Draping the Walls of the Church for a Wedding

Draping fabric for a church wedding helps create the perfect romantic setting.

If you are having your wedding ceremony at a church, you can decorate the church by draping fabric at the altar and along the windows of the church. The colors of the fabric can match the flowers and the colors you have chosen for the reception venue. Fabric is relatively inexpensive and can create an elegant, romantic look for the church ceremony.

Things You'll Need

• Draping fabric
• Adhesive putty

Instructions

1. Choose which fabric or fabrics you want to drape at the church. Select a light fabric that drapes well, such as organza, charmeuse, or chiffon. These textured fabrics form beautiful drapes while not being too heavy or dull.

2. Consult with the officials at the church to make sure that you are allowed to drape fabrics for the ceremony; some parishes may not allow you to hang fabrics on the wall or the altar.

3. Drape the fabric or fabrics of your choice on the altar; hang two sides of the fabric on either side of the altar, letting the center drape elegantly. If the fabric slides off the altar, secure the fabric using nickel-sized pieces of adhesive putty.

4. Hang your fabrics along the windows of the church so that it drapes slightly beneath each window sill. The fabric should droop slightly to create a swooping effect. The fabric should just touch the floor rather than puddle to avoid tripping hazards. Tear off a piece of adhesive putty one-half inch by three-quarters inch per every yard you hang. Press the putty onto the wall and press the fabric onto the putty to secure it.

References

• "The Wedding Decorator"; Reader Question: What Materials to Drape With?
• "Wedding Design Studio"; Fabric Draping Gallery