Weddings encompass various components: the welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Each of these requires a substantial amount of decor and rentals, which can quickly become overwhelming and expensive. That’s where the benefits of repurposing your ceremony decor comes into play. Not only is it a cost-effective option, but it also helps create a cohesive theme throughout your entire day. 

If you’re looking for creative ways to repurpose your wedding flowers, here are a few ideas to incorporate ceremony arrangements into your reception space.

Benefits of Repurposing Your Wedding Ceremony Decor 

1. It’s Cost-Effective 

One of florists' most common questions is, ‘How can I save money on my wedding flowers?’ If you want to save money but don’t want to sacrifice stunning flowers, work with your vendors to create a plan for repurposing your decor. Reusing staple pieces from your ceremony and incorporating them into your reception design will save you a lot of time and money. 

Rather than worrying about planning and paying for ceremony and reception arrangements, you can reuse the large focal point of your ceremony in your reception space. 

2. Creates a Cohesive Look 

Repurposing your decor isn’t just about saving money. This approach also helps contribute to a cohesive look throughout your wedding day. By carrying elements from your ceremony into your reception space, you achieve a seamless transition that unifies both settings. This is especially beneficial for those looking to maintain a consistent wedding theme.

3. A Sustainable Option 

If sustainability is a priority for your wedding, you're likely seeking eco-conscious planning ideas. Repurposing ceremony decor offers a sustainable solution. Reusing these pieces in different areas throughout your wedding day minimizes waste and promotes an environmentally friendly event. 

How to Repurpose Ceremony Arch in Your Reception Space 

Your backdrop will be one of the biggest decor components of your ceremony. You’ll spend a lot of time, money, and effort bringing your dream arch to life. With ceremonies typically being shorter, it would be a shame for it to only be seen for a short amount of time. Instead of discarding your ceremony backdrop after saying ‘I do,’ work with your florist to create a repurposing plan. 

Your ceremony backdrop can be used in various ways in your reception space. Here are a few unique ways to re-use your arch post-ceremony. 

1. Sweetheart Table Backdrop 

Wedding days are so busy it’s hard for the couple to get alone time together. This is why many couples opt for a sweetheart table—a smaller, more intimate table that solely seats the newlyweds while the rest of the bridal party and immediate family are seated elsewhere. But going with this setup means you have to account for even more decor. 

If you’ve chosen this intimate route, consider repurposing your ceremony arch as a stunning backdrop for your dinner table.

2. Photo Opportunity Wall 

Weddings are all about making memories. While your professional photographer will capture stunning images, it’s also fun to get some candid photos on your special day. This is why many couples set up a photobooth for guests to take their own pictures. It's an easy and interactive way to commemorate the celebration.

To create a stunning photo opportunity, transfer your eye-catching ceremony arch in the reception area. Place it in an open space with a bench or chairs, add some props, and you've got the perfect spot for photos with your guests!

3. Cocktail Hour Bar Decor 

Weddings consist of numerous components: the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Planning decor for each space can quickly become overwhelming and expensive. To avoid this stress, repurpose your ceremony decor to elevate your cocktail hour venue. Place the arch near the bar to create a focal point and enhance the ambiance in this popular gathering spot.

4. Entrance Decor

Make a lasting impression with entryway decor that welcomes guests in style. If you've chosen a broken or semicircular ceremony arch, you can repurpose it to add a pop of personality to your reception space. Use the arch to decorate the entrance, creating a beautiful first impression as guests arrive. It’ll create a cohesive look an beautifully complement your wedding signage. 

How to Repurpose Aisle Decor Post-Ceremony 

The aisle decor is typically made up of clustered flower arrangements or greenery garlands and a variety of illuminating sources like candles and lanterns. However, these small details can make a lighting impact in both your ceremony and reception spaces. Here are a few unique ways to re-use your aisle decor post-ceremony. 

1. Floral Pew Decor to Reception Chair Decor 

Pew and aisle ends are among the most versatile decor pieces, adding an extra touch of personality to your ceremony space. Typically tied to the edge of a church pew or hung on the back of chairs, these details beautifully enhance the aisle walkway. But their use doesn't have to end there. These smaller decor pieces can also decorate important guests' chairs during the reception. If you're having a king's table for your wedding party, consider adding these accents to the backs of their chairs for an extra special touch.

2. Candles of Lanterns to Light Up Reception Space 

Depending on your wedding timeline, your reception will likely take place in the evening. Along with the venue's existing lighting, you might be searching for creative ways to brighten up the space. Consider repurposing the candles or lanterns from your ceremony aisle or altar to create a romantic ambiance at the reception. These can be used to decorate the reception entrance, enhance the dessert table, illuminate cascading stairs, or add a charming touch to the sweetheart table.

3. Floral Pillars to Entry Way Arrangements 

Many couples include floral pillars in their ceremony decor. They’ll collaborate with their florist to design beautiful arrangements that greet guests in style as they find their seats. However, these pillars don’t just make for stunning aisle decor. They can seamlessly be incorporated into the wedding reception decor, too. 

Before your big day, discuss with your florist and wedding planner about relocating the pillars to the reception entrance to welcome guests to the party.

4. Lounge Area Enhancement

For those planning a full-day affair, including a lounge space in the reception layout is often a must. This cozy area allows guests to relax, sip cocktails, and mingle with other attendees. Featuring rental furniture, thrifted finds, and photo-worthy floral arrangements, it's the perfect spot to incorporate leftover ceremony decor. Use aisle decorations like candles or clustered floral arrangements to enhance the lounge area, adding a warm and inviting touch.

Guide to Reusing Bouquets Post Ceremony 

Many think bouquets' serve only once purpose: to make a fashion statement. However, they serve more than that purpose. While they add a personal touch to the wedding party's look, they can also be repurposed as decor pieces.  

1. Bridesmaid Bouquets to Wedding Cake Table Decor

Though using Bridesmaids' bouquets as centerpieces is not recommended, there are other creative ways to incorporate these intricate arrangements. Once the ceremony is over, photos are taken, and the dance floor opens, bridesmaids likely won't need their bouquets anymore. Instead of throwing them off to the side, discuss with your wedding planner about collecting the bouquets before the reception and using them to decorate the dessert table, adding an extra touch of elegance to the space.

2. Bridal Bouet to Honor the Mother of the Bride

For those who choose not to preserve their bouquet, you might be trying to find meaningful ways to repurpose it after the ceremony. One of the sweetest gestures is to gift your bouquet to your mother. Traditionally, there are few ways to honor the bride's mother, but a new tradition has emerged where brides make a speech thanking their mother and present her with the bouquet as a heartfelt gesture.

Work With Flowers Valley to Create a Repurposing Plan 

Remember, you hire professionals for a reason. They can use their experience to help you create a repurposing plan that’ll look stunning and potentially save you a bit of money. And if you’re searching for a reliable and trusted wedding florist in the San Francisco Bay area, meet Flowers Valley. This award-winning team of professionals offers stunning wedding flowers that exceed expectations. 

With an extensive portfolio working with many venues in the area, The Flowers Valley team understands that every event is unique. That’s why they create a personalized wedding proposal tailored to your needs and preferences. They combine your inspiration with years of expertise to make your wedding day unforgettable. So, if you’re ready to bring your floral dreams to life, reach out to Flowers Valley by filling out their contact form.