How to Make a Flower Arch for a Wedding or Party
A flower arch turns any space into a wedding ceremony, a bridal shower backdrop or a dreamy photo spot. Using artificial flowers means you can make it weeks in advance, it won't wilt on the day, and you can reuse it or give it a second life at home.
What you'll need
- An arch frame: metal, wooden or a round backdrop hoop
- Artificial flowers: a few large "focal" blooms (roses, peonies, hydrangeas) and some smaller filler flowers
- Faux greenery: eucalyptus, ivy garlands or leaf vines
- Floral wire or green cable ties, and wire cutters
- Optional: chiffon fabric, wisteria strings or fairy lights
1. Decide on the shape
Full coverage looks lush but needs a lot of flowers. An asymmetric design, with a big cluster in one top corner and a smaller one at the opposite foot, looks modern and uses far fewer stems. Sketch it first.
2. Start with greenery
Wrap ivy or leaf garlands around the frame, or wire eucalyptus stems along it, all pointing in the same direction. This hides the frame and gives your flowers something to sit in.
3. Add the focal flowers
Cut the stems short, leaving enough to wire on. Place your largest blooms first, in groups of three or five, where you want the most impact. Odd numbers look more natural.
4. Fill in
Add smaller flowers and filler around the focal blooms to soften the edges, angling some outwards so the arch has depth. Step back often to check it from where guests will see it.
5. Finish with drape and lights
Drape chiffon through the arch, hang wisteria strings for a cascading effect, or weave in battery fairy lights for evening events.
Tips
- Fluff and shape each artificial stem before you use it. They arrive flattened from packing.
- Bend the wire stems to angle the heads. Flowers facing straight out look flat.
- Mix in a few balloons for a fun balloon-and-flower arch.
Building a balloon version instead? Read how to make a balloon arch with a frame.
