Wedding Ceremony Decorations

Whether you are marrying in a house of worship, on a beach, or in another location, you'll want to decorate the locale to fit your wedding theme  and color scheme. You'll also want it to match the wedding's level of formality and your personal style. Remember that you can keep things as simple as you want or make them as elaborate as you feel fit. Typical decorations are flowers , including pew markers ,garlands , and potted plants . However don't forget that candles ,balloons , and bows  are also popular.

Whatever it is that you choose to decorate with, the key is to keep things themed well. You don't want random decorations clashing with each other. Also, make sure you figure out a budget before you start buying. Knowing ahead of time how much you are willing to spend will keep you within those boundaries. Sometimes small budgets force you to be more creative, so don't think that a great looking wedding means tons of money!

The Entry Walkway

When guests take their first step into the ceremony site, you'll want your decorations to set the mood and make a memorable first impression. Typically, it is good to have some members of the family or close friends awaiting the guests' arrival to greet them. Besides smiling faces, you might also want to decorate the entrance with the following items.

On the Steps or Walkway
Line steps or a walkway with potted trees ,plants , or flowers .	Use clear lights  to wrap around the step banisters for evening weddings.	Use colored  or white balloons  to make the entryway more festive.	Torches  give paths more structure and add depth to evening weddings.	Fresh garlands  are a beautiful and fragrant accessory.

 Entryway Table

The entryway table is where guests can sign their name in some form of a guest book, and pick up information like your wedding program. You can also have your party favors available here.

The Entryway Table
A guest book  and pen are traditional, but you can also use a scroll.	A vase  of fresh flowers  may be set next to the guest book.	Find a good location in which to display the wedding programs .	Display a photo of the bride and groom. A unique option is a picture frame  the guest can sign.	Decorate the table with items that represent the wedding theme.

For the Aisle and Pews or Chairs

Adding these extra details give the ceremony extra color and heighten the formality of the wedding. Make sure that all the items are secured well, especially for outdoor weddings. The decorations should not upstage the bride, nor should they be too big and flamboyant for the space where the wedding is taking place. Also be sure that the decorations don't obstruct people from entering or exiting their seating area.

Choose an ivory or white wedding aisle runner  if desired. Outdoors it is best to use cloth runners.	Attach helium balloons  on string and tie them like arches over the aisle on every three rows.	Swag ribbons  or tulle  down the pews on chair backs and make a pretty bow on the end of the row.	Attach clear lights  to the ceiling at random. Dim the lights and they will look like stars.	Place potted flowers  or potted plants at the end of every three rows if the aisle is wide enough.

The Altar

A house of worship with a beautiful stained glass motif at the altar, a lake, or the ocean make great backdrops. However, don't forget that the bride and groom are the focal point and their attendants will provide plenty to look at. Don't overwhelm the altar. Let your bridal party shine.

Columns  decorated with flowers, potted plants, or topiaries make pretty altar accents.	Arbors  decorated with garlands and/or tulle are perfect for outdoor weddings.	The chuppah  is a traditional decoration in Jewish wedding ceremonies.	A unity candle  is a fairly traditional symbol of joining together. Instead of candles, sometimes sand can be used instead.

The Departure

As the bride and groom run out of the church, they are traditionally showered with rice. These days, while rice remains the traditional choice, the more modern twist has called for a variety of other items for guests to throw.

Bubbles  Bubbles are a beautiful choice with none of the mess!	Rose Petals  For a truly romantic experience, rose petals will end the ceremony perfectly.	Live Butterflies Releasing live butterflies is a wonderful way to symbolize the beauty of life.	Wedding Confetti  Confetti is the "fun couple" choice! A little less romantic and a little more party atmosphere.	Live Doves Releasing a pair of live doves is the ultimate symbol of love and a new life together.

Related Guides

• Vow Renewals
• Ceremony Checklist
• Wedding Color Schemes
• Honeymoons
• Choosing a Wedding Date