When it comes to planning a wedding, there are certain things that every ceremony should have, from bridesmaids and groomsmen to cake and champagne.
However, there is one important part of the wedding that often gets overlooked, and that is the altar where you and your partner will finally say your vows.
So how can you make sure that your altar matches the aesthetic of your special day? Well, that’s easy – by hiring a wedding arch.
Not only are wedding arches beautiful pieces of scenery, but they can also complement your special day and provide a romantic backdrop that your friends and family will remember for years to come.
The only issue is that some arches can look very plain, with most taking the form of basic white structures with not a hint of elegance. So if you want to know how you can spruce up your wedding arch, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to show you how you can use different kinds of fabric to transform your wedding arch into a romantic symbol of your love.
Beyond this, we will also showcase some other amazing ways that you can decorate your wedding arch, transforming its simple appearance into the very image of matrimonial joy.
Now let’s get started…
How To Decorate With Fabric
One of the most creative ways to decorate your wedding arch is by using flowing fabrics, which can help to create a romantic and elegant appearance.
Of course, if you intend to have your ceremony outdoors, then you will need to make sure that you have taken the necessary precautions, such as securing the fabric in case of harsh weather.
Fabric is also a beautiful way to showcase your wedding colours, whether that be ivory or aquamarine. However, it is important to consider the type of fabric that you are using and how it will complement the finished look.
So if you want to know what kind of fabric is the best, then we have outlined some of our top choices in the sections below:
How To Use Organza
As a fabric, organza is known for its silky texture and is considered a wedding staple in many countries across the world, where it is often used to decorate churches and venues.
On its own, the material creates a light layer that is almost transparent in its design. However, it can also be layered to create a more solid and complete look.
Because organza is so beautiful in its construction, it can be paired with just about any kind of wedding arch, although we personally recommend the following formations for the best results:
- Rounded
If you intend to hire a rounded arch, then you can use organza to highlight the shape of the structure, creating an elegant and graceful arbour that will beautifully complement your ceremony.
It is also possible to wrap the fabric around the sides of the wedding arch to produce a more romantic decoration.
- Square
For square-shaped arches, we recommend draping the fabric lightly over the frame to create a simple yet elegant design.
For the most stunning results, the piece of fabric should be longer than the sides of the arch, as this will create a flowing and endless appearance.
- Doubled
When working with a double arch, you will have two structures to work with, which means you can suspend the organza with class and sophistication.
Not only will this result in a layered design, but it will also provide you and your partner with a romantic backdrop to say your vows.
How To Decorate With Chiffon
Chiffon is very similar to organza in terms of texture and appearance, although it is thicker and less sheer. For this reason, chiffon can be used to transform your wedding arch into a beautiful centrepiece, while creating the same elegant impact as organza.
If you are interested in using chiffon at your wedding, then we have collected some wonderful ideas in the section below:
- Make Color Combinations
Because chiffon can be readily purchased in a variety of beautiful colors, we recommend pairing light and dark tones to create a wedding arch with some much-needed edge.
Just take two pieces of different colored chiffon and bind them together until you have the perfect accent for your special day.
- Make An Altar Backdrop
If you don’t like the view from your wedding arch, then you can drape some chiffon down the back to create a stunning backdrop that will keep your guests mesmerized during the vows.
Because chiffon is a sheer material, the overall effect calls to mind a waterfall of light, which comes with the added benefit of making your altar appear as if it is glowing.
- Make Wedding Curtains
By using this technique you can transform your wedding arch into a free-standing window, which can be particularly effective if you intend to get married in the great outdoors.
All you have to do is take a square or rounded wedding arch and attach two panels of chiffon to the top of the frame. Once the material is in place, take a piece of ribbon and tie the cascading material to the sides of the arch, as this will create the image of gossamer curtains.
How To Decorate With Tulle
Compared to chiffon and organza, tulle is a sheer netting that can be used in a variety of ways to decorate your wedding venue. Because tulle can be purchased in both sheer and matte varieties, you will have plenty of options when using this stunning fabric.
So if you want to know how you can use tulle to accentuate your wedding arch, then we have everything you need down below:
- Adding Volume
While chiffon and organza are free-flowing materials, tulle is considered more structured in its design, which means it can be used to add some much-needed volume to your wedding arch.
Personally, we enjoy pairing tulle with rounded arches to create a classic and visually striking combination. However, this does not mean that you should be limited in your imagination, as the fabric can be shaped in any way that you want.
- Adding Structure
One of the best things about tulle is how it can be structured to your preferences, resulting in amazing feats of soft sculpture.
So if you intend to use tulle, we recommend draping it down the sides of the arch and then collecting it in bunches to create the appearance of large blooming flowers. However, if you prefer a more dramatic look, you can drape the fabric like curtains to create a dreamy and gossamer look.
