A Guide To Building A Wedding Arch With Trees

A wedding arch is a great way to add a personal touch to your ceremony and can be easily crafted from natural materials. A wooden arch, for example, can be dressed up with flowers, fabrics, and other decorations to match your wedding theme and create a touching focal point for your vows. If you're looking for a more rustic or bohemian vibe, consider using tree branches or birch wood to form the arch, which can be easily decorated with flowers and greenery. For a unique spin on the traditional arch, you can even incorporate trees at the base of your arch or use a tree branch as a makeshift arch. Whether you choose to build your own arch or use existing natural elements, a wedding arch is a perfect way to frame your special moment and create breathtaking photo opportunities.

Choosing a tree that complements your wedding venue

When it comes to choosing a tree for your wedding arch, consider the venue and the overall theme or style of your wedding. If your wedding is being held outdoors, in a forest or garden setting, for example, you might want to select a tree that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Opt for a tree with a tall, slender trunk and flexible branches that can be easily manipulated into an arch shape. This could include varieties such as willow, birch, or cherry. The delicate branches of these trees will add a whimsical and romantic touch to your ceremony décor.

If your wedding venue has a more rustic or farmhouse feel, consider using a sturdier tree species such as oak or maple. These trees often have thicker branches that can support heavier decorations and give a robust, natural look to your arch. Adorn the arch with fabric drapes, fairy lights, or hanging lanterns to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

For beach weddings, consider using tropical trees or palms to create a relaxed and carefree vibe. Decorate the arch with colourful flowers or seashells to enhance the beachy theme. If your wedding is taking place near the ocean, look for trees that can withstand the coastal climate, such as Philodendron or olive trees.

If you're having a more formal or elegant wedding, you might want to choose a tree with a sophisticated and refined appearance. Magnolia or citrus trees with their dark, glossy leaves and fragrant blooms can add a touch of luxury to your arch. Decorate the arch with elegant fabric drapes and delicate floral arrangements to create a show-stopping focal point for your ceremony.

When selecting a tree for your wedding arch, it's important to consider the size and scale of the venue. If your wedding is in an intimate indoor setting, a smaller tree or branchy shrub might be more suitable. Conversely, if you're getting married in a grand ballroom or outdoor space, a larger tree with a dramatic presence will make a statement.

Remember to take into account the colour scheme and overall aesthetic of your wedding when choosing your tree. Whether it's the vibrant autumn hues of maple trees or the delicate blossoms of fruit trees, select a tree that complements your chosen colour palette and adds to the ambiance you wish to create.

Selecting a tree that matches your wedding theme

Consider the Venue and Theme

Before choosing a tree, think about the theme and style of your wedding. Is it a rustic, bohemian, classic, romantic, or modern celebration? The tree you select should complement your chosen theme and enhance the overall atmosphere. Also, consider whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors and the size of the venue, as these factors will impact the type and size of the tree you can choose.

Choose a Tree that Blends with the Surroundings

If your wedding is taking place outdoors, select a tree that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. For example, if you're getting married in a forest, consider using a tree with exposed wood that coordinates perfectly with the organic feel of the forest. The wooden base will have a pared-back feel, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine.

Dress Up the Tree with Decorations

While the tree itself will be a stunning natural element, you can also dress it up with decorations to match your theme. Consider hanging fabric, drapery, or linen from the branches to create a simple yet elegant look. You can also add floral arrangements or garlands to the tree, choosing flowers that complement your wedding colour palette. If you're looking for something more whimsical, try hanging chandeliers or string lights from the tree to create a magical atmosphere.

Select a Tree with a Meaningful Shape

The shape of the tree you choose can also play a role in enhancing your wedding theme. For example, a tree with a single, strong branch can be dressed up to create a natural wedding arch. Alternatively, a tree with multiple branches can be adorned with flowers or fabric to create a unique backdrop. Consider using a tree with a shape that symbolizes something meaningful to you and your partner.

Incorporate Your Personality

Ultimately, the tree you choose should reflect your personality and style. If you're a fan of rustic style, you might opt for a tree with a gnarled trunk or exposed roots. If you prefer a more modern look, select a tree with clean lines and simple elegance. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose a tree that represents your unique love story.

Cutting and preparing the tree for construction

Cutting down trees is dangerous work, so it's important to take the proper safety precautions. First, assess the tree's condition and determine if it is safe to cut down. Look for broken, loose, or dead branches, as well as any signs of disease or decay. If the tree has a lot of these issues, it is best to leave the cutting to a professional.

It is also crucial to consider the tree's surroundings. Identify any potential obstacles or hazards, such as buildings, electrical boxes, power lines, or heavy growth. If there is any chance the tree could fall on power lines or your equipment could touch them, do not attempt to cut it down yourself. Contact your power company or a professional tree removal service instead.

Once you have determined that it is safe to proceed, the next step is to estimate the fall zone and clear the area. Use the "ax handle trick" to estimate where the tree will fall: hold an ax handle at arm's length, close one eye, and move toward or away from the tree until the ax handle is aligned with the treetop and the base. This will give you a rough idea of where the tree will fall, but always allow extra room to avoid any obstacles. Clear the area around the tree, removing any brush and debris, and establish two escape routes at a 45-degree angle from each other to ensure a quick and safe exit path.

Now, it's time to start cutting. The rule of thumb for felling a tree is to make the depth of the notch one-fifth of the tree trunk's diameter. Create a notch on the "fall side" of the trunk, which is typically the heaviest side. This will help guide the tree to fall in the desired direction. Mark the spot with chalk or score the bark with the chainsaw before cutting. Make the top cut first, about one-third of the way into the trunk, and then make the bottom cut parallel to the ground, close to meeting the first cut.

If the tree's diameter is more than 18 inches, you will need to use wedges to prevent your saw from getting pinched. Make the notch cut and begin the felling cut, then stop cutting and pound in the wedges before finishing the cut.

When the tree starts to fall, immediately stop cutting, set the chain brake, and walk away along one of your escape routes, keeping an eye on the tree as you go. Do not take your eye off a falling tree.

After the tree is down, it's time to remove the branches and cut the trunk into firewood or lumber. Always start by cutting the branches, beginning at the lower end of the trunk and working your way up. Stand on the uphill side of the tree and cut branches from the opposite side to ensure a safe and efficient use of the chainsaw.

When cutting the trunk into sections, measure the size of your fireplace, stove, or fire pit beforehand to ensure the wood will fit. Cut from the uphill side, ensuring your footing is secure, and cut about three-quarters of the way through, then roll the trunk and complete the cut. Remember that green wood doesn't burn well, so allow the wood to season for six to 12 months before burning.

If you are planning to use the wood for construction or lumber, transport it to a sawmill to be processed, or rent a portable sawmill to process the lumber on-site.

Building a sturdy and transportable arch

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the shape and size of your arch. Common shapes include semicircles, rectangles, and hexagons. Determine the dimensions that will fit your space and wedding theme.

For a wooden arch, you will need materials such as plywood sheets, wooden beams, screws, a jigsaw, a drill, and sandpaper. If you want to add decorations like flowers, ribbons, or fabric, source those as well.

Construction:

Start by measuring and cutting your wood to the desired length. Sand the edges to smooth them. Cut out the arch shape using a jigsaw. You can draw the arch first or cut it freehand. If you want to create a full arch, glue and screw multiple layers of plywood together.

Repeat this process to create as many arches as you need. Ensure the ends of the arches are flat so they can be easily attached to other structures. Cut notches in the arches to create spaces for lateral trusses.

Assembly and Transport:

Now, you can assemble your arch. Screw or toenail the arches to a stable structure, such as a wall. Add trusses to create a stable roof structure.

To make your arch transportable, consider creating modular sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This will allow you to transport it in a vehicle and ensure it can be set up correctly at your wedding venue. Pre-drill holes to ensure easy assembly on the day.

Decorations:

Once your arch is constructed, you can decorate it to match your wedding theme. Add flowers, ribbons, lights, or fabric to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

If you're using natural flowers, remember that they need to stay in water for at least 24 hours before the wedding. Artificial flowers can be a good alternative if you want to avoid the hassle of fresh flowers.

Safety:

Remember to consider the weight of your arch and decorations, especially if you're attaching it to an existing structure. Ensure it is stable and secure to avoid any accidents.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful, sturdy, and transportable wedding arch that will be a memorable part of your special day. Enjoy crafting and decorating your arch, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Decorating the arch with flowers, lights, or other accessories

Flowers are a popular choice for decorating wedding arches, with couples often choosing to match the flowers in the bride's bouquet or opting for in-season blooms. For a bold statement, try creating a vibrant gradient with colour-blocking, pairing contrasting or complementary colours together. Alternatively, for a more subtle look, opt for a monochromatic design using varying shades of the same colour.

If you're looking to add a touch of whimsy to your wedding arch, consider suspending a chandelier or hanging beads from the structure. You could also incorporate lighting by wrapping fairy lights or string lights around the arch, or even hanging votive candles (just be sure to check with your venue first!).

Fabric is another great way to decorate your wedding arch and can be used to create a romantic, elegant feel. Drape gauzy or sheer fabric over the arch, or for a more rustic vibe, try using a chiffon drape with floral accents. If you're getting married outdoors, you could also incorporate a rug, either as a backdrop or by lining the aisle leading up to the arch.

For a unique twist, instead of positioning two arches on top of each other or in a linear fashion, try weaving them together to create a twisted shape. Or, if you're feeling extra creative, build your own arch out of triangles or other shapes and adorn it with flowers and greenery.

Finally, don't forget to consider the placement of your arch. If you have a scenic backdrop, you may want to position your arch in a corner or off to the side so that it doesn't obstruct the view. Alternatively, if you're getting married in a sprawling meadow or garden, you may want your arch to be the focal point and can therefore afford to be more creative and decorative with your design.

Frequently asked questions