Junior Rasmussen
A floral arch is a whimsical and beautiful addition to any wedding. It can be used as a ceremony backdrop for the happy couple and later as a photobooth for guests. You can make your own, but it's not an easy task and it's recommended to hire a florist or wedding designer to help. You can also rent an arch or buy one from a wedding decoration store. If you're crafty, you can build your own arch using bamboo sticks or tree branches. You'll also need floral foam bricks, greenery, and lots of blooms. Start by attaching the soaked floral foam to the arch, then add the greenery, followed by the flowers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Arch structure | Buy, rent, or build your own arch |
| Flowers | Real or fake flowers and greenery |
| Anchoring | Use buckets of rocks, sand, or gravel, or use quick-setting cement |
| Decorations | Curtains, runners, lights, or a flower garland |
What You'll Learn
Buy or rent a wedding arch
If you're looking for a wedding arch, you have the option to buy or rent one.
Renting a wedding arch can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you're on a tight budget. It also saves you the hassle of having to set up and dismantle the arch yourself. By renting, you can also choose from a variety of different styles and designs, allowing you to find the perfect arch that matches your wedding theme. Rental companies often provide additional services, such as delivery, setup, and decoration, ensuring a stress-free experience.
One rental company, Blue Blossom Rentals, offers a range of wedding arch options, including floral pillars, flower walls, and even a heptagon arch with florals. They provide a personalised service, catering to your specific location and date.
However, renting may not always be feasible, especially if you have specific customisation requirements or desire to keep the arch as a memento. In such cases, buying a wedding arch could be a better option. Purchasing an arch allows you to customise it to your exact preferences and specifications, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your dream wedding vision.
Whether you decide to rent or buy a wedding arch, it is important to plan ahead. Consider your budget, the level of customisation desired, and whether you require additional services such as setup and decoration. By weighing up these factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and creates a memorable backdrop for your special day.
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Use real or fake flowers
When it comes to creating a floral arch for your wedding, one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is whether to use real or fake flowers. Both options have their own advantages and can look stunning when styled correctly.
Using real flowers for your wedding arch can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Fresh flowers offer a natural beauty and fragrance that can enhance the overall ambience of your wedding ceremony. If you choose seasonal blooms, they can be a more cost-effective option, and you have the flexibility to customise your arch with a variety of colours, sizes, and varieties. Real flowers are also biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
However, fresh flowers do have some drawbacks. They require careful handling and refrigeration to stay fresh, especially in warm weather. Real flowers are also more delicate and can be time-consuming to set up, especially if you're creating a large arch. Additionally, if your wedding is taking place during the off-season, sourcing specific blooms may be challenging and more expensive.
On the other hand, fake flowers, or high-quality silk flowers, offer a convenient and low-maintenance alternative. Fake flowers are extremely versatile and can be sourced in a wide range of colours and varieties all year round. They are also durable, eliminating the worry of petals wilting or flowers drooping on your big day. Fake flowers can be set up in advance, reducing last-minute stress, and they can be easily transported without the risk of damage.
While silk flowers have come a long way in terms of aesthetics, some people may still find them less convincing up close. Additionally, fake flowers are usually more expensive than real flowers, and they may not be as environmentally friendly, depending on the materials used.
Ultimately, the decision to use real or fake flowers depends on your personal preference, budget, and the overall style of your wedding. Both options can create a breathtaking floral arch that will serve as a beautiful backdrop for your special day.
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Prepare flowers and greenery
Buy a variety of flowers and greenery for your arch. The type and amount of flowers and greenery you buy depend on your budget, preference, and how full you want your arch to look. You can buy flowers wholesale, online, or from a florist. Remember to get the timing right: obtain the flowers the day before or the day of the wedding.
Ferns are a classic choice for greenery, but you can also use eucalyptus or succulents. Cut some greenery to prepare it for the arch.
Keep the flowers and greenery in water. Fill two buckets with water, placing the flowers in one and the greenery in the other. You can arrange the flowers based on colour, shape, or size to streamline the process of placing them on the arch later. Ensure the water is cool, and the buckets are in a shaded area. The buckets should be large enough to hold the flowers comfortably.
Remove the lower leaves from the flowers, keeping some leaves to make your arrangement look full and green. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem to simplify the process of arranging the flowers. You can pull the leaves off by hand or use scissors.
Attach the flowers and greenery to the arch
Use cable ties to secure pre-soaked oasis blocks to the arch. Oasis blocks are squares or rectangles made of soft, green foam used in floral arrangements to keep flowers hydrated. Soak them in water, then secure them to the arch. You will need a block on top of each pole and another in the middle of the crossbar. You can buy oasis blocks in craft supply stores and floral shops.
Insert your chosen greenery into the blocks, ensuring the stems are firmly wedged into the blocks. The stems should be deep enough to keep the plants stable without poking out of the other side of the block. Cut the stems if they are too long.
Fill the gaps in the arrangement with flowers. Again, trim the stems as needed so they are firmly wedged without poking out. Be careful not to use too many flowers, or the arch may become top-heavy. Start with the largest flowers, then fill in the gaps with smaller ones. The ratio of flowers to greenery is up to you. A traditional arch typically has more flowers, while using more greenery creates a unique look.
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Secure flowers to the arch
Now that you have your arch and your flowers, it's time to put them together!
If you are using real flowers, you will need to buy or create an anchor system for your flowers to attach to. A popular option is to use pre-soaked oasis blocks, which are squares or rectangles made out of soft, green foam used in floral arrangements to keep the flowers hydrated. Soak the blocks in water, then use cable ties to attach them to the arch. You will need a block on top of each pole and another in the middle of the crossbar.
If you are using fake flowers, you can attach them directly to the arch using wire. Gather 5 to 7 flowers into a bundle and wrap green floral tape or wire around the stems to hold them together. Then, hold the bundle parallel to the crossbar and use your other hand to wrap green floral wire around the pole and the stems. Start at the end of the stem and work your way to the other end. Cut off any excess wire with wire cutters. Repeat this process until you have attached all your flowers.
Once you have your anchor system in place, you can start adding your flowers and greenery. If you are using real flowers, cut the stems so that they are long enough to be firmly wedged into the oasis blocks without poking out the other side. For fake flowers, trim the stems so that they fit along the pole without sticking out. Start with the largest flowers or bundles first, then fill in the gaps with the smaller ones. Be careful not to use too many flowers, or your arch may become top-heavy.
You can also add some flowers to the base of the arch if desired. Use more pre-soaked oasis blocks or buckets filled with water to anchor the flowers. Alternatively, you can use heavy potted flowers to anchor the arch instead of buckets filled with sand, gravel, or rocks.
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Add finishing touches
Finishing Touches
The final touches to your floral arch will make it truly magical. This is where you can add your own unique flair and really make your arch stand out.
Lights
Add some sparkle with battery-operated lights. Wrap the string of lights around the arch, securing them with floral wire or cable ties. Disguise the wire with flowers or greenery, and keep the battery pack hidden in the same way.
Backdrop
Create a beautiful backdrop by adding curtains or runners. Slide the curtains through curtain rings attached to the crossbar, or use the clips to secure them. For a romantic look, opt for sheer curtains or tulle.
Base
Cover the buckets or weights at the base of your arch with paint, fabric, or decorations. For a rustic look, wrap the buckets with burlap fabric. Alternatively, spray paint the buckets to match your colour scheme. You could also cover the buckets with pretty rocks, glass vase filler, or moss for a forest-themed wedding.
Flower Garland
Create a flower garland to drape around the arch. Thread real or fake flowers onto a long piece of string, leaving some space between each flower. Tie loops at the ends of the string and drape or wrap the garland around the arch, securing it with nails.
Your floral arch is now complete and ready to wow your guests!
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to obtain the arch. You can buy, rent, or build one. Buying an arch can be a good option if you have a larger budget and a place to keep it after the wedding. If you're on a smaller budget, renting an arch is a more suitable option. Building an arch is also possible, but it can be time-consuming and expensive, depending on the materials used.
It's important to ensure that the arch is anchored securely to prevent it from toppling over. Additionally, consider your wedding theme and decorations, such as flowers, foliage, lights, or other unique elements.
If you're using real flowers, buy a variety of flowers and greenery, and keep them in water until you're ready to decorate the arch. Remove the lower leaves from the flowers to make arranging them on the arch easier. For fake flowers, buy or choose a variety of flowers and greenery that match your theme and colour scheme.
For real flowers, use pre-soaked oasis blocks (soft, green foam squares or rectangles) and secure them to the arch with cable ties. Then, insert your desired greenery and flowers into the blocks, making sure the stems are firmly wedged in. For fake flowers, use wire to attach the greenery and flowers to the arch, wrapping the wire around the stems and poles.
Yes, you can add a backdrop with curtains or runners, or add battery-operated lights for a magical touch. Cover any sand, rocks, or cement used to anchor the arch with glass vase filler, pretty rocks, moss, or flowers that suit your wedding theme. You can also add flowers to the base of the arch or use heavy potted flowers to anchor it.
