Holiday decorations for a wedding combine two important events, making a stunning setting for any venue. Wedding decorations need not be predictable or boring. Take advantage of favorite holiday decorating ideas for a special nuptial celebration.
Valentine's Day Wedding
Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year, so it only makes sense to have a February 14th wedding with romantic décor to match. Use bouquets of long stemmed red roses and red velvet aisle bows at the beginning of each row where guests will be seated for the ceremony. Create a ceremony program in the shape of a heart or feature graphics with cupid's bow on the cover.
Red table linens with sheer white overlays will add a rich, passionate touch. Candles and roses can decorate the table as Valentine's Day centerpieces or add red glass hearts to the tabletops for decorations. Miniature bottles of champagne or miniature heart shaped boxes of gourmet candy can be given away as wedding favors. Release doves or place sets of imitation doves in small topiaries on the reception tables. Finish the evening by serving guests slices from a themed Valentine's Day wedding cake.
For a more understated theme, use a more subtle shade of red or various shades of pink in your decor.
Easter Wedding
The pastels associated with Easter will only enhance your special spring wedding day. Consider decorating with purples, pinks, yellows and pale blues. Use satin ribbons to decorate the aisles of the church or ceremony location, and carry seasonal tulip bouquets.
For the reception, use pastel table linens and consider a centerpiece of colorfully died Easter eggs in a crystal or china bowl. Handcrafted ceramic or glass Easter eggs, engraved with the wedding details can also serve as a centerpiece and be taken home as favors. Hide plastic Easter eggs and life-like rabbits on the grass for an outdoor wedding. Create colorful bird's nest centerpieces for the guests and wedding party tables.
Independence Day Wedding
A 4th of July wedding is perfect for the couple who want to celebrate the birthday of the United States on the same day as their wedding. Hang brightly colored stars from pews or the back of ceremony chairs, and dress the bridal party in patriotic red, white and blue. Consider adding a patriotic song or two to your ceremony, too.
At the reception, decorate tables with simple carnations in red and white or blue and white with striped ribbons tied around the vase. Pick out a summer cake with strawberries and blueberries that are seasonal and patriotic. If you have the budget, consider hosting a wedding fireworks show for everyone.
Halloween Wedding
Incorporate autumn elements into a Halloween wedding theme. Use red, orange and gold fall flowers and incorporate autumn foliage into the bouquets for bride and bridesmaid bouquets and ceremony arrangements. Hang raffia from pews or tie around chairs for a simple alternative to the traditional bow.
At the reception, use orange, purple or black linen table cloths for color and class. Instead of carving a jack o'lantern, use a small pumpkin with an elegant, elaborate carving and a candle inside for a centerpiece. For favors, give your guests a crystal candy dish filled with your favorite treats. Hang orange, black, yellow or purple twinkle lights. Shower the aisles with imitation fall leaves and place candlelit pumpkins along the bridal procession. Wrap a wooden lattice arbor with orange tulle and miniature orange lights for a Halloween glow.
Thanksgiving Wedding
You can decorate for a Thanksgiving wedding and not have a single turkey in sight, just use the colors of fall. Adorn the ceremony and reception locations in golds, oranges and yellows, with colorful autumn leaves strewn about. Fill cornucopias will fresh or dried fall flowers and place gourds, pumpkins and corn stalks around the room to reflect the season. Create a pilgrim theme by arranging pilgrim hats and Indian feathers around your table displays. Use plastic ships to represent the Nina and the Pinta. Fill the boats with wedding mints or treats.
Christmas Weddings
A classic Christmas themed wedding could include Scottish plaid, silver and gold ornaments or even a candy-themed Christmas tree. Greet guests at the ceremony with large wreaths and red or gold velvet bows. Include a holiday song during the lighting of the unity candle, and cover altar rails with green garlands.
At the reception, turn almost any holiday decoration into a Christmas wedding decoration with a little creativity. Have an angelic porcelain choir "singing" from garlands of fresh or imitation greenery running down the guest tables. Incorporate Christmas drums in your decorating if you're musically inclined, to represent the song Little Drummer Boy. Christmas decorations are readily available, but use your creativity to make the decor unique for your wedding rather than a cookie-cutter holiday style.
Chinese New Year
If your wedding falls during the Chinese New Year, pay tribute by decorating with the color red. Red pew bows and bridesmaid dresses will add color to the ceremony as will bouquets of roses and other red flowers. Incorporate some Chinese wedding traditions into your day, such as the tea ceremony.
For the reception, decorate in red and gold, the Chinese colors of luck and celebration. Red table linens with gold napkins and centerpieces will look festive and add an elegant, classy touch. Hang Chinese lanterns adorned with the symbols for luck and happiness and send the guests home with fortune cookies for wedding favors. Display a bonsai garden on the gift table or them as centerpieces. Scatter jade stones or stones with painted Chinese letters on them around the wedding cake. Give guests wedding sparklers as favors instead of rice. Arrange an outdoor fireworks display to signify the end of the ceremony.
Holiday Wedding Happiness
Don't change your wedding date because it happens to fall on or near a holiday. Take advantage of the occasion by decorating with the day's themes and colors. A holiday can only enhance a celebration and make it more joyous.
