Decorating a Wedding Altar

Say "I do" with the perfect decorative background

By Suzie Faloon

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Couples go from engaged to married when they stand in front of an altar. The altar area and table will be seen in your wedding photos for years to come, so it needs to be decorated to highlight the day. Decorating a wedding altar takes planning, familiarity with flowers and a tasteful eye for color.

• What You Need to Know
• Choose flowers, candelabras, candles, the unity candle, and vases or baskets that will blend with the decor of the church and your wedding colors. Order arrangements at least three months in advance of your wedding date for a large church altar.

Step 1:

Discuss the altar decorations with the minister of the church. Determine whether the Bible will be open and on display at the center of the altar table, and ask the minister if you can bring a tablecloth for the altar table, if that's your preference.

Step 2:

Order candelabras to go at the back of the altar table or at the sides of the platform or stage area.

Step 3:

Order large floral arrangements of flowers, such as gladiolus, lilies, roses and daisies, to go on either side of the altar table or at the sides of the outer edge of the platform. Topiaries also make a nice addition to the altar vases or baskets.

Step 4:

The unity candle goes at the back or side of the Bible on the altar. Add a low or small floral arrangement towards the back of the altar table. An elegant garland of flowers can be draped in front of the altar table.

Step 5:

Add finishing touches to the altar with ribbon bows on the altar vases and candelabra. Set green fern plants on the floor at the sides of the altar table.

• Tips & Warnings
• Highlight the features of the church, including the cross, stained glass windows or paintings on the wall at the back of the altar by setting floral and candelabras at strategic points on the platform. Step to the back of the church and sit in a pew to view the area from several angles.
• Make sure your altar decorations meet the regulations of the church.
• Altar decorations don't have to consist of flowers. Consider less expensive greenery or candles, if that's more in line with your style or budget.