Create A Beautiful Birch Arch For Your Wedding Day

A birch wedding arch is a desirable and unique decoration that can elevate the entire aesthetic of your wedding. It is a perfect ceremony arch for traditional, beach, and rustic weddings. You can either rent or buy a birch wedding arch or make one yourself. This introduction will cover the different options available for those who want to include a birch arch in their wedding ceremony.

Sourcing supplies and assembly

Sourcing Supplies:

Firstly, you will need to source the birch wood for your arch. You can find these at specialty wedding suppliers, local florists, or online platforms like Etsy and Amazon. When sourcing the birch wood, consider the height and width of your desired arch. Most arches are around 7 feet tall, but you will also need to decide on the width, keeping in mind any decorations you plan to add.

Assembly:

The assembly process for a birch arch can vary depending on the specific design and supplies you choose. However, here is a general step-by-step guide:

• Join the Birch Poles: Start by joining the upright birch poles to create the sides of the arch. You can use bolt fasteners or brackets to securely connect the poles. Ensure the structure is stable and sturdy.
• Create the Crosspiece: Measure and cut a birch pole to create the crosspiece that will form the top of the arch. Pre-drilling holes and using bolt fasteners is a common method for joining the crosspiece to the uprights.
• Add Support: To ensure your arch is stable and safe, adding support at the base is crucial. You can create planter boxes or use buckets filled with concrete or crushed stone to provide weight and stability. Another option is to use decorative plastic planters or wooden boxes filled with floral foam and decorated with moss or flowers.
• Decorate the Arch: Once your arch structure is in place, it's time to decorate! You can add flowers, fabric, foliage, or any other decorations that suit your wedding theme. Consider using a mix of fresh and faux flowers and greenery to create a romantic and natural look.
• Secure Decorations: If you're concerned about decorations staying in place, especially in windy conditions, consider using floral wire or L-brackets to secure them to the arch.
• Final Touches: Step back and ensure your arch is stable and decorated to your liking. Make any necessary adjustments, and your birch arch will be ready for your special day!

Remember to plan and gather all the required supplies in advance, giving yourself enough time to assemble and decorate the arch before the wedding. With careful sourcing and assembly, your birch arch will be a beautiful and memorable part of your wedding ceremony.

Floral arch decorations

Flowers and Greenery:

• Choose flowers that are in season and align with your wedding colour palette and theme. Consider including greenery for added texture and interest.
• Roses, orchids, and carnations are popular choices due to their beauty and durability.
• For a rustic or natural look, opt for greenery such as eucalyptus, ivy, or silk leaves.
• If you want a pop of colour, include bright flowers such as roses, peonies, or protea.
• For a more subtle and elegant look, stick to classic white flowers like roses, orchids, or gardenias.

Assembly and Arrangement:

• Soak a caged floral foam brick in water until it sinks to ensure your flowers stay hydrated.
• Trim flower stems to about 2 inches, and poke them through the centre of the floral foam, creating a lush and full arrangement.
• For a cascading effect, you may need to wire some of the flowers on the outer corners.
• If using a pre-made arch, ensure it is sturdy and secure before adding any floral decorations.
• Consider adding LED lights to your floral arch for evening weddings, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

Additional Tips:

• If you're crafty, consider making your own flowers out of paper or fabric to add a unique and personalised touch.
• Dried flowers are a great option for a rustic or bohemian wedding and will last much longer than fresh flowers.
• When using fresh flowers, lightly mist them with water to keep them hydrated, and store corsages in a plastic container in the fridge to extend their freshness.
• If you're short on time or unsure about arranging flowers, consider purchasing pre-made floral arrangements that you can simply attach to your arch.

Support and stability

Firstly, decide on the type of support system you want to use. One option is to use planters or decorative plastic buckets filled with concrete, sand or crushed stone. You can also use floral foam topped with Spanish moss or flowers to keep the weight down. Place these at the base of your arch to provide stability and disguise them with decorations like vines, ribbons or fairy lights. Another idea is to use support boxes, which you can fill with floral foam and decorations.

If you're looking for a more portable option, consider using buckets or planters with water-filled gallon jugs. That way, you can easily transport and assemble the arch on-site, and pour out the water afterward for convenience.

For added stability, you can use L-brackets bolted to the birch poles, or cross braces in the upper corners of the arch. Additionally, using a smaller diameter post for the horizontal cross will help distribute the weight more effectively and reduce the risk of a top-heavy structure.

If you're concerned about wind, you can use guidelines tied to the top of the arch and secured with additional planter boxes placed further out. Disguise these guidelines with vines, ribbons or fairy lights to incorporate them into your decor.

Another innovative method is to use wooden boxes with concrete and a piece of rebar stuck in the middle. Drill a hole up the centre of each birch post and simply stick them onto the rebar for a secure fit.

If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, the Blue Skies Forever three-piece birch wedding arch comes with bolt fasteners and instructions for assembly. This option already has pre-drilled holes to join the uprights and crosspiece, making it a convenient choice.

Remember to always consider the weight distribution and wind conditions when choosing a support system. By combining these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your birch wedding arch is both stable and stunning!

Design and shape

The design and shape of your birch wedding arch can be tailored to your wedding's aesthetic and theme. Whether you're going for a traditional, rustic, beach, or bohemian look, a birch arch can be customised to suit your vision.

Arch Shape

Birch wedding arches typically have a semicircular or rectangular shape. However, you can choose a unique shape, such as a diamond or geometric design, for a modern and unexpected touch.

Blank Canvas

The beauty of a birch arch is its versatility as a blank canvas. You can dress it up or down to suit your style. For a romantic touch, consider adding a chiffon drape with floral accents arranged asymmetrically. In a natural setting, such as a winery or among trees, an abundance of greenery would be the perfect accent.

Exposed Wood

If you're having an outdoor wedding, especially in a forest or rustic setting, consider a no-frills wooden arch with exposed wood. The stark slabs of wood will blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature, creating a natural and organic feel.

Floral Accents

Flowers are a popular choice for decorating birch arches. You can choose eye-catching florals or wispy pampas grass to add a romantic and elegant touch. Bright-coloured flowers can also add a pop of colour to your ceremony space, especially if you're looking to liven up a simple design.

Greenery

If you want to keep things simple and elegant, adorn your birch arch with greenery. Eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and faux green leaves are great options that will add a natural and lush touch to your arch.

Structural Durability

Birch arches can also provide structural durability for your ceremony setup. Consider creating a structure with multiple arches to enclose the entire ceremony space, adding a magical and intimate feel.

Support and Stability

When designing your birch arch, it's important to consider its support and stability, especially if you're unable to stake it into the ground. You can use planters, buckets, or decorative plastic planters filled with concrete, sand, or crushed stone to provide a sturdy base. Cross braces and beefy L-brackets bolted to the birch poles can also add extra support.

DIY Options

If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own birch arch from scratch. Etsy and Amazon offer DIY kits that include everything you need to assemble and decorate your arch.

Remember, the design and shape of your birch arch should reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you choose a simple and elegant design or a more extravagant display, your birch arch will create a beautiful and memorable focal point for your special day.

Renting or buying

If you're looking for a birch wedding arch, you have the option of either renting or buying one. Here are some things to consider for both options:

Renting

Renting a wedding arch can be a more cost-effective and convenient option. It is generally cheaper than buying, with rental prices starting from under £100. Additionally, many suppliers will set up and take down the arch for you as part of the rental cost. This can save you time and effort, especially if you're already busy with wedding preparations.

To find a rental arch, start by searching for local florists or event rental companies near your wedding venue. You can try searching online for "birch wedding arch rentals" or "wedding arch hire" in your area. Etsy, for example, offers a variety of wedding arch rental options, although these may be more expensive due to shipping costs.

When renting, keep in mind that you may not be able to customise the arch as much as you'd like, and you won't be able to keep it as a memento. However, if you're looking for a stress-free option that won't break the bank, renting is a great choice.

Buying

If you want to buy a birch wedding arch, there are several online and offline options available. Here are some places you can look:

• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide range of wedding arch options, including birch arches. You can find simple arches made from premium birch wood, as well as more modern geometric designs. Etsy sellers often provide assembly instructions and can be trusted to deliver high-quality products.
• Amazon: Amazon also offers a variety of wedding arch options, including metal arches and wooden arches that can be decorated with flowers and fabric.
• Local Florists: Although less common, some local florists may sell wedding arches, especially if they also offer event styling services. This can be a good option if you want to support a local business and avoid shipping costs.

Buying a wedding arch gives you the opportunity to customise it to your exact specifications and keep it as a memento of your special day. However, it may be more expensive and require more time and effort to source and assemble.

Both renting and buying a birch wedding arch have their advantages and disadvantages. Renting is generally more cost-effective and convenient, while buying gives you more customisation options and the ability to keep the arch as a souvenir. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and how much time and effort you want to invest.

Frequently asked questions