DIY Arbor Decor - Help!

The inspiration pictures are lovely. I'd probably go to a fabric store, ask a few questions, and feel a few different fabric types. I've never done a project like this before but I'd assume the fabric needs to be a little bit heavy so it isn't blowing everywhere constantly, but not so heavy that it doesn't drape nicely. Maybe organza or chiffon?

I agree with jo, you probably want something on the heavier side so it's not blowing around. You could even just do a little flower cluster on either side to add some pop if color. Joanns and hobby lobby have fabric on sale all the time. I'd measure from one bottom up and down the other side. You're probably looking at like 6 yards of fabric. Hobby lobby has some for 9.99 and 30-50% off all the time.

PP is definitely right on fabric from hobby lobby. I got 7 yards of a really great material for making a couch cover for just under $60. Just check in the home decor fabrics so you can get a good width and a large quantity of the fabric. And also take in some inspiration picks and have an idea of how you want to drape and tie down portions of the fabric!

Following because I'm planning on doing the same.

Take your pics to a store and start looking. I've found that one of the larger Joanne's has a better and more diverse selection of the type of fabric you will need. They also have coupons. I wouldn't use a home decor fabric unless it's a lining fabric. Home decor fabric is typically too heavy for what you want. Be sure to measure the height and width of the arbor before you shop and add extra if you want the fabric to drape as your sample pics show. If you hem the fabric, use iron on hem tape. No sewing machine needed!

This is my inspiration picture. I am planning on taking it into a fabric store armed with some coupons and see what the folks behind the counter suggest. I am also going to do the two flower arrangements on the top corners.

When you do find out what fabric you want (i.e. Flow, weight, color etc.) make sure you compare prices and look up coupons... JoAnn sometimes has great deals.. I also look at local fabric stores. Luckily we had one closing around my last sewing project so I stocked up on my fabrics for 90% off usual prices!

Have you tried asking rental supplies companies that also do draping? Our ceremony site is draped that way and it's only $25.

I would think you'd look for a organza/taffeta fabric for weight purposes, but those fabrics aren't sheer, if that's the look you're going for. The chiffon will deff be more light and airy.

If you have a JoAnn near you, I would definitely go there. Bring coupons with you (available on their website if you aren't on their mailing list, or you can sign up for text message coupons right at the store). The employees at the store are typically very knowledgable and helpful. While you're there, you might want to look at their fake flowers - they have garlands if you wanted something to drape, or normal flowers or greenery.

JoAnn also takes competitor coupons so if you have any hobby lobby, Michaels, or AC Moore coupons you can use them too. Michaels and AC Moore won't work on the fabric though since they don't sell fabric.

Don't be afraid to scope out your local goodwill or other consignment store too - occasionally they will have big sheer curtain panels for a steal.

I got extra long sheer white panels for draping over large windows for a steal from Amazon.

We bought a bunch of fake garlands from Michaels and then added some string lights. Not sure how it will look, but I think it will be okay.

Following. Our venue has a gorgeous pergola that I want to decorate.

Thanks for the great advice, I think it'll turn out beautifully!