As more couples choose to celebrate their nuptials out of doors, living wedding arbors are gaining popularity. Whether consisting of a decorated tree or climbing plants encouraged along a structure, they are a romantic nod to nature and can be as long lasting as the marriage they decorate.
Not only is it more eco-friendly than using plastic or short-lived cut flowers, as an added benefit, living archways can be repurposed following the ceremony. If initially planted in the right location, they will make a grand entrance to a garden beyond. Alternatively, they can be strategically planted around benches or swing seats to offer an opportunity later to relax under their canopy.
For a simple, but still elegant arbor, forgo a floral choice with Hedera helix (or English Ivy) or Hedera canariensis (or Canary Island Ivy). As hardy, evergreen climbers, their glossy green sculpturally-shaped leaves can provide a background that seamlessly blends into the surrounding environment and will not detract from your special moment.
When it comes to flowering arches however, the options are almost endless. They both look impressive and add delicious fragrance to the ceremony space. A single flower colour offers a sophisticated but elegant backdrop and bold shades can leave a powerful impression by contrasting against the white of a wedding dress. Choose either to maintain one colour throughout or mix and match multiple hues into a single archway for a festoon of colour and a backdrop that’s as unique as you.
Classic white blooms are in keeping with a traditional theme, but can also be easily adopted by modern brides who may choose a neutrally-toned palette for their big day. Such options include: Dipladenia My Fair Lady (or Brazilian Jasmine), Hardenbergia White Out PBR (or Native Wisteria), Mandevilla Classic White, Mandevilla Giant White PBR, Pandorea jasminoides Lady Di (or Bower Vine), and Trachelospermum jasminoides (or Chinese Star Jasmine).
Red is often the colour most associated with love and therefore is an obvious choice for a living wedding arbor. Choose from a wide array of tones, from the deepest burgundy through to the daintiest of pinks. We recommend: Mandevilla Classic Dark Red PBR, Mandevilla Crimson Fantasy PBR, Mandevilla Pretty Rose Pink PBR, Dipladenia Tourmaline Pink and Pandorea Springbrook Belle.
Those chasing an alternative hue may like the purple shades of Hardenbergia Happy Wanderer (or Native Wisteria) and Wisteria Amethyst Falls PBR; or even the brilliant golden tones of Pandorea Wonga Gold Sunrise.
Discover the wide variety of climbers in our online plant library.