Create A Rustic Driftwood Wedding Arch: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding arch is a great way to add a charming and memorable backdrop to your special day. Driftwood wedding arches are perfect for rustic, beach and coastal weddings, and you can compose them yourself, making them a very eco-friendly idea. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make your own driftwood wedding arch.

Collecting driftwood

The best time to find driftwood on the beach is early in the morning, late in the afternoon, after a storm, or during low tide. Wear protective footwear, such as beach shoes, to safeguard your feet from any debris that may have washed ashore. You may also want to bring gloves to avoid getting your hands dirty and a bag to collect your driftwood.

When collecting driftwood, look for pieces that are easy to load by hand and are not embedded in the beach or dune banks. According to Oregon state rules, people may collect "small quantities" of driftwood without a permit, defined as up to 1 cubic yard of driftwood (or up to three cords per year).

Once you've collected your driftwood, you may need to clean it before using it in your wedding arch. Driftwood can be a beautiful and eco-friendly way to add a casual yet classy touch to your special day.

Assembling the arch

Firstly, sort your driftwood pieces into piles: two legs (the longest pieces), the top (approximately 6 feet), tripod feet (if you're making a self-standing arch), and extra pieces for decoration. The number of pieces you have will depend on the design you've chosen and the driftwood you've sourced.

Now, lay out the two longest pieces on the ground, positioning them approximately 5 feet apart. These will be the legs of your arch. Then, select the thickest and most durable 6-foot piece for the top of the arch. Place this piece approximately 4-6 inches from the top of the leg pieces.

Drill holes through the top arch piece, going all the way through to the bottom leg pieces. Secure the top to the legs using long screws. If you're working with particularly thick pieces of driftwood, you may want to use bolts instead of screws, as these will provide a stronger hold.

At this point, you should be able to stand your arch up. Use sawhorses or another form of support to stabilize it. If you're creating a self-standing arch, you'll need to make tripod feet. With the arch standing, plan which pieces you'll use for each part of the tripod, ensuring the feet are not in a place where guests could trip over them. Secure the first foot by drilling right through the leg. Repeat this process until each side has three feet, forming a stable triangle.

Add crossbar pieces to connect and reinforce the tripod feet, and use additional screws as needed to ensure the structure is sturdy and secure.

Finally, it's time to add the decorative pieces. You can attach these with screws, but for a more natural look, try using tension by weaving the pieces through the structure. This will give your arch a more organic, intertwined appearance.

Your driftwood arch is now ready to be decorated with flowers, fabric, or fairy lights to match your wedding theme.

Choosing decorations

When it comes to choosing decorations for your driftwood wedding arch, the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for a more natural and rustic look, consider leaving the arch as it is, or adding some subtle embellishments like fabric drapes, fairy lights, or ribbons. For a beach wedding, you could decorate the arch with white fabric, greenery, and dried or pastel blooms for a coastal feel. Starfish, seashells, and candle lanterns can also add a seaside touch.

If you want to create a bolder statement, try a creative shape like a boat or round arch. For this, you might skip the decor and let the shape speak for itself. However, if you're looking to make a lush and refined impression, decorate your arch with white orchids and hydrangeas, or go for bold and bright blooms with lots of greenery.

For an eco-friendly and unique idea, use driftwood for your wedding signage. You can paint or carve guest names directly onto small pieces of driftwood, creating placeholders and wedding favors in one. Driftwood can also be used to frame chalkboards, and you can erase the messages after the big day to reuse the signs.

Don't forget the aisle leading up to the arch! Decorate it with driftwood, air plants, white blooms, and greenery for a chic and beachy look. You can even use driftwood for your wedding cake stand—a clever way to highlight your cake and tie into the driftwood theme.

Attaching embellishments

Now comes the fun part: decorating your driftwood arch! The beauty of driftwood is that it can be dressed up or down to match your wedding theme. Whether you're going for a rustic, beachy, or elegant look, there are endless possibilities for embellishments.

Before attaching any embellishments, it's important to prepare your arch. If you want to cover any visible screws or create a more uniform base, you can wrap the arch in fabric or twine. This can also help to fill in any gaps or uneven spaces between the driftwood pieces. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding colour palette or opt for natural twine or rope for a more beachy feel.

Flowers are a popular choice for decorating wedding arches, and driftwood provides a beautiful natural backdrop for blooms. You can attach flowers by wrapping the stems with wire or floral tape and securing them to the arch. For a more subtle approach, tuck small blooms or greenery into the crevices of the driftwood, allowing the flowers to cascade down gently.

If you're looking to add a touch of magic to your arch, fairy lights or LED lights are a perfect choice. Wind the lights around the driftwood, filling any gaps with a warm, radiant glow. For a more whimsical effect, drape fabric or tulle over the arch and weave the lights through it, creating a sparkling, fairy-tale setting.

For a beach wedding, consider incorporating seashells, starfish, or buoys into your arch decorations. You can attach these with hot glue or wire, creating a unique seaside display. For a rustic touch, add burlap accents or ribbon streamers that will flutter gently in the breeze.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your embellishments! You can hang wooden beads, dream catchers, or even small picture frames with photos or quotes. If you want to make a statement, opt for a unique shape like a boat or a circle for your arch, and decorate it with hanging ornaments or colourful streamers.

Remember, the key to a stunning driftwood arch is to let your creativity shine and choose embellishments that reflect your style and theme. Whether you go for a simple, natural look or an elaborate display, your arch is sure to be a memorable backdrop for your special day.

Transporting the arch

Transporting your driftwood arch is an important consideration when planning your wedding. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you safely transport your arch from one location to another:

Disassembling the Arch:

Firstly, it is advisable to disassemble the arch into smaller pieces for easier transportation. This is especially important if you have to transport the arch over a long distance or if it needs to fit into a smaller vehicle. When taking it apart, be sure to keep the screws, bolts, and other hardware organised in a labelled container so that reassembly is straightforward.

Protecting the Arch:

Driftwood is a naturally durable material, but it's still important to protect your arch during transportation. Wrap each piece of driftwood carefully with bubble wrap or blankets to prevent scratches or other damage. Pay particular attention to the ends of the driftwood, as they can be more fragile and prone to breakage. Use cardboard or foam tubing to cover the ends and provide extra protection.

Choosing a Vehicle:

The size of your driftwood arch and the distance you need to travel will determine the type of vehicle you require. If you have access to a truck or van, that would be ideal. You can also rent a vehicle if necessary. Ensure the vehicle has enough space to accommodate the arch pieces comfortably, and consider using blankets or other soft materials to prevent the pieces from shifting during transport.

Securing the Load:

When loading the arch into the vehicle, distribute the weight evenly and use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure the pieces in place. This will prevent them from shifting or falling during transport. If you're transporting the arch in an open truck bed, it's essential to cover it with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect it from the elements, especially if there is a chance of rain or high winds.

Reassembling the Arch:

Once you reach your destination, carefully unload the driftwood arch pieces and lay them out in a safe area. Follow the original instructions for reassembly, taking your time to ensure everything is secure and stable. If you have a helper, it will make the process smoother and faster.

If your wedding is on a beach, you may need to transport the arch over sand. In this case, consider using a wagon, sturdy handcart, or even a sturdy beach-friendly trolley to move the arch pieces from the parking area to your ceremony location. Again, having a helper or two will make this process much easier.

Remember to plan your route in advance, taking into account any obstacles or challenging terrain you may encounter. By preparing carefully and giving yourself plenty of time, you can ensure that your driftwood arch arrives safely and securely at your wedding location, adding a unique and memorable touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions