20 Magical Forest Wedding Ceremony Setups

Forest Wedding Ceremony with Origami Cranes | Credit: Carolien & Ben (8)

Carolien & Ben/Secunda Bloemiste on SouthBound Bride

I remember featuring my first forest wedding a few years back, and wondering if it was a trend that would be a hit with SA brides and grooms. Well, safe to say, the answer is hell yes. You all LOVE a woodland wedding, and in the past couple of seasons it’s been a pleasure not only to share a number of seriously gorgeous forest wedding ceremonies, but to see many SA venues create forest ceremony spaces that rival the best in the world (if you’re looking for ideas of where to host your wedding in the woods, just check out our archive). I thought it was high time I rounded up some gorgeous ceremony setups amongst the trees to inspire!

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20 Beach Ceremony Setups

I don’t know about you, but when I picture a beach wedding, the first thing that comes to mind is the ceremony. Having your feet in the sand and the ocean behind you is just the most romantic way to exchange vows, isn’t it? Well, the talented wedding pros of the world have found a way to make that picture even prettier and more romantic, and we’ve rounded up 20 of our absolute favourite ceremony style ideas for a beach wedding, each dreamier than the last. If this doesn’t convince you to head for the beach for your big day, nothing will! :)

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20 Ceremony Door Arches & Altars

When it comes to wedding ideas and design in general, the things that always really get me are just… whimsical. The post office that sends out teeny tiny letters. Donut walls. Dogs in floral collars. And this, my favourite of all whimsical wedding ideas – the door in the air. We first started seeing ‘outdoor chapels’ a few years ago, and the charm of a freestanding door being used as the entrance to an outdoor ceremony has only increased as time’s gone by. I mean, it’s adorable. And it’s also a great way to make an entrance, because you get to do that fling-the-church-doors-wide-as-the-bride-appears thing, even if you’re saying your vows in the middle of the forest or on a beach. Some couples have switched things around and used the doors as an actual altar, and that’s great too. All I know is, every time I see a vintage door being upcycled as ceremony decor, especially if it’s draped in flowers, my heart beats just a little bit faster. If you’re planning a secret garden wedding this is a must-have, but even if you’re not, this is one way to bring some sheer delight to your ceremony, even before the vows are spoken.

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20 Romantic Draped Ceremony Arches

Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? Then you are going to adore today’s inspiration roundup. Romantically draped arches are such dreamy decor elements. Cascading, sheer fabrics and ropes of gorgeous florals create the most exquisite backdrop for saying your “I dos”. Whether it’s a flutter of cotton draped over a simple wooden frame adorned with fragrant foliage, or a four poster canopy with layers of sheer fabric and a crystal chandelier, there are many ways to style an unforgettable ceremonial arch. Take note of this lovelies, draped arches aren’t limited to the altar area so why not create a fabulous draped entrance or even a series of arches down the aisle?

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Flower Walls & Backdrops

I never thought I would (actually, make that: fervently hoped I would not) be inspired by anything that Kimye did, ever. They are just the worst. But what can I say, the floral wall at their ceremony last year kind of rocked. And it just happens to be one of 2015’s biggest trends (along with floral arches). And OKAY, I admit it, I am loving it. Flower walls are just so over-the-top pretty, and they make an incredibly gorgeous statement piece for either a ceremony or a reception (or both!). Flower-intensive, with little in the way of greenery or stems, lush, colourful, and very romantic. So of course I’ve been rounding up my favourites from around the web – trust me, you’ll be seeing many more of them this year!Read More

Floral Ceremony Arches

For this week’s roundup, we’re turning to what is positively one of the prettiest trends in weddings at the moment: floral arches. And with so many South African wedding ceremonies happening outdoors, this is a perfect way to make an impact right from the get go. I am kind of obsessed with flowers myself, and the idea of walking up an aisle towards such a lush, incredible centrepiece (imagine the gorgeous fragrance as you say your vows!) just blows me away. Amazing. And I have a feeling you all are going to feel the same way too. Oh, and PS – as much as I love the flower-only arches, I am also kinda dying over the ones with curtains (or even a door). I mean, seriously. So romantic.Read More

SouthBound’s Best 2013: Aisle & Ceremony Decor

So often when we think wedding decor we’re thinking about the reception, but today’s Best of 2013 post is all about the ceremony. Now don’t get me wrong – the most important thing happening at the ceremony IS the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean that (especially if you’re not getting married in a church) you can’t enjoy some creative licence in making it look like a fairytale. That’s just what some of our brides and grooms did this year, turning ordinary spaces into very special ones. Here they are, all in one place, to inspire!

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