There are many possibilities when it comes to choosing your ceremony decor, especially when you can pick something unexpected and creative. Whether you like romantic, floral archways or ornate, personalized altars, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite alternative decor ideas for any wedding.

1. Chalkboard Altar Backdrop: Instead of having programs, display your family names and the names of your bridal party front and center on your altar for all your guests to see.

Photo: Jenny Jimenez Photography

2. Floral Arch: Hang test tubes from your archway, let your guests pick a flower (with a pre-tied tag on it) and write words of wisdom on it. Make sure your guests place their flower in a test tube that way their encouragement and support will be with you when you say, “I do.”

Photo: Marlon Taylor Photography

3. Doorway Arch: This metaphor reflects how a couple is opening up a new chapter of their life together.

Photo: Stephanie Williams Photography 

For more inspiration, check out our altar and arch decor photo gallery.

Of course, we love mason jar aisle markers, but why not try something different. Try hanging mason jars filled with beautiful florals and lit candles to fill your venue with ambiance. Here are three ways to incorporate hanging mason jars into your wedding decor:

1. Centerpieces 

Photos (from left to right): Tanja Lippert Photography and Amy Majors Photography

2. Wall Decor

Photo : Kristen Marie Photography

3. Ceremony Lighting 

Photos (from left to right): Steven Michael Photo and Tin Can Photography 

Wedding lounges create an intimate setting for socialization. So, why not give your guests an area where they can get away and watch the entertainment unfold throughout the night? Pillows, a throw rug, candles, uplighting and floral centerpieces will make your lounge complete but also will enhance your theme. Here are some lounges we love:

1. Casual 

Lounge: Arc de Belle 

 2. Vintage

Photo: The Bird and The Bear 

3. Modern

Photo: CinematicbyDavidM

“Glamping” is a term referred to as glamorous camping. Why would we associate this with weddings? For those couples who think that the average wedding lasts 5-6 hours–think again–weddings are turning into weekend-long events more than ever these days. Couples want their closest family and friends to stay with them to create lasting memories and kick off the start of their marriage. Think about having an outdoor reception, luxury tents for your guests to stay in and lots of food and games to keep the entertainment going all weekend. Here’s some ways you can add a few glamorous touches to your wedding: 

1. Add a lounge area or two for your guests. 

Photo (from left to right): Bound By and NLC Productions 

2. Have lawn games such as: croquet, bocce, horsehoes, cornhole and ring toss. 

Photos: Jodi Miller Photography

3. Rent or purchase chandeliers, drape white lights or hang paper lanterns to add lighting to your outdoor reception.

Photos (from left to right): Cooper Carras and Raquel Reis 

As you start heading off for your Labor Day weekend plans (we hope you’re doing something fun!), we just wanted to sneak in one last inspirational summer style shoot that came to us from a group of talented Missouri vendors. We were huge fans of the whole nautical theme this summer, and this shoot is a perfect example of doing the whole seaside-wedding thing without going overboard (pun completely intended).

Have a great long weekend – we’ll be back next week with lots more wedding inspiration to kick off fall!