The wedding arch is not only a focal point of the ceremony but a representation of the home and family the couple will build together. If your client has big dreams of an alter for their big day, consider these new ideas for this old tradition.

Popular Arch Mechanics

Regardless of what style archway is chosen, always give your design plenty of thought. Remember, the larger more grandiose archways often can’t be moved so the location is incredibly important and should be the first thing you consider when starting your design process.

To avoid creating an arch with only one use, use a simple arch and make sure your florals are secured. This will allow the arch to be moved and re-purposed throughout the day and be cost efficient for your clients. Simple arches can be used for a ceremony then moved for the reception. Placed by food tables or behind your bride and groom for a killer photo backdrop. If the intent is to reuse the arch in several locations, remember that most archways must be bolted and screwed together, and many have multiple pieces that you may need to relocate.

When designing your arch, be sure to choose blooms that will hold up well with no water source or use Oasis foam product. Hydrangeas, a classic favorite for weddings, can be used when tubed or in foam. Roses, heavy greenery, and grasses are all trending choices that will complete any archway. Looking to add texture? Play with different ribbons, gems, and other accessories.

Ideas on Arches

For some arch ideas, we spoke to Jackie Lacey, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, the newly elected National President of American Institute of Floral Designers.

Lacey suggests Areca palms for customers that are looking for an arch but have a smaller budget. Areca palms can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet and when bound together with string, ribbon, and detailed accents, you can create a dramatic archway.

For an intermediate budget, you can create an arch by using tall glass cylinders with curly willow. Curly willow, named for the loosely curling shape of the branches, can grow up to 9 feet tall. This arch can be created the same way as the Area palms with its branches bound together at the top. A wooden dowel could also be used to create more of a rectangular shaped arch with the branches horizontally stretched over the top.

To expanding on the idea above, flowers can be placed in the cylinders with the curly willow. Hydrangeas and orchids would work wonderfully in this situation since they’ll have a consistent water source. Streams of wired orchid blooms or wisteria can be suspended overhead for a breathtaking, romantic archway leading to forever.

It All Depends on Trends

Dangling delicate flowers from overhead can turn your archway into a fairy-tale. The trailing stems of Devil’s Ivy carry heart-shaped leaves with tiny splashes of gold that are a perfect match for the current trending metallics.

If you’re creating a more structured arch, a pergola can be used to form your foundation. Plus, they’re available in a variety of materials, designs, and finishes including bamboo and cedar.

Adding lush greens to an arch lends to a bohemian appeal. Keep greenery on hand the day of the event for when you need more options for texture. Another great option for texture aside from your greenery is Japanese bleached fern. 

Infusing an archway with textured grasses like pampas, wheat and proteas adds visual interest. Grasses are chic, un-fussy, eco-friendly and capable of elevating your design while adding depth.

Loose, organic florals have been popular for quite some time, but now, there is a minimalist approach to petals. Dripping, linear designs allow you to stretch the florals, and your customers budget, as they will take up just as much space but with less density.

Continuing with the minimalism, minimalistic and eco-friendly designs are top trends. Combine these two ideas by using greenery and a white arch to create an atmosphere of simple elegance. Join the elements of eggshell or alabaster white with forest or fern greens to put a stylish twist on this trend.

Framing

Acrylic arches are a trend that is surprisingly versatile. Paired with fluffy florals, an acrylic arch has a romantic appeal. Mix it up with metallic details for a show-stopping glam look. Or pair it with wood accents and simple, neutral florals for a minimalist, Scandinavian design.

A simple wooden frame can come in the shape of a rectangle, circle, and even a hexagon; all which will influence the placement and design of your blooms. Incorporating grasses into a circular arch can help bulk it up and make the most of the shape. Rectangular shapes are perfect for suspending flowers overhead, especially if creating a romantic, whimsical style with delicate flowers.

Focusing on Fabrics

This wedding season has shown resurgence toward vibrant colors ranging from brooding and introspective colors like burgundy and emerald green to the cheerful hues of coral and yellow. The latest approach to picking wedding colors shows the interesting possibilities when using various shades of one color.

Non-traditional fabrics like velvet and cashmere are also being brought into these wedding designs. They add richness and more dimension and are less airy.

Whether designs for an outdoor wedding surrounded by greenery or a blank slate indoor warehouse, an arch is a great way to expand, highlight, and mix your elements.

Creating a dream arch requires collaboration with your client on both the vision and the budget. Although many couples look to Pinterest for inspiration, it is also important to convey to your client that creating an arch with personal meaning is more important than trying to replicate a trend.