Altar Style 101: Decorate Your Altar with Love (+ These 6 Amazing Details)

September 24, 2010

Your wedding ceremony is the most pivotal point of your big day and provides the soul reason the rest of the day is spent celebrating.  Because your ceremony is when you finally say “I do” to your boo in front of all your closest family and friends, it’s important to have your personal style reflected in its epic significance.  But how to do it?   Here’s a list of the latest  and greatest trends that chic couples everywhere are using to decorate their altars with their love:

Garlands. Whether it’s lots of tiny strands that shower the backdrop or full and quirky strings of pomanders that dazzle your ceremony, these charming festoons have been seen everywhere.  Not to mention, garland gallivants as a great DIY project!  Because it can be designed to complement any wedding, theme or color, garland truly is one of the most workable projects.  White, honeycomb garlands look simple and elegant, silk petal garlands add a touch of natural beauty, and colorful pom strings give a sense of playfulness.

photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com

Signs.  As one of the newest trends to lend a hand, these altar ornaments tend to lean more toward the untraditional side of things.  From smaller signs to bigger banners, this type of altar decorum is known to say anything from “L-O-V-E” to “Today Begins Our Happily Ever After”.  Just make sure the words you choose truly reflect your personalities as a couple, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

photo courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com

Branches. A popular option for outdoor or seaside nuptials, this rustic altar pays homage to the great outdoors. A close representation of beautifully washed-up tree branches, these structural beauties can be bare-boned branch simplicity or rustic fullness complete with twigs and leaves.  Fashion into a simple arrangement or construct an entire canopy but be warned: this DIY may require the aid of a handy friend or carpenter.

photo courtesy of boards.weddingbee.com

Flowers. Floral arrangements are more customary as far as altar options go but still stunning, nonetheless. To make this altar accessory truly unique, fashion with the best of your garden desires: pears, ivy, flowers, birds, butterflies, palm fronds, etc.

photo courtesy of floranovadesign.blogspot.com

Bamboo.  Similar to the branch altar displays, bamboo beauts can have just as much rural appeal as they do beach time entanglement.  Because of their sturdy – typically cleaner –  construction,  they also work incredibly for building altar archways.  Embellish them with a seaside theme by adding seashell garlands, palm fronds, tropical flowers, streams of tulle, or simply leave as be for a more rustic touch.

photo courtesy of designsbyhemingway.com

Lanterns.  Add to your wedding day glow by adorning your altar with floating lanterns. Essential for a nighttime ceremony, you can dangle these luminaries in an arc-shape, putting a romantically modern twist on the traditional alter arch.

photo courtesy of athome.kimvallee.com

No matter what you choose or how you decorate, just make sure it reflects your personal style… and that the ceremony site is A.O.Kay with it :)

Filed under: Trends VS. Traditions

Tags: bridal guide, ceremony decorations, unique wedding ideas, wedding, wedding advice, wedding altar, wedding altars, wedding arch, wedding arches, wedding blog, wedding blogs, wedding ceremony, wedding ceremony ideas, wedding decorations, wedding tips, weddings