Standing Sprays and Altar Baskets
Just as the name implies, these are arrangements in tall baskets or set on stands, with large sprays of flowers and color up near the Altar. Their containers differ with their size and construction. Of the five mention Altar Arrangement shapes, only four are really suitable for standing spray design. Fan, cascade, mirror image and cone
shapes. Other designs can be achieved by combining two or more styles.
Basic Containers- Most Altar arrangements are made in a paper mache pots, a container with clear, water resistant material on the bottom inside to help make them leak proof. These containers are white or green, depending on your need. The white are easily sprayed any color to match Wedding Theme. A full range of containers are available at your local Flower Market, but for our use we will high light the most popular.
Each container is designed to hold a specific type of arrangement depending on your needs; medium, large and extra large. When getting into the huge altar arrangements (larger than being mentioned) please consult a floral designer for best results.
Numbered PM 4 through PM 9, they are round, pot like containers suitable for most spray arrangement types. In sizes of 5 inches tall with a 5 inch opening to 11 inches tall with a 12 inch opening. The arrangements they house can be placed in baskets or urns, on pillars, small tables or the floor. As mentioned they can be sprayed any color or wrapped in a Wedding fabric.
PM 103 and PM 300 create a wider, fuller arrangement. Their construction and shape make them an excellent fan shape arrangement container to sit on the floor or altar. When choosing flowers for the Standing sprays your choice of color is important, but more important will be the size and shape of the flowers. Tall, linear flowers such as gladiolus are traditionally used for your basic fan shape piece. However, other flowers like larkspur, snapdragons or hybrid delphinium can give the same effect with a different look. |
Focal flowers are also important. Large showy varieties such as Lilies, Disc Mums or Gerbera Daisies incorporated with various other sizes flowers can give a fuller appearance. Keep in mind that the more floral varieties you use within an arrangement the showier the appearance and higher the costs.
When simplicity is wanted limit yourself to a few floral varieties with a larger variety of greens for accent. Remember that the further away the arrangement is from the pews the more important the size of the flowers become in pictures. Lots of small flowers can create dark spaces with in pictures.
Another choice for standing pieces are green plants. Boston Ferns being the most popular for their showy appearance, but other plants can be used. Be sure to check sizes of containers (baskets, urns, et.) to be used against the pot size that the plant is available in. These plants can be decorated with flowers placed in water tubes and arranged among the plant greens.
Taller plants like a ficus benjamina, schefflera or palms make outstanding additions to the Altar display. Many Brides chose to light these plants with miniature lights.
Blooming plants can also be used. Rose trees, Hydrangea plants along with vine type plants like Jasmine can be found at many nurseries. The pots can be covered in a variety of things other that baskets. Tulle and netting are a favorite, fabric from Bridesmaids dresses or Wedding colors, lace or fabric tablecloths can be draped around the pot . The pots can be sprayed in gold silver or any color to enhance the Wedding Theme. Always use heavy plastic under each potted plant to avoid water damage to rugs or floors.
Baskets, Pillars and Columns come in all shapes, sizes and heights. The basic White Pedestal Basket is 48 inches tall with a 7 1/2 -8 inch opening. Used in pairs, they provide a traditional element to the Altar Area. The size of the arrangement can be confined by the size of the container.
For larger arrangements a Pillar or Column may be needed. The arrangement would sit on the pillar rather than inside, as in the white standing basket. This allows for a larger container for more flowers. Remember that the larger the container the heavier the arrangement will be. Allow for this weight on the column or pillar you are using. Pillars and Columns will differ in height and size depending on style. Check with Ceremony site to see if any of these items will be available for use at Your Wedding use.
Urns are vase-like containers with a footed base or pedestal. Many of these urns can be large enough to replace standing baskets at the altar. Be sure to check with church or Ceremony location for possible use of these type of items.
For larger arrangements a Pillar or Column may be needed. The arrangement would sit on the pillar rather than inside, as in the white standing basket. This allows for a larger container for more flowers. Remember that the larger the container the heavier the arrangement will be. Allow for this weight on the column or pillar you are using. Pillars and Columns will differ in height and size depending on style. Check with Ceremony site to see if any of these items will be available for use at Your Wedding use.
Urns are vase-like containers with a footed base or pedestal. Many of these urns can be large enough to replace standing baskets at the altar. Be sure to check with church or Ceremony location for possible use of these type of items.
Floor Arrangements: These arrangements are similar in design to the Altar Arrangement. Their size is subject to floor space available, height can be 15 to 36 inches. Placed at the base of the altar basket, pillar or candelabra, or arch they help provide a fuller look to the overall display at the Altar. Or can be used as decorations down the aisle. They can be made in the same flowers as the basket pieces or of greens only. You may also use green or blooming plants for the same thing.
Floor Arrangements can also be used in place of tall Altar arrangements. Many churches or Ceremony locations have stairs leading to a stage-like Altar area. These floor arrangements can provide sprays of flowers and color at eye level by being placed on stairs, edge of stage, or along ledge of banister/ kneeling bench. Floor arrangements or potted plants can be reused at Reception. |
Candelabras are among the most versatile of Altar pieces. The Floor Candelabra is a type of candle holder that features several arms or branches. Many of Today's frame designs are based on Renaissance plans, who redesigned candelabras from the Ancient Romans. Their shapes and size can vary considerably. They can be used individually or in groupings of three or more. Hearts, semi-hearts, spirals, fans, plus the traditional 3, 7, and 9 arm candelabras or candle trees. Many of these be found at a local party rental establishments. Some Churches may have their own candelabras for Event use, always check with Church or Ceremony Site for restrictions on usage before incorporating them in to Your Floral display.
Two types define candelabra arm adjustments: fixed and movable. Fixed means the arms stay in their original position, movable means you may re-position the arms to create other designs. This can become a factor when decorating the candelabra. Not all these styles maybe available in Your city or area.
Some rental stores will give you the option to use Votive candles with cups or Taper candles with Chimneys, the glass covering, is the second option. You may choose to dispense with these tall glass coverings but, it is to your advantage to use these as they protect the flame from wind and help the candle to burn more evenly. They are larger than the votive cups thus bring more attention to the candles and the decorations. Use this difference to your advantage within your Wedding Theme.
Decorating the Candelabras can be done in several ways. First is the most simple, by using ribbon Pew Bows and maybe a little tulle.
Second is with a Pew Decoration or Pew Arrangement (see Pew Bows), both can be modified to accommodate all candelabra structures. Ribbons, tulle, cords, braids, even fabrics can be incorporated into these pieces. Trailing ivy and other greens can be used as garlands or swags, dotted with Baby's Breath.
Fresh flowers are the most popular, but silk can be just as eye catching. When choosing flowers not only is color important, but the size of the flowers too. Unlike Standing sprays, the focal flowers play a more important role in the Candelabra Arrangement. Their presence draws the eye to the flowers and helps incorporate the candles into the overall arrangement. Candle color is completely up to you the Bride. Generally you will use white, but colors can enhance the display.
Candelabra Arrangements can make excellent Centerpiece arrangements at the Reception. Keep this in mind when designing them so they do not overpower a Guest Table. Or place them on a table which can accommodate their size. Head Table, Food Tables, or an accent table placement are also recommended.
Candle Suffer / Candle Lighters: A brass pole with retractable wick on one end to light candles and a bell shape cup on the same end to extinguish candles. This piece is a delightful addition to any Ceremony which features candles. It can be used unadorned or decorated with a small garland or Wedding ribbons. Available through rental agencies or possibly your church.
The Candle Lighter is usually a Junior Bridesmaid or young child (male or female), but anyone you choose can be used to light the candles. Incorporated into the Ceremony during seating or before the Bride and her Wedding party enter. Extinguishing the candles may be used as part of the Ceremony or not. Length of Ceremony, time allotted at site, number of candles to be lit may play a role in your decision on use. If you do not use candle lighter pole, a taper candle can be used but pay attention to the dripping wax or a BBQ lighter. If none of these are an option, special arrangements should be made to have candles lit before seating and extinguished after pictures have been taken.
You can use battery operated votive, taper or pillar candles if an open flame is not allowed, in this case have lights lit when Guests arrive.
The Candle Lighter is usually a Junior Bridesmaid or young child (male or female), but anyone you choose can be used to light the candles. Incorporated into the Ceremony during seating or before the Bride and her Wedding party enter. Extinguishing the candles may be used as part of the Ceremony or not. Length of Ceremony, time allotted at site, number of candles to be lit may play a role in your decision on use. If you do not use candle lighter pole, a taper candle can be used but pay attention to the dripping wax or a BBQ lighter. If none of these are an option, special arrangements should be made to have candles lit before seating and extinguished after pictures have been taken.
You can use battery operated votive, taper or pillar candles if an open flame is not allowed, in this case have lights lit when Guests arrive.
Arches and Chuppas
Most people view the Arch in terms of outdoors and in gardens. This traditional view is fine, but Arches are now been brought inside for spectacular effects.
No longer made of just wood or metal, arches can be of candelabras, balloons, twigs, fabric, pillars, books- the list goes on. The Arch can be the entrance to a gazebo, or the opening between two rooms.
Most people view the Arch in terms of outdoors and in gardens. This traditional view is fine, but Arches are now been brought inside for spectacular effects.
No longer made of just wood or metal, arches can be of candelabras, balloons, twigs, fabric, pillars, books- the list goes on. The Arch can be the entrance to a gazebo, or the opening between two rooms.
The size, variety and style of the Arch can influence the decorations used. Itʼs decorate-ability (can it be decorated, should it be decorated). The mechanics of decorating the piece (modes of attaching the floral pieces). And Your own tastes, Wedding Theme and Wedding budget will influence the decorations on the Arch.
When considering decorations on the Arch many of the methods used in Pew Decorations and Pew Arrangements can be utilized. Their sizes enlarged to accommodate the Arch size. Silk flowers and garlands, tulle, green or blooming plants, fabric or ribbons which coordinate with the Wedding Theme. Your choices limited only by imagination. Look to the Internet for inspiration and designs.
When considering decorations on the Arch many of the methods used in Pew Decorations and Pew Arrangements can be utilized. Their sizes enlarged to accommodate the Arch size. Silk flowers and garlands, tulle, green or blooming plants, fabric or ribbons which coordinate with the Wedding Theme. Your choices limited only by imagination. Look to the Internet for inspiration and designs.
Chuppahs are a traditional Jewish arch for the Wedding Ceremony. It is under the Chuppah which the Bride, Groom and Rabbi hold the actual Ceremony. Itʼs decoration can be done along the same lines as an arch. They can be used indoors or outdoors depending on your Ceremony site. Check local rental agencies or your synagogue for availability and decorating restrictions.
A simple to put together Chuppah for a Ceremony and Reception at a restaurant on the water in California. Galvanized containers were filled with decorative rocks to anchor the poles. The Bride got a kit on line with covers for the poles, sewed together the fabric for the canopy with ties to attach to poles. It took two people about forty five minutes to assemble completely. With a Sand Ceremony set up on a skirted, small round table, decorated with a two ribbon wrap, flame less candles and fresh scattered flowers. Create an intimate Wedding setting.
Backdrops, originally used in the theater, can create the setting or background for the standing place of the Bride, Groom and Officiant during the Ceremony. Helping to set the Wedding Theme. The original intent reborn in the new and exciting trend with Backdrops for today's fashion forward Bride and Groom. They can be as lush and elaborate as a wall of fresh flowers to the simplicity of lace ribbons hanging from an arch or hung from a ceiling. Many Wedding Couples are creating their own unique Backdrops themselves. Boats, hoops, umbrellas, wooden doors or panels decorated with flowers and greens. Yards of tulle and lights draped over an arch, hung up by rods or strung from a ceiling to create the backdrop. Macramé has made a resurgence in the Bohemian Wedding theme, either in a whole drape or strings of tied twine in knots and bows. Paper Backdrops are among the newest trend in Weddings. You find long sheets of written paper that start as a backdrop and extend in to becoming the aisle runner. Paper birds, folded in the ancient art of Origami, strung to represent birds in flight. Paper Flowers are a very versatile decorating tool for backdrops. Whole walls can be constructed, partial walls and panels. Strung with ribbon or string to created a hanging wall. These larger than life flowers can be made a simple design and are also being used to create a garden effect throughout the Ceremony You need look no further than the Internet for inspiration and How To projects. |
Kneeling Bench and Chairs for Bride, Groom or Attendants Kneeling bench or benches are usually found in a church setting, but can be rented. They can be made in wood or metal. Their sizes vary with the church or rental agency. (Be sure to check with your church or rental agency for exact dimensions). It is a lovely part of the Ceremony and this part can be heightened by decorations within the Wedding Theme. There are typically two types of benches, one type are set side by side or facing each other for one person each. And a banister style kneeling bench. This longer type also may be used during the Ceremony by the congregation. Garlands of fresh or silk greens and flowers work well, as do ribbons and tulle. Decorations can be similar to Pew Decorations or an echo of the Altar piece. A simple garland of greens or Wedding flowers. |
The Chairs used by the Bride and Groom during the Ceremony can also be incorporated as part of your floral display. As can Bridesmaids and Groomsmen chairs and the chairs of Your Guests. Very useful at outdoor Weddings or where there is a large Altar area. From simple Bows and ribbons in white or Bridal colors tied to the outer legs at seat level to a more elaborate show of flowers and greens tied along the top of the seat backs. Chair sashes are becoming popular for decorations at the Ceremony. Their bright colors give a lot of pop of color with no flowers, but really explode when paired with fresh or silk flowers. Ribbons, lace, tulle, fabrics are all being used to decorate the chairs for the Ceremony. |
Aisle Runners
When arriving at the Ceremony, the first thing Guests will see as they come upon the Event is the Aisle. Here is wonderful place to personalize Your Wedding Event. An Aisle is defined as "a space for walking with rows of seats on both sides or one row of seats and a wall on the other."
For many years the Aisle at the Ceremony has been under decorated with just a few choices besides white for the Aisle Runner. But in Today’s new world of designs the Aisle has been transformed. There are wonderful new choices in fabric content, colors, printing and lighting designs. One has only to take to the Internet to find hundreds of examples.
The white damask aisle runner has been the Wedding standard for generations. Another choice has been a cloth like material with a floral leaf pattern printed on it.
The aisle runner can be placed down in one of several ways;
First, rolled out fully before Guests arrive, centered and tacked down flat. In this case the Groomsmen or Ushers seat Guests from the outer sides of the chairs or pews. The Aisle is blocked from everyone but Bridal Party.
A second choice is to have the aisle runner held at the Altar until the all the Guests have been seated. Then the Best Man unrolls the aisle runner out for the Wedding Party. This can be tricky to walk on as it is not completely flat and attached to the ground or carpet. You must pick your feet up as You walk not scuffle Your feet over the runner. Bridesmaids need to be reminded just be for walking down the aisle, as do the Bride and her Father.
The last option is to wait for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen to arrive at the Altar, then the Best Man unrolls the Aisle runner for the Bride and her Father. This is the traditional style. For the Bride to walk on a unspoiled path to her Groom. Again be aware to pick Your feet up as You walk.
Aisle Runners
When arriving at the Ceremony, the first thing Guests will see as they come upon the Event is the Aisle. Here is wonderful place to personalize Your Wedding Event. An Aisle is defined as "a space for walking with rows of seats on both sides or one row of seats and a wall on the other."
For many years the Aisle at the Ceremony has been under decorated with just a few choices besides white for the Aisle Runner. But in Today’s new world of designs the Aisle has been transformed. There are wonderful new choices in fabric content, colors, printing and lighting designs. One has only to take to the Internet to find hundreds of examples.
The white damask aisle runner has been the Wedding standard for generations. Another choice has been a cloth like material with a floral leaf pattern printed on it.
The aisle runner can be placed down in one of several ways;
First, rolled out fully before Guests arrive, centered and tacked down flat. In this case the Groomsmen or Ushers seat Guests from the outer sides of the chairs or pews. The Aisle is blocked from everyone but Bridal Party.
A second choice is to have the aisle runner held at the Altar until the all the Guests have been seated. Then the Best Man unrolls the aisle runner out for the Wedding Party. This can be tricky to walk on as it is not completely flat and attached to the ground or carpet. You must pick your feet up as You walk not scuffle Your feet over the runner. Bridesmaids need to be reminded just be for walking down the aisle, as do the Bride and her Father.
The last option is to wait for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen to arrive at the Altar, then the Best Man unrolls the Aisle runner for the Bride and her Father. This is the traditional style. For the Bride to walk on a unspoiled path to her Groom. Again be aware to pick Your feet up as You walk.
The Aisle Runner can be found in a variety of colors, patterns and textures to match perfectly with Your Wedding Theme. Linen and burlap are a popular trend. You can have Your names, monogram and Wedding date printed on the runner. Or any message, verse or quote that defines Your Wedding. Find this design style and more via the internet.
One of the new trends in Aisle Runners, for indoor and outdoor, is the use of Vintage carpets. Either use one long single runner or mix and match different sizes, rectangle and round, together to form the walk way. Flower petals can be scattered down sides or across adding to the decoration.
Combining the Aisle Runner and fresh Rose petals is very popular use on the Aisle. Simply scattered over the runner, design a pattern or piled along the sides. Add candles for a romantic afternoon or evening Wedding.
The cloth like fabric material found in Wedding stores is perfect for the DIY Bride to design on. You can design in fresh or silk rose petals, using lazy swirls, paisley pattern, lines or a solid path of petals in Wedding colors or all white. There are many instructional videos and blogs on Doing It Yourself. Find the silk rose petals in large quantities at a floral supply wholesaler in most major cities.
Wooden Aisle runners are a lovely rustic option for Your Wedding Ceremony. Favored by those with Beach Weddings, but they can also draw the attention with in other Wedding themes, indoor or out doors.
Mirror Aisle runners are the hottest trend this season in out laddish wedding decorations. Find these extraordinary runners in gold or silver, a plastic material that rolls out like a traditional runner. Gives the appearance of walking on water and reflects the surrounding decorations. A big wow factor at any Wedding.
Don’t want the trouble of laying the runner down or maybe tripping over it? There are many other ways to decorate the Aisle with out the runner. Beautiful designs in fresh or silk Rose petals and other flowers can enhance or fill the aisle. Start with the simplest designs, just scattered petals about the Aisle. Try a design that uses the scattered Rose petals to define the aisle. Another option is to make a pattern with the Rose petals, like swirls, lines, paisley designs or have the entire Aisle packed with Rose petals
Lights from over head are a growing trend. They can shine any design or pattern to spill over the aisle. There is even a light pattern of flowers that will bloom as the Bride passes through. A beautiful effect for an evening Wedding.
There are so many other decorating options for Your Ceremony Aisle that do not include anything on the Aisle. Lining just the sides, along the line of Guest chairs, accentuates the length of the Aisle. The first choice for this decoration style are the popular Rose petals, but other creative choices are out there. Think of glitter stars, snow flakes, hearts on pics, starfish or large sea shells, wooden branches, candles, signs-there is an endless supply of ideas to be found on the internet and in Your own imagination of Your Wedding Theme.
As a final decoration to the Aisle, and to stop Your Guests from trampling over Your decorated Aisle, install a ribbon or other material like Lace or Tulle across it. Loosely tied to the end Guest chairs. So that it can be easily untied to let Bridal Party pass. Popular today is having a Sign attached to the ribbon with a quote or verse that celebrates Your Wedding Theme