DIY Alternatives to an Arbor Arch
An arbor arch has been a focal point in weddings for many years. However, many couples find that the traditional arch looks a bit dated in wedding photos. Spruce up the idea by adding a charming, modern centerpiece to your big day. Alternatives to the arbor arch will help you add color to your wedding venue and add a touch of your own personality to your big day.
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Things You'll Need
- 78 balloons
- Hi Float
- Helium canister
- Fishing line
- Sand
- Clay pots
- Cement
- Curly willow branches
- Floral wire
- Urns
- Bullrushes
- Reeds
- 8 bamboo poles
- 4 cinderblocks
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
- Plaster of Paris
- Fabric
Instructions
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Create a balloon arch by squirting a dab of Hi Float into 76 balloons. This will coat the inside of the balloons and allow the balloon arch to remain taller for longer. Fill each balloon with helium and tie the balloons off with a knot. Tie the balloons together in pairs and twist the bases of the pairs together to create bunches of four. Fill two balloons with sand and tie them to a length of fishing line that is as long as you want the arch to be. Twist the bunches of four balloons onto the fishing line, keeping the balloons close together for a full look.
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Make a willow arch. A willow arch, constructed of dried curly willow branches, is a less structured alternative to the arbor arch. Fill two clay pots with cement and push the bases of 7-foot-tall curly willow branches inside the cement. Allow it to dry completely before continuing. Use floral wire to connect the tops of the branches and create an arch. Spread the clay pots apart from one another to make the arch wider. Decorate it as you see fit.
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Place two large urns on either side of the place where you will exchange vows. This simple, minimalist look is very modern and requires very few embellishments to make a statement. However, if you do want to fill the urns, use a simple adornment, such as bullrushes or spiky reeds.
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Build a homemade chuppah by placing four bamboo poles into the middles of four square cinderblocks. Wrap the undersides of the cinderblocks with plastic wrap and tape them in place. Pour Plaster of Paris into the cinderblocks and wait for the recommended amount of time for it to set, keeping the bamboo poles in place. At the wedding venue, set the four base poles in place and use fishing line to secure the four side poles to the tops of the base poles. To do this, weave the fishing line in a figure eight shape so that all sides are secure. Drape the chuppah with gauzy fabric to complete the look.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
