12 Ways to Refine Your Wedding Ceremony With an Elevated Arch
The only thing that rivals you and your spouse as the focal point of your wedding ceremony is what houses you as you exchange vows: your altar, arch, chuppah-or any other form of a structure. Framing some of the most noteworthy moments of your entire day, choosing the structure that’s right for you will not only kick-off your ceremony design, but will serve as the design element to all of your memories of when you said "I, do" (not to mention become the showcase of your wedding photos!).
For altars that truly elevate your ceremony, we asked the experts on all things arches to help guarantee that your structure speaks to you and your day.
1) Consider your venue and aesthetic of the space.
“When designing your ceremony backdrop, we find it best to approach it organically,” advises Meredith Geffert, Co-owner of Gather Events. Highlighting the features or focal points of the space is a good place to start. “If you have high ceilings, why not utilize them to create a dramatic backdrop? You can do this through installations, lighting, and draping,” Geffert adds. Create depth and interest in your design by making your altar area multi-dimensional, with focal points in the background and foreground.
2) Think garden-inspired for an outdoor affair.
“For a garden-inspired elegant look I love to incorporate natural materials such as birch branches or reclaimed wood for a chuppah and offset that with lots of organically arranged vines and lush romantic blooms,” says Beth Zemetis, Owner of Blush Floral Design. Using varieties of flowers and foliages that are native to the setting is a beautiful way to bring your ceremony decor closer to nature. “Blending the aesthetic of the natural environment with the floral decor, creates a cohesiveness, making the ceremony space feel one with its surroundings,” Zemetis adds.
3) Go with a unique shape.
Great for a scenic landscape, a circular altar will ensure that all of your guests have an unobstructed view during your I, Dos. “A dreamy circle installation full of florals that screams destination wedding is perfection for a modern bride,” says Carolina Moreno, Destination Weddings Manager for Banyan Tree Mayakoba. For this oceanfront ceremony, a circular altar was used to complement the stunning, beach surroundings.
4) Keep in mind the decorative features surrounding your altar.
“When designing an altar, think about creating an immersive atmosphere you can stand within instead of in front of,” advises Michelle Kurinec of LOLA Event Productions. “Keep it cohesive with the surroundings and complimentary to your specific venue, almost as if it could be a permanent installation,” Kurinec adds. The more your altar effortlessly blends into your space, the more seamless your design will feel for your guests.
5) Stick to your overall wedding style.
“A beautiful macramé arch is the perfect way a boho bride can incorporate an elevated 70s feel into her wedding,” says Riki Shaw of Race + Religious. Weaving in loose greenery and wildflowers brings even more texture for a perfect outdoor ceremony. “You can also use your altar as a photo-op for your guests during the reception as this couple did!” Shaw adds.
6) Work with the existing décor throughout your space.
Creating the area where you will be exchanging your vows is one of the most significant design choices you will make for your wedding. “For an indoor ceremony, we thoughtfully consider the existing decor of the space to make sure the design embraces the space, versus fighting the space,” says Adam Donovan-Groves, Owner of Donovan- Groves Events. “We want all the attention on our couple and the significance of the ceremony,” he adds.
7) Emphasize the importance of proper lighting.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of an indoor ceremony, especially for the wedding arch. “While a chandelier can be hung in the middle of the arch for a romantic touch, spotlighting in soft hues, such as pinks, really sets the stage for an elegant affair,” suggests Amanda Marinello, Catering Sales Manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. For a ballroom setup, consider a grand altar with depth created by draping, chandeliers, and florals.
8) Consider more of a backdrop.
“If you're less than enthused by the view behind the altar, don't be afraid to create a backdrop instead of the more traditional arch,” says Vanessa Vierra, Owner & Creative Director, Vanessa Noel Events. “For Stephanie & Ryan, we used a garden gate adorned with floral and greenery to hide a venue sign behind them,” Vierra adds. The result was a stunning alternative to the traditional arch and made for a swoon-worthy photo op.
9) Create a floral frame.
“You were lucky enough to find a venue with windows overlooking a gorgeous view but want to dress up the altar without overpowering it,” says José Rolon, owner of José Rolon Events. “Try framing it with hanging floral bulbs and twinkling lights,” Rolon adds. Nestle flowers inside the opening of clear bulbs and surround them with hanging bouquets that match your own. The overall effect is breathtaking yet understated.
10) Match the grandness of your venue with the scale of your altar.
“The magnificence of this architectural masterpiece puts you in a certain headspace,” says Dave Robbins, Owner of Dave Robbins Photography when referring to capturing the opulence of the New York Public Library, the backdrop for this grand, floral altar. “The Main Hall of the NYPL feels so sacred and magnificent that it, by and large, becomes the altar,” Robbins adds. For weddings in a grand space like this, create an altar or chuppah that speaks to the splendor of your ceremony space. High ceilings can lend themselves to a taller altar design while a grand space is perfect for more of an impressively large design.
11) Highlight elements of your venue throughout your design.
More often than not, a venue or location for your ceremony is chosen because of the romantic appeal it holds for you. “When crafting a decor design, I find it to be most romantic to capture a wedding that’s design mimics those romantic elements and offers a chuppah or altar that feels as if part of the venue or location itself,” suggests Jonathan Scott, Owner of Jonathan Scott Studio. For an outdoor ceremony, florals that imitate those found in your surrounding environment can highlight the romanticism of your chosen location.
12) Emphasize your natural surroundings.
“When planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, the design should complement the natural surroundings & feel effortless,” suggests Rachel Omundson, Co-owner of Three Branches Floral Design. Pulling inspiration from the natural landscape will allow for a breathtaking, seamless result. The arch for this alfresco ceremony looked as if it was part of the setting entirely, creating an effortless blend of greenery and blooms.
It's all about the altar.