A Guide to Wedding Arches

If you are getting married outdoors or in a banquet or reception hall you will probably want an arch to be married in front of. Arches are not only an iconic piece of wedding décor they also function as a beautiful backdrop for pictures of your ceremony. They are also very versatile and can be used at the reception as well.

Types of Arches
You may be surprised when you find out how many types of arches there are. Lattice arches are not the only option although they can be beautiful for a garden style wedding. Iron arches are very popular and come in styles ranging from contemporary to vintage. Where you are getting married and the style of your wedding will help determine the appropriate type of arch. Consider an antique looking arch with ornate scroll work and a gate for a wedding in an English garden. If you are getting married in a trendy club or ultra modern library you may want to pick something silver with geometric designs. The size of the arch is also important. Most have openings that are three feet wide but they vary in height, thickness and even total width. If you and your groom are tall pick an arch that is tall and grand. However, if you are shorter you don't want to be overwhelmed. Pick something smaller. Some arches have optional fences on the side. These are great if you have a large wedding party. Make sure you pick an arch that you like since it will be in many pictures in your wedding album.

Where to Find an Arch
Arches are available for purchase or for rent. Most brides choose to rent an arch from their local rental company. The price is significantly cheaper and many companies will deliver it for an additional fee. Look in your phone book under Rentals for companies that provide party and wedding décor.

You may choose to purchase your arch if you want to put it in your garden after your wedding day. Make sure you pick something sturdy that can be secured to the ground either temporarily or permanently. There may not be places to purchase arches locally if you do not live in a large city. You can find them online easily but shipping is quite expensive because they are so heavy.

Decorating Your Arch
Some arches are very fancy and don't need much decorating if any. A simple arch will benefit from a garland of flowers or pretty ribbon. Your florist will have good ideas and will be able to match your flowers. Provide her with a picture of the arch and measurements.

Consider putting trees, topiaries, or flower arrangements on either side of your arch. For smaller arrangements you can put them on low plant stands to get the right height. You may be able to rent fake trees from the same rental company that is providing the arch. You can find real trees for rent at some nurseries. Even if you are putting fences on the sides of your arch some greenery behind them will add a lot.

After the Ceremony
Your arch will be useful after the ceremony as well. Your photographer will probably arrange family and group pictures in front of it. If you are planning on having a receiving line your arch will provide a backdrop for you and your party to stand in front of. Make sure to ask someone ahead of time to be in charge of moving the arch to where your line will be. If you won't be having a receiving line, consider putting your arch behind your cake. It will really make your cake stand out and will be beautiful in pictures.

Don't forget that wedding arches are an important detail for your wedding. Make sure you find one early in your planning so it will be available.