How to Decorate Bench Seats for a Wedding Ceremony

Use tulle in different colors for a variegated look.

Whether you are decorating church pews or another type of bench seat for a wedding, it's best to decorate the side of the bench that is facing the isle the bride will be walking down. This side is most visible in the venue, and is best suited for decorating. It is also the side that will be visible in pictures of the bride when she takes those steps toward her groom, and serves as a lovely backdrop. With little effort you can make stunning tulle bows with a spray of flowers in the middle to hang from the side of each bench seat.

Things You'll Need

• Spool of 6-inch-wide tulle
• Sharp scissors
• Mini deco oasis foam
• Silk flowers to match the wedding
• Silk greenery

Instructions

1. Cut three 12-inch-long lengths of tulle with a pair of sharp scissors. Dull scissors can rip or pull the tulle.

2. Tie the three lengths of tulle together 2 inches from one end and lay the three strands on a flat work surface. Braid the tulle by bringing the left strand over the middle strand, bringing the right strand over the middle strand and continuing in this manner until you have braided 5 inches of tulle. Tie a knot to keep the braid from unraveling.

3. Tie the loose tulle at each end of the braid together to form a circle.

4. Cut a 24-inch length of tulle from the spool. Secure this to any spot on the loop by folding it in half, slipping the fold behind the braided loop and putting the ends through the loop. Pull the ends to secure the tulle and you will have two 12-inch long lengths of tulle for the tail of the ribbon. Repeat this nine more times, so the bottom of the ring is covered with lengths of tulle.

5. Cut 10 12-inch-long lengths of tulle, and attach them to the top part of the braided ring. Position the tulle pieces so they are facing outward, like sun rays. Cut each one on an angle so they are all a uniform size.

6. Attach a 24-inch piece on both sides of the ring to use to tie onto the benches.

7. Tie a length of tulle to each side of the mini deco oasis foam, securing them to the small tabs that are on each side for this purpose. Slip the foam into the middle of the tulle ring and tie it to the ring with the two pieces of tulle. Pull about four pieces of tulle toward you so they are sticking out straight to help cover the oasis.

8. Push six silk floral stems into the oasis, using flowers that match the bride's or bridesmaids' bouquets. Push three facing upward toward the ceiling and three facing downward. Push greenery into each side of the flowers, and at the top of the flowers and the bottom.

9. Tie the tulle bow onto the side of the benches if there is a place that extends at the top where you can tie it. If not, use a wreath hook to hook over the side of the bench to hang the bow from.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the other end of the bench, if you desire a uniform look, or more decorations in the wedding.

• Attach a pin to the tulle and hang them from hangers in an area where they won't be crushed before the wedding day.

• Avoid decorating the top of the bench, since it may interfere with guests' comfort.