Creating A Floral Wedding Arbor: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding arches are a great way to add a 'wow' factor to your special day. They can be costly, but you can save money by making your own. You can either build, buy, or rent an arch structure, and then decorate it with flowers and greenery. You can use fresh flowers or artificial ones, and you can attach them to the arch using chicken wire, floral foam, or zip ties. The type of flowers and colours you choose will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve, but popular choices include roses, lilies, peonies, and eucalyptus. You can find supplies and flowers online or at local craft stores.

Choosing your flowers and greenery

The flowers and greenery you choose for your wedding arbor will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve and your colour preferences. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to consult a florist or wedding service to get advice on the best flowers to use depending on the season.

If you're on a budget, it's worth considering faux flowers, which are easier to work with and will last longer, giving you more time to practice. Etsy is a great place to find artificial flowers, and you can also buy pre-arranged floral combinations specifically designed for wedding arbors on Amazon.

For a classic, pure aesthetic, you might choose white and ivory flowers. For a modern look, consider adding some geometry with a hexagonal arch structure. If you want something romantic and whimsical, roses, lilies, and peonies are a good choice, whereas if you're after an elegant and timeless look, consider using white roses, which signify purity and peace.

When choosing greenery, it's a good idea to select a variety of types to bring depth and variety to your arbor. You can use broad-leafed varieties like Salal or Eucalyptus to create a foundation for your flowers, and then add in some linear stems like Italian Ruscus or Snap Dragons to create height and a sense of elongation.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas and materials. With some planning and creativity, you can create a beautiful, stunning wedding arbor that reflects your unique style and personality.

Preparing your arch structure

The first step in creating a wedding arch is to decide on the type of structure you want. You can either build, purchase, or rent an arch. Many cities have wedding rental companies that offer affordable options, or you can check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Efavormart. The recommended dimensions for a wedding arch are a minimum of 6 ft tall by 5-8 ft wide.

If you're crafting the arch yourself, you'll need to find wooden slabs or copper to create the structure. For a rustic wedding, you can use a wooden arch, while copper can give a more modern look. There are many online tutorials and videos available to guide you through the process of building your own arch.

Once you have your basic structure, it's time to start preparing it for the flowers and greenery. You'll need some essential supplies, including floral foam cages, floral snips, zip ties, and wire mesh or chicken wire. The floral foam cages will help you create the base for your flower arrangements, while the zip ties and wire will secure them to the arch.

To create a full and natural-looking arch, it's important to use a combination of flowers and greenery. You can choose flowers that match your wedding colours or go for a classic, pure aesthetic with white and ivory flowers. Greenery such as eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, and salal/lemon leaf can add depth and texture to your arrangement.

When selecting flowers and greenery, consider the size and style of your arch. For a larger arch (approximately 6 ft wide by 10 ft tall), you'll need an estimated 500-600 stems of flowers and greenery. You can use floral foam to create the base of your arrangement and secure the stems in place. Soak the floral foam before use and thread the zip ties through the plastic cage to secure it to the arch.

Now that you have your arch structure and supplies, you're ready to start creating your floral arrangements.

Creating a base with floral foam

Soak the Floral Foam

Firstly, you will need to soak the floral foam in water. This step is crucial as it ensures that your flowers stay hydrated and fresh throughout your wedding day. The soaked floral foam will act as a water source for your flowers, keeping them perky and vibrant.

Prepare the Arbor Structure

Now, you will need to prepare your arbor structure. You can choose to build, purchase, or rent one. The recommended dimensions for a wedding arbor are a minimum of 6 feet tall by 5 to 8 feet wide. Ensure that your arbor is sturdy and stable, providing a strong base for your floral decorations.

Secure the Floral Foam

Take your soaked floral foam and secure it to the arbor using zip ties. You will need one large floral foam cage for the upper arrangement and one medium floral foam cage for the lower or middle arrangement. Thread the zip ties through the plastic cage of the floral foam, ensuring a tight fit. Be careful not to overtighten the zip ties, as this may damage the floral foam.

Add Greenery

Start by adding greenery to your floral foam base. Begin with longer stems of greenery, such as Italian Ruscus, and place them along the perimeter of the floral cage. Then, fill in the gaps with broader-leaved varieties like Salal and textural greenery like Eucalyptus. This step creates a beautiful foundation for your flowers and helps elongate your arrangement.

Create the Flower Arrangement

Now, it's time to add the flowers! Start with linear blooms, such as Snap Dragons, to create the desired shape. Then, add your focal flowers, such as roses, ensuring they have different stem lengths to create depth and dimension. Continue layering in different varieties of flowers until you are happy with the fullness and overall look of the arrangement. Step back occasionally to assess the arrangement from a distance and make any necessary adjustments.

Finalize and Adjust

Take a step back and admire your handiwork! Make any final adjustments to ensure your floral arrangement is secure and exactly how you envisioned it. You may want to add some extra greenery or flowers to cover any exposed mechanics or floral foam. Now, you have a gorgeous wedding arbor, ready to be the backdrop for your special day!

Adding greenery

Choose the Right Greenery

Select a variety of greenery types to bring depth and variety to your arch. You can use broad leafed options like Salal/Lemon Leaf, which provide good surface area and cover more space. Another option is Italian Ruscus, which has longer stems and can help create a sense of height and structure. Eucalyptus is also a popular choice, adding texture and a pop of colour. You can use different types of eucalyptus, such as Gunni and Baby Blue, to create contrast and interest.

Prepare the Greenery

Before you start arranging, prepare your greenery by cutting the stems into smaller pieces. This will make them easier to work with and help you create a fuller, more dimensional look. You may also want to do a test run by placing the longer pieces of greenery where you want them to go before cutting, to ensure they are the right length.

Start with the Foundation

Begin by adding the longer pieces of greenery to the perimeter of the floral cage or arch structure. This will help create the shape and provide a base for the rest of the arrangement. Insert the greenery at varying lengths and angles to create depth and avoid a uniform look. You can use wire or zip ties to secure the greenery in place, especially if you are working with chicken wire or floral foam.

Layer the Greenery

Work in layers, adding different varieties of greenery one at a time. Start with the broad leafed options like Salal, and then add in the more linear varieties like eucalyptus. You can also use greenery to connect separate arrangements and create a cohesive look. For example, you can add light and feathery Plumosa Fern to tie together different sections of the arch.

Create a Focal Point

If you're using a large or particularly eye-catching type of greenery, such as protea, use it as a focal point. Place these statement pieces first, ensuring they are front and centre, and then build the rest of the arrangement around them. This will help draw attention to these unique elements and create a sense of balance in the design.

Arranging flowers

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by creating a base for your flower arch. You can use flower mud or floral foam wrapped in wire mesh or chicken wire to provide structure and stability. Ensure there are no sharp edges protruding. The base should be thicker than the top to give your arch a natural, tapered look.

Step 2: Choose Greenery

Greenery forms the foundation of your flower arrangement. Select a variety of leafy greens such as Italian Ruscus, Salal/Lemon Leaf, or ficus for the base layer. Cut the stems into smaller pieces and insert them at varying lengths and angles to create depth and texture. You can also use different types of eucalyptus, such as Gunni and Baby Blue Eucalyptus, to add colour and whimsy.

Step 3: Add Linear Blooms

After creating the base, add linear blooms such as Snap Dragons. These longer stems will help create the shape you desire and make a statement. Place them strategically, considering the overall vision for the arch.

Step 4: Insert Focal Flowers

Now, it's time to add the focal flowers, such as roses, lilies, peonies, or carnations. Distribute these flowers along the foam, varying the stem lengths to create depth. These flowers will convey the desired feeling of your arch, be it romantic, elegant, or whimsical.

Step 5: Layer and Fill

Continue layering and filling in the arrangement with a variety of flowers. Work with different colours, sizes, and varieties to create a balanced and eye-catching display. You can use spray flowers like Alstroemeria for colour and longevity, or carnations and astrantia for added texture and depth.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally, add filler flowers or foliage, such as Wax Flower or eucalyptus, to fill any remaining gaps and create a cohesive look. You can also incorporate ribbons, bows, or other decorative elements that match your unique style and vision for the wedding arch.

Remember to step back occasionally to assess the arrangement and make any necessary adjustments. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning and memorable flower arrangement for your wedding arbor.

Frequently asked questions