Introduction
Church weddings carry a sense of tradition and grandeur that calls for thoughtful floral design. But churches also come with rules, restrictions, and architectural considerations that differ from every other venue type.
This guide covers arrangement ideas, church-specific logistics, and practical tips for creating beautiful church wedding florals.
Common Church Flower Arrangements
Altar / Sanctuary Flowers
The focal point of every church ceremony:
| Arrangement | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Altar vases (pair) | Tall, symmetrical arrangements flanking the altar | $150-400 each |
| Unity candle flowers | Small arrangement around unity candle display | $50-100 |
| Cross/crucifix flowers | Garland or arrangement on or around the cross | $100-300 |
| Candelabra flowers | Floral accents on existing candelabras | $75-200 each |
Pew Markers
Mark the aisle for a polished look:
| Style | Description | Cost Each |
|---|---|---|
| Simple ribbon bows | Ribbon with single bloom or greenery sprig | $8-15 |
| Small posies | Mini bouquets on pew clips | $20-40 |
| Greenery swags | Eucalyptus or fern draping | $15-30 |
| Flower cones | Paper cones filled with petals or small blooms | $15-25 |
| Candle lanterns with florals | Lanterns with flower accents on shepherd hooks | $30-60 |
Entrance and Foyer
| Arrangement | Purpose | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Door garland | Frame the church entrance | $150-400 |
| Welcome arrangement | Large arrangement in the foyer | $100-300 |
| Guest book flowers | Small accent near the sign-in | $30-60 |
Church Rules and Restrictions
Common Restrictions to Ask About
Every church has different rules. Always ask before planning:
- Candle policies — Many churches do not allow open flames or require dripless candles only
- Attachment restrictions — Most churches prohibit nails, tacks, or tape on pews, walls, or fixtures
- Flower placement — Some churches restrict where flowers can be placed (especially near the altar or tabernacle)
- Setup and breakdown times — Churches often have tight windows between events
- Shared flowers — If another wedding follows yours, the church may require you to leave flowers for the next ceremony
- No confetti or loose petals — Many churches prohibit anything that creates cleanup
- Secular decorations — Some churches restrict non-religious decorative elements
Questions to Ask the Church Coordinator
- What are the setup and breakdown windows?
- Are there any areas where flowers are not permitted?
- Can we use floral foam or water in the sanctuary?
- Are there existing stands or vases we can use?
- Will another event share or reuse our flowers?
- Are candles permitted? What type?
- Where can we store coolers during setup?
Design Tips for Church Architecture
Large Churches / Cathedrals
- Use tall, dramatic arrangements — Small flowers get lost in large spaces
- Focus on the altar and entrance — Those are where eyes are drawn
- Consider architectural accents — Flowers on columns, arches, or railings
- Budget for more flowers — Large spaces need volume
Small Chapels
- Use intimate, detailed arrangements — Every bloom is visible
- Pew markers make a big impact — In a small space, aisle flowers fill the room
- Skip the oversized altar pieces — Proportional arrangements look better
- Simplicity works — A few well-placed arrangements can be stunning
Repurposing Strategy
Church flowers are often among the most expensive items in a wedding. Always propose repurposing:
- Altar vases move to the reception entrance or sweetheart table
- Pew markers become cocktail hour accents or restroom flowers
- Door garland moves to the reception head table
This adds value for the couple and justifies the investment.
Pricing Church Wedding Flowers
| Package Level | Includes | Total Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | 2 altar arrangements, ribbon pew markers | $400-800 |
| Classic | 2 altar arrangements, floral pew markers (every other pew), entrance piece | $800-2,000 |
| Full | Large altar arrangements, all pew markers, entrance garland, candelabra flowers | $2,000-5,000+ |
Use our free Flower Cost Calculator to price church arrangements from inspiration photos, or build full proposals with WPro.AI.
Conclusion
Church weddings require research, coordination, and respect for the venue's rules. Contact the church coordinator early, plan arrangements that suit the architecture, and always propose repurposing to maximize value. Master church floristry and you will build strong relationships with venues that send you repeat referrals.
Related: Wedding Arch Flower Cost | Wedding Centerpiece Pricing Guide | Flower Cost Calculator
