Church Wedding Flower Arrangements: A Step-By-Step Guide

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, and when it comes to church weddings, they play a significant role in enhancing the beauty and serenity of the ceremony. From elegant bouquets to elaborate displays, flowers add a touch of romance, sophistication, and reverence to the sacred setting. When it comes to flower arrangements for church weddings, there are endless possibilities to consider. From classic choices like roses and lilies to more unstructured options like seed pod heads and grasses, the selection of flowers and arrangements can be tailored to the couple's preferences and the season. In this discussion, we will explore various ideas for flower arrangements, including elegant wedding flowers, seasonal choices, and creative displays, to make your church wedding a memorable and enchanting occasion.

Flowers at the church entrance: statement pieces like arches or urns

Flowers at the church entrance make a great first impression and serve as the perfect welcome to your guests. There are many ways to make a statement with flowers at the church entrance, from flower arches to urns and vases. Here are some ideas to consider:

For a truly breathtaking entrance, a large flower arch never fails to impress. An arch can be a beautiful backdrop for photos as guests arrive and when the newlyweds exit the church. You can choose an array of flowers and colours to suit your wedding theme, whether it's a classic rose arch or something more rustic with wildflowers and greenery.

If you prefer something a little less traditional, consider a foliage semi-arch. This can be created using a variety of foliage, such as eucalyptus or ivy, and can be decorated with flowers in your chosen colour palette. Semi-arches provide a beautiful frame for the entrance without fully enclosing it like a traditional arch.

Another option is to use urns or large vases filled with flowers. These can be placed on either side of the entrance to create a symmetrical display. Choose from a range of urn and vase styles, such as classic white, elegant gold, or sleek black, to complement your wedding aesthetic. Fill them with tall, statement flowers that tie in with the bridal bouquet, such as lilies, orchids, or even sunflowers for a bold pop of colour.

If you're looking for something unique, milk churns are a wonderful option. They add a rustic charm to the entrance and can be filled with flowers that reflect your chosen theme. Milk churns are also versatile, as they can be reused at the wedding reception, creating a cohesive look between the ceremony and celebration.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and use a combination of these elements to create a truly personalised statement piece. Whether it's an arch adorned with urns or a collection of varying vase sizes, the church entrance is your canvas to express your creativity and set the tone for your special day.

Aisle flowers: simple or elaborate, they add magic to the ceremony

Flowers lining the aisle are a must-have for me. They look magical and are visible throughout the ceremony. They don't have to be elaborate—even small bunches tied to chairs with flowing ribbons that reach the floor can look exquisite in churches.

If you're going for a simple look, a single rose stem tied to the pew can be just as beautiful as a more complex arrangement. Alternating the pews you decorate will also save you time and money without sacrificing any of the beauty.

For a more elaborate look, you could try a bouquet of flowers at the end of each pew, or even a flower arch for the happy couple to walk through. If you're feeling creative, you could incorporate candles or neon lights to create a unique atmosphere.

If you're working with a florist, they will be able to advise you on what will work best within your budget.

Flowers near the altar: large urns or vases for a statement

Flowers near the altar are a must-have for any church wedding. If you can't decorate anywhere else with flowers, this is the space to dress! You and your guests will be spending most of your time at the front of the church, so make these arrangements your statement pieces.

Large urns or vases filled with flowers are a great way to make a statement and fill the space. If you're working with a larger church, floor urns are a perfect choice as they are more dramatic than table arrangements. You can fill these with long-stemmed, linear flowers such as gladiolus, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies, and snapdragons. These flowers are more affordable than standard calla lilies or garden roses, so they're a great option if you're on a budget.

To create a full and dramatic look, focus on size and volume. Florists recommend using large palm leaves or other greenery as a base for the arrangement. This will give structure to the design and make it look more natural. You can trim the leaves with scissors and insert them into the sides and back of the arrangement, angling them slightly upward to mimic the look of a real palm plant.

Don't forget to consider the colour of the flowers and how they will coordinate with the ambiance of the church and your wedding theme. Bright, colourful blooms will stand out and be noticeable from the back of the church, especially if you choose flowers with larger heads. You can also use fillers like ivy, ferns, baby's breath, and hydrangeas to add height and volume without breaking the bank.

With these tips, you can create stunning flower arrangements near the altar that will wow your guests and look amazing in photos!

Re-using flowers: how to repurpose arrangements at the reception

Repurposing flowers from the church ceremony to the reception is a great way to save money and be more sustainable. However, it's important to plan this in advance with your florist, stylist, or wedding planner. Here are some ideas for reusing flowers from the church wedding to the reception:

Aisle and Pew Ends

Flowers or greenery tied to the ends of pews or chairs can be reused in a variety of ways. They can be transferred to hang on the backs of chairs at the top table, guest tables, or put into bud vases as centrepieces.

Large Arrangements

Large floral arrangements from the ceremony can be reused as centrepieces at the reception. Place them in vases or on tall stands in the middle of guest tables for added impact.

Lanterns and Glass Vases

Lanterns and glass vases with candles and flowers or dried arrangements can be reused as centrepieces at the reception. Place them on wooden slices or trays with tea lights and greenery to create a cosy atmosphere.

Ceremony Backdrop

Floral backdrops, such as arches or flower walls, can be moved behind the top table at the reception or used as a photo backdrop. This way, you can get more use out of these statement pieces.

Floral Pillars

Floral pillars can be used to frame the wedding cake display or decorate a memorial table or guest book station. They will add a beautiful touch to your photos.

Bridal Party Bouquets

The bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' bouquets can be placed in vases and used as decorations on the top table or sweetheart table. This adds extra colour and elegance to the head table.

Welcome Sign

A welcome sign on an easel outside the church can be repurposed as a table plan at the reception. You can also hire a frame with a double-sided design, with a welcome sign on one side and a table plan on the other.

Unity Arrangements

Unity floral arrangements, also known as 'long and low', can be reused as centrepieces on the top table without taking up too much space. Simply remove any candles and enjoy the aesthetic impact of the flowers.

Choosing flowers: the most common types and how to follow the seasons

Choosing flowers for your church wedding is an important part of the planning process. Here is a guide to help you select the right blooms for your special day.

Choosing the Right Flowers

The first step is to consider the seasonality of your wedding. Selecting flowers that are in season will ensure you get blooms at their absolute best. While you can source most varieties all year round, they will be of less quality and more expensive if they are out of season. Working with a local florist can help you choose flowers that are in season in your region and may even save you some money.

If you are set on specific flowers, you may need to plan your wedding around their blooming season. For example, peonies are only in season for two months of the year, while lilacs have a very short window of availability.

Winter Flowers

• Amaryllis
• Hellebore
• Ranunculus
• Anemones
• Lilies
• Muscari
• Paperwhites
• Poinsettias
• Poppies
• Pansies
• Queen Anne's Lace
• Scabiosa
• Snapdragons
• Stock flowers
• Sunflowers
• Sweet pea
• Thistle
• Tweedia
• Veronica
• Viburnum
• Wax flower
• Yarrow

Spring Flowers

• Daffodils
• Tulips
• Roses
• Ranunculus
• Peonies
• Lilac
• Lily of the Valley
• Sweet peas
• Irises
• Forsythia
• Cherry blossoms
• Dogwood blossoms

Summer Flowers

• Garden roses
• Hydrangeas
• Clematis
• Cosmos
• Delphinium
• Foxglove
• Scabiosa
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias
• Dahlias
• Lilies
• Marigolds
• Sweet pea
• Queen Anne's Lace
• Craspedia

Autumn/Fall Flowers

• Dahlias
• Chrysanthemums
• Japanese anemone
• Foliage
• Amaranthus
• Hanging amaranthus
• Asters
• Goldenrod
• Lilies
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Sunflowers

The Most Common Wedding Flowers

While the season will dictate your flower choices to some extent, there are some blooms that are popular for weddings year-round. Here are some of the most common wedding flowers:

• Roses: Beautiful, fragrant, and versatile, roses come in a myriad of hues and can be used in almost every part of a wedding.
• Ranunculus: Beloved for their lush, open petal structure, ranunculus come in a range of colours, including burgundy, peach, pink, red, white, and yellow.
• Peonies: Voluminous and pillowy, peonies have a limited growing season but are a popular choice for bridal bouquets and low reception centerpieces.
• Hydrangeas: Full and pillowy, hydrangeas are often used in bridal bouquets, but they also come in blue and green, making them perfect for flower installations like arches and flower walls.
• Dahlias: With their lush petal structure and variety of colours, dahlias are a popular choice for any wedding style.
• Calla lilies: Known for their trumpet-like shape, calla lilies are an iconic option for glamorous couples and work well in bouquets.
• Gardenias: These flowers are a great choice for personal arrangements like boutonnieres and corsages due to their divine scent.
• Orchids: With many varieties to choose from, orchids are a beautiful and eye-catching addition to bouquets and arrangements.
• Protea: A fun and dramatic flower that has gained popularity in recent years, protea is a good choice for bold, warm-coloured palettes.
• Lilac: Similar to hydrangeas, lilac adds height and structure to flower arrangements and has a lovely fragrance.

Classic vs Boho

If you are going for a classic feel, consider roses, sweet peas, hydrangeas, and delphiniums. For a boho vibe, textures, grasses, pampas, roses, eucalyptus, and dahlias could be your go-to blooms.

Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to choosing your wedding flowers. However, following the seasons will ensure you get the best flowers in terms of look and price.

Frequently asked questions