Creating A Beach Wedding Arbor: A Guide

Beach weddings are a romantic option for couples, with the sunset, the sound of the sea, the waves, and the soft sand creating an idyllic setting. One way to elevate the ceremony is to include a wedding arch or arbor, which can be used to frame the couple as they say their vows. A wooden arch is a popular choice, as it can be dressed up with eye-catching florals, pampas grass, or chiffon drapes. For a beach wedding, natural elements like driftwood are a good fit, while palm fronds and Monstera leaves can add a tropical feel. Couples can also opt for a more modern look with geometric shapes like hexagons and triangles, or a circular arbor, which has historic meaning in early China, representing spiritual energy, infinity, and everlasting love.

Use natural elements like driftwood, a perfect blank slate to style

Driftwood is a natural fit for a seaside ceremony arch and a perfect blank slate for your wedding. It is a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony decorations and photographs. You can style it with anything from fresh florals and tropical foliage to decorative seashells.

For a rustic, bohemian feel, consider adding blue hydrangeas, seeded eucalyptus, and leaves. You can also drape the driftwood arch with sheer fabric, such as chiffon or gauze, for a romantic touch. If you want to incorporate colour, add eye-catching florals or wispy pampas grass in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and green.

For a beach wedding, you could style the driftwood with tropical green beauties like palm fronds and Monstera leaves. You can also use flowers that are local to your destination for a more authentic feel and to save money. If you're looking for a modern twist, add geometric shapes like hexagons and triangles to your driftwood arch.

Don't forget that a driftwood arch is a unique statement piece that will make your beach wedding unforgettable. Whether you choose to style it simply or extravagantly, it will perfectly frame your "I do"s.

Adorn with tropical leaves, flowers, or seashells

Adorning your beach wedding arch with tropical leaves, flowers, or seashells is a great way to add a natural, tropical, modern, and beautiful touch to your ceremony. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Tropical Leaves

Palm fronds, Monstera leaves, fan palm, and Italian ruscus are all excellent choices for adding a tropical feel to your wedding arch. You can use these leaves to create a lush, leafy ceremony structure or to complement floral arrangements. For a modern and tropical look, consider using a combination of these leaves with other tropical flowers.

Tropical Flowers

When it comes to tropical flowers, there are many options to choose from. Bougainvillaea, with its bright and vibrant colours, is a popular choice for adding a pop of colour. Other options include blushing bride protea, haleconia, gerbera daisies, and the colourful leaves of the croton plant. These flowers can be used to create beautiful bouquets, posies, corsages, and boutonnieres, or to decorate your arch.

Seashells

Decorative seashells can be a unique and natural addition to your beach wedding arch. Combine them with driftwood, fresh florals, and tropical foliage to create a seaside-themed arch. Just be sure to leave the seaweed alone!

Other Ideas

In addition to tropical leaves and flowers, you can also incorporate other natural elements such as bamboo, pineapples, and pampas grass. For a modern touch, consider adding geometric shapes like hexagons and triangles to your arch. If you want to keep the focus on the ocean view, you can forgo the arch altogether and opt for a ground-level arrangement of greenery, florals, or other decorative items.

Add a modern twist with geometric shapes

If you're looking to add a modern twist to your beach wedding arbor with geometric shapes, there are several eye-catching options to choose from.

One idea is to opt for a circular arbor, which has become an increasingly popular design choice for weddings. The circle has a lot of symbolic meaning, representing infinity and everlasting love. You can choose a circular arbor made of metal or wood, and decorate it with simple greenery or flowers to create a beach-inspired design.

Another option is to go for a triangular arbor, which is the most modern of the geometric arbors. Like the circular arbor, the triangular version can be found in a white finish or a dark natural wood finish. This arbor is incredibly versatile, allowing you to incorporate different styles such as Boho, Rustic, Coastal, and Tropical.

For a truly unique look, you could also consider other geometric shapes such as hexagons or octagons. These shapes provide a modern and minimalist silhouette for your arbor and can be crafted from metal or wood. Add some creative flair by incorporating simple greenery or flowers that complement the beach setting.

Whichever geometric shape you choose, these modern arbors are a great alternative to the more traditional bamboo or driftwood arches often seen at beach weddings. They offer a contemporary style for couples who want to make a statement on their big day.

Frame with a ground-level garden of greenery, florals, or pampas grass

If you're looking to make your beach wedding a magical affair, a well-designed arch can elevate the entire ceremony. While the ocean views and crashing waves are already a gorgeous setup, a well-designed arch can complement the natural beauty of the beach and frame your vows.

One way to do this is by framing the ceremony with a ground-level garden of greenery, florals, or pampas grass. This idea keeps the focus on the happy couple while also providing a fabulous backdrop that doesn't obstruct the ocean view.

For a beach wedding, consider using natural elements like driftwood, which can be styled with fresh florals, tropical foliage, or even seashells. You can also incorporate palm fronds and Monstera leaves into your arch design, creating a tropical and trendy look that will wow your guests.

Flowers are a great way to add a pop of colour and sneak in your wedding colour palette. Using flowers local to your destination can add an authentic feel to your arch and also save you some money. Pampas grass, with its beige hue, is another great option to enhance a beach wedding arch and complement the natural colours of the sand and ocean.

If you're looking for a more unique approach, you can even frame your ceremony with pineapples or other fun items! This will create a fun and memorable backdrop for your special day.

Whatever you choose, a ground-level garden of greenery, florals, or pampas grass is a wonderful way to enhance your beach wedding ceremony and create a dreamy atmosphere for your vows.

Drape sheer linens for a breezy-cabana-by-the-sea feel

If you're looking to create a dreamy, whimsical feel for your beach wedding, draping your wedding arch in sheer linens is a perfect choice. Not only will it add a romantic touch to your ceremony setup, but it will also create a sense of movement that mimics the rolling waves of the sea.

To achieve this look, you'll want to choose a sheer fabric that is light and flowy, such as chiffon, gauze, or organza. The fabric should be a heavier-weight material that isn't too opaque, as this will create a softer, more graceful appearance. You can find these types of fabrics in various colours and lengths to fit your arch perfectly. Consider using multiple panels of fabric in complementary colours to add depth and dimension to your arch.

When draping your arch, you can either staple or wire the fabric to the structure. Allow the fabric to flow down from the top of the arch, billowing gently in the ocean breeze. You can also add floral garlands or other decorative elements to enhance the overall design.

For a truly breathtaking beach wedding, an arch draped in sheer linens will create a magical setting as you exchange your vows against the stunning seaside backdrop.

Frequently asked questions