A Wedding Ceremony Trend We're Loving: Grounded Floral Arches

bride groom outdoor ground floral arches — Credit: Allen Tsai Photography

Arches and backdrops are essential when creating your wedding's ceremony space. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they also help anchor your aisle and ensure all eyes are on you and your future husband or wife as you exchange your vows. While these structures usually stand upright, couples are beginning to embrace a new approach, taking them to the ground with low, crescent-shaped floral arrangements, instead.

Much like traditional ceremony arches, these grounded versions can be altered to suit any wedding theme, style, or color palette simply by using different florals. And, while this may seem like a contemporary trend, you'll find that these low backdrops can still look at home at the end of your traditional wedding aisle—just ask your florist to fill your arrangement with classic flowers such as roses or hydrangeas. For a more bohemian look, we suggest working in dried elements in a muted color scheme. To pull of this whimsical design, Abelia Floral Studio utilized creamy pampas grass along with blush and beige florals.

If the following arches' beautiful aesthetics aren't enough to sway you to construct yours on the ground, consider this—they're extremely practical. Planning on throwing an outdoor ceremony with a scenic natural backdrop? A grounded floral crescent won't obstruct your mountain, ocean, or desert views (they'll just add yet another breathtaking element to your space). These arches are also ideal for a ceremony in the round since they won't block any attendee's view of your nuptials. To see just what we mean—and to curate inspiration for your own grounded ceremony arch—we've rounded up some of our favorite examples from real celebrations.

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Underwater

A nontraditional ceremony location calls for a unique arch. For this in-the-water service, The Wedding Bliss Thailand and Xenia Motif tapped IAMFLOWER to create a contemporary, all-white arrangement that floated on top of the surface.

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Red Arrangement

Using florals in a single, impactful color is just one way to make your grounded arch stand out. That's why this Lambert creation featured red smoke bush exclusively. The pros also opted for ghost chairs, which put even more emphasis on the colorful display.

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Wild

Not all grounded floral arches have to be cleanly crescent-shaped. In fact, if you're planning an outdoor wedding, a wild, overgrown option would likely suit the setting better. Note how this Florista Flower Studio arrangement looked as if it grew right out of the ground thanks to its dynamic greenery and colorful florals.

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Mountain Landscape

Unlike a traditional ceremony arch, grounded versions allow for an uninterrupted view of your venue's vista. This pampas grass and rose iteration by Christine Cater helped guests clearly see the mountains in the distance.

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Ceremony in the Round

stephanie tim wedding ceremony venue — Credit: Melanie Duerkopp Photography

Ceremonies in the round have become increasingly popular recently, but it's extremely important to ensure your guests' views aren't obstructed by vertical structures (like an upright arch). A grounded arch is a simple solution. By arranging this Amanda Vidmar Design creation on the floor, Kaella Lynn Events guaranteed that every attendee could watch this couple's nuptials.

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Venue-Inspired

wedding ground flora arch outdoor venue — Credit: Sophie Epton Photography

Getting married outside, but not directly in nature? If you're tying the knot on a pavilion or porch, you can still imbue a bit of your surroundings into your ceremony design via a grounded arch. Although this service took place on top of a wooden platform, a Remi + Gold arch referenced the lush backdrop beyond; greenery and bright flowers connected the structure to the verdant backdrop.

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Moody Blooms

wedding ground floral arch dark hued blooms — Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

Worried that your guests won't be able to see a low arrangement? Just ask your florist to fill the design with darker-hued blooms. Catalina Neal used a mix of burgundy leaves and greenery throughout this altar focal point; the moodier shades contrasted the white florals, making this display particularly eye-catching.

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White on White

wedding ground floral arch greenery and white florals white flooring — Credit: Anna Roussos

Look to your venue's colorways when brainstorming your grounded arch's palette. Tie the Knot Santorini used greenery and white florals (they matched this venue's floor!) from Betty Flowers to upgrade this airy ceremony space.

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Beachy

wedding ground floral arch pampas grass crescent — Credit: Michele Beckwith

There's just something about pampas grass that makes any arrangement feel beachy—which is why it's the perfect addition to your oceanside ceremony crescent. Angella Floral Arts used a healthy dose of the dune-like grass, along with a few florals, to bring this masterpiece to life.

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Breathtaking Backdrop

tillie dalton wedding ceremony with guests — Credit: Mariel Hannah Photography

Need more proof that grounded arches are ideal for showcasing your scenic location? Just look to this setup by Poppy Design Co. The display put all the eyes on this couple and the sprawling hillside backdrop.

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Pampas Grass

ferbie rob boho wedding outdoor ceremony location — Credit: Catherine Coons

The best part about grounded arches? You can make them as elaborate or as subtle as you want. For a casual ceremony, we recommend something like this creation by Petal & Wren. The mix's small size and pampas grass composition fit right into this couple's low-key big day.

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Overgrown

Just because your grounded floral arch involves simple white flowers doesn't mean it has to feel plain. To ensure a classic mix of roses and greenery would stand out, Habitat Events made this crescent feel overgrown and wild—the ends nearly touched the first row of chairs.

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Circular Setup

circular pattern chair outdoor wedding ceremony — Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

If you're planning a circular seating setup—like this one by Details, Details—for your service, a low floral arch is a smart add (it will help guests know where to look!). This one by Jenn Sanchez Design completed one portion of the circle, giving attendees a focal point.

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Contrast

pampas grass ideas ground arch — Credit: Kayla Barker

While greenery is a welcome addition to your grounded arch, you may want to consider pampas grass if your ceremony is taking place on grassy terrain. Why? Its beige hue will provide a better contrast against the green. This Bows and Arrows mix is proof.

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Blue and Purple

elizabeth jake georgia wedding ceremony flowers — Credit: Harwell Photography

Bold color is a must if you've chosen a thinner ceremony crescent. Although this version from Forage was decidedly skinny, the mix still made an impact at the end of this aisle thanks to blue and purple florals.

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Coastal

wedding ceremony site — Credit: Bonnie Sen Photography

You'd be hard-pressed to top a view like this bay scene, but you can still upgrade a gorgeous natural space with a grounded arch. Erba Floral Studio created this one using plenty of greenery and colorful florals that added even more beauty to this waterfront ceremony site.

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Bohemian

spring ideas lisa anderson — Credit: Wisteria Photography

While using certain types of flowers in your crescent display can nod to your wedding's vibe, you can (and should) play it up even more with on-theme décor. At this bohemian ceremony, Forrest and J. layered rugs and pillows against this colorful arch by The Bloemist to add to the setup's whimsical aesthetic.

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Tree Backdrop

kelly kelsey wedding ceremony circle with flowers — Credit: Anna Delores Photography

Want to highlight a specific part of your ceremony venue? A floral arch is just the way to do it. This one—crafted by Baura New York—was made out of bright florals and ferns and sat in front of a 2,000-year-old oak tree, which served as the focal point of this couple's service spot.

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Pink

wedding ceremony — Credit: Larissa Cleveland Photography

It's completely fine to keep your grounded ceremony arch minimal—just make sure you're using vibrant colors so your guests can see it. Soulflower Design Studio chose pink and magenta blooms for this subtle, but bright look.

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Seamless

Colby John Wedding wedding ceremony — Credit: Carrie Patterson

By lining your aisle with the same flowers used in your grounded arch, you'll create a seamless and cohesive look. The Fleur de V larkspur, delphinium, eucalyptus, and olive branch arrangements on this couple's walkway blended right into the crescent, which featured matching florals.

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Natural Arrangement

dani jackson wedding ceremony floral decor — Credit: Erich McVey

Although upright ceremony arches can absolutely look natural, a grounded arch feels even more so. Because the flowers are placed on the grass, they'll look as if they've always been there. That was the case for this green-and-white display from Ooh! Events.

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Small Arch

If you're planning on eloping, we'd suggest a smaller arch (this one is from Seven Stems Design) for your ceremony space. The reason? It's a simple, yet beautiful way to make the moment that much more intimate. However, be sure to add a little height by using taller blooms (you won't want it to feel too minute).

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Tropical

stephanie jared wedding ceremony semicircle — Credit: Mirelle Carmichael Photography

Believe it or not, a grounded ceremony arch can accommodate any theme. If you're throwing a tropical-inspired event, make like Noonan's Wine Country Designs and incorporate exotic foliage and florals, like palm leaves and protea.

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