If you're having the ceremony outside, an arch is a given. It highlights the end of the walkway and draws the guest's eyes inwards; it adds character and dimension to an otherwise plain space. It's such a simple structure that can be built in a few different ways, each which are all easy and cost-effective. Just make sure that you figure it in to the rest of your wedding preparations early so that you can give yourself plenty of time to put it together!

 Do-It-Yourself
If you don't have a lot of time, and or don't have much expertise in arts and crafts or carpentry, there is a simple solution. Most of the larger crafts store chains carry metal-framed wedding arches for $20-$40 a piece. Buy some yards of faux ivy, a few dozen florals, and a glue gun. If even this is too complicated, some stores, such as Joanns, sells complete archway kits for about $30. Inside you'll find all of the tools necessary along with instructions. The tube frame construction is very easy to assemble, and some options even come with lights. This would be perfect for a late afternoon wedding!

Wedding Balloon Archways
An up-and-coming idea is the balloon archway. Although some brides find that balloons are a tad too casual for the traditional wedding ceremony, the art of balloons has come a long way. Nowadays you can find a company making subtle balloon arches with tulle and pearls in a highly contemporary fashion. This would be a perfect compliment for both the elegant and fun celebration. In addition, the archway could be moved from the ceremony location to the reception venue. This way you get double the use out of it!

 Following a Theme
Wedding archways are ideal for the outdoor beach ceremony. Although fake flowers look great for the garden wedding, the beach ceremony calls for something fresh and brilliant. Work with your florist and see if they can provide you with a few exotic blooms and plants which would look nice on your arch. A cool idea is to make the wedding arch out of bamboo poles. This kind of construction may demand the skill of some crafty men, so buy the materials and put the groomsmen to work! Don't know where to find the bamboo? Go to a local hardware store and ask if they can ship the material in. Chances are they have a connection with a supplier and will be able to get them to you in no time at all.

Skip the Flowers
If you don't want to bother with the hassle of putting fake or real flowers on the archway, a great solution is draping it in layers of tulle or organza. Pull and secure the fabric to the archway with satin ribbons and balls of gathered flowers. Imagine that the archway is a window and you're hanging drapes around it. Let the fabric hang loosely on the top and dress it up with a few roses. The end result will be both classy and romantic.


Types of Wedding Arches

  • Fall Wedding Arch: Decorate with apples, leaves, chrysanthemums, cattails. Colors: Forest green, burgundy, rust, cranberry.
  • Winter Wedding Arch: poinsettias, pinecones, fir branches, white lights (candle-shaped lights if you can find them), ornaments. Colors: Similar to that of the fall shades. Don't go overboard with red and green, but do add in ornaments wherever you can!
  • Square Tube Arch: A very practical design with straight lines.
  • Gothic Wedding Arch: In order to attain the Gothic look, use a very dark arch substructure (ideally dark wood if manageable). Adorn the archway with simple white linens, and no other embellishments. Hang a kissing ball from the center peak.
  • The Hawaiian Arch: Fashion a square-shaped archway out of bamboo poles. Ornament the corners and base with hawaiian blooms such as: anthuriums, heliconias, tropical foliage, and dendrobium orchid sprays.