Creating The Perfect Wedding Arbor

Wedding arbors are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony, providing a natural frame for the happy couple and a canvas for the designer and florist. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or PVC pipe, and decorated with flowers, greenery, and other accents.

For those looking to add a personal touch to their outdoor wedding, a wedding arbor is a great way to define the ceremony site within the open space. Couples can choose from a range of shapes, including rectangular, arched, triangular, and circular, and decorate them to suit their theme or cultural heritage. For example, a Chinese wedding arch is often decorated with red and gold, while Indian wedding arbors, or Mandaps, are very colourful.

When planning a wedding arbor, it's important to consider the size, weight, existing structures, weather conditions, and decorations. They can be time-consuming to set up, but the final product is always gorgeous and well worth the effort.

Choosing the right materials

Overall Look:

First, decide on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a classic and elegant look, or are you leaning towards something more modern and quirky? This decision will guide the choice of materials that will help bring your vision to life.

Climate:

If you're planning an outdoor wedding in a hot and sunny location, choose materials that can withstand the heat. Opt for materials that won't wilt or fade in the sun to ensure your arbor looks fresh throughout the ceremony.

Durability:

Consider the longevity of the arbor if you plan to reuse or resell it after the wedding. Select durable materials that can withstand multiple setups and takedowns. This way, you can create an eco-friendly option and potentially generate some post-wedding income.

Popular Material Options:

• Metal: Metal is an excellent choice for a modern and clean look. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for outdoor weddings in windy locations. Metal arches can be found in various colours, including silver, gold, rose gold, and black. However, you can also customise the colour to match your specific theme.
• Wood: Wooden arbors offer a unique and rustic elegance to your wedding ceremony. They can be handcrafted to create a simple or elaborate design, adding charm and personality to your special day. Additionally, wooden arbors are an eco-friendly option, as they can be reused or repurposed after the wedding.
• Fabric, Florals, and Greenery: Most wedding arbors incorporate fabric, flowers, and greenery to match the wedding's colour palette. When selecting fabrics, opt for neutral tones to avoid colour casts on your skin in photos and videos. As for florals and greenery, choose options that complement your theme and setting, whether it's a rustic, whimsical, or classic wedding.

Remember, your wedding arbor will be the focal point of your ceremony and the backdrop for many cherished photos. Take the time to select materials that reflect your style and vision, creating a memorable setting for your special day.

DIY vs. buying pre-made

Wedding arbours are a beautiful addition to your ceremony, and can be a fun DIY project. However, they can also be purchased pre-made, and there are pros and cons to both options.

DIY Wedding Arbores

Building your own wedding arbour can be a fun and creative project, and it allows you to fully customise the design to your liking. You can choose the shape, materials, and decorations to suit your wedding theme and colours.

For example, you could use natural wood for a rustic look, or metal for a modern and clean appearance. You can decorate your arbour with flowers, greenery, fabric, or other accents. If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even make your own flowers or decorations.

Building your own arbour also gives you the freedom to choose the size and weight, ensuring it fits your desired location and can withstand the weather conditions.

However, creating your own arbour can be time-consuming and may require some handyman skills. You'll need to source the materials, plan the design, and construct the arbour, which can be a significant undertaking. Additionally, if you're not careful, the final product may not look as polished as a store-bought option.

Pre-made Wedding Arbores

If you don't have the time or inclination to build your own arbour, purchasing a pre-made one can be a great option. You can find a variety of options available online or in wedding specialty stores.

Pre-made arbours offer convenience and can save you time and effort. They are typically designed to be sturdy and easy to assemble, so you don't need to worry about construction.

Additionally, pre-made arbours often come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, so you can still find one that fits your wedding theme and colours. You can choose from different materials, such as metal or wood, and some even come with built-in decorations like flowers or fabric draping.

However, pre-made arbours may be more expensive than building your own, and you may have a more limited selection to choose from. Additionally, you might need to compromise on your desired specifications, as customisation options may be limited.

Both DIY and pre-made wedding arbores have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're crafty and enjoy a good project, building your own arbour can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, if you're short on time or prefer convenience, purchasing a pre-made arbour might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the amount of time you want to invest in creating your dream wedding arbour.

The pros and cons of different shapes

Wedding arbors can come in a variety of shapes, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a list of some of the most common shapes:

Rectangular

The rectangular shape is the most common for wedding arbors. It is simple and classic, and can be easily decorated with flowers, greenery, or fabric. This shape is a good choice if you want to complement your wedding style without drawing too much attention to the arbor itself.

Arched

An arched wedding arbor can give a grand feel to the entrance of your ceremony. However, it usually requires more decorations to fill up the space. If you want to make a statement with your arbor, this could be a good option.

Triangle

Triangle-shaped arbors are often seen in boho weddings. They provide a unique look and can be a fun way to incorporate different textures and colours. However, they may not provide as much coverage or framing for the couple as other shapes.

Circle

The circle shape has multiple levels of meaning for weddings. A circle represents never-ending love, similar to the symbolism of a wedding ring. A circular arbor can also be used in an intimate setting to enclose the couple in a romantic setting. However, it may not provide as much of a "canvas" for decorations as other shapes.

Hexagon, Pentagon, or Other Polygon

Other polygon shapes, such as hexagons or pentagons, are interesting and unique choices for wedding arbors. These shapes can add a modern or funky touch to your wedding. However, they may be more challenging to decorate and may not be as timeless as some of the other shapes.

When choosing the shape of your wedding arbor, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve, as well as practical considerations such as the weight and portability of the structure, and the amount of decoration required.

How to decorate an arbore

Wedding arbors can be decorated to suit the theme or cultural heritage of the couple getting married. For example, a Chinese wedding arch is often decorated with red and gold to represent good luck and happiness, while Indian wedding arbors, also known as Mandaps, are often very colourful, and may be decorated with flowers, beads, and other accents. Jewish wedding arbors, sometimes called "chuppahs", often feature flowers, greenery, and fabric.

• Flowers: Hydrangeas, roses, snapdragons, orchids, peonies, and gardenias are all popular choices. You can also choose flowers that are in season or that match your wedding colour palette.
• Greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, Italian ruscus, olive branches, and garden roses are just a few options for adding greenery to your arbor.
• Fabric: Use fabric to drape over your arbor, adding a romantic or elegant touch. Neutral-coloured fabrics are recommended to avoid strange colour casts on skin tones in photos.
• Lights: Fairy lights can be wrapped around the arbor for a whimsical touch.
• Dream catchers: For a boho-themed wedding, dream catchers can be hung from the arbor.
• Chandeliers: For an opulent or elegant touch, consider hanging a chandelier from the arbor.
• Ribbons: Ribbons can be used to create a curtain effect on the arbor, adding a whimsical or rustic feel.

Remember to consider the weight and durability of your decorations, especially if your wedding is outdoors and the arbor needs to withstand wind or other weather conditions.

Transporting and setting up the arbore

Transporting and setting up a wedding arch can be a tricky process, but with careful planning, it can be done efficiently. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

Breaking Down the Arch:

Before transporting the arch, it is important to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will make it easier to fit in your vehicle and manoeuvre at the venue. Depending on the design of your arch, you may be able to separate it into sections, such as the legs, the top frame, and any diagonal supports. Mark the pieces clearly to ensure easy reassembly.

Transporting the Arch:

The type of vehicle you use to transport the arch will depend on its size and your own resources. For smaller arches, a standard car may be sufficient, while larger arches may require a truck or van. If you don't have access to a suitable vehicle, consider renting one or asking a friend or family member for assistance. When loading the arch into the vehicle, be careful not to damage any of the pieces and secure them properly to avoid shifting during transport.

Reassembling the Arch:

When you arrive at the venue, find a suitable location for the arch, preferably with a stunning backdrop. Start by reassembling the arch, following the marks you made during the breakdown process. Use the appropriate tools, such as a drill or screwdriver, to secure the pieces together. If you have a helper, it will make the process easier and faster.

Adding the Final Touches:

Once the arch is assembled, it's time to add the decorative touches. This could include flowers, fabric, or any other embellishments you've chosen. Secure them carefully to ensure they don't blow away or fall off during the ceremony. If you're using fresh flowers, it's best to add them as close to the ceremony as possible to ensure they look their best.

Stability and Safety:

Finally, ensure that the arch is stable and secure, especially if it's outdoors and exposed to the elements. Consider staking it to the ground or adding weights to the base for extra stability. Also, ensure there are no loose screws or sharp edges that could pose a safety hazard.

By following these steps, you'll be able to efficiently transport and set up your wedding arch, creating a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Frequently asked questions