choosing your wedding flowers. This article will discuss the most common wedding flowers, where the key areas to place flowers are in a church, and how you can repurpose those flowers at your wedding reception.

Choosing flowers: roses, sweet peas, hydrangeas, delphiniums, pampas, grasses, eucalyptus, dahlias

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, and choosing the right ones for your church wedding is essential to creating the desired atmosphere. If you're after a classic, elegant look, roses, sweet peas, hydrangeas, and delphiniums are a perfect choice. For a more boho, textured feel, pampas, grasses, eucalyptus, and dahlias can be a beautiful option.

Roses are a timeless classic for weddings, with their historical meanings and abundance during the English wedding season. They are also available year-round, making them a reliable option to complement other blooms. Sweet peas, with their soft, feminine appearance, are another excellent choice for a classic, elegant feel. They come in a variety of colours, from the typical pink and peach to less common brown and purple shades.

Hydrangeas, with their large blooms, are perfect for making a statement in church wedding arrangements. They are at their peak before the hot summer months, so your florist may have some tricks to keep them hydrated for a summer wedding. Delphiniums, also known as larkspur, add height to arrangements and are ideal for ceremony aisle flowers or statement arches.

For a boho vibe, pampas grass adds interesting texture, while eucalyptus brings a dusty greenish-purple tone that suits the aesthetic. Dahlias are a versatile choice, with many varieties to choose from, including single-flowered, waterlily-shaped, ball-shaped, and cactus types. They are a cost-effective option, as they have a long growing season, and pair beautifully with roses.

Whether you choose a classic or boho style, these flowers will undoubtedly create stunning arrangements for your church wedding.

Where to place flowers: entrance, aisle, altar

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, and a church wedding is the perfect opportunity to dress the venue in beautiful blooms. Here are some ideas for where to place your flowers at the entrance, aisle, and altar to create a memorable and magical day.

Entrance

Make a statement at the church entrance to welcome your guests and set the tone for the day. Big flower arches, foliage semi-arches, and milk churns are all popular choices. A florist can advise on what will work best for your budget and desired look and feel, but don't be afraid to be bold and make the most of this blank canvas. Fill milk churns with tall statement flowers that tie in with the bridal bouquet, which can also be reused at the reception.

Aisle

Flowers lining the aisle create a magical look and are visible throughout the ceremony. You can go for elaborate arrangements or keep it simple with a single stem tied to alternate pews or chairs. Even small bunches tied with flowing ribbons can look exquisite. If you're having an outdoor ceremony, you can use flowers to create a fresh-from-the-ground look, with arrangements of delphiniums and other blooms and greenery.

Altar

The altar is where you'll spend most of your time, so make these arrangements stand out. Large flower-filled urns, vases of loosely arranged cow parsley, or milk churns filled with foliage are all great options. If you're not using the altar, you can place arrangements on it, or go for a floral arch or draped greenery to frame the space. If budget is a concern, focus on this area and keep the rest minimal, as this is where most photos will be taken.

Re-using flowers: relocate to the wedding reception

Repurposing flowers from the church ceremony to the wedding reception is a great way to save costs and ensure your blooms don't go to waste. Here are some ideas for reusing flowers and creating a cohesive look between the ceremony and reception:

Aisle Flowers

Flowers lining the aisle can easily be moved to decorate the reception space. Consider placing them on the welcome table, guest book table, gift table, cake table, or even the head table. Small bunches tied to chairs with flowing ribbons can also be reused as decorations on the backs of chairs at the sweetheart or head table. If you had a flower arch at the entrance of the church, this could also serve as a beautiful photo booth backdrop at the reception.

Alter Flowers

Alter flowers can be reused as centrepieces at the reception. Place them on the head table, guest book table, memory table, or gift table. They can also be used to decorate the bar area or surround the wedding cake.

Bouquets

The bridal bouquet is often the most exquisite and expensive arrangement, so it deserves to be displayed proudly at the reception. Place the bouquet in a vase with fresh water immediately after the ceremony to keep the flowers fresh. The size of the vase will depend on the length of the stems—a shorter vase for shorter stems and a taller vase for longer stems. Display the bouquet on the welcome table, memory table, guest book table, or escort card table. It can also be placed in the centre of the sweetheart or head table, creating a perfect photo opportunity throughout the reception.

Bridesmaids' bouquets can be reused on the bar or refreshment tables, coffee tables in a lounge area, or grouped around the wedding cake. They can also be spaced along the head table, but be mindful that their size may obstruct guests' views.

Other Tips

When repurposing flowers, consider the timing and logistics of moving the arrangements. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, ensure you have a designated person to transport and rearrange the flowers before the guests arrive. If both events are at the same venue, the rearranging can be done during cocktail hour or while guests are occupied with a greeting line or toast.

Discuss your plans with your florist, as they can provide advice and may be able to assist with the repurposing for an additional labour charge.

By reusing your wedding flowers, you can stretch your floral budget, reduce waste, and create a cohesive and memorable celebration.

Techniques: cutting, stripping leaves, inserting into florist foam

Cutting, stripping leaves, and inserting flowers and leaves into florist foam are essential steps in creating beautiful and sturdy flower arrangements for a church wedding. Here are some techniques to help you achieve that:

Cutting:

When cutting flower stems, it is recommended to cut them at an angle. This makes it easier to pierce the florist foam and also allows the flowers to absorb water more effectively. Cut the stems to varying lengths to create depth and dimension in the arrangement. For example, you can trim the focal flowers to around 5 inches, the first accent flowers to 4 inches, and leave the second accent flowers a bit longer so they stand out.

Stripping Leaves:

Stripping excess leaves from the stems is important for two reasons. Firstly, it gives a cleaner look to the arrangement, and secondly, it helps to reduce the water loss from the foam to the leaves, keeping the flowers fresher for longer.

Inserting into Florist Foam:

Before inserting any flowers or greenery into the foam, it is crucial to soak the foam in water. This provides a water source for the flowers, keeping them hydrated. Once soaked, secure the foam inside your chosen container using floral tape. Start by inserting the greenery at an angle, creating a framework for the shape of the arrangement. Angle some stems downward to cover the base and then work your way up. The greenery forms the foundation of your arrangement and adds texture and colour.

When inserting flowers, start with the focal flowers, placing them evenly around the arrangement. Then, add the accent flowers, trimming them slightly shorter than the focal flowers to create depth. Remember, it is best to avoid removing stems once inserted, as this can create holes in the foam, leading to crumbling and faster drying. Finally, fill in any gaps with filler flowers and greenery to create a full and vibrant display.

With these techniques in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning and long-lasting flower arrangements for a church wedding.

Complementing the church: colour palettes, architectural details, natural looks

When it comes to choosing flowers for a church wedding, there are several factors to consider to complement the venue. The colour palette, architectural details, and natural look are all important aspects to create a cohesive and beautiful setting for the ceremony.

Colour palettes can be chosen to match the season, such as soft pastels for spring, vibrant colours for summer, rich jewel tones for autumn, and crisp whites or deep colours for winter. For example, a summer wedding could feature golden canyon hues like gold, amber, and deep yellow, or a spring wedding could showcase gentle hues of baby blue, powder pink, and mint. The couple's personality and style can also be reflected in the colour palette, creating a unique atmosphere for their special day.

The architectural details of the church can be accentuated with flowers. For instance, large flower arches or statement pieces at the entrance can be a beautiful welcome for guests. Flowers can also be placed along the aisle, creating a magical setting for the bride's entrance. If the couple is on a modest budget, focusing on key areas such as the entrance, aisle, and altar can still have a big impact.

A natural look can be achieved by following the seasons and choosing flowers that are in bloom. For example, roses, sweet peas, hydrangeas, and delphiniums are classic choices, while a more boho vibe might include textures, grasses, pampas, roses, eucalyptus, and dahlias. Using flowers that are in season can also be more cost-effective and ensure the best selection.

The key to complementing the church is to create a cohesive look that considers the season, venue, and couple's style. By choosing the right colour palette, highlighting architectural details, and incorporating natural elements, the wedding flowers will create a stunning and memorable setting for the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions