About Helen Joan Casper Expertise I can answer questions regarding do-it-yourself wedding creations (garters, pillows, favors, centerpieces, flower arrangements, etc), wedding traditions, wedding etiquette, engagement and wedding ring questions, proposal questions, reception menu questions, cake decorating/wedding cake questions, do-it-yourself reception questions, vegetarian/vegan reception questions, incorporating children in a ceremony, writing your own ceremony, writing vows, choosing readings, attire questions (wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, tuxedo rental), invitation questions, and have extensive knowledge in hotel/lodging questions as well as wedding consumer advocacy and vendor questions.
Experience I have over 4 years experience in the retail industry, over 3 years experience in the hotel & lodging industry, and I've created an online wedding encyclopedia.
Publications AppleBride online wedding encyclopedia as well as numerous wedding message boards and communities. I am also a highly rated expert here at AllExperts in role-playing games, console video games, childbirth, and doulas. I've been an expert here since 2000. Awards and Honors I have been nominated for Volunteer of the Month here on AllExperts numerous times and am considered "best of the best" in every category.
Awards and Honors I have been nominated for Volunteer of the Month here on AllExperts numerous times and am considered "best of the best" in every category.
Question The flowers for the church are so expensive and with the budget we have
there is no way to afford them. I really don't want artificial
flowers. Is there something we can use in place of flowers that is just as
lovely.
Answer First, you need to make sure that this is okay with the church. Some churches require that flowers be placed on the altar and some will even require certain florists or arrangements, or say only professionals can do it.
However, if you get the green light to put anything on there instead, there are quite a few options if the place where flowers would go is a pedastal or altar as opposed to permanent fixed vases or sconces. Candles, decorative globes (as in solitary shimmery balls that are flat on the bottom to allow placement), decorative crosses (which can be a wood or porcelain DIY project- in fact, you could even have your officiant bless these as part of the ceremony and then display them in your home later), nice picture frames with pictures of yourself and your fiancé (or perhaps any relatives that may have passed), or even small, tasteful scupltures depicting love (cake toppers could even be used here). Another option, which is more traditional, is using decorative wreaths. The wreaths can be decorated with ivy (real or artificial), stones, or other small decorations. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to make and can work well with the ambiance of the church as well as your wedding theme. Once you have the approval of the church, think about what items and such are meaningful to you and your fiancé.
However, if the places for the flowers are fixed vases or sconces your options are a bit more limited. You might want to try some decorative ivy (which is generally quite inexpensive). Another option is decorative sticks or wands. These can often be quite beautiful and covered with beads or other adornment in the wedding colors- this could also be an inexpensive do-it-yourself project. Decorative branches and greens are often also similar choices.
