Maximizing Your Wedding Decor: How to Repurpose Ceremony Florals for Your Reception
With over 15 years of experience as a wedding planner, I’ve seen countless couples wrestle with the decision of how much to spend on ceremony flowers and decor. A common concern I hear is the desire to minimize the budget for this part of the celebration, given that you and your guests will only be in that space for a short time. While it might seem logical to skip the florals altogether, a thoughtful approach to your ceremony decor can truly enhance your big day without straining your budget. Let’s take a closer look at how you can make the most of your flowers while maintaining the focus on the ceremony itself.
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WHAT TO AVOID:
When browsing Pinterest or looking at inspiration from wedding designers, it’s easy to fall in love with elaborate floral displays that may be difficult to reuse. While some elements of your ceremony decor may be too intricate to repurpose, with some advanced planning, many florals can serve double duty. Below are some examples of decor that may not be easily moved:
Attachments to an Arch or Chuppah: Florals that are fixed to the arch structure often require disassembly and can be cumbersome to move.
Small Arrangements on Individual Chairs: Arrangements hanging on individual chairs, like pew markers, can be difficult to transport without damaging them.
Garlands on Chair Backs: Garlands draped across chairs can take a lot of time and effort to move without losing their shape or design.
Cascading or Floating Arrangements: These arrangements are stunning but difficult to move without significant disruption to their look.
Loose Petals: Petals scattered on the ground are not only time-consuming to clean up, but they also aren't practical for moving quickly during the transition to the reception.
WHAT TO FOCUS ON:
When working with your florist, focus on creating ceremony decor that is easy to move and repurpose later in the day. The best options are florals that are either free-standing or designed in a way that allows for quick transition. Here are some tips:
Ask for Standalone Arrangements: Florals that are in separate vessels or containers are ideal because they can be easily picked up and moved. For example, request that your ceremony florals be placed in cages, stands, or other structures that allow them to stay intact while being moved.
Choose Arrangements with Easy Pickup: Design florals so they are already in containers that can be easily transported, even if they are part of a larger installation. Head-of-aisle arrangements or ground arches can be designed for quick removal.
Work with Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator: Designate someone, like your planner or a trusted friend, to handle the smooth transition of these florals. Your wedding planner can manage the timing and placement during the transition, ensuring a seamless flow for the day.
Pro Tip: Avoid using ceremony florals as centerpieces for your reception. The key to stunning wedding photos is capturing the full beauty of the reception space during cocktail hour. If you’ve used those same florals as centerpieces, it can disrupt the space and hinder the photographer’s ability to capture the perfect shots. After all, you want those cherished photos to reflect your vision without compromises.
WHAT TO REPURPOSE THEM AS:
Now that we’ve covered what to focus on and avoid, let’s dive into creative ways to repurpose your ceremony florals. There are many ways to maximize their beauty without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas for repurposing your florals in key areas where guests will interact with them:
Bar & Food Stations: Place small arrangements near the bar or food stations to bring some added elegance. Just ensure they don’t interfere with the caterers’ work.
Entrance and Exit Areas: Use florals at the entry or exit points to set the tone for your reception and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Gift or Guestbook Table: This often overlooked area can be elevated with florals, adding a personal touch to the space.
Bathrooms: Small arrangements in restrooms can make them feel more special for your guests.
Band or DJ Area: Position florals near the band or DJ booth for a polished, cohesive look.
Dance Floor Edging: Florals along the edge of the dance floor can add an enchanting touch, but make sure they’re placed safely to avoid tripping hazards.
Head or Sweetheart Table: Place florals at the ends of your head table or near the sweetheart table to highlight these important spaces.
Ceremony Arch or Chuppah: If your ceremony and reception take place in the same venue, you can move your ceremony arch or chuppah behind you during the reception to create a stunning backdrop.
Escort Card Table: Florals can elevate this area, turning it into a focal point that sets the tone for the reception.
Fun Details: If your venue includes fun decor pieces like boats or carts, use them to showcase florals, turning them into a beautiful focal point.
Photo Booth: Florals can also add charm and beauty to your photo booth, creating a cohesive aesthetic for your guests’ pictures.
Memorial Table: If you plan to honor loved ones who have passed, florals can make this space even more meaningful.
Lounge Area: If you have a designated lounge or chill area, florals can serve as the perfect centerpiece, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
Seating Chart Base: Larger arrangements can be placed at the base of your seating chart for a grand and welcoming touch.
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, consider bringing florals from the ceremony to cocktail hour, then transitioning them to the reception space to create a seamless flow of design.
Fabrice Tranzier Photography
As a wedding planner and designer in the Hudson Valley with over 15 years of experience working with couples across New England and beyond, I can attest to how thoughtful florals can elevate your event. By carefully considering how to use your ceremony flowers, you can make your wedding feel even more beautiful and cohesive without unnecessary costs.
I hope these tips help you create a stunning wedding day that you and your guests will remember forever. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out—I'm here to help!
