How to Decorate an Altar for a Wedding

All eyes will be on the bride and groom as they exchange vows in front of the altar, which will also be featured in many wedding photos. To create beautiful decorations for the wedding altar, all you need are a couple of fresh ideas.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers Candles Ribbon Photos Flower petals Garland Personal keepsakes

Instructions

1. Discuss decorating ideas with the venue officiates. This is especially important if the wedding is in a church or other religious building. Make sure that you have permission to decorate the altar, and find out exactly what is allowed.

2. Compliment the bride's look with the altar decorations. Add decorations that match the wedding colors and the bride's flowers. Add a centerpiece made from the same flowers as the ones in the bride's bouquet.

3. Add candles for a warm touch. Adorn candle holders with small flowers and leaves, and consider adding ribbon to bring out the wedding colors. Add enough candles to create a flickering effect to the entire altar.

4. Sprinkle rose petals on the altar. If you don't want to use roses, try petals of different flowers that match the theme of the wedding.

5. For a more personal feel, display pictures of the bride and groom for the altar's centerpiece. Include pictures from different stages of their lives. With candles and rose petals, the images will give the altar a sophisticated and warm look.

6. Add garland around the edges of the altar. Depending upon the other wedding decorations, consider using garland made from flowers and ivy.

7. Add personal keepsakes that symbolize the union of the bride and groom, but try not to clutter the altar.

Tips & Warnings

• Always stick with the main colors of the wedding so that the altar doesn't pull attention away from the bride.