Subtle Color-Blocking

Instead of just a few hues mixed together, try color blocking. You can color block dramatically with a vibrant gradient, or subtly with blending like this Spring wedding at the Montecito Country Club.

Images by Shannon Skloss.

Classic

You can’t go wrong with a classic arch. You can still make a statement with a classic shape and timeless color palette by using lots and lots of flowers. Go big and bold with a lush arch and whimsical floral aisle like this American Riviera inspired wedding at the Ritz Carlton Bacara.

Images by Dear Lovers

Color Blocked Mandap

If you’re going with a traditional mandap but want a non-traditional design, go with bold colors and try color blocking. We love how this mandap design came to life at The Ritz Carlton Bacara.

Images by Clark Brewer

Front Door Framing

Having your wedding at home? Consider doing a deconstructed arch over the front-door, and if you have steps, you can have  flowers come down the aisle then grow up the steps like this home wedding in Beverly Hills.

Images by Natalie Bray

Extra Tall

Want a classic arch with a big impact? Simply use an extra tall arch structure. Shaylyn and Gabriel’s Autumn wedding in Santa Ynez is a perfect example. We loved covering theirs in autumnal inspired greenery and blooms.

Image by Dear Lovers

Wide and Whimsical Paired with Baby’s Breath Aisle

A simple arch can be transformed with layers and layers of greenery and flowers! We love how lush and full this arch turned out, and the baby’s breath in the aisle gave a touch of interest that really added to the whimsical design.

Images by Clark Brewer

Classic Shape with Bold Color

Leaning toward an exciting color palette but want your ceremony to still have some timeless elements? Then we recommend going with a more traditional arch shape. And vice-versa, if you want a traditional shaped arch, but are looking to make a statement, consider choosing a punchy color palette. We especially love how this bright pink arch photographed at sunset. See more dreamy photos of this Colorful Wedding Inspired by The Amalfi Coast.

Image by James and Jess

Deconstructed to Show Off Architecture

Worried about your floral design competing with the background? Consider having a deconstructed arch that softly complements the background, rather than compete with it. Having a deconstructed arch was a no-brainer for this dreamy ceremony in front of an old chapel in Provence at Chateau Fonscolombe. See more of Liz & Greg’s Wedding Weekend in Provence.

Image by James and Jess

Three Heavenly Arches Inspired by Church Windows

For their wedding at Beaulieu Garden in Napa, Allison & Paul wanted to bring the aesthetic of old church windows into their wedding design. When they booked this beautiful outdoor venue, we worked together to come up with this custom arch structure, inspired by church windows. The Tent Merchant was able to create it for us and so Allison and Paul’s vision came to life on their wedding day. Do you have something unique in mind for your wedding ceremony? It’s always worth a conversation with your planner – custom designs are always possible!

Images by Jodee Friday

Using What’s Already There

Often times, there is already a structure available at the venue. This makes for a unique ceremony design that complements the surroundings. For example, checkout Katherine & Judah’s Rooftop Wedding at Hotel Californian with Sunset Colored Florals, Black Accents, & Citrus Details.

Or Alex and Kevin’s wedding, which was also at Hotel Californian but on the opposite side of the rooftop.

Image by James and Jess

Double Arch

Another way to level-up a classic arch is by having two! At San Ysidro Ranch, there are two hedge arches already in place at the garden, so it’s easy. But wherever you are, adding a second arch isn’t a difficult task, talk to your planner and florist about your options.

Urns on Pillars

Floral urn arrangements on pillars is an elegant ceremony alternative to the traditional arch. We loved the fresh take at this wedding, photographed by Natalie Bray, with autumnal florals and velvet draping in the background at The Belmond El Encanto. But we also love the classy look at Blaire & Nick’s Wedding at the Rosewood Miramar Resort, photographed by Dear Lovers.

Take in the View with a Grounded Semi-Circle Arch

Looking to highlight your ceremony’s beautiful backdrop? The grounded semi-circle arch may be the perfect fit for you! Elevate your grounded arch with a matching floral aisle and your wedding will have a gorgeous “quiet luxury” look, like Hadley and Gareth’s  Dreamy Destination Wedding.

Image by Dear Lovers

See also: Alyssa & Christian’s Black and White Wedding at the Ritz Carlton Bacara

Image by James and Jess

Interested in more wedding ideas and advice? You’d love our podcast, The Wedding Plan. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, where you can follow the show so you don’t miss an episode!

 

Inquire about our wedding and event planning services here!