Church flower arrangements
For the pews and altar of the church, arrange flowers such as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and gladiolas in a vase using a spray-style flower arrangement. Take into consideration the size of the church when creating the arrangements. The larger the edifice, the more elaborate the flowers should be. For a large cathedral, for example, choose large urn-shaped vases available at craft stores. Make two identical flower arrangements to flank the altar. Place each one on a pedestal to add height.
Create arrangements for the pews by placing a bunch of baby's breath, roses and carnations arranged in a nosegay. Tie them around the pew every three or four rows using white tulle fabric that connects from one pew to the next in swags.
Choose flowers that match the color theme of the wedding. Use the color of the bridesmaids' dresses as your guide. Adding filler flowers in complementary colors adds volume to the arrangements. Use an all-white flower arrangement if you want an all-white theme. Add silk ribbons or bows on your arrangements to finish the look.
Rose petals on a cake table.
Save money by asking a family member or friend to carry the flower arrangements from the church to the reception location. Re-use the altar arrangements to flank the head banquet table, using the same pedestals used in the church for added height.
Create a low centerpiece for the head table so it will not obstruct the faces of the bride, groom and their entourage.
Place the nosegays used for the pews into matching glass vases and use them at each guest table. Be sure to prepare as many nosegays as you will need for all tables, even if you do not need many for the church. Additional nosegays should be placed at buffet tables if you are having a buffet-style reception as well as the guest registration table and gift tables.
Scatter rose petals on the cake table. They add beauty without competing with the wedding cake for attention. Sprinkle the petals as if they were dropping from the cake. Make sure the color of petals match or complement the color of the cake.
