Creating A Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Altar

Planning an outdoor wedding and unsure of how to create a beautiful altar? From rustic wedding arches to circular installations, there are endless ways to design a stunning backdrop for your special day. Whether you're looking for a simple and chic DIY project or a more elaborate setup, here are some ideas to get you started.

One option is to embrace the natural beauty of your outdoor setting. Consider using a tree as your focal point, decorating it with flowers, lanterns, and twinkly lights for a bohemian vibe. Alternatively, you could create a flower wall for a spectacular photo op, or opt for a more minimalist approach with a simple display of candles.

If you're feeling creative, try a unique shape like a triangle or circle for your arch. Circular arches, also known as oversized floral hoops, add a whimsical touch and represent eternal love. You can personalise them with fresh flowers, greenery, pampas grass, ribbons, or macrame. For a rustic charm, build a half-arch from fluffy pampas grass and complete the setup with metallic rose gold chairs.

For a beach wedding, incorporate elements like driftwood, Monstera leaves, and airy fabrics. Line your aisle with tall flowers to create the illusion of walking through a wildflower field. If you're going for a tropical vibe, pair wooden structures with vibrant, in-season flowers.

Don't forget to consider the small details that will tie your theme together. Choose a colour palette that matches your overall wedding theme, and add personal touches like ribbons or lanterns. Whether you're going for a rustic, bohemian, or elegant look, there are endless ways to create a memorable outdoor wedding altar.

Circular wedding arch

If you're looking for a rustic, woodsy finish, you could make a circular arch from vines and branches. This natural look is perfect for an outdoor, backyard wedding. For a seaside ceremony, you could create a DIY circle arch using flowers, but not too many, so as not to overwhelm the look.

For a dramatic, romantic look, you can't go wrong with a giant floral wreath ceremony backdrop. This works especially well if you match the florals down the aisle and with the bride's bouquet, creating a stunning visual path leading to the happy couple.

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try a unique take on the traditional circle ceremony arch, like a wispy, wheat-like structure made from pampas grass. Or, for a simple, understated look, a basic wooden arch can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, paper fans and other decorations to match your wedding theme.

When it comes to circular wedding arches, the possibilities are endless.

Rustic wedding arch

A rustic wedding arch is a great way to create a gorgeous and personalised backdrop for your wedding ceremony. There are endless ways to style your arch, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are a popular choice for wedding arches, and for good reason. They add a romantic and elegant touch to the ceremony decor. You can choose flowers that match your colour scheme or seasonal blooms such as blue hydrangeas in summer or sunflowers in autumn. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own floral arrangements or source them from Etsy.

Pampas Grass

For a bohemian-inspired wedding, consider using pampas grass to decorate your arch. Pampas grass has a fluffy, whimsical look that will instantly bring a boho charm to your wedding altar. You can use it to create a half-arch or pair it with macrame and ribbons for a rustic, woodsy feel.

Fabric and Draping

Fabric and draping can add a romantic and ethereal touch to your wedding arch. Choose fabric in colours that complement your theme, such as pale florals or neutrals. For a unique touch, try using vintage rugs as aisle runners or adding colourful ribbons to your arch.

Rustic Build

When it comes to the build of your arch, there are many options for a rustic look. You can use slim tree branches, such as white birch, to create a simple yet effective arch. Or, for a more rustic effect, try using wooden slabs or logs. If you're handy, you can even build your own arch using tree branches or wooden slabs as a base.

Personalised Touches

To make your wedding arch even more special, consider adding personalised touches such as a custom neon sign with your names or a cute phrase. You can also incorporate meaningful items such as dream catchers or a wooden cross.

Remember, your wedding arch is a great opportunity to get creative and showcase your unique style. With a bit of imagination, you can create a stunning backdrop that will be the perfect setting for your magical moments and memorable photos.

Beach wedding arch

Beach weddings are naturally beautiful, and a well-designed arch can elevate the setting even further. Here are some ideas for a stunning beach wedding arch:

Natural Elements

Driftwood is a perfect blank slate for a beach wedding arch. It complements the seaside setting and can be styled in various ways. Decorate it with fresh flowers, tropical foliage, or even seashells to create a unique and authentic look. Another idea is to use palm fronds and Monstera leaves, which are becoming popular in wedding décor. Adorn your arch with these tropical greens, and you'll have a stunning and trendy ceremony setup.

Flowers

Flowers are an excellent way to incorporate your wedding colour palette into the arch. Using local flowers can add a touch of authenticity and help you save money. You can also opt for flowers that are in season, such as pastel flowers for a springtime vibe or sunflowers for a fall wedding.

Geometric Shapes

Adding geometric shapes like hexagons and triangles to your arch can bring a modern touch to your beach wedding. These shapes provide structure and contrast to the surrounding sand, creating a unique and contemporary aesthetic.

Arch Alternatives

If you want to showcase the gorgeous ocean view, consider forgoing the arch altogether. Instead, frame your ceremony with a ground-level garden of greenery, flowers, or even fun items like pampas grass or pineapples. This way, you'll have a beautiful backdrop while keeping the focus on the stunning scenery.

Sheer Linens

To add a romantic and breezy feel to your beach wedding, drape your arch in sheer linens. The billowing fabric will mimic the motion of the waves, creating a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere for your ceremony.

Boho wedding arch

Choose a Base Structure

First, decide on the type of arch you want. Popular options include wooden arches, metal arches, and circular or triangular hoops. You can buy these pre-made or build them yourself. If you're going for a rustic look, consider using slim tree branches or birch branches as your base.

Add Greenery and Flowers

Greenery and flowers are essential for a boho-chic look. You can use fresh or dried flowers and pampas grass to add texture and colour to your arch. If you're crafty, you can make your own floral arrangements, or you can buy pre-made floral chandeliers and garlands. Wildflowers, baby's breath, roses, and sunflowers are all great options, depending on the season and your colour scheme.

Incorporate Fabric and Macrame

Fabric and macrame can add a soft, romantic touch to your arch. Drape fabric over the arch, or hang macrame pieces from it. You can also incorporate rugs, especially if you're going for a bohemian or desert aesthetic. Vintage rugs or colourful kilim rugs can add an eclectic touch to your aisle and ceremony space.

Personalize with Decorations

To make your arch truly unique, add some personal touches and decorations. You can include lanterns, fairy lights, or a neon sign with your names or a cute phrase. Balloons, dream catchers, and hanging flower pots are also fun additions. If you're having a beach wedding, consider using seashells or starfish as decorations.

Think About the Surroundings

Finally, consider the surroundings of your outdoor wedding. You can incorporate natural elements like trees, logs, or stone archways into your arch design. If you're getting married near a body of water, you can use that as a backdrop, or include water-themed decorations like driftwood and seashells.

With these ideas and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful boho wedding arch that will serve as a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Wedding arch with pillars

A wedding arch with pillars is a unique and eye-catching way to elevate your outdoor wedding ceremony. Here are some ideas and instructions to create a beautiful and memorable backdrop for your special day:

Choose the Right Vessels and Pillars:

Select flower-filled vessels and pillars of different heights to create a stunning illusion of an arch. You can easily customise this idea to match your wedding style and theme. For example, use stone urns for a classic romantic theme or opt for tall glass vases if you're going for a modern look.

Play with Heights and Arrangements:

Create visual interest by arranging your chosen flowers and greenery at varying heights. You can use different types of vessels and pillars to achieve this look. For instance, combine short and tall vases or urns to add depth and dimension to your arch.

Incorporate Colour and Variety:

Add a pop of colour to your arch by including pastel flowers such as blue hydrangeas or sunflowers. You can also switch up the types of flowers and foliage to bring variety to your display. Mix and match different blooms and greenery to create a vibrant and textured look.

Enhance with Decorative Details:

Take your arch to the next level by incorporating decorative details such as candles, hanging installations, or even a chandelier. These additions will create a romantic and opulent atmosphere for your ceremony.

Consider the Surroundings:

When designing your arch, take into account the surroundings of your outdoor venue. If you have a breathtaking view, you may want to opt for a simpler arch that complements rather than competes with the scenery. On the other hand, if your venue is a blank canvas, feel free to go all out with a more decorative and intricate design.

Remember, this is your special day, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently asked questions