Planning & Inspiration
Fresh Decor Backdrop Ideas For Your Wedding Ceremony
Jess and Christopher Wedding – Moongate Ceremony Arch – New York Botanical Garden – Katrina Sorrentino
While each couple has a different vision for their wedding, the desire to have floral décor that is distinctive and original is something that they all have in common. The ceremony backdrop is a focal point where you and your partner will meet and ultimately start a new life together. Thus, in design and symbolism, it should be a beautiful representation as unique as your love. We’ve already proclaimed our admiration for the wedding ceremony arch. As promised, we went through the Real BB Weddings archives and are now sharing alternative options to the traditional archway. From moongates to ‘living’ arrangements, these fresh decor backdrop ideas for your wedding ceremony are sure to have guests talking long after you say ‘I Do.’
Samantha and Ryan Wedding – Moongate Floral Arch – Gotham Hall – Toujours Photo
Freestanding Ceremony Arrangements
What’s so great about incorporating freestanding arrangements into a ceremony is their versatility. Because they can be styled to express any wedding aesthetic and theme, freestanding arrangements, which typically extend up from the floor to desired height, appeal to the couple who doesn’t want an archway but still wants their backdrop to feel classic and polished. At the same time, asymmetrical designs, curving silhouettes, and floral recipes with unique specimens such as pampas grass, palm leaves, and bleached natural elements create a show-stopping display perfect for those who aren’t afraid to step out of the box with their decor.
Carlia and Chris Wedding – First Kiss – Maritime Parc – Moses Cruz Photography
Joye and Scott Wedding – Wedding Ceremony Atmosphere Arrangements – Tribeca Rooftop – Rafal Ostrowski Photography
Chandler and Alex Wedding – Ceremony Floral Columns – Hudson House – Kate Edwards Weddings
Moongate Ceremony Archway
In form and meaning, the moongate archway resembles the wedding band, a symbol of eternal love that never ends. It’s no wonder then that couples choose to enter the bond of marriage and start a new journey together before a circular ceremony backdrop. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, the moongate archway offers endless creative possibilities from asymmetrically placed floral arrangements to partial and allover displays of lush blooms and greenery. Are you looking to push the celestial romance aesthetic even further? Consider the crescent moongate. Putting a modern spin on the full ring, the crescent makes a high-impact impression where the starry sky is the limit.
Dayna and Matt Wedding – Bride and Groom Kissing Bouquet Moongate Flower Arch – Gurney’s Montauk – Andreas and Nico
Diana and Tim Wedding – Floral Ceremony Ring – Pier A – Alex Knight Studio
Jess and Christopher Wedding – Moongate Ceremony Arch – New York Botanical Garden – Katrina Sorrentino
Samantha and Ryan Wedding – Moon Gate Floral Arch – Gotham Hall – Toujours Photo
Semi-Circle Ceremony Backdrop
Emerging as a favorite wedding decor trend in recent years, the semi-circle ceremony backdrop is showing no signs of going anywhere soon. Unlike other designs which stand up right, the semi-circle is made up of ‘living’ flowers and greenery that are laid out on the ground – the couple stands in the middle as they exchange vows. Used in both indoor and outdoor settings, it is a great choice if you want to highlight an amazing view in the background. We’ve seen floral designers use a plethora of blossoms, natural accents, and materials in the composition ranging from classic roses and greenery to lush tropical blooms and foliage to herbs and wildflowers to potted plants and stones.
Victoria and Doug Wedding – Floral Ring Aisle Arrangements – The Rockleigh – Molly Sue Photography
Megan and Alex Wedding – Semicircle Floor Cermony Decor – New York Botanical Garden – Ryon Lockhart Photography
Lucite Pedestal + Floral Arrangement Combo
While floral arrangements on top of pedestals have been used in weddings for decades, couples are finding new and exciting ways to use the reliable combo in their ceremony backdrop. Lucite and clear acrylic bases are great examples here – they bring a modern chic vibe to any weddingscape and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. Another draw of clear decor elements is adaptability – they complement any wedding style and venue. Simply pair a Lucite pedestal with lush, organic florals for an enchanted garden feel, monstera leaves, palms, and vibrant orchids for a cool tropical aesthetic, or tailored white florals and greenery for a classically elegant look.
Ana and Jack Wedding – Ceremony and Balcony Arrangement – The Foundry – Asher Gardner Photography
Kristen and Dan Wedding – First Kiss – New York Botanical Garden – Kara McCurdy Photography
The traditional wedding arch is not for everyone. If we have learned anything after over a decade in the industry, it’s that weddings in which couples incorporate surprising and personal touches are the ones that people remember most. No one is going to forget seeing their friends recite handwritten vows before a vibrant floral moongate or share their first kiss as newlyweds in the middle of a flourishing semi-circle ring with a forest vista on the horizon. We hope these ideas inspire you flex your artistic muscles and design the ceremony backdrop of your dreams.
