Transforming Church Weddings: An Outdoor Illusion

Churches are beautiful venues for weddings, but they can also be quite traditional and sometimes a little dull. However, there are many ways to make the space your own and create a unique and memorable ceremony. Whether you're working with a quaint chapel or a grand cathedral, the right decorations can transform the space and make it feel like an outdoor wedding. From floral arrangements to creative lighting, here are some ideas to make your church wedding stand out:

- Add an outdoor-style archway at the entrance, adorned with flowers and greenery.

- Use standing displays, such as latticework walls or candleholders, decorated with flowers or fabric.

- Place potted plants or trees inside and outside the church to bring a natural, outdoor feel.

- Hang floral installations or wreaths on the doors or inside the church.

- Decorate the aisle with elegant vines, flowers, and bows in your chosen colour scheme.

- Use an aisle runner to create a clear path for your grand entrance, especially if the church floor is distracting.

- Attach small vases or bows to the ends of the pews, filled with flowers or trailing ivy.

- Fill the space with candles, from classic candelabras to pillar candles, for a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.

- If your church has stunning architecture, keep the decorations simple to let the venue speak for itself.

- Use seasonal flowers and plants to add a gorgeous touch that reflects the time of year.

- Hang a neon sign or string lights to add a modern or rustic touch, depending on your theme.

- Create a cohesive look by using the same flowers or colours throughout the church, from the entrance to the altar.

Decorate the entrance with flowers, candles, and custom signage

Flowers, candles, and custom signage are essential elements to decorate the entrance of your church wedding and create a lasting first impression. Here are some ideas to make your wedding entrance look like an outdoor garden party:

Flowers

Flowers are a versatile and colourful way to decorate your wedding entrance. You can choose to frame the entryway with bold blooms and wispy flowers for a statement entrance, or opt for a rustic entranceway by weaving flowers into curved tree branches that frame the doorway. If you're looking for something more understated, you can tie mini bouquets to the pews or line the aisle with elegant vines of greenery, flowers, and bows.

Candles

Candles add a romantic and whimsical touch to your wedding decor. You can flank the ceremony area with symmetrical candelabras, creating a practical and decorative touch to the altar area. For a budget-friendly option, cluster small handmade arrangements of pastel wildflowers with candles of different sizes for a whimsical and romantic atmosphere.

Custom Signage

Custom signage is an underrated decor feature that adds a personal touch to your wedding. Welcome signs are a great way to guide your guests towards the ceremony and double as beautiful decor for your arrival and exit. You can also incorporate a neon sign with a loving message or a sophisticated acrylic sign with a floral trim. These signs can be customized with your names, wedding date, and a personalized message.

Use wedding signs to add a personal touch

Wedding signs are an excellent way to add a personal touch to your big day. They are one of the first things your guests will see when they arrive and can be used to display important information, such as your reception bar options. Here are some ideas for using wedding signs to create an outdoor-themed church wedding:

• Welcome Sign: Greet your guests with a beautiful welcome sign at the entrance of the church. You can add a personal touch by including your wedding crest, a favourite quote, or even a fun inside joke that represents you as a couple.
• Directional Signs: Create directional signs to guide your guests to the ceremony or reception area. These signs can be simple arrows with "This Way" or "Welcome to Our Wedding" written on them, or you can get creative with outdoor-themed designs, such as a rustic wooden signpost with arrows pointing to different locations.
• Floral Installations: Incorporate flowers or greenery into your signage. For an outdoor-themed wedding, consider using floral wreaths or garlands around your signs, or opt for a flower-shaped sign. You can even create a floral backdrop with a simple sign in the middle, adding a pop of colour and a touch of nature to your decor.
• Personalised Messages: Include personalised messages or quotes on your signs that reflect your interests and personalities. For example, if you love travelling, you could have a sign that says, "The adventure begins" with an arrow pointing towards the ceremony.
• Neon Signs: If you want to add a modern twist to your outdoor-themed wedding, consider using neon signs. You can customise these with your names, a fun phrase, or even a neon light display of your wedding hashtag.
• Rustic Wood Signs: For a more rustic, outdoor feel, opt for wooden signs with carved or painted details. These can include your wedding date, your names, or directional information. Place them on wooden stakes and plant them in flower arrangements or along the aisle for a charming, natural look.
• Seating Chart: A large, decorative seating chart with calligraphed guest names and table assignments can be a beautiful focal point at the entrance of the church. It adds a personal touch and helps your guests find their seats with ease.

Remember to keep your theme and colour palette in mind when designing your wedding signs, and don't be afraid to get creative! These signs will add a unique and memorable touch to your special day.

Line the walkways with flowers, candles, and petals

Flowers, candles, and petals can be used to line the walkways of a church wedding to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Firstly, consider the types of flowers and colours that will be used. White hydrangeas, fluffy white flowers, and greenery such as ivy-like leaves or eucalyptus can be paired together for a classic and elegant look. For a bolder statement, opt for bright colours such as pinks, purples, and hot pinks. Alternatively, a more rustic or autumnal theme can be created with rich reds, oranges, yellows, and soft greenery.

Next, the arrangement of the flowers, candles, and petals can be crucial in creating a cohesive look. For a simple and elegant approach, place single stems or small bouquets of flowers at the end of each pew or scatter petals down the aisle. For a more dramatic effect, create a blanket of flowers or petals across the floor, or hang floral installations from the ceiling. If the church has a staircase, wrap the railings with greenery or flowers for a stunning visual impact.

Additionally, candles can be incorporated to add a romantic and intimate touch to the walkway. Small votive candles or elegant taper candles can be paired with flowers and petals to create a soft and warm ambiance. For a unique twist, try using gold or copper candle stands or lanterns to add a touch of glamour.

Finally, don't forget to consider the entrance and exterior of the church. Line the walkway with elaborate floral arrangements, candles, and petals to create a dreamy first impression. A floral arch or a simple wreath can also be a beautiful way to frame the entrance and greet your guests.

Add an eye-catching archway with flowers and/or fabric

Adding an eye-catching archway to the entrance of your wedding venue is a great way to make a statement and wow your guests. If you're looking to make your church wedding feel more outdoorsy, consider these tips to create a stunning archway with flowers and/or fabric:

Choose the Right Materials

Before you start assembling your archway, it's important to select the right materials. You can find archways made from different types of wood, metal, or even wrought iron. If you're going for a more natural look, consider using birchwood, willow branches, or Italian ruscus. For a beach or tropical-themed wedding, bamboo or natural wood can be a great choice.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are essential elements for creating a stunning archway. You can choose flowers in colours that complement your wedding theme or go with a classic option like white roses or hydrangeas. Consider using a variety of flowers and greenery to add depth and texture to your archway. Eucalyptus, baby's breath, peonies, roses, and olive branches are all popular choices. Don't forget to include some larger blooms and longer branches to add depth and make your archway stand out.

Fabric and Other Decorations

Fabric can be a great way to add softness and romance to your archway. Consider using tulle, silk, or chiffon in colours that complement your wedding palette. You can drape the fabric over the archway or use it to create a backdrop. Ribbons and bows can also add a whimsical touch. For a unique twist, suspend a chandelier from your archway for an opulent and elegant look.

Assembly Tips

When assembling your archway, it's important to start with a sturdy base. You can use flower mud or floral foam to secure your flowers and greenery. Start by covering the base of your archway with greenery, inserting the leaves at a 30- to 45-degree angle to create a natural look. Then, add your flowers, one box at a time, filling in any gaps. Play around with different positions and angles to create a unique and asymmetrical design. Finally, add the longest branches of greenery near the base to finish it off.

Placement and Backdrop

Consider the placement of your archway to make the most of your venue and create a stunning backdrop for photos. If you're getting married in a church, place your archway at the entrance to create a grand entrance. If you have a scenic backdrop, you may want to position your archway to one side so it doesn't obstruct the view. Alternatively, you can place your archway in front of a beautiful door or window to frame the view.

Decorate the church aisle and pews with flowers, candles, and fabric

Flowers, candles, and fabric can be used to decorate the church aisle and pews in a variety of ways to create an outdoor wedding look. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Flowers

Flowers are a timeless and elegant way to decorate your wedding aisle and pews. You can choose from a variety of white flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, daisies, or lilies to create a classic and elegant look. If you want a more rustic or boho feel, baby's breath arrangements are a perfect choice. You can also add personal style by lining the aisle with colourful floral arrangements like wildflowers, roses, or sunflowers to match the wedding party dresses and centrepieces. Don't forget to let your florist know your preferences so they can create arrangements that complement or contrast your wedding bouquet.

Candles

Candles add ambiance and romance to your wedding day. Cluster candles of different heights and sizes along the aisle and pews to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This works for any wedding style, from a casual beach wedding to a rustic celebration in the woods. For safety, consider using flameless, battery-operated candles if you're worried about an open flame.

Fabric

Fabric can be used to create a romantic and elegant backdrop for your wedding aisle and pews. Consider using fabric such as tulle, satin, or lace to create bows or draping. For a traditional wedding, satin and tulle bows are a classic choice, while burlap bows are perfect for a more casual setting. Yards of lace fabric can also be used to create DIY bows that match your bridesmaids' dresses. Fabric can also be used as chair sashes or draped over the chairs for a soft and romantic look.

Frequently asked questions