For the outdoor ceremony of my Dusty Rose & Green Wedding, I wanted to personalize the ceremony and the backdrop where the bride and groom would exchange their vows.
I started with a romantic birchwood arch, incorporating florals from the dusty rose color palette and greenery. These elements blend with the natural setting of the ceremony without overpowering it. I also added flowing fabrics and ribbon both for texture and to complete the enchanting storybook look.
These accents carried through into the ceremony seating for a dreamy walk down the aisle. Find out how by following the steps below.
I used a birchwood arbor with 3 top bars. A single bar arch will also work for this DIY.
Begin by hanging gossamer over the back bar of the arbor - one piece on each corner of the top arch bar. The fabric will extend from the center of the bar to the corner and should reach the ground on each side of the bar (a double swathe of fabric).
Tip: Cut the fabric longer than the height of the arch to give a floaty look.
Note: For a single arch complete this step for the one bar of the arch.
On the top middle bar of the arbor use pink ribbon to tie a geometric shape in the center of the arch.
Note: If using a single bar arch, tie where the 2 pieces of gossamer fabric meet in the middle.
Next, add more gossamer fabric to the front bar of the arch. Again, one swathe over the bar at the left and right corners (extending to the center of the arch).
Then wrap the Fern Garland around the top corner of the bar and extend it down the side pole. Tie it to the side pole halfway down. Secure it to both the pole and fabric with ribbon. Add additional greenery below the garland if required (e.g. Eucalyptus leaves)
Note: For a single arch, don't add extra fabric. Add the Fern Garland to the fabric already in place.
Next, add the florals to the arch. First, use ribbon to secure the Light Pink Flower Garland around the top of the arch, then wrap it around the Fern Garland.
Add single, fresh dusty roses to the Fern Garland. These can be slotted in-between fern leaves at a slight angle and will not need additional securing. Where extra support is required, use floral wire to secure florals or greenery.
Under the arch, sprinkle Pink Rose Petals and place stems of baby's breath to fully frame the happy couple.
Add larger fresh dusty rose bouquets at the points where the fabric has been tied to the arch - halfway down the front poles (left and right) and at the top corners.
Create bouquets by grouping single stem roses together and securing with floral tape. Tie to the arch using ribbon.
To fully personalize the ceremony space, add small thoughtful gestures for guests. I added a marble napkin and rose mints to each row of seats.
Napkins for happy tears and mints to keep guests fresh. Both elements also tie in with the palette and theme of the reception to follow. Creating a seamless transition to the post-ceremony celebrations.
To see how to bring this color palette to life at your reception, check out my Beautiful Dusty Rose & Green Wedding Ideas. You can also find out how to make both a Modern Marble, Acrylic and Boxwood Seating Chart and delicious Rose Water Panna Cotta.