Insights · Wedding decoration
Decoration is what turns a space into your wedding. There's no single right way to do it: every couple has their own style, and the best decoration is the one that feels like you.
Every wedding we photograph looks a little different. Here are 10 wedding decoration ideas for the church and the reception, taken from weddings we've shot, to give you some inspiration for your own.
Contents (12)
- 1. White and green
- 2. String lights and candles
- 3. A colour that steals the show
- 4. Romantic pastels
- 5. With a sea view
- 6. Decorating the church
- 7. Dessert and drinks corners
- 8. Personal touches
- 9. Effects for the big moments
- 10. Winter and Christmas decoration
- How to find your own style
- Frequently asked questions about wedding decoration
1. White and green
White roses, eucalyptus, olive branches and candles. A look that never dates and suits almost any setting, from a village chapel to a venue with a view. White flowers echo the dress and let faces take centre stage.
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. The whole place warms up, and the evening quite literally glows.
3. A colour that steals the show
For couples who like to be bold: one strong colour, such as red, fuchsia or burgundy, in the flowers, candles and fabrics. A long "imperial" table with red flowers at night is hard to forget.
4. Romantic pastels
Powder pink, peach, cream and soft green. Pastels feel soft and bright, and suit 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 shouldn't try to compete with it. 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. There's something about a small chapel with flowers at its door that's hard to put into words. If you are looking for a church, see the wedding churches in Patras.
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 dress the space, give guests something to do, and make lovely detail shots.
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. Details like these are what make the decoration feel like yours.
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're not for everyone, but if you want them, they make for real movie 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 cosiness that summer just can't match. See ideas in our guides to a winter wedding and Christmas wedding.
The best decoration isn't the most expensive or the most impressive. It's the one that, when you look at your photos 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, and decoration just brings it out.
- Think about the season and the time of day. Flowers in season look their best, and a reception that runs 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 see what you have in mind.
- 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 what to book first, 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 carries on 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'll be there to photograph every detail you've put together.
Photographs: Dimitris Stergiou and the studio team