How to Decorate the Aisle for an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Usa a runner for your aisle so your shoes don't sink into the grass.

Outdoor weddings can be magical, provided the weather cooperates. Some wedding experts believe no decorations are needed for outdoor weddings. Nature provides the decor, whether through wildflowers or the light of the setting sun. Others recommend the decor complement the natural setting. For example, the flowers along the aisle should match the flowers in the garden. If you choose to decorate the aisle for your outdoor wedding, keep it simple. You don't want to detract too much attention from the bride and groom with complex aisle decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Sand (optional)
• Pebbles (optional)
• Flower petals (optional)
• Runner (optional)
• Balloons (optional)
• Embroidery thread (optional)

Instructions

1. Decorate the aisle with the "keep it simple" principle in mind. Plan a theme which complements the setting for your outdoor wedding. For example, if you were getting married at Stonehenge, you could line your aisle with pebbles. If you were getting married near a lake, you could create a "beach" for your aisle by using sand for the base of the aisle.

2. Identify the appropriate colors to use for your aisle decorations. For example, if the site has gardens with red roses, choose red to complement them. If the site is heavily treed, choose green.

3. Light the aisle for an evening wedding. Lighting provides a sense of mystery. You'll need to weigh the risks of lighting -- tripping over cords, knocking over candles -- against the added beauty. Use electrical spotlights directed up toward the center of the aisle to add dramatic shading. Alternatively, use candles inside Mason jars along each side of the aisle.

4. Sprinkle flower petals along the aisle. This simple aisle decoration is cost-effective, yet beautiful. Choose flowers in the color matching your scheme. If you're using a runner along the ground, make sure the flower petals are not the same color as the runner.

5. Attach balloons inflated with helium to ribbons and anchor them in pots of sand along the aisle. Match the colors of the balloons to your color theme.

6. Decorate your aisle runner in accordance with your theme. For a holiday theme, use a red runner and embroider patterns of cedar boughs in dark green. For a beach theme, embroider seashell patterns on a blue runner.

References

• The Knot; Outdoor Weddings: The Outdoor Wedding Planning Guide; Anja Winikka; 2010
• The Wedding Channel: Flowers and Decor
• YourWedding101.com: Wedding Ceremony Decorations
• Brides: Aisle Say
• The Wedding Channel: The Ins and Outs of Outdoor Weddings