Create a Beautiful DIY Driftwood Wedding Arch for Your Special Day

The Beauty of Driftwood Wedding Arches

If you are planning a beach, lakeside, or rustic-themed wedding, consider using a driftwood wedding arch. Driftwood arches have a natural, earthy beauty that truly complements waterfront or woodsy weddings. Keep reading to learn all about driftwood wedding arches!

What Is a Driftwood Wedding Arch?

A driftwood wedding arch is literally an arch structure made out of driftwood collected from lakes or oceans. Driftwood refers to wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach. Through weathering in the water, driftwood takes on a unique weathered grayish hue with natural wood grains.

Driftwood arches make beautiful DIY wedding projects. They can be decorated with flowers, fabric, lights, and more to customize your ideal rustic-chic ceremonial arch.

Benefits of a Driftwood Wedding Arch

There are many great reasons to use a driftwood wedding arch:

• Natural and neutral appearance fits various wedding aesthetics
• Lightweight and easy to move/install
• Inexpensive to make yourself
• Can decorate however you wish
• Great for beach, lakeside, barn, and rustic weddings
• Conveys a relaxed, nature-inspired vibe

How to Make a Driftwood Arch

Constructing a driftwood wedding arch is relatively easy, especially if you layout materials beforehand to test the structure.

Gather Supplies

First, source and gather your driftwood. Look for pieces that can structurally support an arch shape. Aim for varying heights and levels to give dimension. Other supplies needed include:

• Twine, rope, or cable
• Scissors/clippers
• Floral wire (optional)
• Power drill (optional)
• Decor: ribbons, fabrics, florals, lights, etc. (optional)

Build the Structure

Lay out driftwood pieces on the ground until you have an arched shape you like. Use your securing material (twine, wire, etc.) to fasten ends together. Check stability and tweak structure as needed. Drill holes into thicker pieces if more support is needed.

Add Decor Touches

Once your structure feels stable, add any decorative touches if desired. Many wrap driftwood in burlap, lace, or other fabrics. Florals, greenery, and lights also look lovely. Get creative with colors and textures!

Where to Buy Driftwood

You can purchase driftwood or source your own for free:

• Shorelines: Check Great Lakes beaches and other waterfronts. Look for weathered unfinished wood.
• Craft Stores: Some larger stores like Hobby Lobby sell assorted driftwood pieces for projects.
• Online: Etsy and wedding sites sell driftwood by the piece or arched kits.
• Wood Suppliers: Ask if they have scrap driftwood pieces for cheap/free.

How to Preserve Your Arch

Since driftwood is weathered and aged, take a few steps to keep it looking its best:

• Spray with clear sealer to protect and prevent future weathering
• Display indoors/covered area to prevent moisture damage, mold, etc.
• Consider spraying with UV protectant if displaying outdoors

Inspiring Driftwood Arch Ideas

There are endless ways to decorate your driftwood wedding arch. Here are some absolutely gorgeous examples:

Simple Elegance

For a classic look, add minimal embellishments to let the natural arch stand out. Accent with bouquet flowers or simple fabric accents.

Windswept Romance

Capture a windswept, romantic vibe with airy fabrics and flowers in neutral tones. Hang long ribbons for dramatic movement.

Wintery Rustic

For winter ceremonies, incorporate pinecones, red winter berries, faux fur, and white fairy lights. Stunning!

Woodland Whimsy

Use rich forest colors like deep greens and wood tones for a magical woodland theme. Accent with lanterns and wood slices.

The options with a driftwood wedding arch are endless! Choose hues and textures that best fit your overall wedding style.

Get Creative with Driftwood!

Driftwood arches make picture-perfect accents to waterfront or nature-inspired weddings. They are also budget-friendly projects compared to traditional floral ceremonial arches.

The neutral weathered patina of driftwood allows you to take your arch design in any creative direction. Simple or elaborately decorated, rustic or elegant - the choice is yours! Just use strong waterproof decor techniques so your arch will last beyond your big day.