If you’ve chosen to exchange your vows on the beach, you most likely have a strong affinity for the openness and fluidity of the ocean environment. It can be liberating to start your new life together with the sky, sea, and sand forming the backdrop, but you’ll probably still want to create a central spot where the actual ceremony will take place.
Many couples who choose to have their wedding outdoors use an archway as a makeshift “altar” to frame the bride and groom. Ideal for beaches, parks, and backyards, an arch is intended to create a dramatic presentation for the ceremony, which may otherwise be overshadowed by the wide open surroundings.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding or building a wedding arch that’s functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing:
- If you’re on a fixed budget, an economical option is to buy a white metal arch at your local craft store, which should cost less than $50. You can also shop online for affordable basic arches. You can then dress it up with tulle, organza, or flowers.
- If you (or a friend or family member) are the crafty type, you might want to consider building your own wedding arch from wood or bamboo. Keep in mind that the actual construction will have to take place at the wedding site, as you probably won’t be able to travel with the completed arch.
- A balloon arch is a fun, easy alternative to metal or wood, and fits in with the casual, cheerful ambiance of a beach wedding. You can choose balloons in colors that coordinate with your Unity Sand Ceremony.
- If you don’t want to bother with transporting or building a wedding arch, check to see if you can order one along with your wedding package. Or, if you’re using a beach wedding planner, ask them about local services who can deliver and install the arch on the big day.
- Don’t neglect the area around the wedding arch. Some fun ideas include encircling the arch with bamboo tiki torches, stretching gauze down from the arch to form an elegant “aisle,” and flanking the arch with oversized planters filled with colorful blooms.
Whatever type of wedding arch you select for your beach wedding, stability is of paramount importance. Beaches are notorious for their gusty winds, and the last thing you want is for your lovingly built arch to topple over during the ceremony. Dig deep holes in the sand for the posts, and anchor them in buckets weighted with sand. When shopping for or building your arch, keep in mind that you’ll lose a few inches of height during installation; you may want to buy, build, or rent one that’s tall enough to compensate.
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