Part 1 of 2 (or 3)
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” At least that’s what Edward Pola and George Wyle tell us in their Christmas song. I would have to agree, Christmas is a wonderful time of the year – for weddings too!
As I mentioned in another post, many times venues are already decorated for Christmas, making things easier for you!
Now ideally, I would feature a cute chapel, but alas I was unable to find one, so I will go with a more traditional, albeit still lovely, house of worship -- Fayette Church of the Nazarene in Fayette, Ohio. This church seats about 250 people in its main sanctuary, making it ideal for medium-sized weddings.
This church is not shy when it comes to decorating for Christmas. There is a large tree decorated in deep red/burgundy and gold in the foyer and the window ledges are decked-out with evergreen garlands and embossed flameless candles. Upon entering the sanctuary, you will be greeted with garlands of evergreen threaded with soft white lights draping from overhead; highlighting the beautiful inverted V ceiling structure and warm golden woodwork.
The front of the sanctuary features a large stone wall upon which a large wooden cross is hung. The stone wall is flanked on the ends by floor to ceiling stained glass windows that reflect sunlight onto the stone wall and cross. A sacraments table is placed in front of the wall upon which rests a Bible, flameless candles and gold goblets. Each side of the table hosts a 5’ slender Christmas tree, simply decorated with soft white lights.
It’s possible certain or all these elements can/would be removed if desired, for a wedding. If removing the sacraments table was permitted, placing a chuppah (or similar style) on the platform as a focal point would be very nice. The 5’ trees could be used on the front corner posts of the chuppah to anchor it (provided they are to scale.) Garlands of various greens including evergreens could be draped on the chuppah along with some soft white fabric. Perhaps including some dark red poinsettia, white amaryllis or paperwhites, pink shimmer roses (they have a heart shaped center! How cool is that?), astrantia, anemone, winterberry and pinecones. Maybe some dusty miller for that frosted look. Ranunculus and protea would also be really pretty.
Stepping off the platform you will find a brick planter box on each side which holds various silk houseplants and dotted with poinsettias. The outside ends of the planters include small 2’ evergreen trees that are also shrouded in warm white lights and white ceramic scroll-like ornaments with the various names of Jesus on them. In a perfect world, I would like to remove the silk houseplants and fill with various types of fresh evergreen cuttings for a fragrant crisp pine scent. I would also remove the ornaments from the small pines and just let the lights shine. You could also include some fresh cut or potted poinsettia in your wedding colors within the evergreen cuttings; maybe sprinkle in some warm white lights for a cohesive look.
A lovely arrangement of boxwood, pines and other evergreens, along with some winterberry, poinsettia and spray roses would be beautiful tied around the pew ends.
Hang coordinating wreaths on the front doors of the church and perhaps, if there will be a guest book table, a flower arrangement on the table and you should be all set for interior decor.
For the bridal party, black tux’s would look nice on the guys with the groom wearing a white vest and the groomsmen a dark red vest. Boutonniere or pocket squares of mini poinsettia, spray roses, winterberry and greenery would a nice complement to the ladies. The ladies wearing dark red would coordinate nicely with the groomsmen. As a twist on the traditional bouquet, white muffs with the flowers of the wedding attached to the front. Dual purpose too, since it would keep their hands warm in our cold northwest Ohio winters. The bride could carry a muff too or if desired a more traditional bouquet. Either would be stunning I’m sure. A traditional bouquet and wearing a fur stole would be especially nice.
This is probably a more traditional wedding with the dark red’s and green’s. Next week I’ll go a little more vintage… stay tuned!
*Note regarding flowers and cold temps. Flowers don’t like the cold; so if outdoor pictures are desired before the ceremony, consider two bridal bouquets. One specifically for the outdoor pictures. You wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle with blackening and dying flowers!
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