The challenge with Ceremony flowers is that they’re used for a very short amount of time in comparison to the rest of your reception flowers.  Sometimes you can re-use your ceremony pieces at your reception but some churches ask that your flowers remain at the ceremony as a donation.  There are quite a few options to consider when designing your ceremony flowers:

Altar Arrangements
Aisle Adornments
Aisle Runner
Entrance Arrangements
Entrance Wreaths
Chuppah
Arbor Flowers

In our previous post about flowers for your wedding, here is what you should expect to spend depending on your overall wedding budget:

$2,000.00-$2,500.00 8%-10% of an under 25k overall wedding budget (based on 25k)

$3,000.00-$3,750.00 8%-10% of a 25k-50k overall wedding budget (based on 37.5k)

$5,200.00-$6,500.00 8%-10% of a 50k-80k overall wedding budget (based on 65k)

$8,000.00-$10,000.00 8%-10% of an 80k and up overall wedding budget (based on 100k)

You should expect to spend about 10% on your Ceremony flowers.  That would break down to:

$200-$250.00 – under 25k overall wedding budget

$300-$375.00 – 25k-50k overall wedding budget

$520.00-$650.00 – 50k-80k overall wedding budget

$800-$1,000.00 – 80k and up overall wedding budget

Altar Arrangements: Probably the most popular choice for ceremony flowers, altar arrangements are used to bring the focus to the bride and groom.  They can be used at any location, indoors and outdoors.  The containers can vary greatly- galvanized buckets, glass urns, silver compotes, stone or ceramic urns would work perfectly well for large-format arrangements.  I would suggest larger scale blooms for these arrangements because they will be placed very far away from your guests.  Examples of large blossoms: hydrangea, roses, spider mums, football mums, bells of Ireland, stock, dahlias.  Other items that will help create a large arrangement: curly willow, bear or lily grasses, dendrobium orchids, and even some leaves- lemon, variegated pittosporum.  Altar arrangements usually range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on the size, scale and type of flowers.

flowers by Flora Fauna

photo by megan dey photography

flowers by Flora Fauna

photo by Linsday Flanagan Photography

Aisle Adornments: Although these aren’t necessary, aisle adornments add a lot to your ceremony decor.  Some people use these adornments to delineate VIP seating, others use it for aesthetic purposes only.  The simplest option here is ribbon- either in a bow form or in a simple knot with tendrils to the floor.  Expect to pay around $10.00-$15.00 per ribbon.  You can then “upgrade” and add fresh flowers to your ribbons.  A simple option would be a single hydrangea blossom to each of your ribbons which will cost you $15-$25.00 per ribbon and hydrangea.  Adding more flowers to each aisle adornment adds costs and you can also create arrangements in containers that can be tied to a chair or pew or they can be placed on the floor next to the chair or pew.  Some brides want to go more ornate for their aisle adornments so you can always add more flowers to each aisle adornment.  A typical range for a flower and ribbon aisle adornment can range from $15.00-$150.00 a piece.  You can also add fabric and drape it from each chair for a dramatic affect.  Remember, if you have aisle adornments that close off that side of your aisle for guest seating, let your ushers/groomsmen know that they have to seat your guests on the outside of each row.

photo by Melissa Koren Photography

photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photography

photo by Studio Nouveau

flowers by Floral Fauna, photo by Emilie Inc. Photography

Aisle Runner: If you wanted to add another element to your aisle, consider a runner.  A simple white runner can be purchased from your florist or you can splurge and consider a colored or custom runner.  We love working with The Original Runner Company in NYC.  They create all of our custom runners for our clients.  These runners can be cut to any length and can be hand painted with your monogram, wedding date, or even a quote.  Pricing ranges anywhere from $75.00 for a standard runner from your florist to $150-$3500.00 for a custom runner.

photo by megan dey photography

photo by Claris Photography

Entrance Arrangements: Smaller versions of your altar arrangements, entrance arrangements can be placed on either side of the first pew or row of chairs or they can be placed in the foyer of your ceremony area.  Pricing will range from $50.00-$500.00 per arrangement.

photo by Studio Nouveau

Entrance Wreaths: A classic wedding staple, a wreath of flowers on the door of your church is a simple and elegant statement for any New England bride.  Wreaths can come in multiple sizes and shapes and the flowers use can vary from carnations, hydrangea, roses, orchids and the list goes on and on. Most wreaths will hang on a door using a coordinating ribbon.  Make sure you ask your church or ceremony location if you’re allowed to put a nail in their doors or if there is a nail already in place for you to use.  Wreaths will range in price from $75.00-$300.00 a piece.

photo by Melissa Koren Photography

Huppah or Chuppah: A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony element, the Chuppah can be very elaborate or very simple and understated, depending on the style of your wedding.  Four simple poles and a top cover is all you really need to have a chuppah but brides will add fabric, branches, garlands of flowers, and even candles to suit their taste.  Prices can range from free if it’s already in the family to $7,000.00 for an elaborate, fabric and flower covered chuppah.

photo by Studio Nouveau

photo by Studio Nouveau

photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photgraphy

Arbor Flowers: A simpler version of a Chuppah, an arbor doesn’t have a religious connotation and can be used for any type of ceremony.  Some arbors are covered in garlands of flowers, greenery, or even simply twigs.  These will range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on how elaborate the design.  Some arbors are already existing at your ceremony location and your florist will adorn it as opposed to bringing in an arbor from scratch.

flowers by Flora Fauna

photo by Studio Nouveau