Altar Flowers

audreyjem

Hi ladies! Is everyone planning on having altar arrangements? Have you ever seen a wedding that didn't? I'm trying to cut costs on flowers, and I don't want to exclude altar arrangements if it's never done, but the church is beautiful without flowers, so I'm wondering if they are absolutely necessary? Also, the Priest at our church is very strict on what he does allow for flowers, so I'm thinking maybe he'd be happy if they weren't there at all!

Any input is appreciated!!

[Deleted User]

I don't believe we were required persay to have altar flowers, but we did. It was explained in our wedding handbook that it is a token of gratitude and appreciation to leave them for the church. We had one piece at the altar and another smaller, similar piece at the ambo.

mica178

We had them.  They were strongly encouraged by my church, and it was nice having all the flowers in the church in harmony for the ceremony.

Meg1036

We're having altar flowers, but I am actually pretty sure that we are not allowed to leave them for the church (which I was assuming we would do).

Calypso1977

we did not.
we inquired as to whether we were responsible for providing the altar flowers for the weekends masses and we were not.

waitingformay

We're having flowers, 2 arrangements.

lisa89760

We aren't having anything...the church actually has flowers up there most of the time so are just leaving them. 

doctabroccoli

It's definitely church-dependent.  We are not having altar flowers, but that's because our wedding is the weekend after Easter, so the altar will already be full.  Otherwise, our Church does request them and request that you leave them.  So check with your pastor!

ootmother2

There was one large floral arrangement of hydrangea & peonies on the alter and pew flowers of hydrangea.

The only policy the church had was that the flowers had to be removed after the wedding.

bibliophile2010

We are having them, but I seriously considered cutting them because they are not necessary. I just think they are nice. I plan on leaving them for weekend masses.

wifeandmommy0609

My church told us we are welcome to use the Easter Lillys that will be set up from easter ( we are getting married the weekend after easter).  So we aren't going to be buying flowers for the Alter.

mcdol3

We are having two arrangements. One on either side.
Our priest told us we should take them with us for our reception.

catarntina

Our unity candle arrangement doubled as the altar flower arrangement. We left the flowers at the church. It was left up for the entire weekend for sure (and maybe even the following weekend?).

plato79

If your church suggests them, maybe do flowering plants instead? Often these are less expensive than arrangments. That's a way to cut costs too. 

audreyjem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_altar-flowers-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:759de8b4-c2db-431a-9537-2ddddf726f24Post:6904c214-1af7-4317-8806-0c09ff4d3273">Re: Altar Flowers</a>:
[QUOTE]If your church suggests them, maybe do flowering plants instead? Often these are less expensive than arrangments. That's a way to cut costs too. 
Posted by plato79[/QUOTE]

Oh! Great idea! Thanks for the advice ladies!

Hope61

We're not having them. Our church is also very beautiful without them. (we're also using the high altar in the back and not the regular altar).

lmeade62

Our church is so gorgeous, we're afraid flowers would just compete with it. So we're just having Boston ferns on either side of the altar, and a small nosegay - miniature of my bouquet - under the statue of the Blessed Mother.

Linda

SoHappyToBeMrsC

At the two churches we are considering getting married in, the flowers are included in the fee. They are then left in the church after the ceremony. Since it is included in the fees there's no reason not to have them.

AwayWeGo08

Our church will coordinate that week's flowers with your wedding so I will just be using what is already there.

HandBanana

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_altar-flowers-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:759de8b4-c2db-431a-9537-2ddddf726f24Post:85aa2e14-ce30-4656-9461-806fc0fb0722">Re: Altar Flowers</a>:
[QUOTE]It's definitely church-dependent.  We are not having altar flowers, but that's because our wedding is the weekend after Easter, so the altar will already be full.  Otherwise, our Church does request them and request that you leave them.  So check with your pastor!
Posted by doctabroccoli[/QUOTE]


Same here.  Also, First Communion is the morning of our wedding.  We are planning on making a donation towards our church's Easter floral arrangements.

I secretly want a photo with me in my dress with all the first communion girls but there is no way my timeline would allow it.

Irishcurls

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_altar-flowers-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:759de8b4-c2db-431a-9537-2ddddf726f24Post:14a45a0d-6080-4446-8f6f-2c509e18536f">Re: Altar Flowers</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Altar Flowers : Same here.  Also, First Communion is the morning of our wedding.  We are planning on making a donation towards our church's Easter floral arrangements.<strong> I secretly want a photo with me in my dress with all the first communion girls but there is no way my timeline would allow it.</strong>
Posted by HandBanana[/QUOTE]
Oh that would be so cute!!!! They would probably freak from excitement. Annoying 'day of' mania. 

ARB51183

We are doing a small floral arrangement for the unity candle along with a few bouquets in rememberance of family members who have passed away. Our church requires us to take all floral arrangements and decorations after the ceremony is over, so we will be using the church flowers at the reception.  I definitely don't think flowers on teh alter are mandatory so just do whatever you think will look best. Good luck