Asked on Jun 21, 2014

Wedding Help

Melodie Hoffman
by Melodie Hoffman
I recently booked a church for our wedding. Unfortunately I had forgotten that a graveyard surrounds the church. Not so good for informal wedding pictures that will be taken. Anyone have some good affordable ideas to hide the gravestones without putting anything on them? The picture shows how close the stones are to the doors. The church is pretty otherwise.Thanks for the advice!
  76 answers
  • Jessica C Jessica C on Jun 21, 2014
    Could you rent a section of white picket fence to put in front of the stones? Otherwise some big pots of flowers would probably do wonders to cover them up. You could also put a few well placed banquet tables with long white table clothes in front of them and put containers of flowers on top to hide them. Good luck!
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Jessica C Thank you for the ideas! That gets my mind working and juices flowing! I never thought of using tables! Thanks for answering.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jun 22, 2014
    You can buy white vinyl lattice (4' W x 8' T sheets) at Home Depot...attach stakes with wire ties...(make sure they are tall enough to make it sturdy) add some ribbon and bows...don't add too much or it would be top heavy (draped tulle gives a wedding look). You will need only a couple of boards...more if you have a large crowd! This can make a beautiful backdrop. Take some large clear bowls and plant various color of impatients...just take them out of the pot and plantt them in the bowl...add a bow if you wish...or borrow beautiful potted plants, wrap pots in white (cheap) fabric or tissue paper with a bow in front to make them all match! Even small green plants look great. Just stand back where photographer will be standing to make sure you have blocked out the unwanted background. All of this can be done for under $100. If you want color, you can buy blooming flowers at WalMart for about $10.00 and the pots are in wrappers already. Be sure and post photos!
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    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Barbara Ann I know someone who works at a floral shop. I could check and see what they have I guess. I will let you know what I come up with.Thanks for your advice!
  • Your photographer can probably angle you in the pictures such that the stones dont show. They are used to working around obstacles and making the pictures come out great.
  • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
    We were kind of worried that the stones didn't give a wedding atmosphere to our guests. Our formal pictures will be taken elsewhere but informal pictures would show the stones. Thanks for taking the time to answer though!
    • See 1 previous
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Sharon Kavanagh I grew up around churches with graves around but my fiance didn't and was a little concerned about it. So I assured him we could think of something. The pastor of the church is a friend and donated the use of the church. I said "it's free,we''ll think of something!" lol
  • Meena M Meena M on Jun 22, 2014
    Haha well, it depends on the time of year and theme. Could always do a Halloween theme...seriously though, I like the idea of a temporary fence. Also, you could do some a little further away from the church maybe?
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Meena M Lol I know but a church and ghosts don't mix well. I think the temporary fence is a good idea too.
  • Janine J Janine J on Jun 22, 2014
    Rent some plants & put them in from of the headstones.
  • Robin Sweetman Robin Sweetman on Jun 22, 2014
    We used two sections of inexpensive plastic picket fencing , and staged our entrance with potted plants and white benches we found at Goodwill, when all was done we placed the pots back in our garden and the fencing we have used over and over in our gardens, as Halloween, and Christmas decorations.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Robin Sweetman Oh benches are a good idea I hadn't thought of !! I do have a big backyard I will need to fill once we are married.Thanks for the advice!
  • Connie Terry Connie Terry on Jun 22, 2014
    how about trees and decorate the buckets and use mason jars with candles or small frames with photos of you guys in the frames.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Connie Terry Yes I do like that idea ! I have seen mason jar decorations a lot on pinterest. Thank you for another great idea!
  • Alannah Allbrett Alannah Allbrett on Jun 22, 2014
    Easy fix on Photoshop. Can be turned to grass
  • Laurie Laurie on Jun 22, 2014
    I agree..... I think the stones will add "character". It is a tribute to those who have passed and are now guests at your wedding...
  • Penny W Penny W on Jun 22, 2014
    Decorate with your wedding flowers
  • Tamara Tamara on Jun 22, 2014
    You won't need to buy a thing ... I am an event planner, I do weddings all of the time. You need to have your photographer stand in a bit closer, not use a wide angle. They can also stand off center, just to the right of the sidewalk, which will make for a far more interesting perspective. This will eliminate the headstones to the right of the building. Many couples go to another location to have photos taken. The Gazebo in town would make a lovely place for photos. There are covered bridges in your area as well as a beautiful river. Lastly, I wouldn't worry about the headstones. Keep in mind, it is history. This is where you live, cemeteries are actually historic, tranquil, often beautiful. Congratulations and much happiness in your new life together.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Tamara Thank you for the tips. As I said above I grew up around churches and am use to the older historic ones with the gravestones. My fiance wasn't and so I told him we would find a way to make them less obvious. A covered bridge is a good idea for taking pictures though !
  • Jackie I Jackie I on Jun 22, 2014
    Nowadays with digital photography and good photographer should be able to edit out the headstones. If not just have the photos taken by the entrance doors or out on the grass facing the headstones instead of them being behind you. Outdoor pictures can be taken anywhere you choose. Focus on the inside of the church. Make sure your photographer gets lots of pics of each of you getting ready beforehand as well.
  • Diana T Diana T on Jun 22, 2014
    Well you are vowing to stay together til death do you part! Go back every year for an anniversary picture to show you meant those vows
  • Bjean Bjean on Jun 22, 2014
    If you're going to buy/rent plants of fencing, I'd sooner say use them to pretty up the left side of the church front, then take your pictures with the steps and outside of the building as your backdrop.
  • Bethany W. Bethany W. on Jun 22, 2014
    I agree...a decent photographer will be able to edit out the grave stones. Photoshop is wonderful.
  • Patty Cronin Patty Cronin on Jun 22, 2014
    One word, Photoshop!
  • Ellen B Ellen B on Jun 22, 2014
    Rent some room dividers that would compliment the church.
  • Tammy Lanes Tammy Lanes on Jun 22, 2014
    Built very inexpense frames out of plastic plumbing and hang complimentary fabric storm them. You could go 8-12" out. Burlap, colored burlap, Muslim, cheesecloth, whatever compliments your wedding.
  • June Butler June Butler on Jun 22, 2014
    Use some lattice panels off the sides of the building
  • Sherry Swift Sherry Swift on Jun 22, 2014
    They can be cropped out of the pics.
  • Robin K Robin K on Jun 22, 2014
    I would buy 2 or 3 sheets of plastic lattice style fencing , place in front of cematery & decorate with flowers woven through the lattice
  • Chris T Chris T on Jun 22, 2014
    Why not incorporate some of the really old or really beautiful grave markers in your pictures. I'm sure your pictures will be unique!
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Chris T It wouldn't bother me but my fiance is not partial to it. So marriage is all about compromise so we'll try to disguise them. lol I've been to Tonawanda by the way. Real close to the Canadian boarder with a nice little shop of crafts and gifts just before you cross.
  • Ginnie Ginnie on Jun 22, 2014
    Put flowers on the visible stones and consider the deceased as additional guests and witnesses to your marriage.
  • Beverly Tayler Beverly Tayler on Jun 22, 2014
    if you hired a good photographer they can remove the stones from any pics.
  • Kathy H Kathy H on Jun 22, 2014
    It's a beautiful old church,if the marker are offensive. I'm sure you can take pictures at an angle that doesn't show them. Plus it looks like behind the church are some nice trees. Trees and wooded areas make nice back drops...I saw some other good ideas about enhancing the stones with flowers or using lattice ...I'm sure your wedding will be beautiful...
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Kathy H Yes there are quite a lot of trees behind the church. And inside it has stained glass windows which should look lovely whether the sun shines or it rains.
  • Penny Davis Penny Davis on Jun 22, 2014
    Speaking as an experienced wedding photographer - a slight change in shooting angle and creative cropping in-camera can work miracles. But if you are expecting a specific aspect and those solutions won't work - then you will need to ask the photographer to retouch them in photoshop. But please be prepared to pay a fee for that service as many would consider it over and beyond a standard photography service. Is a very sweet church - and congratulations!! Hope your day is wonderful!
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    • Penny Davis Penny Davis on Jun 24, 2014
      Yes - there are certainly a LOT of photographers doing weddings out there that really should stick to family snaps. Best suggestion I can give when hunting for a photographer - make sure you ask to see several WHOLE wedding examples of their work and NOT just the highlights. It is the best indicator of consistent quality. And make sure they have a contract that protects/spells out both parties responsibilities. Best of luck with your search :)
  • Ray Lee Ray Lee on Jun 22, 2014
    Actually as a photographer the entire front of the church will be a issue. With steps and ramp down the middle and white additional to the right. Consult your photographer for alternatives.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Ray Lee Only informal pictures will be taken at the church. Wedding pictures will be taken elsewhere.
  • Reb352956 Reb352956 on Jun 22, 2014
    Make A banner that can hang low ...if not have you photographer, shot at an angle standing on the same side as the plots.....last opton go.to the dollor tree and pick up some chair covers that should fit right over and de orate them in your wedding colors
  • Reb352956 Reb352956 on Jun 22, 2014
    The banner could say something like on this day to friends become family and have you names and weddimg date
  • Carie Spires Robinson Carie Spires Robinson on Jun 22, 2014
    Can you make the walkway into more if an aisle and block or at least distract the view of the lawn? I am thinking something like arbors or fabric draped between tall post? It would keep guest within the waking space, and serve as a focal point in the background to eleviate the graves from being noticed.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 22, 2014
      @Carie Spires Robinson Yes I was thinking we may go that way. I wasn't quite sure what I could use that was affordable to block the view. Arbors are a good idea I hadn't thought of,thank you!
  • Lori Wright Lori Wright on Jun 22, 2014
    A trellis w/ vines and flowers over top and sides.
  • Mary N Mary N on Jun 22, 2014
    Take you pictures some place else, away from the church and the graves. A nice wooded setting or a lake would be nice. There must be a nice place around in back you can get pictures.
  • Marcia Marcia on Jun 22, 2014
    @ go to a local park and take pictures there instead
  • Tammy Lanes Tammy Lanes on Jun 22, 2014
    Sorry about my typos! How embarrassing.
  • Junque M Junque M on Jun 22, 2014
    One thing you might consider is going to your local nursery to see if they would rent you some large plants that would put the focus on the entrance and somewhat mask the view of the sides of the church. Arbovitae or laurels could be options.. then possibly some medium sized shrubs that are colorful or blooming in front of the larger plants. You probably wouldn't need very many. Simple burlap or other fabric could be wrapped around the pot. I've actually seen arbovitae and other large plants at Costco for as low as $10-$20 depending on size. They could then be planted in your own yard afterwards! Best of luck to you!!! http://www.bhg.com/app/plan-a-garden/ is a site that will let you play around with different looks.
  • Cheri Brown-Arata Cheri Brown-Arata on Jun 22, 2014
    from that particular angle, a large flower display placed in front in just the right spot would hide the gravestones behind
  • Tanya Marie Riley Tanya Marie Riley on Jun 22, 2014
    Near the woods line?
  • M'lynn Stasney M'lynn Stasney on Jun 22, 2014
    Have people put white sheets on with a ghost face painted...clapping their hands standing next to the headstones.
  • Paula Noga Paula Noga on Jun 23, 2014
    Embrace it. Death is a part of life. Our vows do say....till death do us part. Make it silly, somehow.
  • Kelli Blanton Kelli Blanton on Jun 23, 2014
    I think it's beautiful. Til death do us part.
  • Helen Diaz Helen Diaz on Jun 23, 2014
    Put up white decorated panels and hang flowers the colors of your wedding
  • I would not worry one bit about the stones. Have the photos taken inside, have everone line up outside as you leave for a pictire, then rection, and a few outdoors. Only a few may show the stones, and it will give the pic character, and they will not be like everyone elses.
  • Susan Sinclair Susan Sinclair on Jun 23, 2014
    Get your guest to group across the front and in front of the few stones that would show and they will be hidden
  • Mary Patterson Mary Patterson on Jun 23, 2014
    Goth wedding! LOL
  • Kate Costello Lebeck Kate Costello Lebeck on Jun 23, 2014
    Embrace it! Those stones honor people who lived good lives. Your wedding day is about YOU and your husband. Take photos to capture the moments of YOUR day. And know that those buried in the churchyard will be smiling and sending you their blessings from beyond! Congratulations on your wedding!!! :)
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Kate Costello Lebeck Thank you! I'm ok with that but my fiance isn't.He doesn't want it to look like we're getting married in a graveyard. I understand how he feels and I've gotten some great ideas here!
  • Pamela Halsell Sullivan Pamela Halsell Sullivan on Jun 23, 2014
    Buy some large plants or large bushes and set in front of headstones for your wedding day and then plant on the church property as a gift :)
  • Sfg178760 Sfg178760 on Jun 23, 2014
    If they are old grave stones...embrace them! They are hauntingly beautiful and it is all about the circle of life.
  • Shara Smith Shara Smith on Jun 23, 2014
    My neighbor built an inexpensive gazebo that was brought to the site in the back of a pick-up truck. When decorated, it did not look cheep at all and served as back drop. After the wedding. they took it to their new home and used it in their back yard as a sitting area.
  • Theresa Brown Theresa Brown on Jun 23, 2014
    I would not try to hide them either. But you can pull the focus to the church entrance by placing waist high shepherds hooks along both sides of the walkway. Swag tulle along the hooks and hang ball jars with wild flowers or baskets of annuals on each hook or every other. Then a couple of large urns or pots of annuals at top of the steps in the corners of the landings. This will make the stones secondary to your eye.
  • Marguerite Pope Marguerite Pope on Jun 23, 2014
    The photographer can probably photo shop them out or do an angle that will not include them.
  • Dorothy Koenig Dorothy Koenig on Jun 23, 2014
    Theresa, I definitely love your idea. Instead of directing your guests' eyes to the grave stones (which, by the way, are a part of the church, and are probably noticed more by you than anyone else), a beautiful sidewalk border will definitely keep their eyes on your special walkway, instead of drawing their focus over to anything that you use to hide them. You didn't say when your wedding will be. A spring, summer, or early fall wedding would be lovely with the ball jars, or take it up a step with hanging baskets. If a winter wedding, you may have to use artificial flowers, more appropriate for that time period. Winter would be lovely with poinsettias in colors that would accent your wedding colors. The tulle, along with ribbons and flowers, will really be eye catching.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Dorothy Koenig It is in the fall.I love the fall colors and figured we'd have lots of ideas to work with like using pumpkins etc. I do like the idea of a pathway to the church. I just need to see which is the most affordable way to go.Thank you for the ideas!
  • Marie O Marie O on Jun 23, 2014
    Photos directly in front of the church doors and stoop. Beautiful doors! Out around the area with the trees as a back drop where no headstones are in the line of shot. Where is the reception being held? Maybe a different venue for photos altogether.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Marie O The reception is at the church. I thought the doors were really pretty too. The wedding pics will be taken at another venue. Informal pics were what I was thinking about and just maybe hiding the stones a bit.
  • Andrea Andrea on Jun 23, 2014
    The headstones make the setting unique. I agree with Kate Lebeck. Think of the people of the church surrounding you with love and blessing you on your special day!
  • Abbe K Abbe K on Jun 23, 2014
    Lit candles in memory of...placed strategically would make a beautiful and sensitive back drop for your wedding walk path. Mazal Tov on your wedding!
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Abbe K Thank you! That is a great idea.I did want to be sensitive to the stones and respectful to those that have passed.
  • Jerri M Jerri M on Jun 23, 2014
    As long as the reception isn't at the church, there may be place on the way to your venue that you could do other pics, eh? and in some pics, if the camera angle is from the ground up, and upper body shots, that may help filter some of the stones out and use the tree tops as backdrop. Or set up a backdrop, like a trellis or arch, etc, at your reception venue for more pics. Then, you can use the same backdrop for 'fun' photos with props for you and your guests to use - obligatory mustaches on sticks, etc! haha! Good luck and have fun!
  • Claire Kowkabzadeh Claire Kowkabzadeh on Jun 23, 2014
    Talk to a landscaping company about renting large plants for the day,if you just have to hide them. I,actually wouldn't bother. They are part of the history of the church.
  • Leah Tucker Leah Tucker on Jun 23, 2014
    I, personally, wouldn't want them in my photos either...just a preference. I like the idea of renting some larger arrangements/greenery to put in front of them for the pictures. If your dress is large enough, you could possibly stand in front of the one to the left in the picture above and move the camera angle to not show the others to the right. Also, if you have a good photographer...they might be able to simple photoshop them out of the image completely without needing to do any major renting or manipulating. Talk to your photographer about whether they can do that. If you haven't hired one yet...you might make that a requirement of who you decide on. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!
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    • Leah Tucker Leah Tucker on Jun 23, 2014
      @Melodie Hoffman - Oh...lattice...that would be pretty! If you are doing it in the evening, you could even hang some votives on it for some back lighting?
  • Alice McElveen Alice McElveen on Jun 23, 2014
    I would have like divider walls built out of pallets and have them standing in front of the headstones with matching flowers and ribbon to decorate them.of May painted initials painted on them like they would be enbroarded.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Alice McElveen That would be a good idea to fill up the empty space on either side.Thank you for that idea.
  • Michaela Edwards Michaela Edwards on Jun 23, 2014
    since the wedding is in the fall, wheat bouquet and fall leave branches in the buckets will be great, depending on the day it may be pretty to have light rope worked in the tull. lovely.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Michaela Edwards Yes that would look nice for a fall theme.I hadn't thought of using wheat outside. The tulle with lights is a good idea also. I like the look of lights glowing and giving a warm feel but hadn't thought of using them outside.
  • Thom Brandt Thom Brandt on Jun 23, 2014
    Since you are going with a fall theme use corn shocks and pumpkins and gourds and lots of fall leaves and make a setting around the doors of the church and then line the sidewalk with pumpkins and gourds and leaves say every 6 feet and I think your would have a lovely approach to the church that would look beautiful in any informal pics.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Thom Brandt I like all of those ideas. Corn shocks are nice and tall and would be a good way to divert the eye. Thanks!
  • Stephanie Lawrence Stephanie Lawrence on Jun 23, 2014
    Do it around Halloween and incorporate the headstones, maybe? Props like old doors and windows and empty frames with chairs or a couch could be set up for pictures for your guests and yourself could be a way to distract from and the path could lead to the doors and to the set up.good luck! I'm sure it will turn out beautiful!
  • Lisa Lisa on Jun 23, 2014
    I would decorate and highlight the front of the church and walk way, taking focus away from the cemetery. Photos in front of the church doors and on the steps. Photos to be also taken inside the church during the ceremony or after to reinact the vows, exchange of the rings, etc.and then could go elsewhere to take formal photos and informal photos at a nice park with trees and maybe water in the background or a pretty bridge. Or take photos in back by the trees. I would not do anything to the headstones out of respect.
    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 23, 2014
      @Lisa I agree I didn't want to put anything on the stones or in front of them. I was raised with respect and you do not step in front of a grave.I think the pathway idea will be the best to distract from the stones while still being respectful.
  • Jonathan Barnes Jonathan Barnes on Jun 23, 2014
    Since it's a fall wedding what about some hay bales you could place and decorate. That would also be inexpensive.
  • Robin Gilbert Robin Gilbert on Jun 23, 2014
    The ramp is more obtrusive, to me, then the headstones. Those you could drape with garlands, flowers, screening materials but the ramp, which is needed, is harder to make look pretty.
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    • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jun 24, 2014
      @Jonathan Barnes Thanks, I didn't know Hobby Lobby rented arches, or anything else for that matter. I will look into that.
  • Tish Sutherland Tish Sutherland on Jun 23, 2014
    Instead of hiding them or covering them, celebrate the lives and loves that have gone before. Marriage vows include, "till death do we part", what better symbol of eternal love than family plots or married plots. Include the love and lives that have already lived instead of disregarding them. There is nothing more beautiful than eternal joy.
  • Debbie Luthringer Debbie Luthringer on Jun 23, 2014
    Any decent photographer should be able to remove them from the pics...just sayin'
  • Sarah Thompson Sarah Thompson on Jun 23, 2014
    An arbor with flowy curtains or grapevine.
  • Monica Mendoza Monica Mendoza on Jun 24, 2014
    You could make some really cute and funny photographs incorporating the headstones. With decorative signs saying till death do is part or you'll leave me over my dead body, etc... The way some photographers use their imaginations to Photoshop images into a picture for a certain theme, y'all already have it there to do a unique photo shoot. When you are done with that, you can have a couple of big planters or bushes you can put in front to cover them to do the rest of the pictures.
  • Michaela Edwards Michaela Edwards on Jun 25, 2014
    Melodie, I did weddings for 15 years and loved it and there was always that little spark I added to the whole event with lights. Congratulation and wishing you all the best.
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    • Michaela Edwards Michaela Edwards on Jul 15, 2014
      @Melodie Hoffman it is very difficult and stress full . I did not mind because of when the bride walks down the aisle, it is all forgotten. :)
  • Sharon Kavanagh Sharon Kavanagh on Jul 12, 2014
    You need to do what makes both of you comfortable, I am sure it will be lovely!! Let us know what you did! Many blessings to you and your fiancee.
  • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Jul 14, 2014
    Tthank you so much! I will let you all know what choices we made.
  • Tommi L. Perkins Tommi L. Perkins on Feb 26, 2016
    Large pots of flowers that are big and in the bride's colors. A plant nursery or a good florist can help you. You can even have them bring large pots and temporary plants to place in them that are ferns and flowers. Especially for the pictures.
  • Melodie Hoffman Melodie Hoffman on Mar 01, 2016
    Thank you all so much for your help! We were able to work around our issues. I had a photographer take the pictures and I knew enough about photoshop to remove the graves from the pictures. A few trashcans too! lol It all went very well and I was pleased with the results.Again,thanks for all the advice!
  • Sadiqa Sadiqa on Dec 12, 2020

    Huge pots of blossoms that are enormous and in the lady's tones. A plant nursery or a decent flower specialist can help you. You can even make them carry huge pots and impermanent plants to put to make your wedding glorious in them that are greeneries and blossoms. Particularly for the photos.

  • Your photographer can take some really tight shots to avoid catching them in the pictures or they can edit them out after. Also, you could get a faux flower wall, they sell them everywhere now, and use it as a backdrop.