Ask Abby: Altar Decor
Here is question two, coming from Elizabeth…
Q. I am getting married in September and have NO IDEA what to do for decorations at the altar area of our ceremony. I dont really have a theme yet… kinda rustic chic, I guess… I have a vintage lace tea length dress, and our centerpieces are white hydrangeas in mason jars and small potted herbs that double as favors. We are trying to work within a small budget and are interested in eco-friendly ideas.
Here’s a picture of the inside of the chapel and altar area. We’ll have a table behind us, as well as the mantle that you see in the picture.
Any ideas for Elizabeth? Eco-Chic, while being simple and budget friendly?
A. For some reason, all I can see is baby’s breath. After one of our comments mentioned it, I just totally envision two huge baby’s breath arrangements on either side of the altar (or smaller arrangements lined along the top) with hanging votives from the mantle. Hydrangeas would be incredible too. I also think that pillar candles of varying sizes glowing inside the fireplace would be lovely.
photos by Bastian + Skoog, Handmade Weddings and Fringe
I also REALLY love the tall topiary ideas…very, very chic.
Succulents. all.day.long! you can grow them yourself!
Your chapel is really lovely and plays well to the rustic feel that you are going for. What about purchasing a few rolls of honeysuckle/grapevine? (You can do this directly from a florist or online wholesaler). I think that cast iron single candelabras down the small aisle (with loosely wrapped grapevine and a few blooms tucked in) would be simple, rustic and elegant. Adding a loosely- unraveled roll to create a "rustic garland" over the mantel and perhaps woven into the chandelier would really be amazing... and fill the fireplace with various pillar candles to really up the wow factor.
If you happen to have someone that could place these items for you, I think that it would be a simple yet elegant way to save money and get the look of a floral designer without the hefty overhead. GOOD LUCK!
oooh pretty lights/lanterns hung from those beams would be awesome..like these! you could get somethings similar from Ikea I bet
http://www.rocknrollbride.com/?p=4015
What about continuing the herb and hydrangea theme - tie a single hydrangea with some raffia to every other pew, and potting up some herbs in a couple of the beta oval galvanized containers from Ikea to use on the mantle/table? We're using a TON of galvanized beta planters in our rustic-chic wedding (also on a small floral budget and want to be eco-friendly), and they're a really great quality and look for the price. These would be easy, quick diy-ideas you can execute with no stress on the wedding day, if you aren't using a florist.
If you have someone to move the items, you could transfer the herb pots to your place card table as decor and quickly move the hydrangea into mason jars tied with the raffia on cocktail tables or to spruce up the reception bathrooms. Reusing is definitely eco-friendly!
lovely venue! best of luck in your planning!
beta planters:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=beta
cheap wraphia:
http://www.bagsandbowsonline.com//product/dept2.asp?dept%5Fid=21601&DeptPath%5Fid=2520&DeptPath%5Fid=21601&ClickedSku=no&RequestImageFile=no&HeaderName=Matte+Wraphia%26%23153%3B&target%5Fpage=product%2Fdept2%2Easp&mscssid=3MP1GRR4UB099P1XXX57R1S2NDD5D2MD
Congratulations on your fall wedding.
What a beautiful space and great to hear you want to intergrate some eco-friendly ideas.
To go with the hydrangeas in the mason jars, you could use the really large jars and have the flowers in them. You can ethier put that on pillars or the mantel behind you. You can do two large arrangements or even just line the whole mantel with a bunch right across the front. As for the table you can use a lace clothe, which would look lovely on that wood.
Another idea for the pew is you could use eco-friendly ribbon or even lace so it goes with your vintage chic theme. Put them in bows or even long cascading knots with a garnish of flowers. You could have these in white as well since the wood is dark. These are really inexpensive to make. Go to your local fabric store to buy the ribbon or lace.The mason jars can be picked up every where and always look great with flowers. Very rustic.
If you need more ideas, send me an email & I can pass on some pictures to you.
Thanks
Elizabeth,
Stunning chapel! I would recommend renting two plants or manzanita branches (leaves or not) from a party rental company. You could strong them with lights or hang glass jars (or mini mason jars) from the branches for an added sweet touch. I love the look of empty branches and lights - so rustic and very economical! Here is an example of what I am describing:
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/branch-centerpiece.jpg
I hope this helps!
Kerri Butler
A Touch of Bliss Weddings
I would go to Michaels or your local craft store and buy big vases or rent them out on estilo.com or ask around. Your local florist would probably do it and have huge baskets of baby breaths made (cheap) and you can add little color of ribbons or whatever your symbol is to the vase. Also, large pillars of candles.
I recently saw large potted ferns at a ceremony that looked very beautiful and elegant and fresh. To go along with the rustic theme, you could place them in rusted urns. Another idea would be to place two small potted trees, although I am unsure of what trees would be best. You could weave lights through the branches or hang votive candles from the branches. The chapel is beautiful!
what a beautiful chapel - i think since it's September even some off white potted mums would be beautiful and affordable - or what about some huge clusters of babys breath? subtle but afforadable and the texture would be really nice with the rustic eco theme - you could then use the babys breath to add texture to the bar or gift table or something at the reception. whatever you choose you can't go wrong using the existing space as inspiration and keeping in mind you want to add to in - not cover it up - it's so sweet as it is. Best of luck!
Ribbon!
But its so beautiful already...its really doesnt need much else!
I think that bundles of Wheat tied with colorful ribbon would be beautiful on the pews. You can also have them on or beside the altar. Tall galvanized florists bins with wild flowers can also be used at the alter or at the beginning of the aisle.
how about willow in tall vases at the front of the church... it is rustic, cheap, sustainable... etc.
I have some amazing topiary that were very rustic, chic, romantic, and natural looking--that i am looking to sell...here's a quick peek from our photographer's blog: http://www.lucephotog.com/blog/2009/04/the-damianos-bachelors-gulch-april-4th-2009/
Wow...these are amazing ideas! I love Danielle's especially, sounds like it would be beautiful. Do you ladies have any idea where to buy grapevine on-line? I've been looking but can't find the leafy kind.
Lord girl I know how you feel!! I am having a tough time with this as well.
What a beautiful chapel! You could buy a few blooming hydrangea bushes from a local garden center to place on and around the table up front. Where I live, most of the plants at the garden centers start going on sale in September, so that everything is gone before winter. After you are finished using them for decor, you can plant them in your yard.
A bunch of soy-wax tea lights would look nice on the mantle. You can buy hand made tea lights from etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15414566 and place them in cylinder vases or glass votive cups that you rent from your florist. Make sure to float some of the tea lights in the larger cylinders to create interest with varying heights.
WOW!! What a BEAUTIFUL chapel! I think you can stay very simple and not look plain because you have such a beautiful backdrop. S few hydrangeas would be simple, cheap and nice. The succulents idea could be beautiful. Just don't get caught up in all the details and go over the top. You have a beautiful starting place and it really doesnt need much. Wow again - Congrats!
I think large vases/jars with tall branches would be lovely at the altar and go beautifully with the look of the venue. Candles are another option as well if your venue allows.
My first instinct was to shout, "urns with baby's breath!" I think it would very easily fit the rustic theme. You could always line candles along the mantel, as well... maybe some pillars in mason jars with coffee beans supporting them in bottom?
Your chapel is just gorgeous! It won't need much at all! If going the baby's breath route, have a look at this garland which could be altered to suit your theme... http://www.oncewed.com/index.cfm?postID=544&title=DIY_Bird_and_Flower_Garland
Oh wow! Thanks for all these great ideas.
I love the baby breath! branches and candles.
Oh, and the bird garland I will have to use somewhere. We are using a birds nest as a ring basket and a flower girl basket with birds... and a birdcage on one of our cakes=)
Oh i cant wait to look into all your links. Thanks