Outdoor Wedding Aisle Decorations

An outdoor wedding can work in any season.

Getting married outdoors brings a sense of romance combined with natural surroundings. There really isn't a climate or time of the year when one is discouraged from getting married--year-round weddings are popular and well sought after by many couples. From getting married in an outdoor gazebo in December to the tropical beaches of Maui, finding the right wedding aisle decorations will make the whole wedding look come together nicely.

Frozen Candleholders

For cozy winter weddings in cold climates, finding ways to add style to the outdoor wedding aisle can be challenging. Simple and inexpensive candleholders or luminaries from natural elements save time and are kind on the environment. To make the candleholders, use a variety of different sized and shaped plastic containers and milk cartons. Variations in size give a subtle contrast but still give a coordinated look. Take a waterproof container and fill the center with another, smaller waterproof container that is taller than the outer one--weigh down and keep in place with a few rocks. Lightly spray the outside with a clear cooking spray--not butter. Fill the outer empty container halfway up with water--allow to partially freeze in a freezer or outdoors for a few hours. Fill with natural items such as fresh flowers, twigs and bright colored berries. Then fill to the rim with more water. Allow to freeze overnight. Remove the inner container. Make sure the temperature is cold enough that the holders won't melt during the ceremony. Fill with a tealight or small votive. Place at the end of each aisle.

Grapevine

Grapevine is a versatile and flexible piece of natural vine. Gather large bunches and trim to fit for any outdoor wedding aisle decoration. Wet down the vines to make them more pliable and less likely to break or snap. Muslin or cheesecloth can be wrapped throughout the grapevine along with subtle lighting such as clear strings of lights. Grapevine arches can also be created for the altar area as well as for exit areas.

Ribbons and Flowers

For the wedding aisle of an outdoor country wedding, daisies or sunflowers can be made into small wreaths or swags to accent the end seats leading to the aisle. Grapevine or wire can be used as the base. From there, wrap floral wire around each flower and greenery piece, then attach in the form of a round wreath or a flowing swag. Accented with gingham ribbon or coordinated colors--wreaths and swags will give off a fresh country vibe.

Tropical Accents

For those who choose to have their wedding ceremony on the beaches of Hawaii or Fiji, tropical accents take center stage for this outdoor wedding aisle decoration. The beach and the water are the focal point, so all chairs should face the water. Rose petals can be scattered along the sand instead of a carpet to serve as a path down the center aisle. White chairs lined with fabric and tied back with silk fabric sashes add tropical charm. Tiki torches with full-sized bird of paradise flower stems can be anchored along the aisle. Fresh pineapples, coconuts, bananas, awapuhi flowers and dancing fairy orchids can be bunched up at the end of each chair aisle--offering a fresh tropical harvest feel to the wedding area. A heart-shaped altar marked out in tropical flower petals can be a welcoming spot for the couple to exchange their vows.

Pool Bridge

Many couples choose to get married poolside. The pool offers a relaxing ambiance. For the wedding aisle, a makeshift bridge or walkway is typically created for the bride and groom to walk across or to exchange vows on. Rose petals can be scattered across the bridge, if desired. Floating candles can surround the walkway offering a hint of romance. Potted plants can be placed at each end of the walkway as floral focal points. Dendodrium orchids, baby blue stephanotis and white calla lilies are wonderful choices for accent flowers.

Resources

• A Fairy Tale Wedding: Weddings in Hawaii