| Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to | | | | wedding, and essential to build it within hours of the |
| spruce up your ceremony site. No-brainer, at least, | | | | ceremony if you use helium-filled balloons. |
| until you actually have one in your hands and ready | | | | The Classic Arch: Soften the hard bones of your arch |
| to decorate. Then it gets a little more complicated. | | | | by draping it in gauzy base material (tulle, organza) |
| Thinking back to prom, you might recall something | | | | and silk garlands of ivy (or real grape vines). |
| vaguely gauzy, but that doesn't give you much to go | | | | Now accent with a large silk bow, a pomander ball or |
| on when you have that bare-looking eight foot metal | | | | "kissing ball" -- which you can make yourself if you're |
| structure in your living room. Plus, maybe you want | | | | willing to use silk roses -- or a traditional grouping of |
| an arch that doesn't look like prom at all -- and | | | | flowers at the top. |
| personalization is what's going to make your wedding | | | | Or for a little more oomph, use the rule of three: one |
| tick. Here are some ways to give that arch a touch | | | | flower arrangement for the top, and at least one at |
| of your wedding's unique flavor. | | | | each base. DIY-ers are probably best off sticking to |
| The Balloon Arch: Don't forget this dramatic, pearly | | | | silk, or at least using potted flowers at the base. |
| alternative to the wood or metal arch. A determined | | | | The Gothic Arch: Use a simple black arch that rises to |
| bride (or family member) can definitely do this | | | | a dramatic point and leave the lines clean and |
| herself; helium isn't even required if you use PVC or | | | | unadorned -- or attach dried curly willow for a |
| can suspend microfilament from the ceiling. Just keep | | | | downright spooky touch. Hang an enormous floral |
| in mind it's best to build the arch the day of the | | | | kissing ball from the apex. |