Fabulous Wedding Arch Alternatives for Your Wedding
A Mr. and a Mrs. chair under a traditional wedding arch with white flowers. Image by Guanfranco G.
The ceremony backdrop is a very important component of your wedding decor. Not only does it frame you and your spouse as you exchange vows, but it will be the backdrop of your ceremony photos!
Many brides choose a traditional wedding arch to accent the space, but there are so many unique alternatives to choose from. So whether you want something that represents your one-of-a-kind aesthetic or just want to utilize the natural surroundings of your ceremony space, there’s a wedding arch alternative for you!
Let’s look at some of the most eye-catching options and some ways you can DIY your own perfectly “you” wedding arch alternative for your wedding.
Traditional Arch Alternatives
Floral Curtains
A wall of greenery with pink and white flower curtains. Image by Davy Whitner Photography.
If florals are your thing, nothing beats a beautiful flower curtain hanging behind you as you say your vows. You can go the fresh route or DIY your own with silk flowers that match your wedding color palette. You can even pair it with a lovely bridesmaid bouquet alternative and make it pop!
This wedding arch alternative is a great choice for a nature-inspired wedding or if you need to dress up a plain wall in your reception space. Opt for flowers with fill blooms to cover the most space. Weave in some greenery to really make those colors pop!
Wooden Doors
Two wooden doors turned into a wedding arch in a field. Image by She Buys He Builds.
Doorways are symbols of new beginnings, which makes them the perfect wedding arch alternative!
This option is great for a rustic or industrial wedding. You can find vintage doors at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. Use them as-is or grab some sandpaper and a stain to bring them back to life.
You can mount the doors to trees in your ceremony area or build a simple frame to help them stand tall. Decorate the doors and the ground surrounding them with pieces that reflect your wedding theme.
Fabric Drapes
A bride and groom under a large tree draped with fabric. Image by 100 Layer Cake.
While many traditional wedding arches are draped with fabric, there are ways to get this vibe by using natural elements surrounding your ceremony space. It will look gorgeous flowing in the breeze and effortlessly elegant in photos.
Drape a long piece of flowy fabric around trees, shrubs, or pillars. You can accent the drape with flowers, greenery, and vines. Or you can use multiple colors to create a beautiful layered look. Purchase the fabric at a craft store or go on a thrifting adventure to find vintage textiles for a unique and luxurious look.
Pillars
A lawn with chairs and pillars used as a wedding arch. Image by Cavin Elizabeth Photography.
Stone, concrete, or marble pillars add elegance to any wedding. If your ceremony space has built-in pillars or arches, leverage them for an outstanding wedding arch alternative. Decorate with your wedding flowers, fabric drapes, and greenery. Or you can leave them as-is for a minimalist look.
You can also rent movable pillars to flank your ceremony area. You can use multiple pieces of different heights for visual interest or choose one beautiful pair to make a statement.
Modern and Chic Alternatives
Geometric Shapes
Two dark wooden triangle arches on a beach. Image by WeddingbyEli on Etsy.
Geometry may have given you a headache in school, but it will make your heart sing as you choose a wedding arch alternative. Think outside of boxy frames and look for shapes like triangles, hexagons, and circles.
Simple shapes are great for minimalist weddings. Make sure the highest point of your arch alternative is still around seven feet to ensure it frames you and your spouse perfectly! Add flowers, feathers, or any delicate accents to allow the geometric aspects to shine!
Minimalist Frames
A white frame arch in a field with floral decor. Image by Ocean Property.
Frames aren’t just for photos. Instead of an arch, design a minimalist frame that will stand out behind you at the altar. This is a great option for minimalist weddings or ceremonies where you want all of the focus to be on you!
Be strategic with accents, like bouquets of stunning flowers or hanging vines. Leave plenty of blank space around the perimeter of the frame, so place accents in the corners to stay in minimalist territory.
Light Strings
A bride and groom posing in front of light strings. Image by Polka dot Bride.
Saying your vows at night? There’s nothing quite like string lights and candles to add a beautiful glow! Hanging string lights as a backdrop is great for any wedding theme.
You have lots of options, from fairy lights to Edison bulbs to colored lights. If you choose LED bulbs, you can drape sheer fabric or tulle to diffuse the lights. When setting up your wedding arch alternative, make sure there are plenty of outlets for you to utilize. You won’t want extension cords throwing off the aesthetic!
Light strings are also a perfect at-home wedding idea or if you’re looking to save some valuable cash.
Art Displays
A scroll-like backdrop with words and flowers. Image by Bridal Musings.
Getting married in a museum or estate? If you are flexible with where you say your vows, consider looking for areas with impressive art hung on the wall to act as a wedding arch alternative for your wedding. If it’s up to you to hang the art, you can choose one big statement piece or curate an art wall with beautiful colors.
If you are getting married outdoors and still want to incorporate art, look for loose canvas pieces that you can hang from simple frames. Consider floral paintings or scrolls with beautiful writing that connects to your unique love story.
Natural and Rustic Alternatives
Tall Floral Displays
Two tall floral displays with greenery. Image by The Budget Savvy Bride.
Bring a touch of nature into your ceremony by choosing tall floral displays to flank you and your spouse. Use thick wire to form the base and weave greenery, vines, and flowers around them.
You can craft asymmetrical fixtures for visual interest and use sturdy natural elements like thin branches to add height and texture.
Bamboo Poles
Bamboo poles with flowers on a beach. Image by Harmony C.
If you’re planning a beach wedding, this unique wedding arch alternative is perfect! Channel the tropics with bamboo poles and palm fronds accented with bright flowers, like birds of paradise.
This alternative is easy to set up and eco-friendly. So if a destination wedding is in your future, you can easily purchase these materials and set up this display with minimal hassle!
Feathered Textures
A bride and groom posing under a large feather-like arch. Image by Dearly Beloved Photography.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical flower-covered wedding arch, look no further than flowy, soft feathers! Richly-colored peacock feathers and soft white faux feathers look stunning in photos and are a definite show-stopper!
You can achieve the same texture with pampas grass, a feathery plant known for looking like feathers. It comes in various soft shades and is a great natural alternative to manmade materials. Just be sure to source it properly- it’s illegal in some states to cut pampas grass!
Plus, when you’re making your wedding decor checklist, this arch alternative only requires one item to check off! Easy and beautiful.
DIYing Wedding Arch Alternatives
Whether you’re on a budget or just love to DIY, you can create a stunning wedding arch alternative for your wedding that will wow guests and make your photographs shine. Here are some ideas for how to DIY your unique wedding arch alternative!
Utilize the natural ceremony space: First, take a look at what elements are already present at your ceremony venue. For example, art installations, pillars, and fireplaces make great wedding arch alternatives and require little preparation to make fabulous!
Pay close attention to structure and support: There are many beautiful wedding arch alternatives, but some require rigid structures to stay in place. Think about your venue and choose options that require minimal support to avoid any tipping.
Don’t overlook free elements: Whether you borrow items from friends and family or go foraging, gather materials for free to minimize the cost of your arch alternative while maximizing the impact.
Do a test run, if possible: Your wedding day will be very busy, so practice setting up your DIY arch alternative ahead of time to work out any issues before the big day.
Make it your own: There are no rules when it comes to weddings, so choose colors, textures, and materials that reflect you and your spouse’s vision.
FAQs
How Tall Should My Wedding Arch Alternative Be?
Usually, wedding arches are between 7 and 9 feet tall and at least six feet wide. Depending on the approach, you’ll want your wedding arch alternative to be at least 7 feet tall so it frames you and your spouse perfectly.
Do I Need a Wedding Arch?
Weddings are extremely personal affairs. So, of course, wedding arches are optional. They simply add to your ceremony’s visual aesthetic and tie elements of your theme together.
Conclusion
Your wedding should be as unique as your love story. So if the traditional wedding arch doesn’t speak to you, consider one of the many gorgeous, show-stopping alternatives.
Remember, there’s no wrong way to decorate your ceremony backdrop. So make it your own and enjoy the happiest day of your life!