Wedding arbours will always carry an air of romance and tradition, but modern couples are choosing alternatives that feel more personal and more expressive. They want more than just a decorated practical backdrop that frames them; they’re looking for wedding décor that feels organic, less structured, and blends seamlessly into the venue’s natural landscape.

Thoughtfully placed floral installations are just one of the many striking ways couples are choosing to elevate their ceremony, guiding the eye and framing the moment with beauty that feels both natural and intentional.

Whether you’re telling a story with the minimalist elegance or creating heart-stopping moments with a charming garden-style design, these arbour alternatives can bring your vision to life.

Floor Installations

Floor installations have the power to transform the wedding aisle into an immersive pathway, beautifully framing both the ceremony space and the moment itself. It’s a wonderful way to include natural elements, creating a garden of beauty that evokes breathtaking moments of romance during your ceremony. This is certainly a versatile option, offering sweeping meadow-like floral designs for your garden wedding or modern ground-level lines that create impact through a towering structure.

 Adding to its versatility is its ability to adapt to any venue size or shape, guiding guests’ eyes naturally towards the centre, but still leaving room for creative styling along the aisle.

Best for: Outdoor weddings or couples who want to feel immersed in florals without opting for a larger structure.

Plinths and Pedestals

Your florals don’t have to be displayed at the same height. In fact, florals placed at varying heights have the ability to bring an artful, layered effect to your ceremony designs. It can add depth and dimension, and offers a unique way to create a more dynamic and captivating backdrop that can feel effortlessly elegant. This alternative naturally draws the eyes upward, creating a sense of height and whimsy without needing a full structure.

Whether you opt for greenery or a colourful array of peonies, using a plinth and/or pedestals offer an option for both minimalists and statement-making weddings. It’s a practical option too, as these structures can be woven into the reception space when the ceremony has concluded.

Best for: Modern, minimalist venues where statement florals can take centre stage. 

Draped Fabric & Floral Garlands

There’s a certain ethereal quality that fabrics have, especially when including it in your big day. Draped fabric can soften a space, and adding floral touches can accentuate an already romantic atmosphere. By pairing florals with fabric, it creates a frame that feels organic and intimate, bringing those lighter, ethereal elements to the space when compared to a traditional arbour.

Moreover, draping fabric comes in a range of shapes and sizes, enabling you to design a ceremony space that truly reflects your vision. This is always a great option for couples searching for elegance without heaviness and intensity. 

Best for: Couples who love softness, movement, and romance without a heavy floral installation.

Hanging Installations

Dramatic, impactful and artful, these are just a few words used to describe the transformative effects of hanging installations. These suspended floral wonders can transform a blank ceiling into a statement feature, offering a lightweight and versatile option that draws the attention upward while enveloping guests in a suspended garden of beauty. It’s an option that frees up the floor, but also creates an immersive experience, especially for venues that offer height and architectural interest.

By elevating blooms and greenery above the ceremony, hanging installations can blend drama with intimacy, turning a simple venue into a thoughtfully curated setting.

Best for: Venues with high ceilings or existing beams. For example, barns, industrial spaces, marquees.

Scattered or Garden-Style Arrangements

Allow the soft scents of your desired flowers to move through the space as petals and greenery naturally frame you. A scattered or garden-style arrangement creates a natural, organic ambiance, seamlessly extending the beauty of the surrounding landscape. These are delicate arrangements that float through the space and can make even the smallest spaces feel abundant and magical. This is a wonderful alternative for couples who prefer a ceremony that’s effortless and natural.

Best for: Outdoor ceremonies where florals can blend into the natural surroundings.

The Takeaway

Templem helps you create dreamy, inspired floral designs that bring your special day to life. From stunning floral installations that frame your wedding ceremony to unique floral designs that weave seamlessly with your draped fabric, allow our Byron Bay Floral Boutique to help transform your wedding space into something that feels original and soulful.