How to Decorate an Arch With Tulle

Tulle drapes gracefully and is often used in weddings.

Arches are often used as a centerpiece or backdrop for an event. Photographers, for example, sometimes use arches as frames for photos at proms or receptions. Arches are frequently used at weddings in place of an altar. The bride and groom stand under the arch as they are married. Arches can placed by doorways and used to celebrate a grand opening to a place of business or even a special sale. Tulle is often used to decorate arches because of the romantic look of the fabric and for the fact that it is inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Floral wire
• Decorative accessories

Instructions

1. Measure the arch with flexible measuring tape. Then, double the measurement and ask for that many yards of tulle to be cut from a bolt at a local fabric store. Tulle comes in many colors, so choose a color that will best fit the occasion.

2. Center the tulle at the top of the arch so that equal amounts drape down on either side. Attach the center of the tulle to the top of the arch with floral wire. You might need a ladder if the arch is very tall.

3. Wrap the tulle loosely around the sides of the arch, attaching it with more floral wire as you work your way down. Or, let it hang loosely, then bunch it up and attach it in several sections, so that it looks "puffy" along the sides. For example, you might attach it tightly to the side of the arch every 2 feet, so that you have 2-foot sections of "puffiness".

4. Tie a ribbon around where you attached the tulle tightly to the arch if you went with the "puffy" look. If you loosely wrapped the tulle around the sides of the arch, wind a ribbon or strand of white lights along the tulle, following the path you took as you wrapped the fabric.

5. Attach a bouquet of flowers to the top center of the arch with floral wire. Or, if the occasion is not quite that romantic, hang a paper lantern from the top of the arch.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not iron the tulle or it will melt. It will not wrinkle.

References

• MPLS St. Paul Magazine; Bright Ideas; 2007
• The Knot; Romantic Wedding Style Ideas