Creating A Wedding Arch With Tree Branches

A tree branch wedding arch is the perfect way to frame the moment you become newlyweds. Whether you're looking for a rustic, bohemian, or modern vibe, a tree branch arch can be customised to suit your wedding style and vision. This DIY project is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day, and it can be made more intricate with the addition of flowers, greenery, or decorative elements. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create a stunning tree branch wedding arch, from gathering the right materials to assembling and decorating the arch.

Choosing and preparing the branches

Choosing the right branches is crucial for creating a beautiful and sturdy wedding arch. Here are some detailed tips for selecting and preparing the branches:

Choosing the Branches:

• Source your branches from trees that you or someone you know has pruned. This way, you can get a variety of sizes and ensure they are relatively straight, with only slight bows.
• Consider the type of wood you want for your arch. Birch wood, for example, gives a raw, natural feel and blends well with the surrounding trees in a forest setting.
• Keep in mind the amount of each size you will need. You'll need larger branches for the base and gradually smaller ones towards the top.
• Look for branches with relatively straight or slightly bowed shapes and avoid those with too many forks or deviations.

Preparing the Branches:

• Cut the branches to your desired length. You may need to do some quick calculations to determine the ideal length, depending on the height and width of your arch.
• Use a saw to cut off the ends of the branches to create a straight edge to work with.
• If you're transporting the arch, it's a good idea to build it in sections. This will make it easier to move and assemble on-site.
• Create a sturdy base by forming tripod-like structures at the beginning of each side to support the weight of the entire arch.
• Use makeshift clamps, such as old bike inner tubes cut into straps, to temporarily hold the pieces together while you fasten them with nails or staples.
• Fill any gaps in the structure with smaller branches to create a full and cohesive look.
• Disassemble the arch carefully if you need to transport it, making sure not to nail any overlapping branches together.

By following these steps, you'll be able to choose and prepare the branches needed to create a beautiful and personalised tree branch wedding arch.

Constructing the arch

Step 1: Source Your Tree Branches

The first step is to source the tree branches you will use for the arch. You can prune trees, use branches from a downed tree, or collect branches from the roadside. When selecting branches, look for relatively straight or slightly bowed branches without too many deviations or forks. Choose a variety of branch sizes, considering how much of each size you will need for your arch.

Step 2: Prepare the Branches

Once you have collected your branches, cut them to the desired length. You will need long branches for the main structure and smaller branches for filling in gaps. Use a saw to cut the ends of the branches to create a straight edge to work with. You can also trim off any small twigs that may get in the way.

Step 3: Build the Basic Structure

Start by creating two outer sections for the arch. Use the largest branches for the base and work your way up with smaller branches. To support the weight of the arch, create a tripod shape at the bottom of each side. Use makeshift clamps, such as old bike inner tubes cut into straps, to temporarily hold the pieces together while you fasten them with nails or screws.

Step 4: Assemble the Arch

Continue building up the arch, filling in gaps with smaller branches until you achieve the desired shape. Ensure the two outer sections are mirror images of each other. You can attach the branches together using nails, screws, or even flower wire for added support. Stand up the arch to preview the overall structure and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 5: Transport and Installation

If you are building the arch off-site, carefully disassemble it into sections that can be easily transported to your wedding venue. When you arrive at the venue, assemble the arch in the desired location, making sure to perfect the angle and secure it safely in place.

Step 6: Decorate the Arch

Now comes the fun part—decorating the arch! You can adorn the arch with flowers, greenery, chiffon drapes, pampas grass, or any other decorations that fit your wedding theme and colour palette. Consider adding some lighting, such as fairy lights or lanterns, to create a magical atmosphere.

Your tree branch wedding arch will be a beautiful and unique backdrop for your wedding ceremony, and you can even personalise it with colours and decorations that reflect your style. Enjoy creating this special feature for your big day!

Adding support

Selecting the Right Branches:

• Choose relatively straight or slightly bowed branches with fewer deviations and forks.
• Consider the size of the branches and select a variety of sizes, keeping in mind the amount of each size you will need for the entire structure.
• If you have access to a fallen tree, cut it into manageable pieces and sort through the branches to find the most suitable ones.

Constructing the Arch:

• Determine the height and width of your arch to decide on the length of the branches. For example, a typical arch might require about 19 feet of branches.
• Cut the branches to the desired length, ensuring you have straight edges to work with.
• Create a sturdy base:
• Start by building two outer sections, using the largest branches at the bottom and gradually transitioning to smaller branches towards the top.
• Form tripod-like structures at the beginning of each side to provide stability and support for the entire arch.
• Use screws, nails, or staples to attach the branches together. You can also use flower wire to bind them together for added support.
• Fill any gaps in the structure with smaller branches until you achieve the desired look and sturdiness.
• Stand up the arch to preview its placement and angle.

Final Assembly and Decorations:

• Disassemble the arch carefully if you need to transport it to your wedding venue. Ensure that the pieces are properly nested and secured for safe transportation.
• At the venue, assemble the arch on-site, securing the sections together and adjusting its placement and angle as needed.
• Enhance the arch with decorations such as flowers, greenery, or lights. Consider the theme and colour palette of your wedding when choosing decorations.
• You can also use the arch as a backdrop for other wedding elements, such as a DJ booth or a flower arrangement.

Decorating the arch

Flowers and Greenery

One of the most popular ways to decorate a wedding arch is with flowers and greenery. You can choose flowers in your wedding colours or go for a mix of bright pastel shades. Wildflowers, such as sunflowers, poppies, and eucalyptus, can add a rustic, cottagecore feel. For a simple yet elegant touch, opt for white blooms and greenery. If you're having a fall wedding, consider deep reds, marigolds, and shades of pink. You can also incorporate greenery like eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, or even trees at the base of your arch for a unique twist.

Fabric and Lighting

To create a dreamy, whimsical effect, drape your arch with gauzy linens or chiffon fabric. Suspending sheer, flowing fabric from the top of the arch will give it a romantic, floating appearance. You can also add string lights and candles to infuse a magical, romantic atmosphere—just be sure to check with your venue about open flames.

Shapes and Structures

Play with different shapes to make your arch stand out. Instead of a traditional semicircular or rectangular arch, try a diamond or geometric shape. You can even build a structure with multiple arches to enclose the entire ceremony space. For a unique entrance, place the arch at the beginning of the aisle, and decorate it with a maximalist display of flowers and greenery.

Natural Elements

If you're having an outdoor wedding, enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings by blending your arch with the landscape. Use branches and bark from birch trees to mirror the existing trees and flora. Pampas grass adds a complementary touch, especially for beach weddings. For a bohemian vibe, incorporate dried palm leaves, white anthurium, and pink roses.

Personal Touches

Make your arch even more special by adding personal touches. You can hold a tree-planting ceremony before the wedding, symbolising your union. Or, if you're feeling crafty, create your own unique decorations, such as crocheted cloth or handmade flower arrangements.

Remember, your wedding arch is a reflection of your style and personality. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, it will undoubtedly be a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Transporting the arch to the venue

Plan Ahead:

Before you start building the arch, consider the transportation logistics. Determine the dimensions of your vehicle or the one you plan to rent for the transportation. This will help you design the arch to be easily transportable.

Disassemble for Transport:

As demonstrated by the couple who built their wedding arch from a downed tree, disassembling the arch into sections is a clever way to transport it. Ensure that you build the arch in a way that allows for easy disassembly without damaging the structure.

Nesting Sections:

When creating the arch sections, try to make them similar in size and shape. This nesting technique will optimise space in your vehicle and make it easier to transport multiple sections at once.

Secure the Load:

When placing the arch sections in the vehicle, use appropriate straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure them in place. This will prevent the sections from shifting during transport and minimise the risk of damage.

Final Assembly:

Upon reaching the venue, carefully unload the arch sections and begin the final assembly. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and hardware to put the arch back together. It's a good idea to number or label the sections to make the reassembly process smoother.

On-Site Decorations:

If you plan to add decorations, flowers, or lighting to the arch, ensure that you have all the required materials and labour on-site. This will allow you to complete the arch's transformation and have it ready for the ceremony.

Transporting a tree branch wedding arch can be a delicate task, but with careful planning, disassembly, and secure transportation, you can successfully create a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Frequently asked questions