For most of the arch it doesn't matter (aside from weight and space, as you say). But I would consider picking up enough to do the top row (against the rim) in half bricks. Otherwise you're going to be blocking a lot of heat to the bottom of your pan around the edges. Even with half bricks I still cut them at an angle around the top edge. Like this:
IMG_20200303_215640192_2.jpg
Cheers,
Gabe
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets