A florist builds an arch to look striking walking up to it in person. That's not always the same as how it photographs dead center for the most important minutes of your day, so it's worth checking both before you commit to a design.
1. Check What's Behind the Arch, Not Just Around It
A parking lot, an exit sign, a stack of folded chairs, any of these directly behind an otherwise gorgeous arch will end up in every ceremony photo. Stand where your photographer will stand and look past the flowers before the day.
2. Match the Arch Height to Your Actual Heights
An arch built for an average-height couple can crowd a tall groom's head or swallow a shorter bride whole. Give your florist your actual heights, not a guess.
3. Stand Under It at Your Actual Ceremony Hour
Light at 10am and light at 5pm hit an arch completely differently. Check the spot at the hour you'll actually be standing there, not whenever the arch happens to get installed that morning.
4. Decide Symmetry Before You Decide Where You'll Stand
An asymmetrical floral arch photographs differently depending on which side each of you stands. Settle your ceremony positions with the design in mind, not after the flowers are already up.
5. Check the Arch Color Against Your Aisle Runner
- Check the arch color against the aisle runner for contrast
- Pick contrasting tones so the two elements read as separate shapes
- Bring fabric swatches to your florist meeting
- Let two similar tones, cream arch and cream runner, blend into one flat shape
- Assume colors that look different on a screen will look different in person
- Decide colors without seeing them side by side
6. Ask How Draped Fabric Is Secured
Draped fabric on an arch looks romantic in a still photo and chaotic the moment a breeze picks up. Ask your florist how it's anchored, especially outdoors.
7. Ask Your Photographer for a Frame From Behind the Arch
Looking back out at your guests, a view you'll never actually see yourself in the moment, this is one of the shots couples treasure most and almost never think to request.
Plan the frame as carefully as the flowers, and the two work together instead of against each other.