Bride bemused as people blast choice to take flowers from church after wedding

A bride has been left confused by the response she received when a family member learned she was planning to reuse her wedding arrangements – despite paying for the flowers herself

Weddings are usually costly affairs, so it makes sense for couples to cut costs where they can. But one bride-to-be has been criticised by a family member for her money-saving plan – much to her surprise.

The bride had been hoping to reuse the floral arrangements from her wedding ceremony at the reception for her upcoming nuptials. However, the idea was blasted by a relative, who said it is rude to “swipe” the flowers from the church. Confused, as she did not know of any tradition that meant she should not keep the flowers she paid for, the woman took to Mumsnet to ask for advice.

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But it turns out the move is a controversial one, at least if the responses are anything to go by.

In her post, the woman explained: “So I’m getting married In two weeks, got the florist organised and all bouquets paid for. We have asked for x1 pedestal arrangement and 8x little posy-jar arrangements to decorate the church. These, along with some buttonholes, bridesmaids posys and my bridal bouquet have come to almost £900.

“We had arranged for the florist to aid in moving the arrangements from the church to our reception venue after the ceremony, so we can continue to enjoy them.”

She added: “I had a message from a family member today to say how hurt they are, and how rude and mean it seems to be – to ‘swipe’ the flowers from the church straight after the ceremony not leaving any behind.

“I didn’t realise that this was a thing. Maybe I’m in the wrong? Can anybody please explain?”

But people were quick to explain it is traditional to leave the flowers behind in some circumstances.

One person wrote: “Traditionally you’d leave a pedestal arrangement, yes.

“Think of the church less as a ‘venue’ you are decorating and more of a community you are celebrating with – let the rest of the community enjoy your celebration.”

“I was told very firmly by the church lady that it’s traditional for wedding flowers to stay there,” someone else said.

However, people also said couples do sometimes keep the arrangements.

“I agree with your relative,” read one comment. They explained: “I think the flowers should be left in the church to be enjoyed by the rest of the church community in services over the next week.

“People do take them with them to the venue though- I’ve heard of it before but personally I think it’s not really the done thing.”

Shocked by the revelation, the bride commented: “The church is very special to us it’s got a lot of family history as well as having had many the celebration, but also sad memories with funerals..

“I feel very guilty now. I think most of this is actually my ignorance as I had no idea the done thing was to leave the flowers!”

Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.