The wedding arch may be one of the most popular pieces of décor used in weddings. In addition to being symbolic in certain cultures, arches have a pleasing aesthetic that lends itself to virtually any motif, and they’re also extremely versatile. You can leave yours bare or adorn it with objects of your choice.
In terms of versatility, the Outsunny Wood Steel Outdoor Garden Arch is one of the best. The simple and attractive design lends itself to any type of decorating scheme, and its fir wood construction is durable.
What to know before you buy a wedding arch
Indoor vs. outdoor ceremony
The construction materials of your arch aren’t a major consideration if you’re using it inside. However, if your ceremony and/or reception is outside, the materials should be one of your top priorities. While most couples hope for perfect weather, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.
Choose durable materials coated with finishes that stand up against the elements. Look for terms like water-resistant, waterproof, powder-coated and reinforced. In terms of material, steel is one example of a metal with great potential to endure.
Weight of decorations
Not all wedding arches are built to hold up under the weight of heavy-duty floral arrangements. The flowers may not be heavy individually, but when grouped together, they can easily cause a flimsy arch to bow or fall over altogether. If you plan to adorn your wedding arch with heavy floral or greenery arrangements, choose a sturdy piece that can support the weight. You may have to spend a bit more money, but it’s much better than watching your arch collapse during your ceremony.
Purpose
Couples use wedding arches in a variety of ways. Popular uses include walking down the aisle through multiple arches or exchanging vows beneath or in front of an arch. The style of arch you want may differ according to its intended purpose, so deciding how you’ll use yours prior to shopping for it is important.
Wedding arch features
Materials
The material of your wedding arch serves both a stylistic and functional purpose. From a stylistic standpoint, it’s a prominent piece of décor. This is especially true if the entire arch, or parts of it, will be exposed. In terms of function, the material and construction must have the ability to support florals if you use them and withstand the elements if the ceremony is outside.
Design details
Since your wedding arch is a very noticeable part of the overall decoration, selecting one that complements the design scheme is critical. Keep your venue décor in mind when you’re on the hunt for a wedding arch.
Size
Depending on where you’re getting married, you may have more or less square footage at your disposal, meaning the size of your wedding arch is an important detail. The other reason has to do with how you intend to use it. You may not want an enormous arch if you plan to place it directly on the aisle to walk under it, for example.
Wedding arch cost
You can find wedding arches for under $100, but it’s rare. Most wedding arches start around $230 and can go upwards of $500. However, you can feel confident about your chances of getting a well-made product in the $230-$280 range.
Wedding arch FAQ
What does a wedding arch symbolize?
A. While you may want a wedding arch solely for the aesthetic appeal, it’s also steeped in symbolism. It represents you and your spouse’s home as a married couple. In addition, the arch is viewed as a symbol of renewal. When you and your spouse walk under it, you leave your old lives behind and enter the new one you’ll have together.
How can you use a wedding arch?
A. The answer to this question is personal. It depends entirely on how you want to use a wedding arch. Some want their wedding party and themselves to walk through it on their way down the aisle. Others use it as a backdrop at the top of the aisle, exchanging vows in front of it. You may want to use it in a different way altogether.
Which wedding arch should I get?
Best of the best wedding arch
Outsunny Wood Steel Outdoor Garden Arch: available at Amazon
Our take: Versatility is a strong point with this pergola-style arch, which is constructed of sturdy fir wood and has a lovely design.
What we like: This arch would make a wonderful piece of wedding décor draped with flowers, vines or unadorned. You could repurpose the arch as a garden arbor for other outdoor occasions thanks to its versatile design. Firwood creates a pleasing aesthetic and gives this piece durability. Steel reinforces the arch’s longevity.
What we dislike: A few buyers cited issues with quality control that included partially drilled holes and holes blocked by dried paint.
Best bang for your buck wedding arch
JC HUMMINGBIRD Round Metal Arch: available at Amazon
Our take: This metal arch is easy on your budget and easy to assemble, with a round structure that creates a wraparound effect.
What we like: Cover this piece with greenery or flowers to paint a pretty picture. The design allows you to assemble and disassemble the arch in minutes. The compact 6.5-foot diameter works in just about any space. Support legs enhance the arch’s stability, while weather-resistant epoxy paint helps shield the metal from the elements.
What we dislike: The most persistent complaint among the smattering of dissatisfied buyers was that the arch wasn’t sturdy and couldn’t hold the weight of flowers.
Honorable mention wedding arch
Plow & Hearth Garden Steel Arbor: available at Amazon
Our take: Featuring a striking and meaningful Tree of Life design, this arbor looks lovely on its own or adorned in greenery, flowers or lights.
What we like: Constructed entirely of steel, this wedding arch is lightweight yet sturdy. The frame and arch embellishments are finished with a black powder coat, the Tree of Life is finished in a burnished bronze powder coat and the side panel design is precision laser-cut steel. Assembly is straightforward and involves just six pieces.
What we dislike: At least one buyer reported the arbor required additional support to be stabilized.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
