Creating A Wedding Arbor: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding arches are one of the most photographed parts of a wedding, and making one yourself can be a rewarding and cost-saving experience. A wooden arch is a versatile choice, complementing the natural environment of an outdoor wedding, or providing a blank canvas for decorations at an indoor venue. You can make a wooden arch with a few pieces of wood, a saw, and some screws. Once the arch is constructed, you can decorate it with flowers, fabric, or other creative elements.

Choosing the right wood

Type of Wood

The type of wood you choose will impact the overall strength and appearance of your wedding arbor. Select a type of wood that is durable and suitable for outdoor use, especially if your wedding will be held outdoors. Some common types of wood used for wedding arbors include pressure-treated lumber, pine, cedar, or oak. Pressure-treated lumber is a popular choice due to its affordability and resistance to rot and insects. If you want a more natural look, consider using unfinished wood that blends well with the surrounding environment, especially for woodland or rustic-themed weddings.

Dimensions and Length

The dimensions and length of the wood will depend on the desired size and design of your wedding arbor. For a standard-sized arbor, you'll need wood pieces with varying lengths. Typically, the vertical legs of the arbor are the longest pieces, ranging from 80 inches (2.0 m) to 10 feet (3.0 m) in length. The horizontal top pieces are slightly shorter, usually around 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m) in length. The diagonal and support pieces will be shorter, ranging from 24 to 48 inches (61 to 122 cm) in length. Ensure that the wood pieces you choose can be cut and adjusted to the required lengths.

Quality and Condition

When selecting wood for your wedding arbor, it's essential to choose pieces of high quality and in good condition. Look for wood that is straight, with minimal knots or defects. Avoid warped or cracked wood, as it will be difficult to work with and may compromise the structure's stability. Choose pieces with consistent colouring and grain patterns to achieve a cohesive look. Ensure the wood is dry and free of moisture to prevent shrinkage or expansion after construction.

Amount and Cost

Determine the amount of wood required by creating a detailed plan or blueprint for your wedding arbor. Calculate the number of wood pieces needed for the legs, horizontal supports, diagonal braces, and any decorative elements. Consider buying slightly more wood than you think you need to account for any mistakes or last-minute adjustments. Compare prices and availability at local hardware stores or lumberyards. Pressure-treated lumber is typically more affordable, while specialty woods like cedar or oak may be more expensive.

Finishing Options

Consider whether you want to finish the wood with paint, stain, or leave it natural. If you plan to paint or stain the arbor, choose a wood type that accepts finishes well. Some woods, like cedar or redwood, have natural colours and textures that may only require a clear coat or sealant to enhance their beauty. If you want a rustic look, opt for distressed or reclaimed wood. For a more elegant or modern appearance, select a smooth finish and sand the wood thoroughly before applying paint or stain.

Cutting and shaping the wood

Cutting the Wood to Size:

• Gather your materials: You will need several wooden boards of different dimensions, such as 2" x 4" and 2" x 6" boards in 8-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot lengths.
• Mark the cutting lines: Before cutting, use a pencil to mark the boards at the desired lengths. For the legs of the arbor, cut four posts to a length of 80 inches (2.0 m) each.
• Cut the wood: Using a handsaw, circular saw, or mitre saw, cut the wood according to your markings. Cut the posts for the legs first, and then move on to the shorter pieces for the top frame and diagonal supports.

Shaping the Wood:

• Clean the wood: Use a putty knife to scrape off any sap or sticky substances from the wooden pieces. Wipe the pieces with a rag to ensure they are clean.
• Sand the wood: Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the wood by hand or with an electric sander. Sand with even strokes to smooth out any rough patches or bumps, ensuring a nice finish.
• Stain the wood (optional): If you wish to change the appearance of the wood, you can apply a stain using a paint sponge. Work in a wiping motion and follow the directions on the stain can. It's best to do this outdoors.

Additional Tips:

• For smooth, straight cuts, support both sides of the wood when cutting. Hold one side and place the other on a flat surface.
• You can adjust the size of the legs and other pieces to your preference.
• When marking the wood for cutting, remember to measure twice and cut once to avoid mistakes.

Assembling the arch

Now that you have your materials, it's time to start building your arch.

First, cut your wood to size. You'll need four posts that are 80 inches (2 m) long for the legs of your arch. Then, cut shorter pieces from the last two posts. From each post, you'll need one piece that's 48 inches (1.2 m) with opposing 45-degree angles on each side, one piece that's 12 inches (30 cm) with opposing 45-degree angles, and one piece that's 24 inches (61 cm) with straight angles.

Next, you'll want to clean and sand the wood to ensure a smooth finish. Use a putty knife to scrape off any sap, then wipe the pieces with a rag. After that, sand the wood by hand or with an electric sander, using even strokes to remove any rough patches or bumps.

Now it's time to start assembling the arch. Mark 2 inches (5.1 cm) from each end of the 48-inch (1.2 m) pieces and cut them at a straight angle. Then, line up the 24-inch (61 cm) pieces with the markings on the 48-inch (1.2 m) pieces and secure them with a drill and wooden nails to create a rectangular top frame.

Attach the legs to each corner of the top frame. Place the 80-inch (2 m) pieces perpendicular to the frame and drill them into place. You may need additional support for the legs, so consider attaching smaller pieces of wood between them.

Finally, add the diagonal pieces. Position the 12-inch (30 cm) pieces with angled cuts under each side of the top frame and drill them into the legs.

Your arch is now ready to be decorated with cloth, flowers, and other decorative elements of your choice!

Decorating the arch

Now for the fun part: decorating the arch! This is where your creativity comes in. You may want to coordinate with the season or the theme of the wedding when choosing any specific flowers or items to put onto your arch.

Make sure the decoration of the arch doesn't clash with other decorations for the wedding. You can drape fabric and flowers around the arch, or even hang dream catchers or a backdrop with art or calligraphy from it.

For a dreamy, whimsical feel, drape the arch in gauzy or sheer linens. For contrast, line the hem with greenery that billows at the bottom, and station black chiavari chairs in front of the arch.

If you're going for a rustic look, consider decorating the arch with pampas grass, dried palm leaves, or wildflowers such as sunflowers, eucalyptus, and poppies. You can also use old ladders, paint, and beautiful decorations to achieve a rustic look.

For a boho-style wedding, add pampas grass, dried palm leaves, white anthurium, and pink roses to a simple wooden arch.

For a forest or outdoor wedding, a wooden arch with exposed wood will coordinate perfectly with the organic feel of the setting. You can also decorate the arch with an abundance of greenery, such as garlands or eucalyptus.

For a vibrant pop of colour, adorn the arch with flowers in orange, yellow, and pink.

If you're looking for something more elegant, "adding a chiffon drape with floral accents arranged asymmetrically can add a sense of romance to your overall design," says Cynthia West, owner of Creative Flow Co.

Transporting the arch

Transporting your wedding arch is an important consideration when planning your big day. Here are some detailed tips and tricks to help you safely move your arch to its destination:

Vehicle Selection:

The type of vehicle you choose will depend on the size and dimensions of your arch. If you have a large, pickup truck, this may be the best option for transporting your arch. The flat, open bed of a truck provides ample space and can accommodate most arch sizes.

If you don't have access to a truck, consider a large van or SUV. You may need to adjust the arch's position to fit it through the vehicle's doors or hatch, so keep that in mind.

Disassembling the Arch:

If your vehicle doesn't have enough space, consider partially or fully disassembling the arch. This is especially useful if you've built the arch yourself and are familiar with its construction. By taking it apart, you can transport it in smaller pieces and then reassemble it at the venue.

Securing the Arch:

Use ropes, bungee cords, or straps to secure the arch to your vehicle. Ensure that the arch is firmly tied down to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport. Place blankets or towels between the ropes and the arch to avoid scratching or damaging the wood.

Protecting the Arch:

Before loading the arch into the vehicle, cover it with a protective layer, such as a moving blanket or a tarp. This will shield the arch from potential scratches and scuffs during transport. If you've decorated the arch with flowers or other delicate elements, handle it with extra care and consider transporting the decorations separately to avoid any damage.

Planning the Route:

Plan your route to the venue in advance, taking into account any low-hanging branches, narrow passages, or tight turns that could pose a challenge when transporting the arch. Opt for a route with wider roads and smoother surfaces to ensure a safer journey.

Day-of Transportation:

On the day of your wedding, assign a reliable person to drive the vehicle with the arch. Ensure they are familiar with the route and have all the necessary instructions for setting up the arch at the venue. It's a good idea to have a backup person who can assist with loading, unloading, and setting up the arch.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport your wedding arch, ensuring it arrives safely and securely at your wedding venue.

Frequently asked questions