Do I need a floral arch at my wedding?
One of my favorite floral pieces to sell my customers is the floral arch. I offer arches as a part of my full service line of floral products and when simplified, as part of my a la carte line.
The main difference being, I will go to your venue to set up your arch with a full service order. That means I can create more elaborate arch creations.
My a la carte arches are simplified versions. I make sure they can pack easily into a floral box to be safely transported to your event. If you’re wanting to go the a la carte route it’s important to have a flower point person who will do the set up for you. The last thing you want to be thinking about on your wedding day is setting up your flowers.
If you’ve read this far, I’m guessing you’re trying to decide whether you need a floral arch at your wedding.
Read on to learn more about floral arches, the symbolism they embody and how to get the most out of your floral arch investment.
Triangle floral arch at beach wedding in Seward, AK.
What is a floral arch
Floral arches are continuous pieces of foliage and flowers hung on an arch or garden arbor as a backdrop for the wedding ceremony. It can be made up of primarily foliage, primarily flowers or a mix of both.
Why invest in a floral arch
Since floral arches take so much floral product (greenery and flowers), their price point can be a significant part of your wedding flowers.
So why invest in a floral arch?
Remember that your wedding photos will be with you for a lifetime. The photos of your ceremony will include any floral elements you've invested in for that part of your wedding, whether it’s altar flowers, arch flowers or other installations to accompany you and your partner.
It defines the ceremony space. It signifies that there’s a wedding happening. It provides a frame for your gorgeous wedding photos.
Even though the actual time spent in front of them can be minimal, your photos are for a lifetime. Think of your investment in ceremony flowers as an investment in your “photoshoot”.
I’ve planned and created many floral pieces for photoshoots. They're used only once but the photos I have forever to use whenever I need. They are worth pure gold.
In retrospect, each piece is totally worth it and I’m usually thinking, next time I’ll do something more elaborate.
Remember that your wedding photos will be worth pure gold as well.
The history of the wedding arch
Weddings are full of symbolism. In fact most of the things we partake in during a wedding are for symbolism and most people don’t really know why we do the things we do.
We follow these guidelines in order to have a complete feeling wedding. Wedding arches are full of symbolism too.
The arc of an arch represents the link between past and present. Present and future.
It honors this stage of life as you link you and your partner’s lives together as one. What a beautiful thing to symbolize.
Types of Floral Arches
Asymmetrical, symmetrical, full, triangle, circle, traditional square; there are so many varieties.
In order to decide which type to go with, first figure out if your venue has an arch and what shape it is. You can start there.
If you want to get creative or have a specific vision in mind, you can build your own to transport and set up.
Look around on Pinterest or Google and see what you really love in regard to floral arches.
Look at symmetrical floral arches and asymmetrical arches and decide which you like better. This is purely a personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer.
What do Floral Arches Cost
My base cost for a two piece floral arch - each piece being roughly 2-3 feet long is around 400.00 per piece.
One larger piece to hang at the top of the arch or asymmetrically usually starts around 750.00. If we’re adding more expensive floral like peonies, roses and dahlias the price may start higher
If you’re wanting a full floral arch, aim to put aside 3,000.00 - 5,000.00 for your arch flowers. If you’re wanting only half your arch covered in flowers, plan for around 1,500.00 - 3,000.00.
Curious about what other wedding flowers cost? GO HERE to read my blog called “What do Wedding Flowers Cost”.
How to get the most out of your arch flowers
Since you and your partner only stand under your arch for a short time, I love having folks brainstorm on how they can double duty their arch flowers.
Here are a few ideas to get the most out of your investment.
Invite couples and family members to get photos in front of your arch.
Remove the arch after your ceremony and have it placed on your head table or sweetheart table, at the bar or in front of your head table, on the ground.
Use it to create a throne behind you on your chair.
Get creative and brainstorm a few more ideas.
If you’re repurposing your arch from ceremony to reception, be sure to have a point person in charge of moving it.
Give them specific instructions, a timeline for moving it and all the supplies they might need to make the transition go smoothly.
I hope this helps clarify your desires for having a floral arch at your wedding. I’d love to help you plan your gorgeous wedding flowers!