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

Wedding arches are a great way to add a personal touch to your ceremony and reception. They can be used as a beautiful backdrop for photos and to exchange vows under. There are many ways to make a wedding arch, and it can be a fun DIY project for the couple and their friends and family. Wedding arches can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or PVC pipe, and decorated with flowers, fabric, and greenery. The shape of the arch can also vary, from traditional semicircular or rectangular arches to more unique hexagonal or diamond-shaped designs. When planning a wedding arch, it is important to consider the size of the venue, the height of the couple and officiant, and whether it will be used for group photos. Building a wedding arch can be cost-effective, but it is important to plan and research the required materials and tools beforehand.

Choosing the right shape for your arch

Wedding arches come in a variety of shapes, each presenting its own set of challenges. For example, a circular arch may be difficult to construct, whereas a popular arbor-style arch will require much simpler cuts. That being said, creating a unique shape like a hexagon will make your arch stand out.

Rectangular arches are the most popular, as they allow for both symmetrical and asymmetrical accents. Other up-and-coming shapes include cathedral and geometric styles. For instance, a diamond-shaped arch is ideal for modern nuptials. If you want to make a statement, consider building a structure with multiple wooden arches to enclose the entire ceremony setup.

If you're looking for something more traditional, semicircular arches are a classic choice. To add a touch of decadence, opt for a round arch adorned with string lights, metal accents, and candles. For a more natural look, consider a triangular wooden arch, which brings a festival vibe to a woodland wedding.

When choosing the shape of your arch, it's important to consider the size and style of your venue. Make sure the arch will fit through the doors and that it complements the height of the ceilings and the overall space. You don't want your arch to be too small or too large for the venue.

Ensuring it fits the venue

Ensuring your arch fits your venue is a crucial step in the wedding arch-building process. You don't want to be frantically sawing it down on the morning of the wedding because it's too big! So, before you start building, be sure to take measurements of the venue and the ceremony space. This will ensure your arch is the right size and doesn't look out of place.

Consider the size and height of the venue, including ceiling height if it's an indoor space. If it's a large building with high ceilings, a small arch will look puny. Conversely, if the venue is small and intimate, a large arch will be overwhelming. There is a middle ground, and that's what you need to find.

Also, think about the height of the couple and officiant. You want the arch to frame the ceremony without cutting through the heads of those involved in the photos. A good rule of thumb is to go for a height of 7-8 feet.

If your arch is freestanding, make sure it's stable and won't be blown over by the wind. You can do this by pushing it firmly into the ground or stabilising it with weights, such as buckets of pebbles or sandbags.

If your venue already has an archway, find out what you're allowed to attach to it. You don't want to arrive on the day and realise you can't attach your decorations.

Picking decorations

The decorations you choose for your wedding arch will depend on the aesthetic you're aiming for, your wedding theme, and your chosen venue. Here are some tips and ideas to help you pick the perfect decorations for your wedding arch:

Fabric

Fabric is a popular choice for wedding arch decorations. Sheer fabrics like chiffon or gauze can add a romantic and elegant touch to your arch. You can drape or wrap the fabric around the arch, play around with different colours and textures, and add floral accents for a unique look.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are classic choices for wedding arch decorations and can be used to create a variety of styles, from rustic to modern. You can use fresh or dried flowers, and mix and match different types and colours to create a unique and personalised look. Wildflowers, eucalyptus, and poppies are perfect for a rustic vibe, while bright and pastel blooms can add a pop of colour to your arch. If you're looking for something more sustainable, consider using pampas grass, branches, or succulents. You can also incorporate trees at the base of your arch for a meaningful touch.

Lights

String lights or fairy lights can add a romantic and magical touch to your wedding arch, especially if your ceremony is taking place outdoors at sunset or in the evening. For an extra touch of glamour, try adding chandeliers or hanging candles (just be sure to check with your venue first if open flames are allowed).

Wedding Signs

Wedding signs are a great way to personalise your arch and can be customised to your specifications. Neon light wedding signs are a unique and trendy option that will definitely make a statement. Just be sure to place them at the right height so they don't get blocked from view during the ceremony.

Balloons

Balloons are a fun and budget-friendly option for decorating your wedding arch. You can choose different colours and sizes to create a festive and nostalgic look.

Macrame

If you're going for a bohemian or rustic vibe, consider incorporating macrame into your wedding arch decor. Macrame hangings or dream catchers can add a unique and earthy touch to your ceremony.

Pictures

For a creative and personalised touch, you can include pictures on your wedding arch. Polaroid pictures or a photo frame can be a fun and unexpected element that your guests will surely love.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows can add a whimsical and elegant touch to your wedding arch. Choose colours that match your wedding theme or the flowers on your arch for a cohesive look.

Remember, when picking decorations for your wedding arch, it's important to consider the size and shape of your arch, as well as the overall style and theme of your wedding. You can also mix and match different types of decorations to create a unique and personalised look that reflects your personality and taste.

Selecting materials

Type of Materials

Wood is a popular choice for wedding arches, especially for rustic, bohemian, or outdoor weddings. It creates a natural and organic feel and can be easily dressed up with flowers or fabric. Pine wood, in particular, is a great option as it is affordable and readily available at most DIY stores. If you're looking for a more unique and raw look, consider using birch tree branches or bark for your arch. Metal arches, such as copper piping, are also a trendy choice, especially for warehouse or barn weddings. Copper piping is easy to bend and join into different shapes and has a sleek and minimalist look. For a budget-friendly option, PVC pipe is a cheap and lightweight alternative, but it may require more covering to make it look elegant.

Shape of the Arch

The shape of your arch will impact the materials you choose. Circular or hexagonal arches may be more challenging to construct, while a traditional arbor-style arch is simpler to build. Consider the overall style of your wedding and the venue when selecting the shape of your arch. If you have a small venue, a triangular arch might be a good option, while a wide arch might be better for group photos.

Size of the Arch

The size of your arch will depend on the size of your venue and the height of the couple and officiant. You want to make sure the arch is tall enough so that it doesn't cut through the heads of the couple in photos. A height of 7-8 feet is recommended. Also, consider the width of the arch, especially if you plan to use it for group shots.

Decoration

When selecting materials, think about how you want to decorate your arch. Fabric and floral displays are popular choices. You can use different colours and textures of fabric to tie in with your wedding theme. Flowers can add a pop of colour and be arranged in various ways to create a sense of depth or symmetry. Greenery, such as pampas grass or eucalyptus, is also a beautiful addition to a wedding arch and can be used to cover any lumps or bumps in the structure.

Budget and Tools

Your budget and the tools you have available will also impact your material selection. Building a wedding arch from scratch can be cost-effective, but you may need to purchase additional tools, which can increase the overall cost. Prefabricated arches are a good alternative if you're on a tighter budget or prefer something less complicated.

Remember to plan your arch thoroughly, taking into account the shape, size, materials, and decorations you want to use. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning wedding arch that captures the aesthetic of your special day.

Making it transportable

When it comes to creating a wedding arch, you'll want to consider not only the design and decorations but also how you'll transport it to and from the venue. Here are some tips to make your DIY wedding arch more portable:

Disassemble and reassemble: Consider designing your arch so that it can be easily taken apart and reassembled. This will make transportation much more manageable, especially if you need to fit it into a smaller vehicle. Pre-drill the holes and mark the pieces to ensure that reassembling is straightforward and worry-free on the day of your wedding.

Foldable design: If you're handy with tools, you can incorporate a foldable mechanism into your arch design. For example, you could use a bolt to connect the top middle pieces, allowing you to fold the two sides together for easy transport in the back of a pickup truck.

Vehicle considerations: Think about the type of vehicle you'll be using to transport the arch. If you have access to a truck or a trailer, that will give you more flexibility with the size of your arch. For smaller cars, you may need to measure the available space and design your arch accordingly.

Partial assembly: If you're concerned about having to assemble the entire arch at the venue, you can partially assemble it beforehand. For instance, you could leave out the middle section and add it once you reach your destination, reducing the amount of work needed on-site.

Pre-drilled holes and support brackets: Pre-drilling holes and installing support brackets will make it easier to assemble your arch, especially if you're doing it alone or with limited help. This way, you won't have to worry about drilling holes on the day of your wedding and can simply use a hand screwdriver to secure the pieces together.

By incorporating these tips into your planning and design process, you'll be able to create a beautiful and portable DIY wedding arch that adds a personal touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions