Is creating your own arch or backdrop for your wedding worth it? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.
For one of our recent couple’s it was an astounding yes! The couple loved skiing together and so much of their time was spent in the mountains that they wanted to incorporate that into their ceremony. They decided to use a pair of vintage snow skis that are currently used as decor in their home as part of the backdrop for their ceremony. As their planner I had the opportunity to figure out the best way to make that happen.
I first went to google and pinterest to find some photos of what I was picturing in my head but the exact look we were going for didn’t exist. I looked both for inspiration photos and then ski structures to try to see if I could buy something pre-made. After a good amount of searching I knew we needed to do something custom to create the exact look the bride and groom were looking for.
After having them send over the dimensions of the skis they wanted to use, I got to work to create a structure that would hold the skis at an angle above the couple’s head. The groom was a little over 6’ tall and we needed to make sure that the skis weren’t going to cross right behind his head as he stood in front of it. I began working with a skilled woodworking/contractor for the exact dimensions that would achieve the look we wanted and drew it out on paper.
The drawing and design was approved by both the couple and then the florist who was going to cover the structure with flowers so we got to work building. It only took a trip or two to Home Depot and a few hours later we had a structure with some faux skis to make sure the structure was viable.
I sent photos to the couple and the florist so everyone generally knew what to expect for the wedding day ceremony site altar area. I practiced setting it up and taking it down before the day of the event.
On their wedding day everything went smoothly and I achieved the perfect angle and height that the couple was looking for to frame their special moment. The florist did an amazing job covering up the wood and we used rocks to weigh the pieces down in case of wind.
It was a stunning backdrop and I can’t wait to continue to use and recommend custom pieces to couples in the future. It’s so important to bring pieces of yourself to your big day in order to feel connected both to the person you’re marrying but also to the people attending your event. Custom built pieces bring a uniqueness and sentimental element to the event and the result can be breathtaking. If you’re on the fence - take the leap!