My Simple Church Wedding: Decor, Ceremony, & Reception Ideas!
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If you’re planning a church wedding and trying to keep things simple (and affordable) without it feeling plain, I’m here to tell you, it’s absolutely possible.
This post is a look at all of the details and ideas from my simple church wedding!
A church already has so much built-in beauty and meaning that you really don’t need to overdo it.
A few thoughtful details, a little creativity, and a focus on what actually matters can make the day feel incredibly special!
Our wedding was all about keeping things low stress.
Nothing felt over the top, but every detail still felt us.
Below are some of the simple church wedding ideas we used that made the day feel beautiful, meaningful, and fun (without blowing the budget).
Ceremony Details
Alright, here are some details that made the ceremony special!
1. Tulle Bows on the Aisle
One of my favorite little ceremony details were these soft tulle bows tied to the pews along the aisle. (similar tulle bows found HERE)
They’re inexpensive, easy to tie on yourself, and instantly make the church feel wedding ready without distracting from the church itself.
2. Wooden Cross with Florals
We used a simple wooden cross dressed up with florals, and it was such a beautiful focal point for the ceremony.
It felt meaningful, timeless, and perfectly fitting for a church wedding.
3. Ring Bearer & Flower Girl
We kept these classic and simple.
Faux petals are easy to clean up, and the ring bearer pillow was timeless.
No need to reinvent the wheel here.
4. Keep Photos Simple
Church weddings make photos easy, seriously.
We took pictures outside the church, inside the sanctuary, and near the altar.
No elaborate setups needed. The architecture, stained glass, and natural light did all the work.
Reception Details:
Here’s some ideas on a fellowship hall style reception!
1. The Couples Table
Instead of a big head table, we did a simple couples table just for the two of us.
It felt intimate, sweet, and way less complicated than coordinating a large bridal party setup.
2. The Tables for Guests
We kept table decor minimal and classic. Take a look at the photos for ideas!
- Photo frames for table numbers
- Floating candle vases for a soft glow (with floating candles)
It looked elegant, photographed beautifully, and didn’t feel cluttered.
Here we were walking into our reception!
3. Cards & Gifts Table
A simple table near the entrance with a sign noting this is the spot for cards & gifts is a must!
Here are some of my favorite cards & gifts signs on Amazon right now!
- Package Includes: You will receive one clear acrylic cards and gifts sign and walnut wood stand. This acrylic sign help your guest know where to put those special gifts and cards.
I like a classic acrylic sign or a wooden one!
- Gifts And Cards Sign For Table: Designed to elegantly direct guests, our gifts and cards sign for table is a must-have at celebratory event, as wedding signs for ceremony and reception, ensuring that your gift and card table is easily identifiable.
Or, if you love florals, this one is pretty.
- 【Unique Design】: Arch wedding decoration is a new trend, minimalism will never go out of style. We love the clean lines of these arch acrylic wedding signs! This wedding sign will be the perfect addition to any rustic, vintage, country, garden or woodland themed wedding.
Thoughtful (and Fun!) Little Extras
These are some more little “extras” we used at the reception!
Custom Hershey Kisses:
You may have noticed these in earlier photos. Sprinkled along guest tables, sprinkled on the cards & gifts table, and beyond!
There are actually SO many variations of custom Hershey kisses.
We just ordered the stickers that said “love is sweet” but you can also order them with an actual photo of the couple.
Here are some ideas of cute Hershey kiss stickers I’d go for if you want to do this idea!
- Each order comes with 108 0.75″ circle stickers printed on high quality labelstock with a gloss finish for photo quality results.
If the options above or below aren’t quite doing it for you, type in “Hershey kiss wedding stickers” here on Etsy and there are lots more options, too.
- Set of 216 self adhesive sticker labels 3/4 inch diameter
- Quality laser printing for best color
- Comes personalized with name and date in the Customize section of this listing
Wedding Day Coloring Books for Kids
If you’re inviting kids, do this.
Coloring books kept little hands busy and parents happy and they were so cute on the tables.
Shop for these on Etsy.
I’ll link some below, and a photo of the ones we had at our wedding.
We just bought some crayola crayons instead of ordering the crayons through the Etsy seller, to save money.
Seating Chart Display
We used a simple frame (got the frame at Marshalls) with strings and tiny paper clips to hang individual seating cards.
It was budget friendly, easy to update, and looked charming without being fussy.
Displaying Bridal Portraits
A small table with just two or three framed bridal portraits was the perfect personal touch.
It didn’t take up much space but felt really special for family and guests to see.
The Food!!
Ok, now for the fun stuff. The food! Here are some food ideas for a fellowship hall church wedding.
1. Set up a Drink Station
We set up three drink dispensers (I think it was lemonade, sweet tea, and water).
Simple, practical, and cute. Most importantly, EASY!
2. Easy Salad Bar Table
Especially for casual church weddings, a salad bar is a good idea. My caterer knocked it out of the park!
3. Slider Sandwich Table
For the “main” food, we did slider sandwiches. Everyone really liked them! We also did a mac and cheese table, but I don’t have a picture!
4. Nothing Bundt Cakes Wedding Cake Display
Instead of a traditional tiered cake, we used Nothing Bundt Cakes. We had a few cakes for display and Bundtinis for guests. They were delicious, affordable, and SO easy.
The Exit: Car Decorations & Sendoff Idea
A few simple decorations on the getaway car made the send off feel festive.
A few car stickers and streamers on the rearview mirrors are all it takes!
On the back of the car, some simple cling on stickers did the trick.
I’m a huge fan of bubble machines for the send off! Nothing to clean up, no rice laying around everywhere, etc.
Plus, the kids loved the bubble blowers. We let them take them home.
Don’t forget a send off photo!
Conclusion
If you’re planning a church wedding, don’t feel pressure to overdecorate or overcomplicate things.
A church already provides a beautiful, meaningful setting and simple details really do go a long way.
