Decorating the church, flowers on/near the altar?

chrissyb1113

Hi everyone. I'm trying to get a list going of what flowers I'll need and where I need to put them. I'm a little confused when it comes to the church (Catholic, if that makes a difference in traditions), specifically the altar. Obviouslly there will be flowers/bows/something on the pews, but I want something up at the front, while avoiding the old white column look. I got a suggestion of using the flat back flowers on tripod stand type things.. but that screams funeral to me.

My church has banisters on either side of the altar that two bunches of flowers can rest on, one at either side of us. Do I need something on the altar/behind the priest? I hear that you're not supposed to put something on the altar, and if you do, you're not "supposed" to take it and re-use it at the reception? I love flowers and don't want an "empty" looking church. Especially for photos. 

kristen8040

It's really up to what your church wants.  My florist suggested using centerpieces to double as alter flowers to save money.  My priest was fine with it and my florist just picked them up after the ceremony to bring to the reception.  We also had flowers on the first few pews on each side (I hate bows).  

HobokensFury

Ask your church. Some of them are pretty strict about what they'll allow you to decorate the church with.

LissyM83

We're doing two arrangements on the altar, 5 pews (alternating rows) with a nosegay of flowers & chiffon bow & then alternating the remainder of rows with a chiffon bow

We're leaving the two altar arrangements but taking the nosegays with us (to use as decor for the cake table) b/c our priest told us that those need to go with us lol

diamondx423

We will have two baskets of flowers flanking the alter, and then 10 rows of pew bows & flowers. Still undecided if we're doing a unity candle, but if we do then there will be some flowers with that.

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_decorating-church-flowers-onnear-altar?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:94b9951e-0e42-490c-9dba-d9a1e5733c32Post:e28e1f09-49ce-4ec4-8988-1c7d9341f3dc">Re: Decorating the church, flowers on/near the altar?</a>:
[QUOTE]Ask your church. Some of them are pretty strict about what they'll allow you to decorate the church with.
Posted by HobokenBride2012[/QUOTE]
This. My church wouldn't let us have any flowers other than what they had there. I didn't even notice what was there. I was too busy getting married!

PeteandJen

My church also doesn't allow any decorations. They also don't let you move any decorations they have up for the season. Just keep that in mind and check with your church so you don't get stuck paying for flowers you can't use where you want them.

LuvOB

It really is up to your church, so be guided by them and your florist.  Our church was a little strict with what we could do.

The day of all eyes will be on you and your eyes will be on him, no worries.