Gazebo Wedding Decorations

by Giorgina Devereaux

To quickly review, a gazebo is a pavilion structure that can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed, and open on all sides.  It provides shade, shelter, and serves as an ornamental feature in a landscape. 

However, gazebos are commonly used for outdoor weddings since they add a romantic element, along with the picturesque setting. 

You can decorate a gazebo beautifully and elegantly leaving a breathtaking scene for all to admire. 

Make your outdoor wedding special by adding the right combination of gazebo wedding decorations.   It is sure to make a memorable focal point.
 

Before getting started on planning your gazebo wedding decorations, please consider the following:
 

• What is your wedding theme?

• What is your budget?

• What size is the gazebo?

• Are there any decorating restrictions for the gazebo?

• Weather conditions

Gazebo wedding decorations consist of the following:

• Balloons

• Bows

• Candles

• Christmas Lights

• Flowers/Potted Plants

• Garland

• Lanterns

• Ribbon

• Tulle

Balloons:   Balloons always make a lovely decorative touch.  You may color coordinate the balloons with your wedding theme to keep the colors consistent. 

Consider attaching colorful ribbon to the balloons and display them in a bouquet on each side of the gazebo or add them to the corners of the gazebo for extra beauty. 
 

Bows:  Using pull bows will enhance the look of your gazebo.  Since you are placing bows on a large structure, consider using larger sized bows. 

You may add tulle to the side railing of the gazebo and add a pull bow on each end as well as in the center.  It will add color and the gazebo will look lovely. 
 

Candles:  Depending on the weather, you may wish to forego real candles and consider using flickering LED candles instead.  Candles add romance and beauty to a wedding ceremony as well as the overall décor of the gazebo.  The gazebo will look especially beautiful if the ceremony is held during the evening. 

Christmas Lights:  Another wonderful lighting idea that creates a romantic atmosphere is to intertwine Christmas lights inside tulle that is draped around the wooden pillars.  You may also wish to place the lights around the topside of the gazebo for that extra twinkle intertwined with fresh vines and flowers for a soft and intimate look. 

Flowers/Potted Plants:  Flowers and potted plants add vibrance and color to a gazebo.  They are beautiful and make a breathtaking display. 

If you have concerns over your flowers and plants being sensitive to the weather, then you may wish to consider using silk flowers.  Silk flowers are versatile and easy to work with. 

You may also incorporate flowering shrubs, rose bushes, or small trees.  Flowers can also be added to the roof of the gazebo. 

Another idea is to add a flowered swag over the top of the gazebo and a pair of arrangements on the two side rails. 

Other ideas include buying small flowerpots to line the aisle of the gazebo and fill them with fresh flowers to provide unity between the flowers that are decorating the gazebo and the aisle. 

For added beauty, consider adding vines around the pillars of the gazebo. 

Some flowers for your outdoor wedding to consider are:

• Bird of Paradise

• Dahlias

• Hydrangeas

• Oncidium Orchids

• Pink Ginger Lilies

• Purple Iris

• Ranunculus

• Roses with Babies Breath

• Stargazer Lilies

• Sunflowers

• Tiger Lilies

• Yellow Mini Calla Lilies

• Zinnias

Another idea is to consider hanging pomander balls from the gazebo.  Pomander balls can be made from fresh flowers, silk flowers, or from colorful paper.  They look absolutely lovely and add interest to the overall decor.  You may also continue this theme by hanging a pomander ball on the side of each aisle guest chair. 
 

Garland:  To mask imperfections on a gazebo, consider using garland.  You may opt for garland that matches the season, such as pine cones, berries, or dried maple leaves for the winter.  You can weave multiple strands of garland around the railings, across the pillars and columns, and you may swag it from the ceiling and roof.   
 

To affix garlands, consider using clips so as to avoid damaging the gazebo. 
 

Lanterns/Miscellaneous Lighting:  Lanterns add a soft glow.  You may wish to include old fashioned lanterns that have interesting shapes for added interest.  This type of lighting creates the perfect ambiance for your ceremony. 

Other outdoor lighting consists of torches.  Torches are a classy way to add light to your ceremony. 
 

Ribbon:  A nice touch is to alternate colored ribbon around the poles.  Ribbon is affordable and will add color to your gazebo.  Consider using a thick ribbon and swag it around the rafters.  With a wire based ribbon, you will have the flexibility of having it conform to the shape you need. 
 

Tulle:  You may wish to take some tulle and wrap it around the poles of the gazebo and weave flowers through the tulle.  Another idea is to drape the tulle over the rafter of the gazebo and use it as a base to glue decorations to, such as ribbon or other decorative pieces.  Get creative and add flowers to each place where you tack it.  If you are having a beach themed wedding, consider gluing some sea shells there.  It’s your chance to do something unique with your wedding decorations.
 

These simple tips will go a long way in helping you make your gazebo look spectacular for your special day.  Gazebo wedding decorations don’t have to be complicated.  All it takes is a little imagination and creativity.