How to Make a Petal Border for an Aisle
When planning your wedding decorations, consider creating petal borders on either side of the bridal walkway. Most churches have strict rules pertaining to decorating but other wedding venues generally have looser guidelines. Most often, rose petals are scattered along the aisle; however, if you don't fancy roses, consider using dramatic lily, fragrant hydrangea, or other types of petals. Just make sure to estimate the amount of petals you'll need ahead of time so that you'll have enough to create the look you want to achieve.
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Instructions
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Visit the wedding venue to measure the length of the aisle. The petals will flank both sides of the aisle in a small border. The length of the aisle will be one of the factors in determining how many petals you'll need.
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Determine the amount of petals you want in the borders. There is no correct amount, since the number will vary based on whether you want a scattered look, a dense concentration of petals, or something in between. Typically, a scattered line will require 1 cup of petals for per square foot of border while a dense concentration will require 8 cups of petals per square foot of border.
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Scatter the petals along the edges of the aisle. The petals will sit along the chair line or pew line or up to 5 inches inward, depending on the width of the aisle. Consider not only the aisle width but also the style of your dress when deciding on where to place the petals; if your wedding dress has a train, for example, you do not want it to drag petals up the aisle.
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Work on one side of the aisle at a time, starting from the last row of chairs or pews and working your way to the front of the venue. You may first want to create a thin scattering of petals -- to see how it looks -- then go back over the line to add more petals, if desired; it’s much easier to add more petals than to pick up ones you’ve already placed. Stop at the front row of chairs or pews. You do not want to line the aisle all the way up to the altar, since the bridesmaids and groomsmen will disarrange the petals as they walk over them to take their positions at the altar.
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Repeat the process on the other side of the aisle. Use any leftover petals to fill in sparse areas or to sprinkle elsewhere.
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Tips & Warnings
Your florist can help you determine the amount of petals you'll need, based on the size of the petals you choose and how scattered or dense you want the concentration to be.
Scatter real flower petals no sooner than the night before the wedding, since they will wilt quickly.
Real petals will wilt especially quickly in hot and humid weather. Silk or freeze-dried petals work best for outdoor summer weddings.
Before buying petals, make sure that they're acceptable at your wedding venue.
Real petals may stain a wedding gown train.
References
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