20 alternatives to wedding arches: examples from real weddings

Flowers of wedding arches play a huge role in the design of halls and open areas . The tradition of creating stunning gazebos, tents and gazebos came to us from the Hindus, from Ancient Egypt and Greece.

This is where flower gardens were truly revered. Roses, asters, peonies and potted plants decorated the spectacular designs. Today you can attach a live or paper floristic greenhouse:

for semicircular and round arches,
for metal forged installations,
on wooden U-shaped arches with decorative carvings,
on tents or gazebos, creating a semblance of altars,
on fixed bamboo poles, imitating the Asian style.

entwined with ivy

St Andrew's Anglican Church, with its towers and bas-reliefs, forms the basis for the arch in this stylized shoot.
The 1880s brick arch, covered with ivy, gave the setting a touch of aristocratic classicism. Look what a wonderful spring green and orange asymmetrical flower arch the guys created! Save Saved

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Vertical compositions in pots

The chosen style of the “Forest Wedding” photo shoot implied the presence of moss and other plant, “forest” elements in the decor. For registration, a stunning forest location within the city was chosen, the decoration of which was an arch made in the form of vertical flower arrangements in pots.

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Glowing composition

Soft moonlight and twinkling stars created a magical atmosphere for this wedding shoot. The organizers decided to prove that a night ceremony can be very romantic. For this purpose, the hotel created a wedding arch in the shape of the Moon from luminous elements. We think it turned out great!

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How to make a wedding arch: two options

An arch for outdoor painting can be made in a “simple” and “complex” way:

A simple option: rent a base for an arch or find a suitable frame, for example, a wooden gazebo or tree, and decorate the base with any decorative materials: fresh or artificial flowers, fabric, ribbons, etc.
A difficult option: make an arch frame from wooden beams or iron rods, and then decorate the resulting base. Moreover, you can make the frame of any shape: from a standard horseshoe to a circle or heart, because there are many different types of wedding arches, differing in their shapes and sizes.

Fabric and garland of fresh flowers

The guys managed to organize the wedding in three days! For this purpose, an arch was erected on the pier, decorated with fabric and a garland of fresh flowers. Vanya and Lera exchanged rings and said the most important words to each other precisely on the pier where they once confessed their feelings to each other.

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Mirror design

The holiday of Katerina and Andrey, which combined the lightness, sincerity and emotionality of its main characters, was decorated with an unusual wedding arch. A mirror structure was used as an arch, which they complemented with translucent fabric, a crystal chandelier and floral arrangements. And it turned out very great!

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What and how to make a wedding arch yourself?

Without relevant experience in wedding decor construction, many people don't know where to start. It’s better to turn to craftsmen for the frame and do the decor manually. The easiest way to stock up is:

white and colored thick paper;
light fabric;
thread curtains;
satin ribbons;
artificial flowers;
large beads.

An arch needs a strong base (plastic, aluminum, wood, plywood). It’s worth stocking up on time, patience and the desire to make a real masterpiece for the newlyweds.

The technology depends on the chosen material, but if you look at the samples, it is often clear what and how to do. For fastening, a stapler, “liquid nails” (glue gun), silicone sealant and fishing line with a needle are usually used.

It is important to consider weather conditions. Paper decor will be hopelessly damaged by rain, and gusty winds will easily overwhelm a poorly secured base.

A beautiful arch is a positive emotion and a beautiful background for videos and photographs. Even more original ideas are in our gallery with examples.

Mountains

What could be more romantic than a wedding at cloud level? Only mountains, clean air, silence and a unique feeling of calm and harmony. This is exactly what Tamara and Alex’s ceremony was like in Spain: at the foot of the monastery, where the role of a wedding arch was successfully played by a mountain range.

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Door on the pier

At Lesha and Nika’s summer wedding in a rustic style in a cozy place on the Pirogovskoye Reservoir, the role of an arch was successfully played by a door installed on the pier and decorated with a flower garland. Flowers stood on the sides - on a wooden box and barrel. Look how stylish it looked!

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How else to decorate the design

When decorating holiday arches, nothing limits the imagination of future spouses. The decor can be based on balloons, textiles, all kinds of shapes, designer stands, and ribbons.

Inflatable balloons

An affordable way to decorate an arch for a wedding event is to decorate it with balloons. To create the simplest design, you will need the balls and fishing line themselves. The latter is attached to the wall, giving the shape of the arch, after which the remaining decorative elements are fixed to it. In addition to balls, satin ribbons and translucent textiles are used.

It is best to inflate balloons with helium so that they hold their shape well and do not spread along horizontal surfaces.

An arch of balls can be made semicircular, heart-shaped, or any other shape. You can wrap a fishing line around a pre-prepared base, and then secure the balls to it.

Balloons can be one color or several, but it is not recommended to use more than 2-3 shades, unless the theme of the celebration requires it.

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You can also use inflatable helium balloons to complement a flower arch if you install them at the base of its supports.

Figures and stands

When decorating arches for weddings, you can use all kinds of shapes and stands made of forged metal and wood.

For a wedding in a minimalist style, you can install an arch of complex geometric shape, assembled from hollow metal tubes. They can be painted white or any other color. This element will look especially good outdoors. Additionally, it is not decorated with anything.

Forged racks painted white or carved wood look original. You can hang large glass beads, strings of pearls, and lanterns on them.

All kinds of figures will serve as an effective decoration for the design. It can be:

Ceramic figurines installed at the base of the structure.
Lamps or candlesticks of geometric shape, fixed at the top of the arch.
Hearts or birds made of wood, openwork metal, glass.
Glass balls.

All this can be combined with flowers, ribbons, textiles and, in some cases, balloons.

Textiles in the decor of wedding arches look more than appropriate. The best fabrics are lightweight, flowy with a translucent texture:

Organza.
Chiffon.
Silk.
Batiste.

The fabric can freely fall from the arch, thrown over its upper part, wrap around the posts, and it can also be fixed, making the composition orderly. Ribbons, bows, decorative cord, and double-sided tape will help secure textile decor.

The structure decorated with fabric will be complemented by compositions of dried flowers, beads, decorative figurines and pendants.

The shade of the fabric is selected taking into account the overall style. It can be contrasting, but it must be in harmony with the overall palette.

Ribbon design

The summer wedding of Bogdan and Polina is like sweet ice cream, bright, juicy and tender! The arch at their wedding was made in the style of “Ice cream wedding” and was a structure with ribbons of bright colors: peach, mint, orange, lilac, soft pink, sky blue and violet. It turned out very bright and unusual!

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What forms are there?

In the form of an arc or horseshoe

One of the most common and simple forms, it can be decorated with anything: flowers, balls, and ribbons. It is generally accepted that this option promises good luck and success to newly-made spouses. Therefore, it is perfect for couples who believe in folk signs.

If you have a classic wedding celebration, then it is appropriate to decorate the “Horseshoe” with flowers and white fabric, you can also add some bright satin ribbons or balloons. For the “Eco” style that is popular this season, decorate the accessory with tree branches and greenery. On the “Sea” holiday the following is used in decoration:

shells;
corals;
anchors;
shells;
paper fish;
plants and fabrics in gray, blue and white tones.

In the form of a square or rectangle

This option is a symbol of home, reliability, prosperity, prosperity, family comfort and hearth. A structure with a roof will protect the family from envy and the evil eye.

Advice. An excellent choice for a rustic themed wedding day.

These arches most often turn out to be large and bulky, and therefore it is recommended to make them from durable metal or thick wood.

Heart shaped

Undoubtedly, the most romantic form for a wedding, which will once again emphasize the love, passion, tenderness and sincere feelings of the couple. In order for the “Heart” to stand steadily, the frame is made of metal-plastic, but sometimes it is replaced with another option - balloons, which are mounted on a specially equipped stand.

Enfilade

A peculiar series of arches, consisting of several identical shapes. They create a beautiful corridor, following one after another, through which the newlyweds solemnly walk to the ceremony site.

The enfilade can rightfully be considered the most luxurious option, which looks very impressive and symbolizes the endless happiness of a young family.

An ideal solution for a chic wedding celebration with a large number of guests.

In the form of a circle

When choosing a round arch, a ready-made frame of the appropriate shape is used. It is most often decorated with flowers, greenery, ribbons, fabric, various vintage items, paper lanterns, lace and much more.

Advice. A good option for Vintage and Shabby Chic themed weddings.

Shaped like the letter "P"

The U-shape is the easiest to make; it is only important to secure the base of such a structure well, for which it is best to use PVC or wood.

For an outdoor celebration, decorate the accessory with light fabrics - organza or a veil. For a “Russian folk” wedding, use chintz; for a “Retro” wedding, use velvet, silk or satin. Flowers, greenery, balloons, ribbons and much more are also suitable as decoration.

Alcove

Another variation associated with home comfort and warmth. The easiest way is to find a ready-made building and decorate it in the desired style. To decorate a wedding gazebo, use light, flowy fabric, organza and veil, bright satin ribbons, flowers and balloons are suitable.

In the form of doors or gates

Antique doors or gates will also look very interesting at your ceremony; you can decorate them with anything:

tree branches;
greens;
flowers;
beautiful fabric, such as velvet or organza.

Without arch

The wedding day of Denis and Apollinaria is a day full of unique poetry, airiness and charm. In their wedding, they were afraid of “over-decor” and decided to use the beauty of the estate in which the celebration took place. And the ceremony didn't even have an arch - just a beautiful little chapel in the background.

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Symbolism and purpose

Arches have been used as a decorative element since ancient times. It is known that the ancient Egyptians used them as decoration for wedding ceremonies. They symbolized the vault of heaven above the heads of the spouses. It was believed that if a marriage took place under an arch, the gods would protect the family.

Modern weddings, especially in the West, cannot do without such an element. The arch symbolizes family well-being, comfort, and favorable changes. A beautifully designed design creates an atmosphere of romance, brings originality to the celebration, and makes it memorable.

Most often it is installed at off-site ceremonies, marking the wedding area. But it can be installed in a banquet hall, with its help you can focus attention on the newlyweds’ table and effectively complement the photography area.

The design of the decorative element depends on the style of the event and the overall color scheme. Flower arrangements, balloons, and ribbons are used to decorate it. The frame is either completely hidden under the decor, or used as part of it. This applies to wicker, wooden arches.

The configuration is also determined by the style of the celebration. It can be anything - from strictly geometric to fantasy.

The standard arch for exit registration can be replaced with an improvised one. To do this, you need to throw a light cloth over the tree branches, wrap the trunks with flower vines, ribbons, and hang garlands.

The decoration of festive arches is usually ordered from professional decorators and florists. But you can make it yourself, for example, by step-by-step following the instructions from numerous master classes, or rent it. It all depends on the wedding budget and the desires of the couple.

Garland of light bulbs

Gatsby style is a style that fully reflects the inner world of Andrey and Alena’s family. The ceremony on the veranda of the loft was bright and memorable, also thanks to the arch decorated with garlands of light bulbs. Everything was designed in the same style of glitz and glamour.

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Arch decoration for a wedding

If an arch is planned to be installed at a wedding ceremony, one of the best options for its design will be floral decor. Such an element will enliven the interior, add a romantic mood, and the newlyweds and their guests will be able to take many colorful photos that will evoke positive emotions and memories for many years.

Often an arch decorated with flowers is used during outdoor ceremonies. But this does not mean that such a decorative element cannot be installed in a banquet hall. An arch can be used to highlight the newlyweds’ table or complement a photo zone.

Sitting opposite each other

Look how great Anya and Simone came up with the idea of registering. Their painting took place at sunset in the arena, from which everything around was visible. The arch was decorated with creeping vines. Instead of chairs, they placed hay briquettes with pillows on them. Sitting on them opposite each other, they exchanged rings.

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Fireplace

The wedding of Sergei and Albina was decorated in a classic style, and its main detail was a large white fireplace, against which their registration took place. It was complemented with large candles in candlesticks and tall glass vases with gypsophila branches.

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Geometric design

The celebration of Anastasia and Miroslav combines urban style and timeless classics. They took retro comics and movies about superheroes as the basis for the concept. A loft was chosen as the site, in the center of which a custom-made structure was installed. Vases and the initials of the newlyweds were placed nearby.

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Arch designs

Arches for flowers in a country house can be used individually, for example, to highlight the entrance to a site, or a tunnel can be built from several separate structures. By placing two or three arches together you can create a gazebo with living walls.

Various materials are used to make arched structures. On sale you can most often find arches that are made from hollow plastic tubes. To install them securely, it is necessary to insert reinforcement approximately one and a half meters long inside the tube adjacent to the ground.

With this fastening, your arch will not be damaged by either strong winds or situations where you might inadvertently touch it.

Forged metal arches look very beautiful in the garden. They are often real works of art and look impressive even when not covered with plants. On such arches you can hang flowerpots on special holders.

In pots placed on them, salads and other edible herbs look beautiful, which can later be sowed.

Looking at the photo of wooden arches for flowers that have a trellis shape (includes a pair of trellises at once), you can see how convenient they are for zoning the internal space of a summer cottage. With their help you can also easily hide from the eyes of your neighbors.

Arches of these shapes are also often used to create cozy relaxation areas.

Trellis and vaulted arches are often used to support flowers at weddings. Ceremonies using just such structures as decorations are becoming increasingly popular. They look especially impressive against the background of a beautiful back wall.

Wooden panel

For a long time, Andrei and Galya could not decide on the concept of the wedding, but when they remembered that they both loved walks and chatting with friends, the theme “Glinsky Park” arose. The main detail of the wedding was an arch made in the form of a wooden panel with the holiday logo. It was against her background that the guys became husband and wife.

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Honeycomb

The dark blue space wedding of Artem and Yulia called “Space Post-Rock” was decorated with constellations and geometric shapes. The wedding arch, which looked like a large honeycomb, was also made in the same style. Look how stylish and original their registration turned out. As calm and mysterious as space.

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Name letters

Dmitry and Marina initially decided that a wedding was the brightest, most brilliant and unforgettable event in life. At a wedding in the European Urban chic style with a touch of glamor, the central figure was an arch made in the form of huge volumetric letters - the initials of the bride and groom in English. It was against their backdrop that they pronounced their vows.

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Doors

The wedding of Kirill and Elena on the Black Sea shore in sunny Gurzuf perfectly symbolizes the beginning of a new life. After all, the guys decorated the wedding arch in the form of an open door with a head of flowers in delicate shades. The purple-lilac curtains reminded us that this was a celebration of two loving hearts.

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The best floral ensembles for a wedding arch

Spectacular wedding arches made of flowers use such compositions as:

small tussie-mussie bouquets of snowdrops or cornflowers for spring-winter weddings,
spherical bouquets of decorative roses, peonies, hydrangeas, anemones with the inclusion of greenery (pine needles, wildflowers, succulents),
cascading flowing ensembles of gladioli, chrysanthemums, astromerias, etc.,
pomander in the form of a flower ball, consisting of roses, peonies and resembling a ball on a ribbon,
calla lilies look great “in company” with textile decorations,
a wedding arch made of flowers with geometric clarity is suitable for conservative styles (baroque, gothic, classic), and in a chaotic order - for modern ones (rustic, boho, hippie, shabby chic),
You can also decorate the structure with rosemelias, carefully hand-glued compositions of rose petals,

Most often, decorators will use the taping method, when inflorescences, buds or stems of selected plants are collected on a wire.

Arch in ethno style

Geologists Vadim and Katya immediately decided to decorate their wedding using natural colors. They made the wedding arch in the same style - a structure made of wooden sticks was decorated with silk, massive candlesticks and a chandelier with crystal. The sudden rain only added to the magic of the ceremony!

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How to design an arched vault

When decorating arches with flowers, florists advise adhering to the following recommendations:

If the wedding is themed or colorful, the arch should be in harmony with the overall design. Flowers for her need to be selected in the same shades that are used in the decoration of the room or the bride’s bouquet.
A bride in a dress should not be lost against the background of the decoration.
You shouldn’t limit yourself to floral arrangements when decorating an arch. In order for the design to look harmonious against the background of the rest of the interior, it should be supplemented with flowers in vases, on counters, tables, and floor flowerpots. Plants should be well combined with each other or repeated.
If the flower arch is additionally draped with textiles, it is better to choose light-colored fabric. Preference should be given to organza, chiffon, silk, which harmonize perfectly with floral decor. This design looks gentle and sophisticated. You can place accents using beads (glass, pearls).

Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers are considered a classic element of wedding arch decor. But such decoration is also the most expensive and sensitive to transportation and storage.

To keep the buds fresh longer, you will need to treat them with special compounds. Tempered buds retain their appearance and aroma for a long time without the need for moisture. But it is immediately worth noting that their cost will increase.

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Newlyweds usually choose flowers themselves, based on the style of the celebration and their own preferences:

Structures on a wire frame are completely covered with flowers. Compositions of roses of different shades, peonies, asters and other lush buds look impressive. Such arches are suitable for classical, Victorian or American celebrations.
Arched decorations woven from twigs can be partially decorated. Asymmetrical compositions look impressive when the emphasis is on the upper part of the structure, for example, in the form of a wreath or a bouquet of large flowers. The side parts of the structure can be entwined with vines or thin flower garlands. Such compositions are suitable for weddings in boho, rustic, Provence, and shabby chic styles.
An arch with a wooden frame is partially decorated with flowers, usually they are combined with fabric, electric garlands, and ribbons. It is suitable for both a traditional ceremony and a themed one.

Decorative elements are attached using glue, tape, and satin ribbons. Typically, the bulk of the flowers are attached to the top of the structure and at the base of the supports. If floral decor is present only at the top, the supports should be draped with fabric, decorated with balloons or wrapped in garlands.

The choice of flowers depends on the season. For example, in winter, florists recommend collecting compositions of roses in contrasting shades; in summer, focus on wildflowers and peonies; In autumn, flower arrangements are best kept in yellow-orange tones and complemented with leaves; In spring, tulips and daffodils are suitable for decoration.

Artificial

Decorating an arch with artificial flowers will cost much less than with real ones. The advantages of this decor include:

Possibility to use any flowers regardless of the season.
The buds can be of any size, for example, huge roses, which are perfect for Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau styles. It is also easy to select exotic plants of the desired colors and shapes.
Possibility to purchase or rent any compositions from bouquets to vines.
Easy to transport and install.
Durability. You don’t have to worry that rain, wind, bright sun or spotlights will spoil the flowers.

But there are also some disadvantages, albeit minor ones. In particular, not all artificial flowers look decent. High-quality products are expensive, but you can always rent them from a specialized agency.

Experienced florist-decorators prefer to use a mix of fresh and artificial flowers when decorating wedding arches. This option allows you to create a beautiful composition for a reasonable price.

Branches in the form of a circle

An outdoor wedding can be complemented by an original round wicker arch. It is usually made from interconnected rods. Sometimes a rigid wooden frame is used.

The branches themselves are already a decorative element. They can be the same shade or different. Flowers for such an arch are usually selected large, forming lush or hanging compositions from them. They are hung in the upper part in the center or offset to one side. Paired compositions are also often used, hung opposite each other, for example, one on the bottom left, the second on the top right.

In this case, it is recommended to use flowers of different shades or sizes for each. In addition to floral decoration, it is imperative to use all kinds of plant elements (leaves, stems, vines) so that the composition is as close as possible to the natural one.

Fabric with light bulbs

Irina and Nikita’s wedding is a lavender classic with rustic notes. The wedding arch was made in the same spirit - a piece of fabric was beautifully draped over the structure made of wooden blocks, which was decorated with a garland of light bulbs. The guys wanted to get away from the idea of using fresh flowers, and they succeeded!

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Decor

When choosing an arch for a wedding, newlyweds first of all pay attention to its design. Let's look at the most common decorative elements used to decorate this holiday accessory:

balloons are one of the simplest and most budget-friendly ideas. A fishing line is tied to the frame of the structure, and balls are placed on it;
flowers are a classic that will suit any wedding celebration. You can decorate with both live and artificial ones; the first option will be more expensive. To prevent plants from wilting, they are placed in capsules with a special solution. And the flowers are attached using fishing line, multi-colored ribbons or tape;
fabric is another common way to decorate arches for off-site registration and weddings. Designers advise using translucent lightweight fabrics, for example, organza, tulle or veil. If you are planning a canopy or lambrequins, then it is better to take a heavier material, it could be silk or satin. The fabric is secured with ribbons and pins.

Advice. Fabric decor will look great in combination with flowers.

Flower half ring

Only at the sophisticated wedding of Anna and Anton, filled with the unique romance of St. Petersburg, could a flower semi-ring bloom in the greenhouse of the Brusnitsyn mansion. This is what became the wedding arch for two lovers. The abundance of candles gave the space mystery and comfort.

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