Indoors or out, no wedding ceremony is complete without a stunning focal point to frame the couple. Wedding arches are a true classic option.
These structures, however, are not one-size-fits-all. There are so many choices! There’s the shape of the arch. On the most traditional sense, the curved inverted-U shape is what most people think of when they think of a wedding arch. Alternately a wedding arch can be a square shape, a triangle, a round “moon gate” or even a hexagon. A versatile option is the “deconstructed” arch. This off-beat twist on tradition features two pieces that don’t entirely connect but which give the illusion of a full arch. It can take an almost organic form with greenery creating that illusion of a shape that frames the couple.
We call the deconstructed arch versatile because it’s one of the most easily moved arches. Structures frequently need to be assembled on-site, and assembled or built on-site with foliage and flowers. That means moving these structures – not to mention fitting them through doorways – can be next to impossible with the traditional time constraints of moving from ceremony to reception. The deconstructed arch, on the other hand, is generally two parts that are already separated, making moving them easier.
Another element to the design of wedding arches are how they are decorated. The design can be full of flowers and foliage from top to bottom or alternately a simple wedding arch can feature some strategically placed clusters of blooms – centered or spaced along the top, asymmetrical on left and right, or cascading down one side. Drapery can even be included in the arch for an additional dimension to the design. We’ve included a few of our favorite wedding arches below to inspire you.
Pro Tip: Wedding arches are a popular choice for outdoor ceremonies. Make sure what ever you choose is something that will also work in the event of rain! That little bit of pre-planning ensures a happy wedding day.
Not sure what else to think about for your wedding ceremony? From focal point to aisle-worthy elements, check out our guide on planning your wedding ceremony.
