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Wedding Ceremony Decorations Buying Guide
Every wedding should have a cohesive theme
A Place of Worship
For a wedding that is held at a place of worship, decorations are often kept fairly simple so as not to take away from the sanctity of the area or distract from strong architectural details like stained glass windows. Some decorations that are common, however, are floral garlands to adorn altars or pews. Pews are also often decorated with large bows that may incorporate variously coloured floral bouquets. Colour choice often depends on the season, although it most common to use pastels, creams and whites, and this theme is also often carried on to windows and doorways.
As for the aisle itself, it may be lined with decorative topiaries or scattered with flower petals to replace the traditional aisle runner. Luminaries, candelabras and floating candles along the aisle also up the ambiance.
| A Place of Worship | |||
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An Outdoor Wedding
Outdoor weddings can offer a bit more space and freedom for ceremony decorations, but again, it's important not to go overboard. If you're having a wedding on the beach or in a park that has a fabulous view, let your guests enjoy the natural beauty by keeping decorations simple and elegant.
The focal point of any wedding, but especially outdoor weddings, is the altar. There are several different options for creating one that is both picturesque and functional, but the most common is an altar arch or arbour. These can be constructed completely from flowers, or may involve fairy lights, tulle or ribbons. And similar to a ceremonial archway is the chuppah, a small canopy present in most Jewish weddings that represents the home that the bride and groom will build together. The chuppah is often put together using fine linens and is tied together with floral garlands or other decorative pieces.
In lieu of some type of archway, altars may also be distinguished by columns or pillars which are often topped with potted flowers and candles. But no matter what route you choose to take, it's important to stay true to the theme of your wedding. If you're at a Caribbean destination, tropical floral garlands would be best. If the wedding gown or dinner jacket has accents of red, why not use roses or other red florals to tie in the altar décor?
At the altar itself, many couples have chosen to light a unity candle which, although originally part of the Catholic tradition, has fast become popular for other denominations and secular weddings as well. A unity candle often comes with two smaller candles that the bride and groom use to light it, and all come as a matching set. Tons of design variations now exist among unity candles, from crystal encrusted wax to monograms and floral adornments.
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An At Home Wedding
If you're holding your wedding at home, it may be exclusively indoors, outdoors or a combination of both. No matter what you decide, some decorations are ideal for the entryway to the ceremony. If you have an entryway table in your home, you may want to stock it with bride and groom photos--professional wedding portraits or fun candids--helpful wedding programmes for your guests, a guest book, and supplies for the ceremony close. You can fill a basket with such supplies, which may include bubbles, rice or special wedding confetti for your guests.
Besides being decorative items, balloons also serve as great markers that help direct guests to an entryway, and they can be let go at the bride and groom's departure for a memorable ceremony close. Decorative vases and centrepieces serve as nice entryway focal points as well.
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Do It Yourself
If you're short on cash but high on creativity, then making some of your own decorations can be a fun way to stay within your wedding budget. Surf ShopWiki or your local craft stores to buy fabrics, fake florals, tulle and ribbons to make your own pew adornments or altar archways. Remember to keep in mind colour schemes and the overall feel of your wedding venue before moving on with the décor, and check to make sure that there are no building codes that could restrict your decorating process. Now man yourself with a hot glue gun and enlist the help of your wedding planner and/or party!
External Links
- Helium.com: Offers tips for making your own wedding arrangements.
- DGreetings.com: Gives readers a range of marriage tips and ideas.