Creating A Floral Wedding Altar: A Guide To Arrangements

Wedding altar floral arrangements are a beautiful way to enhance the wedding ceremony, which is the most important and most photographed part of the big day. From flower-filled arches to floral-covered chuppahs, the options are endless. Couples can choose to use fresh flowers or artificial flowers for their arrangements. Fresh flowers can be purchased from local florists or online, while artificial flowers can be found at craft stores or online. When designing a floral arrangement, it is important to consider the overall wedding design, colour palette, and theme. The size and shape of the arrangement should also be taken into account, as well as whether it will be free-standing or attached to an arch, chuppah, or other structure.

Choosing between real and artificial flowers

Flowers are an iconic part of any wedding, and choosing between real and artificial flowers for your wedding altar arrangements is a big decision. There are several factors to consider when making your choice, and each option has its own set of pros and cons.

Real flowers have a more natural and elegant look, and they are often more fragrant, adding a pleasant scent to your wedding ceremony and reception. They can be sourced to match any colour scheme or theme, and their delicate scent is usually lighter than that of silk flowers. However, real flowers tend to be more expensive and may not last as long as artificial flowers. They require more care and can be more susceptible to damage, especially when used in outdoor settings.

Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are a more budget-friendly option and can be reused for other events or even given as gifts. They are also easier to care for and are less likely to cause allergies. You can find artificial flowers in a wide range of colours and styles, and they can be customised to match your wedding theme. They are more durable than real flowers and can withstand weather conditions like wind and light rain. Additionally, artificial flowers can be purchased or rented in bulk, which can help spread out wedding costs and make payments more manageable.

While artificial flowers have become more realistic in their appearance, some people may still find them less aesthetically pleasing than real flowers. It's important to consider your personal preference and budget when making your decision. If you're crafty and looking to save money, you could even try making your own artificial flower arrangements, but keep in mind that high-quality artificial flowers can be costly.

Ultimately, the choice between real and artificial flowers for your wedding altar arrangements depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both options can enhance the beauty of your wedding, and by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your special day.

Selecting a colour palette

Start with your wedding theme: If you have a specific wedding theme, such as rustic, boho, tropical, or elegant, choose a colour palette that complements it. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, opt for earthy tones like burgundy, orange, and green. For a tropical wedding, consider bright colours like pink, yellow, or turquoise.

Consider the venue: Take into account the colours and style of your wedding venue. If you're getting married outdoors, incorporate natural elements like green foliage and white flowers. For an indoor wedding, you can choose colours that either complement or contrast the venue's colour scheme.

Choose your accent colours: Decide on two or three main colours that will be prominent in your floral arrangements. These colours can be used in varying shades and tones to create depth and visual interest. For example, if you choose a navy and blush pink colour palette, you can include flowers in various shades of blue and pink.

Add neutral tones: Neutral colours like white, ivory, beige, and greenery can help to soften and balance your colour palette. They provide a classic and elegant backdrop that allows your accent colours to pop.

Think about the season: Draw inspiration from the season of your wedding. For a spring wedding, soft pastel colours like peach, mint green, and yellow can be a lovely choice. Summer weddings can embrace bright and vibrant colours, while autumn weddings typically feature richer, warmer tones. Winter weddings often incorporate cool tones like blue, silver, and purple.

Personalise your palette: Make your colour palette unique to you and your partner. If you have a favourite colour or a shade that holds a special meaning, be sure to include it. You can also add personal touches by incorporating your wedding colours into other aspects of your decor, such as the bridesmaid dresses, table settings, or cake design.

By carefully selecting a colour palette and choosing artificial flowers in complementing shades, you can create wedding altar floral arrangements that are not only beautiful but also reflective of your style and theme.

Picking a structure

The structure of your wedding altar is the backbone of your floral arrangement. It will determine the overall look and feel of your wedding ceremony, so it's important to choose something that reflects your style and personality. Here are some ideas to consider:

Traditional Structures

If you're looking for a classic and elegant look, traditional structures like arches and chuppahs are a popular choice. These can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or even bamboo, and can be decorated with flowers, greenery, or fabric.

Natural Elements

Bringing natural elements into your wedding altar can create a rustic and organic feel. Consider using trees, branches, or pampas grass as a backdrop or frame for your ceremony. This can be especially effective if you're having an outdoor wedding.

Circular Installations

A circular installation represents eternity and can be a beautiful way to symbolise your endless love. You can use flowers, greenery, or even a simple brass ring as the focal point of your ceremony.

Suspended Structures

For something unique and eye-catching, consider a suspended structure. Hanging installations can be made from greenery, flowers, or even ribbons, and can be paired with floor decorations to create a cohesive look.

Vintage Vibes

If you love vintage style, an antique folding screen decorated with flowers can be a beautiful and elegant backdrop for your vows. It can also be easily moved to incorporate into your reception later.

Macramé

Macramé is a popular choice for boho-style weddings and can be used to create a unique and handcrafted look. You can incorporate macramé into your altar by hanging it as a backdrop, using it to decorate a wooden structure, or even making it the focal point of your ceremony.

DIY vs. pre-made arrangements

Wedding altar floral arrangements can be a beautiful addition to your special day, but they can also be expensive and time-consuming to create. So, should you DIY or buy pre-made arrangements? Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you decide.

DIY Wedding Altar Floral Arrangements

If you're crafty and enjoy a challenge, DIY-ing your wedding altar floral arrangements can be a fun and rewarding project. It allows you to have complete control over the design and can be more economical, especially if you follow these tips:

• Opt for affordable, linear flowers with long stems such as gladiolus, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, carnations, and lilies.
• Use greenery to fill out the arrangement and reduce the number of flowers needed.
• Buy flowers in bulk or from a wholesale supplier to save money.
• Recruit friends or family members to help with the assembly.
• Start planning and testing out designs well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

However, DIY-ing your wedding altar floral arrangements can also be a lot of work and may end up costing more than expected, especially if you don't have a lot of experience working with flowers. Additionally, fresh flowers will need to be assembled close to the wedding day, adding to your pre-wedding to-do list.

Pre-Made Wedding Altar Floral Arrangements

If you're short on time or would rather leave the flower arranging to the professionals, pre-made arrangements are a great option. You can choose from a variety of designs and have them delivered ready to display. Here are some other benefits of pre-made arrangements:

• They can be more cost-effective, especially if you rent or buy second-hand from sites like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.
• You don't have to worry about flowers wilting or arrangements not turning out as planned.
• Pre-made arrangements can often be reused or repurposed for other events or home decor.
• You can find a variety of designs and styles to match your wedding theme and colour palette.

However, pre-made arrangements may not be as unique or personalised as DIY arrangements. Additionally, if you're particular about the types of flowers used, you may have a harder time finding an arrangement that meets your exact specifications.

Ultimately, the decision to DIY or buy pre-made wedding altar floral arrangements depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Whichever option you choose, it's important to plan ahead and consider all the factors involved to ensure your wedding day vision comes to life.

Transporting and reusing arrangements

Transporting floral arrangements can be a complicated task, but with careful pre-planning, it can be simple. Here are some tips for transporting your wedding altar floral arrangements:

By Vehicle

The most common and flexible method of transportation is by car or van. This option gives you complete control of the environment and handling of the flowers. To transport flowers in a vehicle, you can:

• Wrap and secure organic flower stems in damp paper towels (skip this step for faux flowers) and place them in a sturdy, well-labeled box.
• Anchor the bouquet with rolled-up towels to prevent movement.
• Place each arrangement in a cardboard box, filling any gaps with tissue paper or bubble wrap.
• Secure the vase or container to the bottom of the box with tape or adhesive putty.
• For wrethes, lay them flat in shallow boxes with tissue paper to prevent shifting and cover with a layer of bubble wrap for protection.
• For garlands, gently roll and pack them in long, narrow boxes, using tissue paper for cushioning and securing the ends to prevent unraveling.

By Plane

If you're travelling to a destination wedding, transporting flowers by plane will require significant pre-planning. It's best to use faux flowers when transporting by air, as they are more lightweight and durable. Here are some tips:

• Place the floral arrangements in a carry-on bag, considering the added weight when calculating the overall bag size.
• Use tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect the arrangements.
• Check with your airline about any regulations for carrying floral arrangements.

By Mail

Mailing flowers is a convenient option for long distances, especially if using faux flowers. Mailing organic flowers is not recommended. When mailing flowers, here are some steps to follow:

• Choose a sturdy box that is the right size for your arrangement.
• Secure the arrangement to the bottom of the box with tape or gentle adhesive.
• Fill any empty spaces with cushioning material like bubble wrap to prevent movement during transit.
• Clearly label the package with 'Fragile' and 'This Side Up'.

Reusing Arrangements

Reusing floral arrangements is not only cost-efficient but also sustainable. Here are some ways to repurpose your wedding altar flowers:

• Use the altar as a photo backdrop during the reception.
• Repurpose aisle decor for cocktail tables, in front of the sweetheart table, or at entrances and around the cake table.
• Place bridesmaid bouquets in vases at the bar, dessert table, or throughout the head table centerpieces.
• Move tall centerpieces from the aisle decor to reception pedestals or tables.
• Disassemble large pieces into smaller decor, such as table runners or stage decor.
• Repurpose the flowers for an after-wedding brunch.
• Give the floral arrangements to your guests as they leave.
• Donate the flowers to a non-profit, which can deliver them to a hospice or nursing home.
• Turn the flowers into a dried or silk bouquet to keep as a centerpiece in your home.
• Reuse artificial flowers for special occasions or as home decor.

Frequently asked questions