Post # 1
Member
27 posts
Newbee
We set the date for the wedding to be the day we met The church is all booked only now realising that I should have checked the church calendar as our wedding happens to fall in lent. The vicker is allowing flowers but they have to be gone by the Sunday (wedding is Saturday). Anyone used/ planning to use the same flowers for wedding and reception? How do you move them from one place to the other with out the guests arriving at the reception before the flowers?
On another note are any of my guests likely to be highly offended by flowers in lent, can anyone think of any other options?
Post # 3
Member
309 posts
Helper bee
I wasn’t raised Catholic, but my mother was and my Grandparents were devout. I think that if the Vicker will allow it then you should proceed. Perhaps stick with moderate, tasteful stuff at the altar and refrain from additional floral adornments (on the pews, etc.). Also, maybe speak with the vicker or the altar guild about appropriate flowers for the Lent season. They might be able to recommend some that will end up going with your vision — that way if any relatives or guests get into a huff over flowers during Lent you can point out that they have a religious significance, etc. (However, I really don’t think you’ll encounter any pushback from guests.)
Post # 4
Member
2004 posts
Buzzing bee
If the vicar is allowing a wedding during Lent, then I don’t see how a few flowers would really tip the scales any further! Our church doesn’t even allow weddings during Lent. I would get something not too over the top just to be respectful of the season.
As to transporting flowers from the ceremony to reception, I believe that’s very common. You assign a few people to transport them and they set them up at the reception. Usually it takes awhile for guests to trickle over to the reception venue, so if they leave right away they will get there first. But you would probably only really be transporting two big arrangements for around the altar. Small decorations for tables and such wouldn’t be necessary in the church, so you could have those table decorations set up ahead of time and then just send in the big bouquets at the last minute. And if a few guests get there before the flowers, it won’t be a big deal. Good luck.
Post # 5
Member
1896 posts
Buzzing bee
- Wedding: August 2009 - St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House
Will you have a DOC? That person could be in charge of moving the flowers. And maybe you could have cocktail hour in an area that allows the flowers to be brought in without the guests noticinig?
Post # 6
Member
86 posts
Worker bee
I think it would be pretty to have very small floral arrangements that are in tune with the Lenten theme. (Purples/browns) I know there is a technical name, but those “stick things” that are now popular in centerpieces might be a good touch.
Either way, how many of your guests will be aware of the liturgical season?
Post # 7
Member
14181 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Make them all short so they can be used as centerpieces afterwards and aren’t huge “FLOWERS DURING LENT” signs at your wedding if you are concerned
But hey if an official church guy says it’s ok, I’d imagine that should be sufficient for your family.
Post # 8
Member
59 posts
Worker bee
I think if the vicar is allowing you to have a wedding during Lent (some wouldn’t), and your family is OK with the date, you don’t need to worry about the flowers. The wedding liturgy won’t likey be particularly “Lenten,” the vicar will probably wear white, not purple, etc.
Just get DOCs or a family member/friend with a car to take the flowers to the reception, a senior’s home, their home, your home, the vicar’s home 🙂
Post # 9
Member
883 posts
Busy bee
If he says you can – go for it! We had a lent wedding with lots of flowers and it was beautiful. We were also in the heart of the bible belt and no one was insulted. Its a wedding in the 21st century, I really really dont think you’ll have any isses with people thinking its inappropriate.
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