How to Decorate Your Wedding Aisle

Walking down the aisle is one of the most memorable things you'll ever do. So it's only fitting that you should want it to look as beautiful as possible! There are so many options and ideas out there for decorating your wedding aisle, but it can be tough to decide what's right for you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when decorating your wedding aisle.

Considerations for Decorating Your Wedding Aisle

There's plenty to think about when decorating your aisle, but perhaps the overriding concern should be making sure your aisle decorating fits with the overall look and feel of your wedding.

For example, decorating your aisle with grand floral displays might not be the best choice if you've opted for a rustic and laid-back vibe. On the other hand, if you're having a formal affair, decorating your aisle with more spartan décor could look and feel underwhelming.

Take into account your location, too. If you're planning on an outdoor wedding ceremony, will your aisle be grassy, paved, or on sand? This will impact what décor you can use and how easy it will be to set up. For instance, a low-key hessian aisle runner can work well on grass but might not be the best choice for a lumpy, uneven surface such as sand.

Finally, you'll need to consider the logistics of decorating your aisle. How long is it? How wide? Are there any obstacles in the way, such as chairs or pews? Do you need equipment such as oversized glass bell jars for your candles, or perhaps a set of ladders and wooden posts to affix fairy lights? Or can you get away with using more delicate and dainty décor items?

You'll need to decorate your aisle in a way that considers these aspects, or you might end up with décor that could potentially look great but is too impractical or too difficult to pull off in the first place.

With all of these factors to consider, it's no wonder decorating your wedding aisle can be such a daunting task! But don't worry. Below are some ideas to help you get inspired.

Wedding Aisle Decoration Ideas

The great news is that there's no right or wrong way to decorate your wedding aisle. As long as it fits with the overall theme and look of your wedding, and you're happy with it, that's all that matters.

That said, if you're stuck for inspiration, here are a few ideas you could consider.

Scatter Petals Down the Aisle

One of the most classic and timeless decoration ideas for a wedding aisle is to scatter petals down the length of it. This can look and smell absolutely beautiful, and it's also relatively inexpensive. Plus, it's an incredibly versatile decorating option, as it works for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and can be easily adapted to fit any wedding theme.

If you're going to decorate your aisle with petals, make sure you choose ones that are in keeping with the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For example, for a rustic wedding, you might want to opt for wildflower petals, whereas for a more formal affair, rose petals would be a better choice.

Line the Aisle with Lanterns

Another popular choice for decorating a wedding aisle is to line it with lanterns. This setup can create a gorgeous and atmospheric look, especially if you use real candles or fairy lights inside the lanterns.

Lanterns also come in a wide range of styles, so you should be able to find some that offer the perfect look for your wedding. From sleek and modern designs to more vintage-inspired options, there's sure to be a lantern out there that fits your wedding theme. You could even deliberately decorate your aisle with different sizes and styles of lanterns if you're pursuing a more bohemian look.

Just be sure to consider the logistics of using lanterns as décor. For example, if you're having an outdoor ceremony, will there be enough shelter for the lanterns, so they don't blow out in the wind? If you're using real candles, will they be safe to use around your guests? If you're not sure, it might be worth opting for battery-operated candles or fairy lights, just to be safe.

Decorate with Greenery or Flowers for a Natural Touch

If scattered petals aren't for you, but you'd still like to incorporate flowers or greenery into your décor, there are plenty of other ways to do it. You could line the aisle with potted plants or hanging baskets, for example, or decorate the ends of each row of chairs with a small floral arrangement.

Alternatively, you could decorate the aisle runner itself with a garland of greenery or flowers on either side. This arrangement can look really beautiful, especially if you use locally-sourced blooms that are in season. Just be aware that decorating your aisle with a garland can be quite time-consuming, so you might want to enlist the help of some friends or family members to get it done.

Decorate with Festoon Lights for a Magical Touch

If you're looking for something a little different, why not decorate your wedding aisle with festoon lights? These fixtures can deliver a truly magical look and are perfect for couples planning a nighttime ceremony.

Just be sure to take into account how you'll power the lights if you're having an outdoor ceremony. You'll either need access to mains power or use batteries, and you'll need to ensure the lights are securely fastened so they don't fall or move too much in the wind.

Use Ribbons and Fabric to Create a Vibrant, Colourful, and Fun Look

An increasingly popular décor option for wedding aisles is ribbons and fabric. Using these materials can create a really vibrant and colourful look, which is perfect for couples who want their wedding to have a more playful feel.

One way to use ribbons and fabric is to decorate the chairs that line the aisle. You can simply tie ribbons around the back of each chair or, for a more dramatic look, drape fabric over the back and down the sides of the chairs. Or you could expand it to include all chairs in the ceremony space, not just those lining the aisle.

Another option is to decorate the aisle runner itself with ribbons or fabric. This option looks great when you choose a fabric that contrasts with the colour of the aisle runner. You can even add some sparkle by incorporating sequined fabric or ribbons into your design.

Do I Have to Decorate My Wedding Aisle?

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to decorating your wedding aisle, so it's ultimately up to you whether you want to do it or not. You might find that you love the look of a décor-free aisle, or you might decide that you want to go all out and decorate it with everything from flowers to lanterns. The choice is yours.

If you're unsure, look at some pictures of wedding aisles online and see what you think. It may well be that you feel aisle decorations would detract from your stunning ceremony location. In which case, you might just want to add the odd floral arrangement here and there rather than decorating the aisle itself.

Ultimately, it's your day, so make sure you do what will make you and your partner happy!