Creating A Tulle Wedding Arch: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tulle is a sheer, romantic fabric that is perfect for decorating a wedding arch. It is inexpensive and easy to work with, requiring no craft expertise. To make a tulle wedding arch, first, measure the height and width of the arch and purchase enough tulle to cover it. Then, decide on your colour scheme—you could match the bridesmaids' dresses or opt for a simple white—and buy the tulle from a craft or fabric store. When you're ready to start decorating, hold the end of the tulle and twist it as you wind it around the arch, securing the ends with floral wire. You can also make bows with any leftover tulle to add extra detail.

Tulle length and width

The amount of tulle you will need depends on the size of your arch. To calculate the approximate length of tulle required, measure the height and width of the arch in yards and add these numbers together. Then, double or triple this number to get the total yardage of tulle needed.

The standard bolt width of tulle fabric typically ranges from 36 to 54 inches. However, when creating swags or drapes, it is recommended to trim the tulle to a width between 12 and 24 inches to avoid bulkiness. The length of the tulle will depend on the size of the arch and the desired effect.

For a traditional arched wedding arbor, plan on using 8 to 10 yards of tulle. If you want to decorate a wedding aisle, measure its length and multiply by four to account for swags on both sides and extra fabric for a full, romantic look.

When draping the tulle, start by eyeing the fabric carefully and then adjust the draping as you go to achieve the desired look. There is no set rule for the depth of the tulle swags, so feel free to experiment and create the arrangement that best suits your vision.

Choosing the right tulle colour

When it comes to choosing the right tulle colour for your wedding arch, there are a few things to consider. The first is the overall colour scheme of your wedding. If you want the arch to be a focal point, choose a colour that will stand out against the backdrop of your venue. If you're getting married on a beach, for example, a soft tulle in a shade of blush or blue could be a beautiful choice, adding a romantic, dreamy touch to the ceremony setting.

Another option is to choose a colour that complements the bridesmaids' dresses and the wedding flowers. This will help to create a cohesive look and feel to the day. White tulle is always a classic choice and can be dressed up with flowers or other decorations. You could also consider a glittery tulle fabric to add a touch of sparkle and romance to the arch.

If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, a soft, neutral-coloured tulle could be a lovely choice, perhaps in a shade of brown, cream or sage green. For a bolder statement, a bright colour like red or yellow could be used, but be sure to consider the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and textures. Layering different shades of tulle can create a beautiful, unique effect, and don't forget to add some decorations to your arch, such as flowers, garlands or bows, to bring the whole look together.

Attaching the tulle to the arch

Once you have your tulle, hold the end of the length and twist the fabric as you wind it around the arch. Wrap the tulle loosely between the segments of the arch, making your way from one side to the other. Secure the ends of the tulle with floral or craft wire on each side of the arch. You can also use ponytail holders to secure the tulle. If you need to start a new piece, tie down any loose ends where you switched colours or ran out of tulle. Depending on how tightly you wound the fabric, you might need to secure the centre of the arch as well.

With any leftover tulle, you can make bows to attach to the arch. Fold the tulle into six large loops and twist the loops together in the centre with floral wire. Attach these tulle bows to the centre of the arch or space them out throughout.

Hiding the wire with bows

When it comes to creating a wedding arch, the goal is to achieve a romantic and elegant look. While tulle is a versatile and popular choice for this purpose, the challenge lies in tastefully incorporating the wire that holds the fabric in place. Here are some tips to hide the wire with bows and create a seamless, beautiful display:

Choose the Right Tulle and Wire:

Start by selecting a tulle fabric that complements your wedding theme. Opt for soft and sheer tulle to create a romantic, ethereal look. Choose a color that matches your wedding color palette or stick with classic white. As for the wire, select a thin floral wire that can be easily twisted and shaped without being too noticeable.

Measure and Cut the Tulle:

Decide on the desired size of your bows. For larger, statement bows, cut the tulle into long strips. If you prefer smaller, delicate bows, cut the tulle into shorter segments. Ensure that the width of the tulle strips is consistent for each bow.

Create the Bows:

Take a strip of tulle and fold it into a loop, creating a bow shape. You can make simple loops or get creative with multiple loops for a fuller look. Secure the center of the loop with wire, twisting it tightly to hold the bow in place. Cut off any excess wire. Repeat this process to create multiple bows, ensuring they are all similar in size and shape.

Attach the Bows:

Once you have a collection of bows, it's time to attach them to the wedding arch. Use the wire to secure each bow at the point where you twisted it, hiding the wire under the center of the bow. Space the bows evenly along the arch, attaching them to the points where the wire is visible. The bows will not only hide the wire but also add a charming decorative element.

Adjust and Fluff:

After attaching the bows, take a step back and assess the overall look. Adjust the placement of the bows as needed to ensure they are evenly distributed and hide the wire effectively. Fluff and arrange the tulle loops to create a full and elegant appearance.

Final Touches:

If desired, you can add extra embellishments to the bows, such as small flowers, pearls, or rhinestones. These decorative touches can enhance the overall aesthetic and tie in with other elements of your wedding decor.

By following these steps, you will successfully hide the wire with elegant bows, creating a polished and romantic wedding arch that complements your special day.

Decorating the arch with flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding arch, creating a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony. Whether you opt for real or faux flowers, you can easily incorporate them with other decorations like fabric, lights, or greenery.

If you want to keep things simple, use flowers as a subtle accent to your arch. For instance, you can place a bouquet in a corner of a square arch, or dot flowers along a greenery arch. You can also accent the sides of the arch with flowers, especially where you tie back fabric curtains.

For a more floral look, you can dedicate one side of a square or rounded arch to flowers, weaving bunches of flowers and greenery around it. Alternatively, you can cover the top of a square arch with floral arrangements, adding hanging greenery for extra drama.

If you're feeling bold, you can go for a full flower arch, covering it entirely with flowers and greenery. This can be done with a mix of blossoms and colours, or by using the same type of flower for a uniform look.

For a whimsical touch, create a floral curtain by hanging strands of flowers and greenery from your arch. This style is perfect for storybook weddings, adding an elegant, magical feel to your ceremony.

When choosing flowers, consider selecting blooms that match your bouquet, décor, and other accents. This will help tie your floral arch into the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions