Creating A Rustic Wedding Altar: A Guide To The Perfect Backdrop

A wedding altar sets the scene for the ceremony and defines the wedding's design theme. It is the backdrop for the most important part of the day, where the couple will exchange vows, put on rings, and share their first kiss as a married couple.

There are endless options for designing a rustic wedding altar, from arches to arbors, canopies, and gazebos. For example, a wooden arch with exposed wood suits rustic, bohemian, and forest weddings, especially outdoor sites. A wooden base also provides a blank canvas to dress up with eye-catching florals or wispy pampas grass.

Other ideas for a rustic wedding altar include vintage doors, origami, natural elements like bamboo, and vintage mirrors and photo frames.

Using natural elements like bamboo and flowers

Planning and Materials

Before you begin constructing your altar, it's important to plan the size you want it to be. The height and width should be comfortable for you, your partner, and any other participants to stand under. For materials, you will need:

• Bamboo canes that are taller than you and your partner. The exact number of canes can vary, but 10 to 11 is a good range.
• Fabric or cloth of your choice in colours that complement your theme.
• Flowers of your choice, fresh or dried, in colours and styles that match your vision.
• String or rope for securing the bamboo and hanging decorations.
• Optional: A mat to place at the base of the altar, additional decorations like starfish or shells for a beach theme, or fairy lights for a magical touch.

Construction Steps:

• Create the Base: Start by inserting four bamboo canes into the ground, ensuring they are secure and evenly spaced to form a square or rectangular shape. If you're on a beach, dig holes in the sand and consider using cement to stabilise the structure.
• Add Stability: Attach another bamboo cane horizontally across the tops of the vertical canes, using string to secure it in place. This adds stability and creates the sides of the altar.
• Secure the Sides: Continue securing bamboo canes with string to each side of the altar, leaving the front open. You can add more canes in the middle of each side for extra support.
• Fabric Drape: Cut your chosen fabric into thin strips. Loosely drape and secure the fabric around the outside of the altar, adding as much or as little as you prefer. You can also drape fabric on the front to frame it.
• Floral Touches: Gather your flowers into bunches and secure them with string. Attach these flower bunches to the midsection and other desired areas of the altar.
• Final Touches: Feel free to add any additional decorations, such as hanging starfish, shell garlands, fairy lights, or other personal touches that reflect your theme.

Design Inspiration:

• Beach Ceremony: If you're having a beach wedding, consider using bamboo, cloth or chiffon, starfish, shell garlands, and palm branches. Dig holes in the sand for the bamboo and secure them with rope and sand or cement. Drape the fabric and add the starfish and shell decorations.
• Floral Fantasia: For a floral fantasy, cover your bamboo structure with cloth or chiffon and add an abundance of flowers and greenery. You can also incorporate fairy lights for a magical touch.
• Rustic Charm: Embrace the rustic charm of exposed wood by using bamboo or wooden beams in their natural state. Enhance the structure with simple white flowers and greenery, creating a minimalist and elegant look.
• Bohemian Dream: Bring a bohemian dream to life with a combination of pampas grass, dried palm leaves, white anthurium, and pink roses. Use simple wooden pillars or birch wood for a natural, organic feel.
• Whimsical Teepee: Create a whimsical teepee structure with converging wooden poles. Decorate with rattan lanterns and greenery for a sheltered, bohemian-style ceremony space.

Vintage doors as an altar

Vintage doors as a wedding altar can be a beautiful way to incorporate a rustic or vintage theme into your wedding. Here are some ideas on how to create a stunning vintage door altar for your special day:

Finding the Right Doors

First, you'll need to source a pair of vintage doors. These could be old and sturdy, original, or even recycled doors. The doors can be made from metal or wood, depending on your preference and what you can find. You may be able to find them at antique stores, thrift stores, or even salvage yards.

Decorating the Doors

The fun part about using vintage doors as your altar is the decorating! Here are some ideas to consider:

• Flowers and Greenery: Adorn the doors with wreaths of lavender, eucalyptus, or other flowers and greenery that fit your colour palette and theme. You can drape the greenery across the top of the doors and allow it to spill over for a romantic, rustic look.
• Chandelier: Hang a vintage chandelier from the centre of the doors to add a touch of elegance and sparkle.
• Fabric: Use fabric to drape across the doors or frame the doorway. Soft, gauzy fabrics like tulle or chiffon in colours such as white, ivory, or blush pink can add a whimsical feel.
• Candles: Place candles of varying heights and sizes next to the doors to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Wreaths: Hang wreaths on each door, perhaps made of flowers, greenery, or even dried pampas grass for a bohemian touch.
• Signage: Welcome your guests with a "Wedding Bell" attached to the door latch or a sign with a sweet message like "Grow Old with Me".

Setting Up the Altar

When setting up your vintage door altar, consider the following:

• Location: Choose a scenic spot for your ceremony, whether it's outdoors in a forest, by the beach, or in a rustic barn. The vintage doors will add a charming touch to any setting.
• Flooring: Create a unique aisle by laying down vintage rugs with geometric patterns leading up to the altar.
• Seating: Set up chairs or benches for your guests, such as black chiavari chairs or wooden benches to match the vintage theme.
• Lighting: Infuse romance and warmth by hanging string lights or placing glowing votive candles around the altar area.

By incorporating these ideas and adding your personal touches, you can create a beautiful vintage door altar that will be a memorable backdrop for your wedding ceremony.

A floral arch

Choose the Right Flowers and Greenery:

Select flowers and greenery that complement your wedding colour palette and theme. You can choose a variety of flowers, such as roses, orchids, calla lilies, or even dried flowers, to add texture and visual interest. Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of flowers and greenery to create a unique and cohesive look.

Build a Sturdy Arch:

You can use a two-piece arch for easy assembly and transportation. Make sure the base of your arch is thicker than the top to create a natural, tapered look and enhance stability. Cover the arch pillars with flower mud and secure them with wire mesh and zip ties. This will provide a base for your flowers and greenery.

Add Greenery First:

Start by inserting greenery leaves into the flower mud at a 30 to 45-degree angle, creating the illusion of natural growth. Use multiple types of greenery to add depth and variety to your arch. Begin from the bottom and work your way up, making the greenery fuller at the base. Leave some of the longest branches of greenery for the finishing touches.

Insert Flowers:

Once the greenery base is complete, it's time to add your flowers. You can create clusters of the same flower types or spread them evenly throughout the arch. Play with different positions and angles to make each side complementary without being identical.

Finishing Touches:

Add the longest branches of greenery near the base of the arch to complete the look. You can also tie ribbons or bows that match your wedding colour scheme. Feel free to add any other decorative elements, such as hanging lanterns or dream catchers, to personalise your floral arch further.

Your floral arch will make a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony and can also be used as a photo backdrop during your reception or to decorate the entrance to your venue. Enjoy creating this stunning floral arch and making unforgettable memories on your special day!

A wooden arch

Choose the Right Wood

Select a type of wood that complements the overall theme and style of your wedding. For a raw and natural feel, consider using birch wood for the pillars of your arch. The bark of the birch tree will mirror the existing flora and fauna of your outdoor ceremony site.

Exposed Wood or Decorative Accents

You can opt for a no-frills wooden arch, allowing the beauty of the exposed wood to shine through. This minimalist approach is perfect for unfussy couples and aesthetics. Alternatively, you can dress up your arch with decorative accents such as eye-catching florals, wispy pampas grass, or chiffon drapes with floral accents arranged asymmetrically.

Unique Shapes

Think beyond the conventional semicircular or rectangular arch. For a modern twist, consider a diamond-shaped arch or a geometric Aztec-style print. You can even create a structure with multiple wooden arches to enclose the entire ceremony setup, transforming your space into a magical chapel.

Adorn with Vibrant Décor

Wood has a natural, muted tone, so adding a pop of colour can liven up the design. Accentuate your wooden arch with vibrant hues such as orange, yellow, and pink blooms. This is especially striking if your wedding is set against a tranquil blue sea or green foliage.

Create a Repeating Pattern

For a statement-making wooden arch, consider creating a backdrop with multiple wood-based frames. Incorporate a repeating pattern that provides symmetry and visual intrigue. If you want to add a touch of flair, include some white floral accents that won't detract from the unique design.

Enhance with Wooden Beams

For a modern take on a wooden arch, try using wooden beams with sharp right angles. Create a tunnel over the aisle that leads to a matching chuppah, combining organic material with a stark, minimalist feel.

Install Decorative Elements

While you can decorate the arch itself, don't forget about the base. Showcase decorative elements only at the foot of the structure or double up on the décor for a bolder statement.

Illuminate with Lighting

Infuse romance into your wooden arch by decorating it with string lights and glowing votive candles. Just be sure to check with your venue about their open flame policies before implementing this idea.

Drape It in Gauzy Linens

Give your wooden arch a whimsical touch by draping it in sheer, flowing fabric. Suspend the fabric from the top of the frame, and line the hem with greenery that billows at the bottom for a dreamy, contrast-filled look.

Blend with the Landscape

If you're exchanging vows in a forest, opt for an exposed beam wooden arch that blends seamlessly with the bark on the trees. Use muted florals that match the aesthetic, and perch your guests on wooden benches to complete the natural look.

Accentuate the Scenery

With these ideas and your personal touches, you can create a stunning wooden arch for your rustic wedding altar that will be the perfect backdrop for your special day.

A homemade tree branch arch

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the general design of your arch. Do you want a simple arch or something more intricate, like a teepee or multiple arches? Consider the size and shape that will best fit your venue and ceremony setup. You'll also want to think about the types of decorations you plan to add, such as flowers, greenery, or fabric draping.

For materials, you'll need a collection of tree branches and twigs of various sizes. It's ideal if you can source these from your wedding venue or a nearby area, as this will ensure they fit the natural surroundings. You'll also need tools like a saw, drill, screws, and wire for construction.

Construction:

Start by gathering and selecting the branches you want to use. Lay them out on the ground to get an idea of their placement and to measure the length you'll need. Cut the branches to the desired length, ensuring you have enough for the structure and any additional support pieces.

Drill holes in the branches where they will intersect and join them together with screws. You can also use wire to secure the branches and add extra support. Stand up the arch to ensure it's stable and make any necessary adjustments.

Decoration:

Once the arch is constructed, it's time to decorate! Flowers and greenery are popular choices, and you can choose colours and varieties that match your wedding theme or the surrounding natural environment. Consider adding flowers or plants with symbolic meanings, such as roses for love or lavender for devotion. You can also drape fabric, such as chiffon or gauzy linens, over the arch for a romantic touch.

Final Touches:

Position the arch at your ceremony location and secure it in place. Make sure to do a trial run and take photos to see how it looks from different angles, making any adjustments to ensure it's picture-perfect. You can also add final touches like lighting, such as string lights or candles, to create a magical atmosphere.

A tree branch arch is a wonderful DIY project for a rustic wedding, and with some planning and creativity, it will make a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Frequently asked questions