Insights · Wedding decoration
Decoration is what makes a space feel like your wedding. There is no single right way: every couple has their own style, and the most beautiful decoration is the one that feels like you.
At every wedding we photograph we see something different. We have gathered 10 wedding decoration ideas, for the church and the reception, from weddings we have lived through our lens, so you can find inspiration for your own.
1. White and green
White roses, eucalyptus, olive branches and candles. A timeless, elegant style that suits almost any setting, from a village chapel to a venue with a view. White flowers go with the dress and let faces stand out.
2. String lights and candles
When the sun goes down, lighting becomes the most important decoration. Garlands of string lights over the tables, candles at every height, lanterns along the paths. They create a warm, romantic atmosphere and make the evening glow, literally.
3. A colour that steals the show
For couples who love something bold: one strong colour, such as red, fuchsia or burgundy, in the flowers, candles and fabrics. A long "imperial" table with red flowers in the night is unforgettable.
4. Romantic pastels
Powder pink, peach, cream and soft green. Pastel decoration is tender and bright, ideal for spring weddings and daytime receptions. The flowers can be lavish without making the space feel heavy.
5. With a sea view
When the venue has a view, the decoration doesn't need to compete with the landscape. White tablecloths, low flower arrangements that don't block the view, and candles for when the sun sets. The sea and the sunset do the rest.
6. Decorating the church
The church is the first place your guests see. Flowers at the entrance and on the steps, a floral arch, arrangements along the aisle, the tall wedding candles (lambades) and the ceremony table. A small chapel with flowers at its door has a magic that words can't describe. If you are looking for a church, see the wedding churches in Patra.
7. Dessert and drinks corners
A table with sweets and sugared almonds (koufeta), a lemonade corner for summer afternoons, a cocktail bar for the evening. These corners decorate the space, give guests something to do, and make wonderful detail photographs.
8. Personal touches
A welcome sign with your names, a hand-written seating plan, your initials on a candle or on the menus, a corner with photos of your families. The details are what make the decoration tell your own story.
9. Effects for the big moments
Cold sparklers for the couple's entrance, low smoke for the first dance, an aisle lined with candles. They are not for everyone, but for those who want them they create cinematic moments. See how we capture them in a wedding film.
10. Winter and Christmas decoration
Velvet, deep colours, fir branches, candles everywhere and lots of lights. A winter wedding has a warmth that summer can't match. See ideas in our guides to a winter wedding and Christmas wedding.
The most beautiful decoration isn't the most expensive or the most impressive. It is the one that, when you look at your photographs in twenty years, reminds you who you were that day.
How to find your own style
- Start with the venue. A stone estate, a garden, a hall with a view: the venue already has character. Decoration brings it out.
- Think about the season and the time of day. Seasonal flowers are more beautiful, and a reception that goes on late needs light.
- Choose two or three colours. One main colour and one or two to go with it, so everything ties together.
- Collect images you love. A mood board helps your decorator understand what you are dreaming of.
- Trust your decorator. They have seen the venue at many weddings and know what works there.
If you are still looking for a venue, see the wedding venues in Achaia, and for the order in which to book everything, our guide on how early to book a wedding photographer.
Frequently asked questions about wedding decoration
Which wedding decoration style is most beautiful?
The one that suits you and your venue. White and green is timeless, pastels are tender, bold colours are striking. There is no right or wrong.
What does wedding decoration include?
Usually the decoration of the church (entrance, aisle, wedding candles, ceremony table) and of the reception (tables, lighting, dessert corners, signs).
How is a church decorated for a wedding?
With flowers at the entrance and on the steps, arrangements along the aisle, the wedding candles and the ceremony table. A floral arch at the entrance is often added too.
Which colours should we choose for the decoration?
Two or three that go together, based on the season, the venue and your style. White and green works almost anywhere.
Does the reception need lighting?
If the reception continues after sunset, yes. String lights and candles add atmosphere and keep the space looking beautiful until the end of the night.
Planning your wedding?
Tell us about your venue, your style and your date. We will be there to capture every detail you prepared with so much love.