Round, Square, Or Curved: Which Type of Wedding Ceremony Arch Is Right For You?

Maddy and Alec Wedding – Ceremony Atmosphere – New York Botanical Garden – Brindamour Photography

The arch is the focal point of the ceremony and for many, the most important decor element in a wedding. All eyes will be concentrated on this structure standing at the end of the aisleway where it frames the couple as they exchange vows. In both indoor and outdoor settings, it anchors a space while establishing the aesthetic tone for florals and decor. Symbolically, the archway represents a couple’s future home as they start their new life together.

Scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration, you’ll quickly notice that ceremony arches come in various shapes and sizes. Going back through the Real BB Weddings archives, we narrowed it down to the three most popular shapes: round, square, and curved. Because each design is uniquely beautiful from the next and requires different structural materials to make, deciding which type of archway is right for your wedding ceremony can be difficult. To help make the selection process easier, we are breaking down everything you need to know about round, square, and curved archways.
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Christine and Matt Wedding - First Dance - Tribeca Rooftop - Andy Gaines Photography

Planning & Inspiration

13 Wedding Dance Floor Decor Ideas Designed To Get You On Your Feet

by Kate Murphy

Christine and Matt Wedding – First Dance – Tribeca Rooftop – Andy Gaines Photography

The vows have been exchanged, dinner has been served, and now the wedding band is hitting the first note, signaling that the real party is about to begin. It comes as no surprise really that when asked what the favorite part of their wedding was, many of our clients respond along the lines of “dancing the night away surrounded by the people we love most!” All the stress related to wedding decorum has passed and the dance floor becomes a symbol for everyone to relax, let loose, and have fun. Many couples choose to send the message to their guests that this area is designated for celebration without limits by creating a beautiful and welcoming setting. Additionally, this is a focal point in the reception that allows for creative freedom, playfulness, and surprise – we worked on wedding at Oheka Castle that started with an elegant garden theme and ended with everyone dancing under a covering of balloons and flowers. From fairytale floral canopies to blooming chandeliers to shimmering disco balls, here are unique wedding dance floor decor ideas guaranteed to get you on your feet.
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From Ceremony to Dance Floor: 12 Dramatic Ceiling Decor Ideas to Elevate Your Wedding

by Kate Murphy

Christine and Matt Wedding – Flower Archway Hanging Flower and Bubble Installation – Tribeca Rooftop – Andy Gaines Photography

When it comes to weddings, nothing elevates the ambiance, literally and figuratively, like dramatic ceiling decor. Hanging flowers and fixtures can completely transform a space, turning it into a dreamscape perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Suspended designs can be used to create a focal point over the archway or dance floor, or to cast an immersive atmosphere all around.

Meeting with clients, we get a sense that hanging florals are thought to fall under the categories of ‘whimsical’ and ‘fairy-tale’ in terms of aesthetic. “I want my wedding to look sophisticated and timeless, and we are getting married at a classic venue. How can hanging decor possibly work in a setting like ours?” We’re here to tell you that hanging decor aligns with every type of wedding style from polished elegance to secret garden romance. We’ve dressed the ceilings of historic castle estates and luxury ballrooms as well as chic downtown lofts. Read on for high-impact ceiling decor ideas that will impress guests while creating a spectacular scene for your special day.
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Alexandra and Alexander Wedding - Bride Bridesmaids Bouquet Chuppah - New York Botanical Garden - Khaki Bedford Photography

Planning & Inspiration

Our Favorite Wedding Decor Trends for 2023

by Kate Murphy

Alexandra and Alexander Wedding – Bride Bridesmaids Bouquet Chuppah – New York Botanical Garden – Khaki Bedford Photography

The top wedding experts seem to be on the same page when it comes to forecasting wedding trends for 2023 – it’s going to be an incredible year to say ‘I do.’ Extravagant welcome and after-parties, mismatched bridesmaids dresses, regal bridal attire, Art-Deco style engagement rings, and cash registries were repeatedly mentioned in conversations about ‘what’s in’ for 2023. Reading through the various lists, we placed our focus on flowers and decor. What struck us about these ‘trends,’ a term we use very loosely, is that they are not trends at all. By this, we mean an ‘of the moment thing’ that looks cool on Instagram, but has no hope of aging well. Rather, these ‘trends’ point toward a collective shift in couples’ perspectives regarding how they want their wedding to look and feel in a ‘post-pandemic’ moment. Our lives have been forever changed. Naturally, the way we approach major life events will be different too. Pomp and circumstance give way to authenticity and sentiment revealing the current mood for 2023 – weddings are to be joyful celebrations bursting with unfiltered love and emotion.
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Brook and Scott - Wedding Stairway Greenery Garland - Guastavinos - Olivia Christina Photography

Planning & Inspiration

Beautiful Ideas For Decorating The Stairway At Your Wedding

by Kate Murphy

Brook and Scott – Wedding Stairway Greenery Garland – Guastavinos – Olivia Christina Photography

Whether you are getting married at a countryside vineyard, art museum, contemporary loft space, or historic estate, there is a good chance that your wedding venue has a stairway somewhere in its layout plan. While trimming a staircase may not be the first item on your ‘To Do List’ for floral decor, it’s still an area that should be given thought and attention. As wedding florists, we can say that in our experience, it’s these extra details of embellishment that not only enhance a weddingscape, but are also what stands out most to guests. Imagine being welcomed to a church ceremony with entrance stairs lined with greenery and candles, or turning the corner in a centuries-old mansion to discover a twisting staircase adorned with a mélange of fresh flowers. Read on to see more beautiful ideas for decorating the stairway at your wedding.
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Stefanie and Mike Wedding - Low Centerpiece - Gotham Hall - Emma Cleary Photography

Planning & Inspiration

A Guide To Wedding Candles: Gorgeous Ideas For Lighting Up Your Big Day

by Kate Murphy

Stefanie and Mike Wedding – Low Centerpiece – Gotham Hall – Emma Cleary Photography

Congratulations, you’ve finally settled on your wedding flowers. Now onto the next question: How to show off these beautiful blooms in their brightest light? This is when your florist and planner (if you are using one) will go over candle options to see which type best complements your wedding scheme. Candles are essential to creating the ambiance for your big day whether you dream of a candlelit aisle, want to dine in an intimate, glowing tablescape, or need to warm up a cavernous room. Because these decor staples come in an array of styles, shapes, and sizes, we put together this guide highlighting inspiring floral designs with candles from the Real BB Weddings archives.
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Planning & Inspiration