Backdrop Stand For Your Wedding: Diy Guide

A backdrop stand is a great addition to a wedding, whether it's to support a flower wall, hang a curtain, or be used as a photo booth. You can buy them ready-made or make them yourself. If you're a DIY enthusiast, you can create a backdrop stand from PVC pipes or wood. The PVC pipe version is lightweight, easy to make, and perfect for hanging lightweight things like fabric curtains. The wood version is heavy-duty and better suited for heavier things like flower walls. Both versions can be made with basic tools from your local hardware store and can be made in different sizes.

Characteristics of a DIY Wedding Backdrop Stand

Using PVC pipes

Materials:

• 4 10-foot lengths of 1-inch PVC pipe (or 3/4-inch PVC pipes)
• 2 90-degree slip-in elbows
• 8 T-shape slip-in connectors
• 8 slip-in end caps
• Hacksaw or pipe-cutting tool
• Fabric of your choice (muslin, polyester cloth, lace, etc.)
• Dye (optional)
• Double-sided tape (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cutting the PVC Pipes:

Ask your local hardware store to cut the PVC pipes to the following lengths:

• 4 five-foot lengths
• 2 three-foot lengths
• 1 four-foot length

Step 2: Additional Cuts:

Once you have transported the pipes safely, make the following additional cuts at home:

• 2 five-foot lengths
• 2 three-foot lengths
• 2 two-foot lengths
• 4 18-inch lengths
• 8 6-inch lengths

Step 3: Assembly:

Now, simply fit the pieces together like a puzzle. You can choose to glue some of the elbows and connectors for a sturdier fit, but it is not necessary if the pipes fit snugly. Ensure that all fittings are not threaded and correspond to the size of your PVC pipes.

Adding the Backdrop:

Once the stand is assembled, you can add the fabric of your choice. Muslin or polyester cloth works well, but you can also use lace or even a printed banner. If you wish to dye the fabric a different colour, fill a bucket with hot water, add the dye according to the manufacturer's instructions, and place the fabric inside. Move the fabric around to distribute the colour evenly.

Finally, place the fabric on an outdoor clothesline to prevent shrinkage, and iron it once it dries. Attach the fabric to the stand using double-sided tape or clamps, and you're done!

Tips:

• You can make the stand taller by adding more vertical pipes and using connectors to attach them.
• To make the stand sturdier, weigh down the base with sandbags or similar weights.
• Test the stand before the wedding day to ensure it can handle the weight of the fabric and fits the venue.

Using wood

Materials

• Four (4) 2" x 4" x 8' long studs
• Three (3) 2" x 3" x 8' long studs
• 4-6 carriage bolts (3/8" x 5" long)
• Six (6) 3.5" wide hinges (security door hinges are recommended)
• Stakes or sandbags (optional, to secure the stand in windy conditions or on unstable ground)
• Tools for cutting the wood (such as a handsaw or jigsaw)
• Metal triangle square
• 3/8" Speedbor Drill Bit
• Safety equipment (gloves and eye protection)
• Pliers or a nail and hammer (to remove hinge pins)

Step One: Cut Your Backdrop Stand Wood

Gather your materials and tools. This design includes six 3.5" hinges, which are the "secret sauce" for this breakdown wood stand. Measure and mark two (2) 2x4 studs at their half-point, which should be 48". Cut the two (2) 2x4 studs you marked in half with a saw (a handsaw or bandsaw will work). These two cuts are the only ones needed. You should now have two (2) 8' long 2x4 boards, four (4) 4' long 2x4 boards, and three (3) 8' long 2x3 boards.

Step Two: Attach Base & Support Boards

Take two of the 4' boards (support boards) and attach a hinge with the included screws to connect them end to end. Ensure your boards are placed far enough apart that you can fold the two boards so that they lie flat against each other. Repeat for the other two 4' boards. Mark 12" from the end of the two attached 4' long 2x4 boards (baseboards). Dismantle four of the hinges by removing the pin with pliers or a hammer and nail. Attach one half of a dismantled hinge with three knuckles parallel to the marked line on your 4' long board with the included screws. Position the hinge so that the knuckle end is against the marked line and the screw holes are toward the longer end of the board. Repeat this for the other set of 4' long boards that are hinged together. Attach one half of another dismantled hinge with three knuckles to the end of the support board. Repeat for the other support board.

Step Three: Prepare Upright Boards

Attach the other half of the disassembled hinge with two knuckles to the very end of an 8' 2"x4" upright board, ensuring that the knuckles are flush with the bottom of the board. Repeat for the other 8' 2"x4" upright board. Put one 8' board on top of one of your baseboards, butted up against the hinge. It should form a perfect 90° angle. Use a square to ensure the angle is correct. Slide the hinge pin back through the knuckles of the two hinge leafs. Repeat the above steps for the other upright board. Swing up the end of the support board until it rests against the upright board. Get a disassembled hinge leaf with two knuckles and fit it into the hinge leaf at the end of the support board. Screw the hinge leaf to the upright board. Repeat for the other upright board.

Step Four: Prepare Horizontal Boards

Remove the pins connecting the upright boards to the baseboards. Fold the baseboard and support boards closed and set aside. Using your 3/8 drill bit, drill one hole 1.5" from the top of the upright board. Repeat for the other upright. Drill a second hole 1.5" above the hinge at the bottom of the upright board. Repeat for the other upright. Drill a third hole 1.5" above the hinge in the middle of the upright. Repeat for the other upright board. Using your 3/8 drill bit, drill holes 2" in from either end of your 2"x3" horizontal boards. Note: You can have more horizontal boards if desired. These horizontal boards help prevent the DIY backdrop stand from twisting.

Step Five: Assemble Your Backdrop Stand

This step is easier with two people. Slot the upright boards' hinge knuckles into the baseboards' hinge knuckles and insert the pins. Swing up the support assembly boards so that the two hinge leaf knuckles meet and insert the pins. The stand should now be able to stand unsupported. Insert a carriage bolt through the bottom of the baseboard so that the bolt thread is facing up on both support assemblies. Take a 2"x3" horizontal board and insert its ends through the bolts on either end of the stand, connecting the support assemblies. Thump the carriage bolts with a rubber mallet to recess them into the wood, preventing the bolt from freely rotating in the frame. Put a washer and wingnut on each of the carriage bolts and tighten firmly. The entire backdrop stand should now be freestanding. Insert two more carriage bolts through the ends of another 2x3 horizontal board. Take this horizontal board and insert the protruding bolt ends through the holes you drilled above the upper hinges of the upright boards. Put a washer and wingnut on each of the carriage bolts and tighten firmly. Insert the last two carriage bolts through the ends of the last 2x3 horizontal board. Take this horizontal board and insert the protruding bolt ends through the holes you drilled at the top of the upright boards. Put a washer and wingnut on each of the carriage bolts and tighten firmly.

Step Six: Enjoy Your DIY Backdrop Stand

Your backdrop stand can be weighted down with sandbags or even a cinder block, or you can stake it down with rope and long railroad nails. You can hang things from this stand—it should be able to support at least 100 lbs., and possibly more.

Additional Tips:

If you need to transport the stand, you can break it down by removing the hinge pins where the baseboard connects with the upright boards and where it connects with the middle horizontal board (a total of four hinge pins). You do not need to separate the baseboard from the supports, as they just fold down. Once everything is bundled up, use bungee cords or shrink wrap to keep it together for transport. Remember to put the hinge pins in a bag so you don't lose them.

Using metal

Metal is a great option for creating a wedding backdrop stand that is both sturdy and elegant. Here are some ideas and instructions for using metal to create a beautiful backdrop for your special day:

Choose the Right Metal

For a wedding backdrop stand, you'll want to select a metal that is strong and durable yet lightweight enough for easy transport and assembly. Aluminium is a popular choice for backdrop stands as it is both sturdy and lightweight. However, steel can also be used for a more heavy-duty option.

Design and Measurements

The design of your metal backdrop stand will depend on your personal preference and the theme of your wedding. Popular designs include circular, semicircular, square, and hexagonal shapes. Consider the size of your venue and the number of guests when deciding on the measurements of your stand. A typical wedding backdrop stand ranges from 6 to 12 feet in height and width.

Gather Materials and Tools

To create your metal backdrop stand, you will need metal tubes or pipes, connectors, a base, and accessories such as screws, washers, and wing nuts. You may also want to purchase or rent a metal cutter and pipe bender to customise the metal pieces to your desired design.

Assembly

Start by measuring and cutting the metal tubes to the desired length for your design. Use the pipe bender to create any curved or arched elements. Assemble the pieces together using the connectors and accessories. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.

Finishing Touches

Once your metal backdrop stand is assembled, you can add the final touches. Paint the stand with a metallic gold or silver finish for a luxurious look. You can also decorate the stand with flowers, fabric drapes, balloons, or fairy lights to match your wedding theme.

Example Design:

For a simple yet elegant design, consider creating a semicircular metal backdrop stand. Cut two metal tubes to a length of 7 feet each for the base. Cut two more tubes to a length of 6 feet each for the curved top. Use connectors to join the tubes together, forming a semi-circle. Paint the stand with a gold finish and decorate it with white fabric drapes and flowers for a classic wedding look.

Metal backdrop stands are a great DIY project for your wedding, adding a unique and personalised touch to your special day. With careful planning and assembly, you can create a beautiful and sturdy backdrop that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Using curtains

Choose the Right Curtains:

Select curtains that complement your wedding theme and colours. Sheer curtains are a popular choice for weddings, as they create a soft, romantic ambiance. You can find affordable sheer curtains at stores like IKEA or online. Consider the length of the curtains; they should be long enough to reach the floor or create the desired effect.

Gather Your Materials:

In addition to the curtains, you will need a backdrop stand. You can purchase a ready-made stand or create your own using PVC pipes and connectors. The stand should be sturdy and stable, especially if you're using heavier fabrics. Don't forget to include crossbars or curtain rods to hang the curtains.

Set Up the Backdrop Stand:

Follow the instructions provided with your stand to assemble it securely. Adjust the height to match your desired effect. If you're using a DIY stand made from PVC pipes, cut the pipes to your desired height and width, and connect them using the connectors. Ensure the stand is stable and secure, especially if you're setting it up outdoors.

Hang the Curtains:

Carefully thread the curtains onto the curtain rod or crossbar. If you're using sheer curtains, handle them with care to avoid tearing. Attach the rod or crossbar to the stand, creating a frame for your curtains. Adjust the height and positioning to achieve the desired look.

Enhance with Lights or Decorations:

Consider adding string lights to your backdrop for a warm and enchanting effect. Straighten the lights and pin them to the back of the curtains, spacing them evenly. You can also incorporate flowers, vines, or other decorations to match your wedding theme. Just ensure that any additions don't overwhelm the elegant simplicity of the curtains.

Finalize and Transport:

Once you're happy with the backdrop, make any necessary adjustments to the pins or curtains. If you need to transport the backdrop to your wedding venue, carefully roll up the curtains and lights, and cover them to protect them from dirt or dust. Set up the backdrop stand at the venue, and then hang the curtains and lights to create the perfect ambiance for your special day.

Using flowers

Planning and Materials

Before you begin, it's important to plan the size and type of stand you want to build. PVC pipes or wooden frames are commonly used for backdrop stands and can be easily sourced from local hardware stores. Consider the weight of the flowers you plan to use and choose a stand material that can support it. You will also need to decide on the type of flowers you want, such as paper, artificial, or fresh flowers. Fresh flowers will need to be sourced close to the wedding date to ensure freshness, while artificial flowers can be prepared ahead of time.

Building the Stand

The stand can be constructed using PVC pipes or wood. If you choose PVC pipes, you will need pipes of varying lengths, elbows, tee connectors, and caps. Cut the pipes to the desired lengths and assemble them following online tutorials. For a wooden stand, you will need 2" x 4" and 2" x 3" studs, carriage bolts, hinges, and other hardware. Cut the wood to size and assemble it using the hinges and bolts to create a foldable stand. Ensure your stand is sturdy and stable, especially if you plan to use heavier flowers or decorations.

Attaching Flowers

There are several ways to attach flowers to your backdrop. If using a wooden stand, you can attach flowers directly to the wood using hot glue or pins, especially if they have wire hangers. Another method is to attach the flowers to foam core boards and then hang these boards from the stand using zip ties or string. This method works well for both paper and artificial flowers. For PVC pipe stands, you can drape the pipes with fabric, sheets, or curtains, and then adhere the flowers to the fabric using hot glue or pins.

Finalizing the Backdrop

Once you have attached the flowers, it's important to step back and review your work. Ensure that the flowers are securely attached and that the backdrop stand is stable. You may need to add weights or sandbags to the stand to increase stability, especially if it will be used outdoors. Transporting the backdrop should also be considered, especially if you are moving it to a different location. Disassemble the stand if necessary and transport it in parts, protecting any delicate flowers or attachments.

Maintenance and Care

If using fresh flowers, ensure they are kept hydrated and looking vibrant for the wedding. For artificial or paper flowers, carefully pack and store them after the wedding if you plan to reuse them. For all types of flowers, be mindful of potential fire hazards, especially if using candles or other open flames nearby.

Frequently asked questions