So, you’re dreaming of an evening wedding that absolutely glows?
You’ve come to the right place!
A floral arch isn’t just a backdrop for your ‘I do’s’—it’s the magical, twinkling heart of your ceremony.
Forget stressful setups, because I’ve gathered 32 breathtaking, light-filled ideas that are easier to pull off than you think.
Get ready to transform your space into a fairytale scene, one lantern at a time!
1. Garden Gala Glow
Create a classic fairytale scene by stringing simple white paper lanterns between two sturdy trees or poles.
For a lush floral arch without the hefty price tag, mix fresh hydrangeas and spray roses with high-quality faux pink peonies—no one will know the difference at dusk!
Use warm-white, battery-operated LEDs inside the lanterns to avoid any wiring hassles and ensure a steady, romantic glow all evening long.
2. Enchanted Forest Fantasy
Build your arch from natural, gnarled branches for a truly magical, woodland feel—you can source these from craft stores or forage them responsibly.
Weave deep burgundy dahlias, blue thistle, and lots of silver-dollar eucalyptus through the branches.
Hang antique-style brass lanterns at different heights using invisible fishing line, and place more at the base to create pools of light along the aisle.
For safety in the woods, always opt for high-quality, flickering LED pillar candles inside the lanterns.
3. Seaside Bohemian Dream
Go for an effortlessly cool, boho-chic vibe with a simple A-frame wooden arch on the sand.
Ditch traditional lanterns for a collection of mismatched woven rattan and wicker lampshades hung at varying heights—it adds texture and a relaxed, breezy feel.
Complete the look with dried palm fronds, pampas grass, and a few delicate white orchids for a touch of elegance.
4. Urban Jungle Meets Industrial Glam
For an edgy, modern twist, construct your arch from copper piping—you can find all the pieces at your local hardware store!
Contrast the sleek metal with a dramatic, asymmetrical cascade of oversized monstera leaves and elegant white calla lilies.
Instead of lanterns, hang bare Edison bulb chandeliers with geometric wire cages to perfectly complement the industrial aesthetic.
5. Sunset Circle of Light
A circular arch, or ‘moongate,’ symbolizes eternity and looks breathtaking, especially over water.
Cover the entire ring in creamy white hydrangeas and roses for a full, cloud-like effect.
The real magic comes from hanging dozens of tiny glass globe candle holders from the inner curve—their reflection on the water at sunset is pure magic.
Line the dock with more glass orbs for a seamless, glittering pathway.
6. Gilded Age Grandeur
Create an unforgettable entrance with a lavish arch bursting with opulent red roses and crimson amaranthus.
For a touch of Midas, tuck in gold-sprayed eucalyptus leaves and other gilded foliage.
Hang ornate, Moroccan-style gold lanterns from the ceiling at staggered heights to draw the eye upward and bathe the entire scene in a warm, luxurious glow.
This is your cue to go for opulent gold & ivory wedding flower walls for your photo booth, too!
7. Sunflower & Firefly Farm Charm
Embrace a cheerful, rustic aesthetic with a simple wooden arbor topped with bright sunflowers, daisies, and trailing ivy.
Your lanterns? Simple mason jars! Hang them with twine and fill them with battery-operated fairy lights for a charming, firefly-in-a-jar effect.
Swap out traditional chairs for gingham-topped hay bales to fully commit to the cozy, down-on-the-farm vibe.
8. Technicolor Tropical Paradise
Why pick one color when you can have them all? Create a vibrant floral arch with hot pink bougainvillea, orange birds of paradise, and giant monstera leaves.
Hang a kaleidoscope of colorful paper lanterns—think turquoise, fuchsia, yellow, and orange—at different heights above the arch for a true fiesta feel.
Scatter colorful petals down the aisle to complete this joyful, tropical tablescape.
9. Art Gallery Chic
For the ultimate minimalist urban garden decor, let simple forms shine.
Cover a basic rectangular frame in lush, deep green smilax vines and stud it with elegant white phalaenopsis orchids.
The lighting is the art here: hang sleek, white cylindrical pendant lights from the ceiling grid for a clean, modern look that feels intentional and high-concept.
10. Vineyard Vows & Vino Lights
Planning a vineyard wedding? This DIY is a must!
Weave an arch with rich, autumnal foliage, dahlias, and clusters of dark grapes (faux or real!).
For the most clever lanterns ever, clean out empty wine bottles, fill them with delicate fairy light strings (the kind with a battery pack in the ‘cork’), and hang them from the arbor.
The effect is pure harvest magic, especially with a few mini pumpkins at the base.
11. Ice Queen’s Dream
Create a jaw-dropping winter wonderland scene, no magic required!
While real ice is an option, you can get a similar look with clear acrylic blocks and spray-painted white branches for a frosty texture.
Drape the arch in a cascade of all-white roses and orchids, then hang glass orb terrariums with blue-tinted LED candles inside for a chilly, ethereal glow.
Add some frosted garden decor touches like faux snow and sheepskin throws on the benches.
12. Stargazing in the Glasshouse
A greenhouse at night is already magical—so lean into it!
Mix large, illuminated paper star lanterns with classic round paper lanterns in soft pastels and whites for a dreamy, celestial canopy.
Weave micro fairy lights through the floral arch itself, which is lush with pastel-colored sweet peas, larkspur, and greenery, creating layers of twinkling light.
13. Midnight Ocean Serenade
For a dramatic, moody look against a dark sea and sky, contrast is everything.
Use a simple, dark-stained wooden arch and adorn it with an asymmetrical spray of crisp white anemones with dark centers.
Instead of lights, hang long, flowing black silk ribbons that dance in the ocean breeze. The only light you need is the flickering of pillar candles in simple black lanterns on the ground.
14. A Love Story in Full Bloom
Is your love story one for the books? Show it! Create the pillars of your arch by neatly stacking vintage hardcover books.
Use a hidden metal rod for stability, then connect the pillars with a lush archway of greenery and creamy white garden roses.
Two tall, elegant lanterns on stands complete this clever and deeply personal chapter.
15. Desert Constellation
Bring celestial star & moon vibes to the desert with a simple copper moongate arch.
Hang a cluster of pierced metal star lanterns (sometimes called Moravian stars) in the center—when lit from within, they cast spectacular patterns on the sand.
Keep the florals minimal with asymmetrical sprays of peach roses and eucalyptus to let the starry light show take center stage.
16. Over the Moon in the City
Create a show-stopping focal point with a custom-built crescent moon arch.
You can DIY this from plywood, paint it a deep celestial blue, and adorn it with silvery dusty miller, baby’s breath, and white roses for a cloudy, ethereal texture.
Hang delicate, lit-up star ornaments from the top curve with clear fishing line to create a floating constellation against the city skyline.
17. Provençal Perfume & Paper Moons
When your venue is a field of lavender, less is more.
Construct a simple wooden arbor and wrap it in graceful, draping olive branches—the silvery-green leaves are the perfect complement to the purple rows.
Hang just three large, white paper lanterns for a clean, poetic statement against the endless blooms. This look is perfect for a feminine, lace & lavender wedding.
18. Kyoto Garden Tranquility
Channel a serene, Japandi-style vibe with a minimalist frame made from black bamboo poles.
Instead of florals, let the structure speak for itself, adding only a single, beautifully sculpted branch of faux cherry blossoms.
The drama comes from the lighting: a carefully arranged cluster of red and black silk lanterns with elegant tassels.
19. Great Gatsby Glamour
Transport your guests to the Roaring Twenties with a dramatic Art Deco backdrop.
Use a large, golden sunburst screen as your ‘arch’ and adorn it with huge white ostrich feathers, draping pearl garlands, and classic white orchids.
Hang dazzling crystal Art Deco pendant lights overhead for that perfect, party-at-Gatsby’s sparkle. This look pairs perfectly with elegant black & gold dining rooms.
20. Camelot Candlelight Feast
Hosting your reception in a castle or stone hall? Double down on the historic romance!
Create an arch that serves as a grand entrance to the dining area, covered in lush ivy and deep red roses.
Suspend heavy, wrought-iron lanterns on chains from the ceiling to frame the archway. The combination of stone, greenery, and flickering candlelight is timelessly epic.
21. Boho Harvest Moon
A giant grapevine wreath forms the base for this stunningly rustic circular arch.
Adorn one side with a cascade of wildflowers, sunflowers, and wheat sheaves for a ‘just-gathered-from-the-field’ look.
Hang a row of simple mason jars with tea lights inside from the top of the hoop—their gentle glow against the sunset is pure poetry.
22. Enchanted Garden Gateway
If your venue has a beautiful old stone archway, you’re halfway there!
Enhance its natural charm by encouraging climbing roses and ivy to grow around it.
Then, create a magical floating effect by hanging glass orb candle holders from the inner arch at different heights using clear fishing line. It’s an instant enchanted garden!
23. Moroccan Oasis
Create a rich, jewel-toned spectacle perfect for a bohemian or tropical wedding.
Drape a simple bamboo frame with flowing fabrics in deep teal, purple, and magenta.
Cluster a bunch of colorful paper lanterns in the center, and add dramatic sprays of fuchsia orchids and birds of paradise for that final exotic touch.
24. Monochrome Magic
Make a powerful statement with a high-contrast, timeless black and white palette.
Against a pure black backdrop, an arch overflowing with fluffy white baby’s breath, peonies, and roses looks incredibly ethereal.
Forget hanging lanterns—instead, line the entire aisle with dozens of pillar candles in clear glass vases for a breathtaking runway of light.
25. Weeping Willow Whispers
Let nature provide the structure. If you have access to a gorgeous weeping willow by the water, use it!
Weave strings of warm bistro lights through its branches and hang delicate glass lanterns from them.
Add curtains of faux white wisteria for extra romance and to define the ceremony space under the tree’s natural canopy.
26. City Lights & Roses
For a chic rooftop ceremony, create an arch that feels as sleek as the city skyline.
Use transparent acrylic pillars for a ‘barely there’ frame that makes the flowers appear to float.
Cover the frame in a thick garland of blush pink roses and intersperse it with curtain-like strands of fairy lights for a truly magical, sparkling effect.
27. Harvest Hues & Gourd Lanterns
Get creative with this utterly unique autumn idea! Hollow out several dried bottle gourds of various sizes.
Carefully drill small, decorative holes all over them, then pop a battery-operated tea light inside each one for a custom-made lantern.
Hang them from a hexagonal wooden arch adorned with fall leaves and mums for the coziest warm fall party decor.
28. Cathedral Noir
Embrace a moody, gothic romance by framing an architectural feature, like a tall church window, instead of building a traditional arch.
Place two towering arrangements of twisting, bare branches and deep magenta flowers on either side.
A single, ornate hanging lantern in the arch of the window provides a dramatic focal point, while dozens of candles on the floor light the aisle.
29. Hacienda Holiday
Celebrate with a burst of color and energy! String dozens of vibrant, patterned paper lanterns from the beams of a courtyard trellis.
Build up the pillars of your arch with masses of fiery red carnations and greenery for a lush, festive foundation.
This look is all about more-is-more, so don’t be shy with the color and quantity of your lanterns and florals!
30. Nordic Lakeside Nuptials
Channel clean, Scandinavian interior style with a simple A-frame arch made from pale birch wood poles.
Keep the florals minimal and elegant with an asymmetrical spray of white roses and green eucalyptus leaves.
Instead of hanging lanterns from the arch itself, place them on tall, black shepherd’s hooks on either side for a look that’s balanced and beautifully understated.
31. Mad Hatter’s ‘I Do’
Take a trip down the rabbit hole with a wonderfully whimsical arch.
Cover a standard arch frame completely in faux moss, then stud it with oversized, colorful paper roses.
The lanterns are the star of this storybook-themed decoration: hang a collection of quirky, illuminated teapot and teacup lanterns for a truly magical Mad Hatter’s tea party vibe.
32. Ancient Stones & Candle Flames
Work with a rugged, windswept landscape by keeping your decor raw and natural.
Drape a simple garland of ferns and wild white daisies between two ancient standing stones or dramatic rock formations.
Hang simple, functional storm lanterns with real flickering candles inside to complement the untamed beauty of the setting. It’s elemental, epic, and utterly romantic.
