When I was asked recently by Vogue for my take on the wedding trends to know in 2021, the renewed focus on ceremonies that I’m seeing immediately came to mind. Couples have realized that the opportunity to share their vows with their loved ones is a blessing. As a result, they’re spending more time on their vows and ceremony décor, making it a true focal point on the wedding day. I’ve always believed that the ceremony is special – whether it’s religious or secular. Over the years, I’ve set the stage for unforgettable “I dos” with wedding ceremony setups for my clients that make a real impact. After all, it’s the most important (and most photographed) part of the day! A beautiful altar or ceremony backdrop ties in with the overall theme and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Here are some gorgeous wedding ceremony setups from our real wedding archives to inspire you.
Image by Christian Oth Studio
Talk about wow-factor! We went all-in for this fantasy wedding in Las Vegas. We covered every corner of our indoor garden with flowers. Even the ceiling was dripping in purple blooms. There were definitely a few gasps from the guests when they first saw it!
Image by John and Joseph Photography Inc.
Now that’s a grand entrance! This dreamy Malibu ceremony featured a mirrored statement aisle lined with clouds of baby’s breath. It led to a birch altar also covered with white and pale blush blooms.
Image by John and Joseph Photography Inc.
There’s something truly magical about a nighttime ceremony. For this San Ysidro Ranch wedding, we strung a clear tent with curtains of twinkling lights that reflected the night sky above. The aisle was also lined with candles, creating an intimate feel, and allowing all the floral focus to fall on the rose-decked chuppah.
A beautiful floral-covered chuppah decked out from top to bottom in white flowers and greenery. It made the perfect centerpiece for this garden-inspired wedding. Guests got the best of the outdoors while also being sheltered from the hot sun beneath elegant white draping.
Image by Amy and Stuart Photography
Of course, you’re not limited to standing structures. At this New Year’s Eve wedding, a hanging floral installation against a lush backdrop of tropical greenery created a stunning focal point. Leaf patterns were also projected onto the candle-lined aisle to enhance the tropical vibes.
If you have a stunning historical venue, like this villa in Lake Como, then it’s important that your ceremony décor fits in with it aesthetically. For this Italian destination wedding, the white floral canopy and white wrought iron chairs looked beautiful against the ancient stone (and, of course, that view!).
Image by John and Joseph Photography Inc.
Why have just one floral arch when you could have multiple?! For this wedding on the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Aria Lawn, the bride entered through an arch covered in bright red, pink, and purple blooms and made her way up a flower-lined aisle. We also decorated each of the arches on the pavilion with flowers for a colorful fairytale effect.
An incredible natural backdrop can do a lot of the work for you, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep it minimal. This Laguna Beach wedding featured a chuppah dripping in lilies and roses. What a showstopper!
Image by Yvette Roman
Love in bloom! The trees we used to decorate this aisle made the ceremony look like it took place in the middle of a spring orchard. Don’t be afraid to lean into seasonality when designing your nuptials.
For this Brooklyn wedding, we took a modern organic approach. We placed a variety of potted plants along the aisle and decorated the chuppah with greenery and orchids peeking through. And, of course, we had to make the most of that Manhattan skyline view! Always orient your ceremony in a way that best complements the setting.
With a little creativity, your options for wedding ceremony setups are endless!
xoxo,
Mindy
Top image by John and Joseph Photography Inc.
