Getting married in a church is a long-standing tradition, and many couples opt for a wedding ceremony in a chapel, followed by a wedding reception at a separate venue. While decorating the reception venue gets a lot of attention, it is important to think about decor for the church, as well. There are a number of ways to dress up a chapel to make it look even more beautiful and festive. Use the following tips to create a beautifully decorated chapel for your wedding ceremony:

Know the Rules

Before you purchase, rent, or book any type of decorations for the chapel, it is very important to speak with the church, and learn their rules for decorating for a wedding ceremony. It can be helpful to bring a pen and pad of paper, so you can make notes, and write everything down. The last thing that you want is to spend money on something you are prohibited from using on the day of your wedding.

Pay Special Attention to the Altar

Your wedding party will be standing at your side, and your wedding vows will be said at the altar, so it is a good idea to pay special attention to decorating this area. All eyes will be on you and your intended, as well as the altar, and your photographer will likely take many photos of this area, so you'll want it to look as beautiful as possible. Many couples choose to place most of their flowers for the ceremony near the altar, so they are easy to see and appear in most of the photographs at the church.

Consider Purchasing a Custom Aisle Runner

A gorgeous custom aisle runner can add a very festive look to any chapel aisle. If you plan to have a flower girl who will be scattering real flower petals, an aisle runner will also protect the chapel flooring from stains. Aisle runners are available in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose a hue that complements your wedding colors. Some couples also choose to monogram their initials, names, or wedding date on an aisle runner, so they can have a lasting keepsake.

Don't Forget Outside the Church

It is not uncommon for couples to include some outdoor decor at the entrance of the church, to set the mood for the wedding ceremony. If you're having an evening wedding, you may consider lining the path to the door of the chapel with lights. Potted plants or flower arrangements also look great on either side of a church entrance.

For more information, talk to companies like Pristine Chapel Lakeside.