You’ve picked out a venue for the big day, you know what you’ll be wearing, and you know who you’ll be standing next to! But have you ever thought of what you will be standing in front of? It may seem like a silly question, but you’d be surprised how often couples forget that their ceremony arch or backdrop can be a key part of the design process.
Not to worry, we compiled a few examples of some of our favourites from the last 5 years! Whether you two decide to let the venue speak for itself, get a little crafty, or go for something a less traditional, we’ve got your back (literally).
(photo credit: Samba Joy featuring Platinum Floral Designs / Jesse Holland featuring Fiddle Head Florals / Katherine Anita Martens)
CRAFT CORNER
Do you love to craft? Or maybe you don’t love to craft, but you still want that whimsical, playful feel. There are so many creative options that can fit within your aesthetic – we are all about creating something unique – and for our design clients, we are always pitching new ideas that we’ve been wanting to try!
Eric + Tania, wanted a fun, colourful fiesta so what did lead planner, Camille, do? She handcrafted made over 100 yarn pom-poms to match their decor. They definitely set the tone as they were colorful and playful, just like this taco loving, tequila sipping (shooting?) couple is!
(photo credit: Molly Jane Photo)
Going for something a little more rustic? Want to get out some power tools? Jessica + Keenan’s wood pallet backdrop fit the bill perfectly for their backyard bash. All you need is some nails and hammer and you’re good to go. Or in this case, a couple of amazing brothers, who built this for their sister as a wedding gift!
(photo credit: Ameris featuring Night Song Farm)
Looking for a way to incorporate your favourite quote or first dance lyrics? We LOVE incorporating meaningful phrases into backdrops and have taken the lead on crafting (or sourcing the perfect local vendor!) some pretty gorgeous hand-lettered pieces. This quote from The Princess Bride is forever a favourite and we incorporated it as a surprise for our bride and groom – the best part? It’s now hanging in their house as a custom art piece and an everyday reminder of their best day ever!
(photo credit: Kim Jay Weddings featuring Platinum Floral Designs with Trend Decor)
EMBRACE THE VENUE
Victoria has SO many beautiful venues, that often they don’t need any extra dressing. In these cases, the venue and the view is the focal point and dressing up the backdrop with florals alone speaks volumes. The historic rooms at the Fairmont Empress and our gorgeous West Coast Castle (Hatley Castle) are perfect examples of this but there’s so many others: from lush gardens to private properties and epic mountain scenery, sometimes less really is more (and can be more meaningful too!).
(photo credits: Taylor Roades featuring Thorn & Thistle / Kim Jay Weddings / KGoodPhoto /
Justine Boulin / Eternal Reflections)
EMBRACE BEING DIFFERENT
Feel like going against the grain a little bit? Try these unique backdrops and set ups and leave your guests surprised!
Circle Up!
No backdrop needed, there is no back! A circle is a perfect way to be surrounded completely by those you love!
(photo credit: Rivkah Photography featuring Cartref Gardens with Trend Decor)
Playing with Shapes!
Triangles, squares, diamonds – the options are endless and it’s totally up to you! Get bold with your choice and see what fun shape you can come up with!
(photo/floral credit: Jesse Holland featuring Fiddle Head Florals / Myrtle & Moss featuring Rook & Rose /Rivkah Photography featuring Platinum Floral Designs / Kim Jay Weddings featuring Browns the Florist /
Sweet Heirloom featuring Cartref Gardens / Tegan McMartin)
REUSE / REPURPOSE / ENJOY
We’ve seen some pretty stunning pieces relocated post ceremony and is it ever worth it! Whether the ceremony arch or backdrop is repurposed behind the head table, becomes the backdrop for the cake, or even becomes part of an epic Photo Booth display it’s always our goal to be able to showcase the design again for the reception space in a new and creative way!
Case in point. Floral installation turned seating chart at Bodega Ridge Resort.
(photo credit: Shari + Mike featuring Platinum Floral Designs with Trend Decor)
Or this floral arch turned fireplace mantle piece at Hatley Castle.
(photo credit: Kim Jay Weddings featuring Ingrid & Rose Floral Artistry)
Bring us all the ideas! There really is no limit to what we can create – and we’ve got a few bucket list backdrops of our own too!
