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Updated Oct 14, 2024Wedding Arbor Tips, Tricks and Trends to Dazzle You and Your Guests
We got the inside scoop on all things arbor.
Photo: Jenae Lopez Photography
Wedding ceremony sites are usually beautiful all on their own, but sometimes couples want something to make their spot stand out. A wedding arbor is one of the best ways to do that, no matter where the ceremony is held. While most of these structures use fabric drapes and florals to bring beauty to the space, they can be styled in so many different ways.
To help understand when and where to use wedding arbors, as well as how to decorate them, we spoke with event planner and designer Shannon Jackson of LuLumination Creative Collective in central Virginia. Plus, we rounded up over three dozen decorated wedding arbors from real weddings to inspire the next round of wedding arbor style.
In this article:
- What Is a Wedding Arbor?
- How to Find a Wedding Arbor Rental Near Me
- Wedding Arbor Ideas for Every Style
- Wedding Arbor FAQ
What Is a Wedding Arbor?
Jackson notes that first and foremost, a wedding arbor "serves as a picturesque backdrop to anchor the composition of ceremony photos, but they can also offer much appreciated shade in sunny outdoor ceremonies."
Typically made of wood or metal, they are small structures often decorated with greenery and flowers. On top of that, wedding arbors "transform the space in which a couple exchanges their vows and creates an intimate atmosphere," which can be especially welcome at large weddings. Arbors vary based on venue and wedding style and are sometimes even called a wedding trellis because of how much greenery is often put on them.
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What is the difference between a wedding arbor and an arch?
The main difference between a wedding arbor and arch is the size. Arbors tend to be large enough to have multiple people stand underneath. They are usually more permanent structures that can provide shade on hot days. Jackson emphasizes they are "often adorned with greenery, crafted floral pieces that attach to the structure and tend to be made of wood and metal."
Jackson shares that arches, while "very similar to an arbor, can be crafted out of pretty much anything, and serve to anchor the focal point in a room." This means that arches "can be done in so many creative ways since they're often used indoors and weather issues like wind are less of a concern in the styling and design."
How to Find a Wedding Arbor Rental Near Me
The best way to find wedding rentals is to head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace and search for rental companies near your venue. You should be able to find numerous vendors that rent arbors and arches, as well as wedding planners to help you dream up your perfect arbor style.
Wedding Arbor Ideas for Every Style
From rustic, DIY projects to stunning modern options, there are so many types of wedding arbor decorations. Many couples opt for elaborate arbor wedding flowers while others come up with more unique wedding trellis ideas, using macrame, ribbons or even dream catchers to set the tone. Use these arbor decoration ideas to start dreaming up just what you want on your special day.
1. Wedding Arbor With Flowers
This simple arbor uses blush flowers and blue drapes for a romantic ceremony backdrop. It adds a simple yet elegant touch to this outdoor vista.
2. Covered Bridge Wedding Arbor
This covered bridge transformed into a floral arbor to give shade at this outdoor wedding. A hanging lantern, green ferns and a whiskey barrel add to the rustic feel.
3. Wooden Wedding Arbor
Built with large logs, this wedding arbor's rustic look fits perfectly into the romantic garden setting. Florals, including cascading mahogany flowers, and a white drape tie it all together.
4. Custom Wood and Stained-Glass Ceremony
This custom-built wedding arbor created an outdoor chapel, complete with stained glass windows. The wood walkway ensured no one would trip on the uneven, grassy ground during the ceremony.
5. Draped Wood Wedding Arbor
This very large wedding arbor is wrapped with lights and white linen to keep things classy both day and night. The dark wood helped provide contrast to the decor and gave off a bohemian vibe.
6. Winter Wedding Arbor
Photo: Michele Hart Photography
Surrounded by white snow, this wood arbor is perfectly mountain rustic. The evergreen garland keeps extra decor minimal as it drapes across the top and down the sides.
7. Mini Barn Wedding Arbor
Equal parts rustic and elegant, this mini barn wedding arbor is a rare find. The couple added white curtains, whiskey barrels, and plenty of baby's breath accents underneath the first letter of their new last name.
8. Rustic Wedding Arbor
Photo: Fondly Forever Photography
This wedding arbor is truly unique, as it is built with numerous tree branches that come to a point. White linen and over 150 small wax cones create a textured background. This rustic, DIY arbor is truly a dreamy spot for this ceremony in the woods.
9. Fall Wedding Arbor
This over the top wedding arbor is packed with yellow aspen branches, peach roses, dark leaves and plum wildflowers. The jumbled natural elements are just what is needed for a bohemian look.
10. All-Black Wedding Arbor
This chuppah is a gorgeous, modern take on a wedding arbor. The black steps and structure make a beautiful statement against the surrounding greenery, and the golden candles are the cherry on top for this stunning setup.
11. Open, Indoor Wedding Arbor
This industrial wedding arbor is set apart by being used inside. Its simplicity fits right in at the minimalist loft ceremony while hanging lights add a romantic touch.
12. Tulle-Wrapped Wedding Arbor
Photo: Joshua Rainey Photography
,Arbor: Parties To Go Inc
Who said you have to use flowers on a wedding arbor? This stained wood arch is stunning with just a simple tulle wrap to help it stand out against the ceremony backdrop's green, rolling hills.
13. Rock and Wood Wedding Arbor
Photo: Jenae Lopez Photography
Rock, wood and burlap all come together to create a rustic arbor. Small, simple flower arrangements add just a dash of color to the relaxed setting.
14. Wrapped Wedding Arbor
Photo: Chelsea Nicole Photography
,Arbor: Las Vegas Springs
A crystal chandelier hangs at the center of this wedding arbor. While there are so many garland ideas to pick from, this arbor's garland of green pairs well with the wood podium and matching plant stands to complete the garden look.
15. Beachside Wedding Arbor
Macrame hangs from this beachy wedding arbor to keep with the casual, tropical vibe. The couple kept the pops of color reserved for their chairs so that nothing took away from the view as they exchanged vows.
16. Greenery Draped Wedding Arbor
The shaggy bark on this wood wedding arbor is woodsy and rustic without compromising on class. The green garlands accented with flowers, including baby's breath, dress the structure up for the occasion.
17. Custom Wood Wedding Arbor
Photo: FRESH
The groom's father built this stunning, thick wood arbor that doesn't need any extra decor. The two wood tones were an elegant touch.
18. Driftwood Arbor With Hydrangeas and Mirrors
This bride describes her wedding arbor perfectly: "warm and relaxed, yet polished." The hydrangeas, roses, peonies and delphiniums nestle around the driftwood so well at this waterfront wedding. The mirrored boxes to stabilize the arbor were a unique element too.
19. Lightly Draped Poolside Arbor
This mandap was used at an interfaith Indian ceremony. The simple white drapes and marigold strings are elegant and simple, which is perfect for an intimate ceremony.
20. Gray and Purple Wedding Arbor
This gray wood arbor stands in stark contrast to its white stage and stairs, creating a modern look. The abundance of white and purple flowers gives an outdoor garden vibe.
21. Golden Arbor With Sunflowers
Ornate detailing and a dainty sunflower arrangement on this golden arch give it such a jazzy appeal. The burlap drape keeps with the color theme and accents the surroundings.
22. Modern, Indoor Wedding Arbor
This intricate wedding arbor combines vines, a crystal chandelier and enormous flower pots to create a classy, shabby chic appearance. While it was indoors, this wedding arbor incorporated many natural elements without taking away from the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows right behind the couple.
23. Wedding Arbor With Baby's Breath
Photo: Rebecca Ellison Photography
,Arbor: The Orchard Event Venue
Bushels of baby's breath allow this rustic wedding arbor to be covered in flowers without going over budget. A bit of white drapes and two simple bouquets complete the simple, rustic look.
24. Grapevine Wedding Arbor
A vineyard ceremony was the perfect spot for this grapevine arbor. The swirls incorporated into all aspects of the arbor's design give an elegant, romantic feeling that the couple enjoyed taking advantage of.
25. Modern Wedding Arbor
This chuppah appears to have a floating roof as the pillars are made of clear acrylic. It gives an elegant, modern feel while also highlighting the lake in the background. Of course, the numerous roses, hydrangea and orchids are beautiful too.
26. Romantic Ceremony Arbor
While this rustic arbor is stained gray, the couple surrounded it with white flowers, green garlands and large sticks to ensure it oozed romance. The provided shade was very welcome at the desert wedding.
27. Ceremony Arbor Draped in Pink
Bright pink fabric provided a much-needed pop of color for this wedding. Playful details like a pink garland and deeply colored bouquets were simple yet romantic.
28. Summer-Inspired Wedding Arbor
This casual, summer arbor opted for roses and daisies in various shades of blue, orange and blush to give its garden vibe. Potted baby's breath balanced out the look.
29. Tree Trunk Wedding Arbor
Major bohemian style is found in this handcrafted tree trunk arbor. The thick logs are the picture of strength while a dainty, flower garland lends a simple beauty to it.
30. Indoor Wood Arbor
This custom wood arbor's detail and intricate craftsmanship are truly a labor of love. Adorned with ferns, lilies and roses, it is the picture of elegance.
31. Sweetheart Table Arbor
This couple opted to use their wedding arbor at their reception. It brought the garden party inside to their sweetheart table, completing the romantic look with roses, hanging ivy and glass votives.
32. Rustic Ribbon and Wildflower Arbor
Photo: Stephanie Hunter Photography
This DIY wedding arbor came together with a few branches, some twine, wildflower bouquets and pale pink ribbons. The sweet, bohemian look is just what the couple wanted for their casual outdoor wedding.
33. White Wood Arbor
This large white arbor is adorned with limitless amounts of white roses. These over-the-top florals make a stunning statement beside the couple.
34. Oversized Wood Arbor
This oversized wedding arbor shows that bigger can totally be better. While they certainly had to add extra roses and greenery to their floral order for it, the arbor provided an expansive frame for the epic mountain views.
35. Unfinished Wood Arbor
Photo: Zack Berlat Photography
This casual, unfinished wood arbor provided plenty of shade with its large, cloth roof. The pop of color from sunflowers and spider mums were just right for this backyard ceremony.
36. Dreamcatcher Arbor
A few dreamcatchers hung from this simple wood arbor, which blew just a little bit in the breeze. The bark-covered base was a nice touch to ensure stability without taking away from the structure's beauty.
37. Leafy Yellow Four Post Wedding Arbor
Yellow flowers and leaves covered this wedding arbor, creating a gorgeous spot to exchange vows in the fall. Overlooking a lake, this spot didn't need anything else to be breathtaking.
Wedding Arbor FAQ
When decorating an arbor for a wedding, there are so many things to consider to make sure nothing goes wrong on the day-of. You'll need to pick the right size arbor and know how to anchor the structure properly. Here are a few pro-tips on the most frequently asked questions when it comes to wedding arbors.
Do you need an arbor for a wedding?
For most weddings, arbors are not necessary. However, they can provide much-needed shade during a summer ceremony and serve as a focal point for guests, which is especially helpful at outdoor ceremonies or large receptions.
What does a wedding arbor cost to rent vs. buy?
Renting a wedding arbor typically costs between $150 and $600, but that number can get much higher as the structure gets larger or is made of higher quality material. The cost of wedding rentals varies quite a bit depending on location too. Some vendors may include fabric draping or garlands in their price while others may not. But, renting is more sustainable as the arbors are used again and again.
Buying a wedding arbor is more costly, but it could be used in a personal yard or garden afterward. Deciding which option is best will likely become clear while you are figuring out your wedding budget. Use our budget tool to determine how much you can spend renting or buying an arbor.
How tall should a wedding arbor be?
When figuring out your wedding arbor dimensions, you have to start by knowing your space. Jackson says that "height and width are a personal choice and will depend on what your venue can accommodate."
At a minimum, it should be wide enough to hold the couple and their officiant comfortably. If you want more of the background visible, add two to three feet additional space on each side to allow guests to see behind.
Does an arbor need to be anchored?
Arbors are typically anchored into the ground with bolts or held in place with sandbags, rocks or heavy flower pots. However, many wedding arbors are so large and heavy they do not need to be anchored.
