Preparations for an outdoor wedding ceremony can begin with its most important attribute - the arch. This spectacular accessory has a special symbolism that comes from antiquity. It is associated with the gates of heaven, with the belief that true marriages take place in heaven.
At the same time, this is a sign of a new stage of life that awaits lovers after the wedding. In addition to the romantic component, there is also a practical side. The arch is a wonderful backdrop for photo sessions, an original photo zone for young people and guests .
Functions
A wedding arch makes the ceremony memorable, emphasizes the romantic atmosphere of the holiday, and makes it unique. The tradition of using wedding arches came from Ancient Egypt. For the Egyptians, it symbolized the vault of heaven. It was believed that a marriage concluded in front of the arch would be sanctified by the gods. Western weddings are also rarely complete without this decorative element.
At a modern ceremony, a wedding arch will be a wonderful decoration for the newlyweds’ table, banquet hall, or for outdoor registration. Generously decorated with flowers, balloons, and ribbons, the arch becomes an excellent basis for organizing a photo zone.
The decor of the arch depends on the wishes of the newlyweds. The accessory is given various shapes: quadrangular, round, pointed, horseshoe-shaped, heart-shaped and others.
You can order the design from a professional designer, rent an arch, or make it yourself using available materials.
The decision depends on the wedding budget, creativity and free time. Idea! If there is not enough time for preparation or if the wedding style requires it, make an impromptu arch, for example, throw light fabric or tie long satin ribbons to tree branches that form an arch.
Is it possible to do without an arch?
A wedding arch is the most important attribute of registering a marriage in nature. It is beautiful, solemn, symbolic, and it makes for wonderful photographs, but at the same time, it is a rather expensive and troublesome pleasure. Is this accessory really necessary? Is it possible to have an outdoor ceremony without it?
Instead of an arch, you can use other equally effective techniques.
- Podium for newlyweds. Elevation on a small pedestal also looks quite unusual;
- Backlight. If registration takes place in the evening, then correctly chosen soft romantic lighting for the couple will be very original;
- Scenery. It could be a branched tree with a huge crown, a spring, a fountain. This background will provide a festive mood and bright, natural photographs.
How to make a mold
Horseshoe
A horseshoe arch is one of the most popular options for a wedding. It is believed that by choosing this shape, newlyweds will attract good luck. Perfect for a couple who respects traditions and believes in folk superstitions.
For a classic ceremony, it is draped with white cloth and decorated with flowers. Flowers, ribbons, balloon garlands and other wedding-themed decorations are added as contrasting details.
For an eco-style wedding, the accessory is decorated not only with fresh flowers, but with original branches, greenery and wooden pendants. A classic arch in a marine style is decorated with shells, paper fish, corals, shells and anchors.
Decorations for the horseshoe arch include pearls, lace braid, LED light bulbs, dream catchers, beads or macrame.
Square
A quadrangular arch created with your own hands will become a symbol of prosperity, a reliable marriage and well-being. The quadrangular structure with a roof symbolizes protection from the evil eye and the envy of others. Fits perfectly into a rustic wedding scenario. The arch is decorated with fabrics; the color is chosen depending on the main shade of the wedding. It is best to use materials that can easily be used to create beautiful draperies. Decorative elements are chosen taking into account the overall style of the celebration.
Important! Square arches are usually quite bulky, so the frame for it must be made of durable metal.
Enfilade
The suite is a symbol of the endless happiness of future spouses. This is the most spectacular and luxurious option for wedding decoration. Ideally fits into a magnificent celebration with a large number of guests.
It consists of several metal structures that stand behind each other or are connected to each other, thereby creating the effect of a corridor. The newlyweds solemnly walk through it to the registration place.
An enfilade-shaped arch is created using living vegetation and installed in a garden or forest clearing. It looks especially impressive in the spring, when trees, such as apple or cherry trees, bloom. A complex enfilade is suitable for a ceremony in a luxurious restaurant or mansion. For an intimate banquet in a cozy cafe or a modest ceremony in the garden, choose a simpler option.
It is difficult to make an enfilade with your own hands, so it is better to order it from professionals.
Heart
A beautiful heart-shaped arch will emphasize the love between the bride and groom. For stability, the frame is made of metal-plastic. With its help it is easier to give the structure a “heart” shape.
A metal-plastic frame is expensive, so they often choose a budget alternative - they make a heart out of balloons and attach it to a special stand.
It is not necessary to contact professional designers for design. Garlands, fresh flowers and red ribbons are suitable for DIY decoration. The elements are combined with each other and organically fit into a variety of style trends: from rustic to glamorous chic.
Idea! A heart arch decorated with paper pompoms looks original and romantic.
Round
For a wedding in shabby chic or vintage style, an arch in the form of a round gazebo is ideal. For production, a ready-made frame is used, which is decorated with fresh flowers - peonies, roses, orchids, callas, tulips in delicate shades. To give the accessory the necessary decorativeness, ribbons, paper lanterns and various vintage decorations are used: elegant cages, porcelain figurines, old books and lace.
Fabric for draperies is chosen in pastel colors: pale pink, lemon, blue, cream or beige.
U-shaped wooden
An arch in the shape of the letter “P” is the easiest to manufacture. The main thing is to secure the base of the structure well, for which it is best to use wood or metal-plastic.
To decorate arches in nature, light fabrics are used - most often organza or veil. For a themed wedding in the Russian style, chintz is a good choice. Retro goes well with velvet, silk and satin. The fabric can be decorated with original prints or skillful embroidery, repeating the patterns on the newlyweds’ outfits or towels.
The design is decorated with greenery and flowers matching the wedding style, ribbons and fabrics made from natural fibers, paper, pompoms, and balloons.
A modest P-arch should be combined with the wedding venue and the images of the newlyweds. So, if the bride has chosen a fluffy dress with a crinoline, it would be more appropriate to install a luxurious enfilade arch than this option.
From fabric
You can decorate the frame presentably and solemnly with fabric. Translucent organza or chiffon are good for these purposes. You can also use silk, chintz, satin. You can complement the composition with fresh or artificial flowers, ribbons, vines and other decorative elements.
If you decide to decorate the arch with fabric, the combination of satin and organza looks beautiful. Attach flaps of satin to the lower part of the frame, and decorate the upper part with light translucent fabric. Wrap a vine around the pipe and secure the flowers. A minimum of time spent, and the beautiful wedding attribute is ready.
How to decorate - decor ideas
When developing the design of a wedding arch, the main emphasis is on the choice of decorative elements, while taking into account the color palette, theme of the celebration, budget and personal preferences of the newlyweds.
Balls
Decorating an arch with balloons is the simplest and most budget option. The main advantage of this solution is that the low weight allows the structure to be moved from place to place. The base for the arch can first be draped with a beautiful fabric in the main color of the wedding.
For registration you will need:
- Balloons;
- pump;
- fishing line or thread for fastening.
Balloons are attached to a pre-prepared frame using fishing line. Instead of a hand pump, an electric one is used for weddings, and the balloons are filled with helium. This will allow the garlands to maintain a presentable appearance longer.
Textile
Light and translucent materials create beautiful draperies, which is why designers recommend using them to decorate a wedding arch. Tulle or organza are ideal for this purpose. To create a canopy or lambrequin, use heavier silk or satin.
A standard design will require about 5–6 meters of fabric. Ribbons and pins will help secure the fabric to the arch. For reliable fixation, an additional glue gun is used.
For a wedding in a classic style, white or cream-colored textiles are used. For more original options, bright colors are added to the design. Fabric draperies are combined with bouquets and garlands of fresh flowers to maintain the style.
Decoration with flowers
A classic design option for a wedding arch is the decor of fresh flowers. To ensure that plants retain their beauty and beautiful appearance longer, special capsules with a nutrient solution are attached to the legs. Flower arches are usually heavy, and minimal experience is required to handle the heavy frame.
Don't despair if your holiday budget is limited.
To decorate the arch, you can purchase not real, but artificial flower arrangements. Not only lush bouquets are used, individual inflorescences also fit well into the overall concept.
Beginners should choose this option for their first experience. Advice! To fix floral arrangements, use a glue gun, tape, tape or fishing line.
Video: example of creating a prefabricated wooden structure
In this video, the guys from the PHOTOSCENE project (Tyumen) clearly demonstrate how to independently make a wooden arch for the ceremony. At the same time, the structure is easy to transport, since the structure is collapsible:
Still, the arch plays a big role in conducting on-site registration. Do you want to feel an amazing unity with each other during your wedding, feel the blessing of heaven, and create an atmosphere of true celebration? Then be careful when choosing this wedding accessory.
Tools and materials for the master class
A wedding arch is easy to make at home. This will not only help save your budget, but will also make the celebration original and the design unique , because you will think through its design personally.
To make the frame base you will need the following materials:
- Cement and sand for preparing the solution;
- Metal-plastic pipe with a diameter of 2–5 cm;
- Two plastic flower pots. Instead, you can purchase special holders at a hardware store;
- A plumb line is a thin thread with a weight at the end, which is easy to make yourself by choosing a weighty screw as a weight, for example. A plumb line is used to correctly install the pipe in a vertical position at a right angle. For display you will also need a building level or a school rectangle;
- Needles, threads and fishing line. With their help, decorations are attached to the base;
- Decorative elements of the appropriate style.
For the frame you can use a wooden base. However, metal-plastic is an ideal option due to its flexibility. It is much easier to shape into a heart or horseshoe than wood. In addition, it is a relatively inexpensive material.
Wedding decoration with garlands, tips
Light effects can turn the most ordinary space into a magical one. The use of lights and bulbs can be an independent decoration, or can complement the overall composition. Interior designers give the following advice:
- Using garlands as a backdrop for the newlyweds.
Garlands as a background will help create an accent without adding other decor.
2. In the warm season, outdoor ceremonies are often used. Creating a special atmosphere on the street is not difficult; nature itself is unique. Scattered garlands of light bulbs will only add to the festive atmosphere.
Wood decor at the guest table.
Light garlands can also significantly extend the holiday time.3. For future queens, as well as those who believe in fairy tales, lovers of long ceremonies and those who want to enjoy every moment, the option of decorating the path to the wedding arch is suitable. The path to the groom, illuminated by thousands of small lights, will be even more touching.
A large number of lights created using garlands of light bulbs will add even more pomp to the ceremony, making the ceremony royal.
4. Also, hanging luminous garlands will decorate a closed room well, adding another fairy-tale world to the wedding hall.
5. Today it is also fashionable to use garlands made of flowers, paper and other materials.
Flower garlands in wedding decor.
Garlands can also be made from balloons. To do this, small balls are fastened together and hung.
The idea of creating a garland from colored paper may also be interesting. In this case, the shape of the parts can be completely different.
A beautiful garland of beads will help decorate the arch.
Step-by-step instruction
Creating a wedding arch with your own hands is a fun and simple process, especially if you involve a team of like-minded people: friends, relatives or invited guests.
Having decided to make an accessory yourself, it is better to give preference to simple shapes - a horseshoe, a U-shaped arch or an arcuate structure. The process of making a wedding arch with your own hands consists of several stages:
- Cut the pipe into two pieces, each 3.5 m long;
- Mix a solution of cement and sand and pour it into plastic pots;
- Next, insert one metal-plastic pipe into each pot;
- Use a plumb line to level the structure. The pipe must be strictly vertical;
- Measure two meters of pipe and make a bend along this mark, forming an arch or the letter “P”;
- Leave the arch for 1–1.5 weeks for the cement to harden;
- Decorate the structure according to the style of the ceremony. The fabric begins to be secured at the bend of the arch using tapes or pins. Then flowers, ribbons, pearls, rhinestones and other decorations are added.
The total length of the arch will ultimately be about 2.4 meters, the distance between the columns will be 1.8 meters. The sizes can be changed as desired. To do this, use pipes with a larger initial height and increase the bend width.
Recommendations
Although the wedding arch is a popular attribute, not everyone knows how to choose the right option:
- For a classic wedding, choose a natural or white wooden arch. This option is ideal for a wedding in a garden, on the edge of a forest, on the shore of a lake or river. When decorating, it is better to adhere to a strict form and not use too bright colors;
- For a romantic design style, wildflowers are used : daisies, crocuses, cornflowers, dandelions. The design, decorated with fern, rattan and twigs, looks original;
- A marine-style arch, in addition to decorative elements, is decorated with blue, white and red fabrics with striped prints. When designing, it is important to adhere to a sense of proportion and not to overload the accessory with unnecessary details;
- You can surprise guests and create an original photo zone using an arch in the shape of a perfect circle. This spectacular solution is suitable for brave and determined couples. To make the arch look chic, it is installed in the most open area;
- The arched door will become a symbol of the future spouses’ life together. An unusual design can be used in a wedding ceremony scenario, for example, opening the door after the vows and taking a symbolic step into a new life, holding hands.
When choosing an arch for a ceremony, you need to take into account not only the style of the wedding, but also the time of year:
- For an autumn wedding, decorations include decorative orange pumpkins, maple leaves, and berries;
- For a summer wedding, an arch in the form of a gazebo would be an excellent option. It will not only add comfort to the holiday atmosphere, but will also create a pleasant shade in which the bride and groom can hide from the scorching sun;
- At winter celebrations, wedding arches are also used to decorate the ceremony, regardless of the venue. For decoration, choose artificial snow, ice sculptures, garlands, fir branches;
- In spring , you want to surround yourself with as many bright colors and fresh flowers as possible, so in the design of the arch the emphasis is on floristry.
Advice! If the bride and groom's outfits are bright in color or have an unusual style, the arch should be as simple as possible. The decoration uses satin ribbons in pastel colors, lanterns or flowers.
Decorating a wedding hall in turquoise, tips, ideas
Turquoise is the color of the sky and sea, denoting endless expanses. The color is especially popular in the summer and when celebrating outdoors.
Turquoise wedding. Idea for decorating a banquet hall.
When choosing a turquoise shade as the main color, you should take care not to overdo it with accents. It is foolish to believe that a turquoise wedding means all decorative details must be this color.
It can be successfully combined:
- pink;
- violet;
- white;
- gold;
- silver.
Decoration of the newlyweds' table for the turquoise wedding ceremony.
Candles in silver candlesticks, flower arrangements, and openwork napkins can be used to decorate wedding tables. You can beautifully complement turquoise fabric using flowers in white or pink shades:
Orchid arch and turquoise drapery.
When choosing decor for chairs, you should give preference to white covers, which can be successfully decorated with turquoise ribbons, bows, or balls.
Idea for decorating a banquet hall. Turquoise wedding.
You can choose any type of fabric for draping walls and tables. Thick turquoise tablecloths will perfectly complement white lace napkins. Turquoise chiffon itself looks beautiful in canopies falling along the walls or from the arch. You can beautifully complement turquoise fabric using flowers in white or pink shades:
Drapery idea for a turquoise wedding.
It is better to choose tableware for a turquoise wedding in white tones, and use crystal glasses. As for cutlery, you should give preference to silverware:
Wedding champagne decoration idea for turquoise wedding.
When choosing a specific color for a wedding, it is better to follow it even to the smallest detail. So, you can start the color by sending out invitations by choosing a postcard or an envelope of the desired color:
An example of invitations to a turquoise wedding.
Photo
A wedding arch is a symbol of the happiness and well-being of the newlyweds. It is very important that the design of the wedding arch not only amazes the imagination, but also corresponds to the overall idea of the celebration. See photos of beautiful wedding arches made of wood, branches, balloons, flowers and fabric and choose your option:
On high
Floating frames, cages, floral arrangements and chandeliers can also be a great option for a wedding ceremony. Everything that “moves” with the wind:
- • Threads and pearls
- • Beads, ribbons
- • Light bulbs and chandeliers
- • Compositions in glass balls
- • Dream catchers, lace hoops, feathers
- • Decorated branches and compositions
This option is ideal for rooms with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows or open outdoor space that is not constrained by walls and frames.
7 ways to make your wedding ceremony unique
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