Thinking of using a wedding arch? You're not alone — for many brides, they serve as an indispensable grace note when it comes to getting married in a
garden or park, in a spacious backyard or by the sea.
A given arch might not look imposing, but even a simple one has a way of powerfully framing you both, whether you're standing against the giant sweep of the ocean, or saying your "I Do"s in an otherwise undistinguished space like a gym or movie theater.
Finding Your Wedding Arch
You can buy a relatively simple
white, metal wedding arch at major craft stores for between $20 and $40. If you want something more elaborate — or wooden, more like a chuppah — you'll want to either hit up a rental shop or have your family construct one. Most wedding arches are a quick build for someone with a little woodshop experience.
Want to get yours online? Try simple tubular metal arches from Joann's here (8 feet high, 200 lights)
or here (6 feet high). You can also often find more elaborate arches on eBay.
Here's one alternative to the classic metal or wood: balloon arches. If the mere thought of balloons in weddings doesn't break you out in hives, these can sometimes surprise you, with their soft tulle bases and understated balloons resembling pearls. Check into local balloon artists if you think this might work for you.
Special Tips for Beach Brides
Tying the knot in the islands? Try making a quick and easy four-footed chuppah out of bamboo poles. Ask around at hardware or lumber stores for a local supplier (yes, even the islands have hardware stores!).
Or if you don't want the chuppah but do want stability in the inevitable breeze, set each post in the sand, anchoring them in sand-filled buckets. Then pin, wire, tape or tie your ribbons or organza panels to the top for romantic flutter. (Popular tools for making things stick or hang: safety pins, white florist's tape, craft wire or microfilament — also known as fishing line).
Even if you're bringing a prefab arch to a beach site, make sure it's secured properly. A sudden gust of wind can send it tumbling, unless it's dug deeply into the soil or sand. Post hole diggers are what you want for all but the most windless days. Remember to compensate by buying, renting or building a relatively tall arch.
Finally, a word to the wise: if you're having a destination wedding, be sure to check out the wedding arch fees. Sometimes packages merely say, "wedding arch extra," potentially leading the bride to a coronary when she finds that rental and decor costs add up to $300-400 ... or even more. If your guest list contains some handy family members, skip the rental fees and ask them to make you an arch of wood or bamboo. It's not that hard, even on site.
The Zen of Decorating
You buy your arch. You set it up. Your heart sinks as you wonder, "What do I do with this bare, white
thing?"
Don't panic. Adding a touch of romance to your arch is simpler than it looks.
The Classic Arch
Most brides want to soften the arch's hard lines. A great place to start: drape it in a gauzy base of tulle or organza. If you're starting with a prefab arch and long, narrow rolls of tulle, try draping the tulle down the top of the front and back U-shapes, pinning every rung or two, leaving a little extra fabric at each rung so it "pools." Or if your fabric's almost as wide as the arch is deep, cover the whole thing, again pinning at every one or two rungs.
Done? Clap yourself on the back (or break into one of those celebratory bottles of bubbly). Now, you could pin a sash across the back, or attach more tulle to the front on the left and right sides, pulling it out to create a long, gauzy aisle. Form this aisle fabric into swags that dip from pedestals, tiki torches, shepherd's hooks or whatever fits your decor.
But enough of tulle: now for the real fun. You can quickly finish this project off by tarting up the arch's top with a garland. It can be silk or natural, maple leaves or ivy, sunflowers or roses.
Or, get slightly fancier: wire a single floral wreath or pomander ball to the apex of the arch. Or, take the three-point approach, tying floral arrangements at the top and both sides, about halfway down or a little higher (heavier elements like these require wire).
And if that's still not enough, decorate with three-point florals, and add a tall arrangement — think bare branches, bittersweet or topiaries — to the base on each side.
The Gothic Arch
Use a simple, dark arch that rises to a dramatic point; leave the lines clean and unadorned. Hang an enormous floral kissing ball in pale white or
pink from the apex.
The Asian Arch
Create a simple, square "arch" out of lashed-together bamboo poles. Adorn the corners and the base with bright red anthuriums, red heliconias, dendrobium orchid sprays and plenty of tropical foliage.
Anchor this arch in large vintage milk jugs or urns filled with cattails, and trail strands of faux maple leaves over the sides. Dress the arch with more faux leaves, coneflowers, red lobelia, salvia and Lavender Lady. Tuck bright red apples into the foliage. Accent the base with potted millet grass and mums.
The Floral Arch
Covered from top to toe, the floral arch is a living sculpture that shouts "major occasion." The greens and blooms and on this arch seem to be floating in air, with the flowers appearing immensely heavy and the arch insubstantial. The floral arch is a job for the pro — grand, with a price tag to match.
The Woodsy Arch
Add a more unexpected texture by strapping birch branches (available at craft stores) or grapevines to the sides of your arch. Or instead of a fabric or ivy base, attach garlands of ferns.
The Beachy Arch
Beach wedding arches often go the classic route, but a beautiful alternative for your beach wedding is to attach organza in simple, free-flowing swags, and dangle large seashells and
starfish from the apex (the larger, the better).
The Tropical Arch
Made entirely of palm tree fronds, the tropical arch creates a sharp, dramatic and slightly masculine silhouette.
Cover your arch in pine or fir branches (a DIYer can do this; just cut and arrange your branches the day before the wedding). Wrap twinkle lights around the arch in a candy cane pattern, and hang a silk poinsetta kissing ball from the top.
Okay, But What About Arch Alternatives?
Sometimes you need a focal point, but arches just aren't firing you up. Some great-looking alternatives:
- A simple chuppah or mandap (Indian)
- A flat arbor screen, with potted arrangements on each side
- A large, low-hanging tree
- A gazebo
- A grape trellis
Finally, it's nice to remember that many wedding professionals jazz up their arches by hanging satin ribbons or silk filament from the back in long, even strands. This creates a hanging curtain of sorts, which you can personalize even more with items that match your theme: seashells and starfish, pinecones and maple leaves, or silk plumeria, orchids or gerbers. And if Mother Nature gives you a slight breeze that day, so much the better.
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Talk the Tulle!
What types of goodies are you putting on your arch? How does it fit with the rest of your wedding style? Trade ideas ... and pics ... below!
Tags: 
July 13th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Becky,
Do you still have the Fall Wedding Arch? My daughter is getting married late Sept and we are looking for one.
debbiesgibbs@bellsouth.net
July 1st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Here are some beach wedding arch ideas.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Okay Ladies,
If you are looking for cheap in bulk garlands, vines, twigs, bamboo, you name it they’ve got it……
Go to: “save-on crafts.com”
They have it all for great prices pretty much anything you could want to decorate a wedding with. Seriously. Check it out. Even with paying shipping cost, they are far better priced and way better selection than any craft store where I live (in the LA, Ventura County area of California.) They have in BULK and that’s what you would need.
Madison, look up the “natural grapevine twig garland” from that site, and see if you like it for your possible arch.
Ladies, you could even do a google search under “twig branches for crafts” or “garland for crafts” and see what comes up.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:22 pm
A good idea would be to go to Michaels craft store and buy a metal arch anyway. You could wrap twig branches or berry garland, and fall leaves garland around the rungs. You could make it look really rustic, country, or shabby chic. My sisters wedding is in April in a garden and I just got an arch from Michael’s craft store for her wedding on sale and it cost me $23.00. We are going to decorate it with sheer curtain material (cheaper than tulle, and prettier-2 long panels). Then add the vines, garlands and flowers. You could also just have a row of evenly shaped pumpkins along the aisles and behind the officiant, and leave the backround open with a layer of fall leaves around and under where you will be standing in the front. It’s all up to you. Try taking pictures of the ceremony site, then drawing out on a blank piece of paper the ideas that you have. See if you like what you’ve drawn. It will help to get your mind thinking more visually. Are there any other couples that have been married in the same location before? Do they have pictures you could look at? Does the site have pictures of past weddings in a portfolio? You could also buy little trees and position them in the front. If you shape your own arch you are still going to need to attach it to something stable, so you will need to either buy an arch, or make one. Quite a few hardware stores also have wooden trellises for gardens, that are not painted or stained. You would probably be better off getting one of those, as it all ready looks rustic. Anything you add onto it from in the way of branches could only make it look better. Do a bunch of comparison shopping looking at prices, and pulling pictures into a file on your desktop to help keep ideas fresh in your mind. When you next step into a bridal or craft store, your keen crafty ideas will simply flow.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
my wedding is in the country in november and its an autunm theme with twigs, branches and leaves with a few pumpkins, there isnt an arch its jsut plain open land, any ideas that we caould do to make a backdrop behind us? or do you know where to purchase long branches to shape and make your own arch?
June 21st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hey ladys, Ok so where on a tight budget and we need help deciding what to do with are arch way. Its an old style metal arch way with white paint on it. We thought about doing the fake flowers and kinda making it look like vines going around it…but those tend to be Very pricy…Can any one help use out……
It is an out side wedding, july 27th so..help use please…feel free to e-mail me with your ideas… mrsangelajones@yahoo.com
June 10th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Here’s an unbelievable arch snapped by harpist Devon Haupt at a gorgeous Indiana garden wedding. Maybe not much of a DIY project but guaranteed to IMPRESS your guests!
June 1st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I am having a beach weddding and need to figure out where I can purchace large bamboo shoots that I can decorate. Cheap is the key word. Any ideas?
June 1st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
does anybody have any ideas on how to decorate an arch for my outdoor wedding. simple but cut???
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
should i use brass or white candelabras
May 1st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Hello, I wanted to decorate the celing at a reception hall with tulle, organza and lights. I was told by a profesional decorator thay you have to have some kind of insurance to decorate and must use fire retardant material. Is this true or did she just want to be hired?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Hi Nikki, don’t panic! This is easier than you think.
If you don’t see images here that are helpful, just plug wedding arch into Google images (or just click on that link). Browse until you find a couple of pics that show what you want. I see a few photos of the Michael’s-type arch in the first few pages of google Images. One shows a simple 4″ wide spool of tulle woven through the bars, and a garland draped over that — couldn’t be simpler.
Some of your nervousness may be not knowing what materials to buy, or how much. I know it sounds a little crazy, but mock it up before you go shopping! Use any material you have on hand, even sheets. (Great chance to change your sheets
). Play with it, you will quickly get an idea of what you like, and then you can measure exactly how much tulle etc. to go shopping for.
Hope that helps!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Help!!! I am getting married May 25th. The wedding is outside, and I have purchased an arch (from michaels, that seems to be the place to go) but have no idea what to do with it. It is pre-lit, but it needs something else. I’ve heard i should use tulle and maybe some greenery, but i’m not very crafty and have no idea how to decorate it. The wedding is outside in a garden and nothing else in the wedding is very elaborate, so i want to keep it simple but still beautiful. What do you think?
April 29th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
hello, i could really use some ideas for my wedding arch. it is going to be inside at a church. i want simple and cheap. my colors arewatermelon and white. i could really use some pictures. can u help me PLEASE?! i only have 33 days left
March 16th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Michael’s craft store sells arches under $20.00 and actually have speicals … grab the 50% off coupons they offer in the paper and you can get it for 10.00… oh, and did I tell you it also has all the little lights on it : )
Great buy!
February 27th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Bethany
Go to www.save-on-crafts.com to buy tulle. That arch you like is more of a chuppah and I’ve heard that you need a rental company for them - although I believe you could make that with a simple square, flat topped cabana draped with tulle and a white cloth for the roof. I’m going for a more basic curved arch draped in tulle for a very similar look (but easier to create). Arches are at craft stores, ebay… just google wedding arch.
One more thing… search ebay for “8 x 8 Outdoor Decor & More Gazebo Removable Sides” and I think you’ll find a great structure for the arch you like!
February 20th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I am planning a Valentine’s Day wedding indoors and was just wondering if an arch would be okay to use indoors?
January 12th, 2008 at 3:33 am
The very first picture on the top left corner of the arch with the flowy tool….Where can I find this? Who is a good retail seller or vendor that is local to my area. How much do you think sn arch like that with tooling costs (without any flowers)? I live in Rancho Cucamonga CA and I am getting married in Pomona CA. Can you please email me back with any insight. Thank you! - Bethany
January 9th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
i am having a fall wedding indoors and do not know what to do for decorations?
January 4th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Becky,
Fall arch, have you sold it, how much & can you send a picture?
Sherri
grammyshouse@bellsouth.net
December 29th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I got married outdoors on Nov. 24, 07… it was beautiful with the fall leaves.. I made my own arch from a 20 dollar one from a local retailer and all the other garlands and flowers I wired on myself.. I was gorgeous and now I need to sell it.. I live in /Atl , GA it is fall colors, please email me if interested.. I would love for another bride to get to use it…. thanks Becky
December 15th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Ballon Arches??? OUCH! Yes, that does make my skin crawl! I haven’t seen a balloon arch since my sister’s freshman homecoming in 1989!!! Do people really use those still??? ICK!
I’m getting married on the beach and I’m using two simple columns with a long flowing piece of Chiffon (not tulle) strung between the two and falling free on either side.
Wow! Balloon arches…I just can’t get over that!!!
November 22nd, 2007 at 8:40 am
is there a difference between coursage and boutonnieres? i want to see more pictures of floral arch and baloon arch and church hall decorating and reception decorating
November 21st, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Tulle is expensive, USE EBAY I’m telling you people it’s the way to go!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I got a quote for a florist to decorate our arch. I knew the flowers would be expensive because I wanted all roses but just for the tulle it was 100.00! Is that alot or do I not know what I am talking about?
November 7th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I need some idea on wedding arch in the church please
October 16th, 2007 at 11:49 am
I am looking for new ideas to decorate wooden archs and metal wrought iron arches.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:52 pm
For my wedding we have an arch that has four posts and posts that go across the topto connect them, i was thinking about having tuel but I don’t know the best way to decorate… what do you think?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Hi all! just wondering if anyone has ideas for a camoflauge theme? I’m doing the “new mossy oak break up” if anyones familiar?
August 16th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
i need ideas on decor on a cazebo for my wedding.Please help…
July 23rd, 2007 at 1:55 pm
I am having an Hawaiian theme wedding and need to know what or how to decorate my arch. My wedding will take place inside, any ideals that you have would be greatly appreciated.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Hey Janie! Great idea for center pieces at Christmas is a small, usually about 10 ot 12 inches, Chrsitmas tree. They look really cute and can be easilly decorated with small flowers to still give a hint of the flowers you are using. You can also use small decorations, miniatures. The great thing is you can get these at a local dollar store for little of nothing. To add a skirt around it you several sheets of tissue paper. It creates a really cute center piece.
June 17th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
May 21st, 2007 at 6:07 pm
you can use fishing live (clear, (so no one sees it) - or chenille wires (white to blend in with the tulle or green for ivy)
May 15th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
What do you use to secure the tulle, bows and flowers to the arche?
April 16th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
We are doing a tennis theme for our December wedding. I was trying to come up with a wooden racquet wedding arch with greenery. Do you have any ideas of how this could work…also I have no ideas on centerpieces…thinking of a round flower vase filled with tennis balls with our names on them…do you have any ideas?
March 30th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I would like some ideas on how to decorate an arch with flowers and organza fabric. I would also like some ideas on creating a backdrop. very into do it yourself projects.
March 16th, 2007 at 4:20 am
What do you use to secure the tulle, bows and flowers to the arche?
January 22nd, 2007 at 1:40 pm
What material is best used for a canopy type of an arch.
January 20th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Toni, I use white 5 gallon buckets filled with sand. Put the arch in first and then fill in with sand. Fill only about half way up so you can put post of plants (silk or real) and ivy growing up the trellis. If you want real ivy, simple just tie the pot about 6 or 8 inches up from the bottom, so you can fill in sand under it. you can decorate the buckets or just get white ones that match the trellis or arch. You can paint them different colors with paint that will stay on plastic. You can use smaller buckets too, if the arch or trellis isn’t too big and top heavy.GoodLuck………………MaryAnn
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:42 am
I need more ideas for christmas theme wedding
ex: centerpieces
August 4th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Could you please give me some ideas on how to secure a wedding arch that will be on a stage?