Unique wedding arches are a huge trend in modern weddings. In the past, arches have been covered in flowers, but today’s brides are getting creative! Read on for tips and ideas for your one-of-a-kind wedding arch.
Fabric
An easy, elegant option is to use fabric to wrap and drape over your arch. Choose white or a combination of colors that work with your wedding colors to artfully cover the arch form.
Breezy, billowing fabrics like chiffon, tulle, net, lace, or voile work best. Watch your craft stores for budget-friendly fabric sales and coupons!
String Lights
String lights make a lovely backdrop for pictures, especially at sunset. Depending on the height of your arch, you can purchase 5-10 ft. strings. Fairy lights are very popular, just make sure you have extra batteries to keep them lit throughout the festivities.
Have a larger arch or looking for something brighter? Bistro lights are often used in outdoor venues and look great hanging from arches. Be sure to use warm bulbs to avoid harsh light and shadows.
Paper Lanterns, Streamers, & Crystals
For an adorable, affordable arch, use paper lanterns, thin streamers or ribbons, and crystals. The light from the lanterns will reflect magical light and colors in the crystals. You’ll be surprised how pretty this option looks in photos.
Wood Doors
Doors symbolize the transition from one part of your life to another. Couples are using rustic wood doors, antique doors, and other “found” doors and hand painting them to use as a backdrop for their ceremony altar.
Consider a white wooden door, surrounded by a few select blooms, to exemplify your move forward into a new life together.
Flowers & Greenery
As we mentioned, flowers are the traditional arch covering, but flowers can be expensive. Consider weaving some of your wedding flowers with faux flowers for a more budget-friendly floral alternative.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Add vines, flowers in shades of your wedding colors, and even faux berries into the mix.
Be Creative!
Don’t choose just one arch idea! Mix and match for the arch that reflects your style and goes with your wedding décor. There is no right or wrong way to decorate your wedding arch. Have fun and experiment with different looks before the big day!
How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch
To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:
- Caterers and bartenders
- Florists and decorators
- Musicians or DJs
- Photographers and videographers
- Officiants
- Hair and makeup teams
- Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor
You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.
Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding
Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget.
Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.
Best Practices for a Vendor List
As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.
- Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
- Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
- Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
- Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.
FAQ’s
Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!
Why is a vendor list important?
A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact.
When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.
What is a Vendor List?
A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event.
How to Create a Vendor List?
This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.
Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor
At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.
