An outdoor wedding arch is a defining feature of any ceremony. It sets the stage for unforgettable moments and provides a stunning backdrop for your vows. When designing a colour palette for your wedding flowers, impressionist art is a perfect source of inspiration. The iconic works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir demonstrate the timeless beauty of layered colour. These masterpieces remind us that when thoughtfully combined, hues can evoke emotion, create harmony, and tell a story. This concept translates beautifully into the art of wedding floral design.
Creating an artful outdoor wedding arch inspired by impressionist techniques allows you to step beyond the conventional and explore a more painterly approach. By layering colours with intention and incorporating a mix of textures and tones, your floral design becomes not just decoration but an expression of artistry.
Confidently Using Colour for An Outdoor Wedding Arch
Mixing different colours for your wedding flowers can feel intimidating, resulting in many couples gravitating toward failsafe combinations like blush, white, and ivory roses. While these classics are undeniably beautiful, experimenting with unexpected colour pairings can elevate your floral arrangements to something truly extraordinary. The alchemy of blending hues brings depth and uniqueness, creating a wedding day aesthetic that feels both personal and timeless.
The eye-catching shades of David Austin wedding roses are a wonderful starting point. From Capability in vibrant fuchsia pink to Effie in warm golden apricot, these blooms offer a painter’s palette of possibilities for creating artful outdoor wedding arches that captivate your guests. An experienced wedding florist can help guide you, but arriving with a few ideas in mind is always helpful. Think of your wedding flowers as a collaboration between your vision and their expertise.
Play with Colour Intensity
The key to a harmonious palette lies in varying the intensity of each colour in your scheme. Using several bold shades at the same brightness, such as hot pink, bright red, and vibrant orange, can feel overwhelming as the colours compete for attention. Instead, balance your palette by adjusting the saturation of each hue. Muted tones can provide a soft foundation, allowing brighter colours to stand out and shine.
In this stunning outdoor floral arch, created for a wedding in California, the raspberry-red tones of Darcey roses glow with coral undertones in the golden afternoon sun. These rich blooms contrast beautifully with the pastel shades of Constance, Charity, and Beatrice. This combination adds depth and dimension without overwhelming the composition. To complete the palette, the warm, in-between hues of Miranda and Juliet roses bring a sense of cohesion and balance. The result? A visually striking display that feels fresh, romantic, and utterly unforgettable.
Bold Statements in Size and Colour
"I started thinking like a painter. I was playing with color more – pairing saturated and muted hues."
An artful outdoor wedding arch offers the perfect opportunity to make a bold statement in size and colour. In our opinion, investing in a large floral installation is always worthwhile. It will be truly multi-dimensional as it serves as the focal point for your ceremony, a backdrop for wedding portraits, and a photo-worthy feature for your guests throughout the day. Like a blank canvas, the arch invites your florist to layer shades, textures, and seasonal blooms to complement your venue’s natural landscape.
For added impact, extend the arch’s design into the ceremony aisle. Create a sweeping, fragrant entrance by adorning the aisle with clusters of roses that echo the colours of the arch. In this beautiful example, individual clusters were positioned at the end of each seating row, creating the illusion of a continuous floral pathway. The cohesive and magical effect offers a seamless transition from the ceremony to the reception space.
Inspiration from the Masters
Alicia Rico, Bows and Arrows Flowers
Floral designers are artists in their own right, crafting masterpieces that rival impressionist paintings. Using flowers as their medium, they create installations rich in light, depth, texture, and movement. These painterly, multi-layered designs are breathtaking and incredibly photogenic. Perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments that live on long after your wedding day!
Using Colour for An Outdoor Wedding Arch
An artful outdoor wedding arch is more than a decorative element; it’s a colourful centrepiece that reflects your vision and sets the tone for your celebration. By drawing inspiration from impressionist art and embracing a painterly approach to colour and design, your floral arrangements can become true works of art. The interplay of bold and muted tones, combined with thoughtful layering, results in an exquisite and timeless look guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Watch our video below to see how we brought this stunning floral arch to life using David Austin Roses. Let it inspire you to create your own masterpiece for your wedding day!
VENDOR DETAILS
Wedding Roses: David Austin Wedding Roses | David Austin Cut Rose Growers: @alexandrafarms @rosaprimaroses @greenvalleyfloral @agrirose @tambuziroses | Planning: @weddingsparrow | Design & Styling: @joyproctor | Florals: @bowsandarrowsflowers | Photography: @jessicamangiaphotography | Videography: @annalord | Venue: @sunstonewinery | Hair, Make-up: @pagebeauty | Model: Hannah @hannah.burnard via @notiesmodels | Bridal Gowns: @kimkassascouture @nettabenshabu @ritavinieris via @kinsleyjamescouturebridal | Event Rentals: @theonicollection | Linens: @latavolalinen
