Ceremony Decor Ideas

We've all seen the archway at the altar with rose petals scattered down the aisle. While it's still a beautiful and classic look, today's trendier brides are looking for something a little more unique. Check out the photos below for some different ceremony decor ideas:

1. Hang lit votives behind and above the ceremony area. Dancing candlelight will create a soft glow as you exchange your vows. This may not be suitable for a church with high ceilings or a beautiful altar, but more appropriate for a drab hotel ballroom or community hall.

2. Combine lighting and floral elements to create an over-the-top archway. This can be scaled-down for smaller rooms, and would even look phenomenal for an outdoor twlight ceremony. This style would be perfect at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Torpedo Factory, the Galleria at Lafayette Square, DAR, or the lawn at River Farm.

3. For a country or vineyard wedding, place some white or colored flat bed sheets over bales of hay! The rustic charm will bring your guests back to their childhood hay ride memories, and is a cheap alternative to renting individual chairs. Use this look at Rose Hill Manor, Veramar Vineyards, Alwyngton Manor, or the Knights of Columbus Barn.

4. Hang brightly colored kissing balls above and behind the altar area. These floral balls create a stunning backdrop and can be reused as funky centerpieces or to decorate the buffet or cake table. Different sizes, colors, and textures add interest. This works particularly well at sites that have character but need a little color. This includes Bristow Manor, The Mount Vernon Inn, Meridian House, Top of the Town, and the Newton White Mansion.

5. For sites with dramatic driveways or any kind of lush greenery, special uplighting will make natural features 'pop.' This helps invite guests into the outdoor spaces of your event and also prevents tripping over branches, rocks, or other hazards. This would work particularly well at Raspberry Plain, the Hendry House, or the Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens.