Ceremony Flowers and why not to Skimp on Them

I’ve heard it so many times: “Our ceremony is only 20 minutes, we don’t need a ton of flowers.” or “The church is already so beautiful- we don’t need any flowers!” You might be right on both of these points. Maybe you’re just saying quick I Do’s and then you’re on to the party. But its a fact (I think): Pittsburgh has some of the most beautiful churches in the country.

What you really need to consider here are the photos. Regardless of your feelings on the ceremony itself or the space it is held- your ceremony will be one of the most photographed parts of your wedding. You want it to be magical! Because after your wedding, the photographs are what you have left to remember it by.

Remember, some of the more popular ceremony spaces here in Pittsburgh hold multiple weddings each day. Often, couples will assume that they can simply use the flowers from the wedding before them. But what if the bride before you chose orange Gerber daisies for her day and your wedding is elegant white and greenery? That just won’t do. Let’s not put the pressure on your momma or your MOH to be the flower police on the wedding day trying to cart those arrangements off of the altar before your groom takes his place.

Throughout this post, you will find some examples of our favorite ceremony décor- in both religious and secular spaces. Not sure how to make the most of yours? Set up a consultation with us and we can talk through how they can be re-purposed. Trust us, we know and play by the rules of our historic ceremony spaces! Just ask any church lady in town.

Photographer’s Perspective

Just in case you’re not sure about taking our word for it, we asked one of our photographer “friendors” to weigh in. Here’s what wedding photo pro, Levana Melamed has to say on ceremony flowers:

Church ceremony: While Churches can be full of character and have their own charm, adding flowers can give it that touch of uniqueness. Plus it helps your wedding day style be cohesive among venues, while other factors such as light and indoor/outdoor location may vary. 

Non Church ceremony (outdoors, at a venue, etc):  The ceremony space is where the most important part of the wedding celebration happens. If you ask me, it should be highlighted and flowers are a must! That’s where couples will share vows and officially start a new chapter of their life. 

From candid photos of guests arriving and sitting down, to when the bridal party walks down the aisle, to THAT moment when spouse A walks to spouse B, so many special moments are captured. Having flower arrangements by the altar and through the aisle can elevate the whole aesthetic of your wedding ceremony, which means you’ll love those images so much more!!

Vendor Information

Photo 1: Photography: Abbie Tyler | Venue: Tuck’d Inn Farm | Arch Rental: Old Souls Vintage Rentals | Chair Rental: All Occasions | Planner: Alyssa Thomas Events

Photos 2 and 3: Photography: Dawn Derbyshire | Venue: Duquesne University Chapel

Photo 4: Photography: Michael Will | Venue: Carnegie Museum Hall of Sculpture

Photos 5 and 6: Photography: Ashley Sara | Venue: Fairmont Hotel Pittsburgh

Photos 7 and 8: Photography: Levana Melamed | Church: St. Raphael

Photo 9: Photography: Levana Melamed | Venue: Omni William Penn Urban Room

Photo 10: Photography: Hot Metal Studio | Venue: St. Alexis Church