Creating A Wedding Arch: A Guide To Altar Design

The wedding ceremony is the most important part of your big day, and a beautiful wedding backdrop is a must. Whether you're working with a jaw-dropping natural setting or a blank canvas, there are many ways to create a stunning wedding altar. From flower-filled arches to simple displays of candles, the options are endless. You can also incorporate natural elements like bamboo, flowers, and vintage doors to create a rustic or bohemian theme. If you're looking for something unique, consider a laser-cut backdrop or a suspended altar of greenery. For indoor weddings, candles and vintage mirrors or photo frames can add a romantic touch.

Flowers and foliage

If you're looking to make a statement, a large floral arch is a stunning choice. This can be achieved by using a combination of flower types and greenery to create a full and lush look. You can choose flowers in your wedding colours or go for a classic, pure aesthetic with white and ivory blooms. To create a sense of depth, concentrate the greenery at the bottom of the arch, making it fuller, and add the longest branches near the base for a finishing touch.

For a more unique take on the floral arch, consider using pampas grass and eucalyptus for a rustic, fall-inspired look. You can also incorporate dried flowers and baby's breath for a whimsical and romantic feel. Another option is to use bright, tropical flowers for a vibrant and eye-catching display.

If you're looking for something a little more understated, scattering flowers and greenery around your altar can still make a big impact. You can place flower arrangements on tables, vintage doors, or metal hoops behind the altar. Terrariums filled with fresh flowers or succulents can also create an eye-catching display, especially if you add a personal touch with trinkets and other decorations.

For an elegant and timeless look, consider using paper flowers and fabric. Opt for neutral colours like ivory and beige, or choose colours that match your wedding theme. This is a simple yet effective way to create a sophisticated atmosphere.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your wedding altar flowers and foliage. Ribbons, origami, and even dream catchers can be incorporated into your floral display to add a whimsical, bohemian, or vintage touch.

Whether you go for a bold floral arch or a more subtle display, using flowers and foliage on your wedding altar will create a romantic and memorable setting for your ceremony.

Candles and canopies

Candles are a brilliant way to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere at your wedding. They are a perfect fit for any style, location, and season. Whether you're having a beach wedding or a rustic woodland celebration, candles can add a touch of magic to your special day.

• Use pillar candles and tree stumps of varying heights to create a rustic wedding altar. Add some greenery, flowers, and a hint of moss to complete the look.
• Create a metal screen backdrop with votive candles, greenery, and blush roses. This combination of industrial chic and modern whimsy will make for a stunning display during your vows or behind the head table at the reception.
• Combine different sizes and styles of candles to create an eclectic and unique atmosphere. For example, mix and match tall gold candlesticks, white pillars, and light blue tapers.
• For a modern and minimalist look, opt for a greenery runner with monochromatic flowers and taper candles. This elegant and inviting alternative to traditional centerpieces will make your candlelit decorations stand out.
• Hang tea lights in glass orbs from a sea of greenery. This chic and contemporary design is perfect for couples seeking a minimalist wedding vibe.
• If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider using candlelit lanterns as aisle markers. Choose vessels that match your wedding style, such as wooden lanterns for a vintage theme or mercury glass vases for a more modern look.
• Surround a fireplace mantel with dozens of candles to create a breathtaking effect. If your venue doesn't have a fireplace, consider renting one as a backdrop for your candlelit display.
• Use candles to guide your guests if they'll be walking on a staircase or along a pathway at your venue. This will not only provide lighting but also add a touch of elegance to their journey.

In addition to these ideas, you can also incorporate candles into your centrepieces, floating displays, and even your staircase or fireplace to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your wedding celebration.

Arches and aisles

The wedding arch is the centrepiece of your ceremony. It is the focal point of the space, highlighting the couple as they exchange vows. A good arch captures the eye, fitting the wedding theme without stealing the show. Arches come in endless shapes and sizes, and can be dressed up or kept simple.

Circular Arch

A circular arch is a great way to utilise negative space. Floral arrangements can add colour and texture, while the empty centre allows the natural surroundings to shine through. This type of arch is a good choice for outdoor weddings.

Wooden Arch

A wooden arch is a popular choice for weddings, especially rustic-themed celebrations. They are easy to DIY and can be decorated with string lights for a romantic look, or with garlands in the wedding colours.

Angular Arch

For a contemporary twist, angular arches can be as simple as two sticks joined tightly at one end to create a teepee style, or more complex with multi-tiered creations. Oversized, dramatic structures or modest wooden triangles are also angular options.

Pergola or Gazebo Arch

Pergolas and gazebos are similar, with the key difference being that a gazebo has a permanent roof, while a pergola has an open or removable roof. Both are excellent choices for a backyard wedding arch.

Backdrop Wall

Backdrop walls can be tailored to any theme or budget. You can DIY a backdrop wall out of wallpaper, create an artistic abstract painting, or use classic backdrop curtains to fit your wedding theme.

Spring Wedding Arch

For a spring wedding, consider an arch that reflects the season with bright blooms or simple curtain backdrops. Popular colours include shades of green, pink, yellow, lilac, and pastel.

Summer Wedding Arch

Summer wedding arches can be vibrant and lively, or relaxed and warm. Popular colours include shades of orange, pink, blue, and green.

Autumn Wedding Arch

Statement colours like orange, red, bronze-green, and dark teal work well for autumn. For a rustic theme, burnt orange accented with greenery is a perfect choice. Pinecones, fir twigs, and other autumnal accessories make great accents.

Winter Wedding Arch

Gentle tones of beige and nude add elegance and romance to a winter wedding. Jewel-toned berries and browns are also popular. Greenery, flowers, and branches can be used, with white flowers and beige pampas grass being a popular pairing.

DIY Ideas

For a budget-friendly option, you can create a simple triangle-shaped arch and decorate it with flowers, ribbons, lights, or materials of your choice. Another idea is to use a basic clothing rail, which can be painted and decorated to fit your wedding theme.

Backdrops and balloons

Balloon Arches:

Round wedding arches are trendy, and covering them with balloons will make them even more spectacular. You can choose one colour or mix and match different shades to create an ombre effect. For a creative touch, cover half the arch with balloons and the other half with leaves, blooms, and grasses. You can also mix balloons with greenery, flowers, succulents, tassels, or other decorative elements for a unique look.

Balloon Wedding Backdrops:

A balloon wall is a great alternative to a traditional flower wall, as it is more affordable and can still make a statement. Play with the size and colours of the balloons to achieve a unique look. For example, you can create a tropical wedding feel with a combination of peach, orange, white, and green balloons, along with leaves and fronds.

Fabric and Frame Backdrops:

For a simple and romantic look, consider using flowy fabric such as chiffon or tulle to drape over a wooden frame. You can then add flowers, fairy lights, or greenery to create a whimsical atmosphere.

Circular Grid Backdrops:

Circular grids have a soft and elegant look. You can attach statement florals or greenery to create a beautiful backdrop.

Floral Hoop Backdrops:

Hoop structures, whether a single statement hoop or a collection of hoops, can be a great way to create a unique and incredible backdrop. You can use a gold hoop as your frame and attach florals or greenery with zip ties.

Combining Backdrops with the Venue:

If your wedding venue has a stunning natural backdrop, such as a historic building or a lush garden, you may want to highlight that instead of creating a separate backdrop. However, you can still add some decorative touches, such as draping fabric or flowers over a doorway or adorning a fireplace with flowers and candles.

Combining Balloons with Other Elements:

Balloons can be combined with other decorative elements to create a cohesive look. For example, you can pair a balloon arch with tassels and matching blooms or incorporate greenery and flowers with balloons on a wedding arch.

Remember to choose colours and elements that complement your wedding theme and the venue, creating a memorable and captivating setting for your special day.

Fabrics and frames

The materials you choose for your wedding altar can be used to create a simple, yet chic, rustic structure. The type of fabric you use will depend on your wedding's theme and colour scheme. For example, if you're going for a boho-chic theme, you might opt for lace, whereas if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to use light and airy fabrics like chiffon or cheesecloth.

Fabric Ideas

• Sheer fabric
• Tulle
• Chiffon
• Georgette
• Organza
• Lace
• Cheesecloth
• Gauze
• Voile
• Macramé
• Ribbons

Frame Ideas

The frame of your wedding altar can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, bamboo, metal, and even cardboard. You can also decorate the frame with fairy lights, flowers, and dream catchers.

Frame Ideas

• Bamboo canes
• Wooden ladder
• Metal hoops
• Copper pipes
• Vintage doors
• Vintage folding screen
• Antique mirrors or photo frames

Frequently asked questions