Wedding Flowers: Best Flowers For The Altar And Aisle

Weddings are occasions that call for the use of many flowers. The abundance of flowers in a wedding can easily create a positive mood and a classy, vibrant, and romantic atmosphere. Although the flowers used in the bridal bouquet are often the flowers that get the most attention in any wedding, flowers are often used everywhere and they all have their specific purpose.

In the reception venue, flowers are often used in the buffet tables and as table centerpieces. In church weddings, flowers are mainly used to adorn the altar and to line the aisle. Some churches such as the San Agustin Church are ornate enough that you do not need to put too many flowers. There are also some churches such as the Our Lady of Remedies Church in Malate that will benefit from well-placed and well-chosen flowers.

 No matter how your wedding church looks, putting flowers will add an air of festivity and celebration. If you are unsure of which flowers to use in the altar and aisle floral arrangements, below are some of the best flowers you can use.

• Calla lily. If you want something simple yet elegant, calla lilies are your best bets for aisle and altar floral decorations. For church decorations, especially for those that will be placed along the aisles, it is best to use the calla lilies with long, thicker stems. Although white or cream calla lilies are the popular choice, feel free to choose the more vibrant shades of calla lilies such as deep plum, orange, yellow, and mauve. However, calla lilies tend to be more expensive than other flowers but you can remedy this by using just a few stems for the aisles.

• Orchids. There are many different types of orchids you can use for your altar and aisle floral decorations. They come in various colors and they are dainty and delicate looking. Feel free to go minimalist by using just orchids or you can also put more volume to the floral arrangement by adding other leaves and flowers.

• Roses. A favorite no matter for what purpose, roses are the classic romantic flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors and you can choose to go with one color or a mix of colors. There are numerous possibilities when it comes to floral arrangements using roses so make sure to choose one that reflects the type of wedding that you want to have.

Wedding Dress Restrictions in Catholic Churches

Weddings are serious occasions and among the most important days of many couples. Different cultures have their different ways of having a wedding ceremony and there are many traditions and practices that are observed in each of them.

In the Philippines, the most common type of weddings are Catholic weddings since majority of its population are Catholics. For Catholics, weddings can only be performed by a Catholic priest in a church like the San Agustin Church which is why Catholics cannot have their wedding ceremony outdoors.

Among the particulars in most Catholic weddings is the wedding dress or bridal gown. The restrictions when it comes to the attire of the wedding entourage vary from one Catholic church to another. While some churches like the Santuario de San Antonio specify what can and cannot be worn, there are some churches that allow any kind of wedding dress.

For those who would like to have basic knowledge of what is usually acceptable as a wedding dress and those who want a safe choice when it comes to their wedding gown, below are some of the styles that are best avoided as much as possible.

·         Backless gowns. Even if it is a very modest gown if viewed from the front of the dress, a backless gown is often not recommended for Catholic weddings. Some degree of exposure may be acceptable to the church where you plan to get married if the dress is not too low at the back. The best remedy is to have a shawl, jacket, or bolero that you can wear to cover up your back. You can just simply remove the wrap during the wedding reception.

·         Plunging necklines. Gowns and dresses that have very low necklines are best left at the rack in the shop. Some churches only allow certain types of necklines for the wedding gown and a V-plunging neckline is definitely not included in such lists. If you happen to buy your wedding gown before knowing of this restriction, just ask a sewer to make a small covering for the chest area.

·         Strapless gowns. In some churches, strapless dresses and tops are actually discouraged even during regular masses. Again, the best solution is to have a shawl, jacket, or bolero that you can use to cover up. You may also have a sewer create some detachable sleeves so that your shoulders and arms can be covered. Just remove these materials at the wedding reception if you wish to.

Old Manila Churches For Weddings

Weddings have always been important events and it is not surprising that weddings nowadays require careful planning. Aside from the other wedding details such as the catering, the wedding attires, flowers, and such, one of the first things a couple needs to decide on is where to have their wedding.

For a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, churches are the default wedding venues.

For those who live in Manila, there are numerous beautiful churches to choose from. Because of Manila’s old churches, this city is a popular destination for those who prefer to have their wedding in an old Catholic church.

Below are just a few of the old churches in Manila that are popularly used as wedding venues.

• Manila Cathedral. This church is known for being the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila. With its beautiful, intricately-designed façade and simple yet regal interiors, Manila Cathedral is a favorite especially among the weddings of those in the upper class society.

• San Agustin Church. One of two remaining Catholic churches inside the Intramuros, the San Agustin Church is among the oldest stone churches in the country. With the intricate paintings on its ceiling and its radiant chandeliers, the San Agustin Church is often chosen for weddings not just because of its importance in the country’s history but also largely for its magnificent interiors.

• San Sebastian Church. This Catholic Church is unique because it is the only church in the country and in Asia that is all-steel. This distinguishing characteristic has made the San Sebastian church in the Quiapo area one of the favorite churches for weddings.

• Binondo Church. Right smack inside Manila’s Chinatown, the Binondo Church continues to be among the most beautiful churches in the country. Its interior, with the painted ceilings, has been likened to that of the St. Peter’s Dome.

• St. Pancratius Chapel. For those who are looking for a relatively small old Catholic Church, the St. Pancratius Chapel is a good bet. The church can only hold around 70 people but its surrounding area is spacious and refreshing with its garden and even a fountain in the middle.