If you’re looking for wedding arch ideas to decorate your own ceremony, it’s not a bad idea to peruse the choices of couples whose celebrations have been featured in Vogue. These constructions of greenery, florals, and other natural elements have made stunning backdrops for to-be-weds as they exchanged vows and entered into the next phase of their relationship. These ceremony backdrop ideas run the gamut from ethereal, romantic displays to constructions that feel a little more avant-garde.

So how does a wedding arch get made, exactly? “Behind every wedding arch is an engineering feat,” explains Amanda Luu, principal of floral design firm Studio Mondine. “The flowers and foliage appear lilting and naturalized, but they’re layered over a frame—steel, wood, or even acrylic—that we secure to handle weight and wind. As we’re a foam-free studio, you’ll find a tangle of chicken wire, bind wire, and zip ties that holds pails of water in place. We install everything in situ, which often takes several hours and careful coordination with the venue and event leadership. We contend with sunlight, temperature, wind, and a photographer’s shot list. It’s closer to building a set than arranging a bouquet. The beauty looks effortless, but the logistics are meticulous.”

Choosing which style of wedding arch would look best at your celebration depends all on your own aesthetic and the location of your ceremony. “The most striking arches feel rooted in their surroundings,” advises Luu. “A cliffside ceremony on the ragged Sonoma Coast might borrow windswept branches of bay laurel or toyon; a historic estate might echo its architecture and grounds with clipped boxwoods or a singular expression of rose canes. Our team would rather push the materials through manipulation to express stronger movement, form, or scale than to merely add more flowers. For us, it’s about capturing a sentiment and a sense of place.”

Ready to craft your ceremony vision? Get some inspiration ahead with 21 beautiful wedding arches from real weddings in Vogue.

1. Triple Arch With Hydrangea, Roses, and Baby’s Breath

Photo: Stanlo Photography