Creating A Wedding Circle Arch: A Step-By-Step Guide

Circular wedding arches are a unique and trendy way to elevate the decor and backdrop of your wedding. They can be adapted to any style of decor or colour harmony and can be freestanding, suspended or mounted on a wall or pillar.

There are many ways to create a circular arch, from using wood and PVC pipes to repurposing hula hoops. If you're handy with tools, you can cut and assemble wood or PVC pipes into a circular arch, or you can use a bending jig to create a smooth curve for your arch. Another option is to use metal hoops or garden arches and decorate them with flowers, greenery, and fabric.

For a more cost-effective approach, you can use local wildflowers or forage greenery to decorate your arch. You can also repurpose the arch after the ceremony by using it as a photo backdrop, behind the sweetheart table, or even around the wedding cake.

Transportation and assembly are important considerations when creating a large circular arch. Ensure you have a plan for transporting the arch to the wedding venue and allow enough time for setup.

Using wood and PVC pipe

Making a circle arch for a wedding using wood and PVC pipe can be a fun DIY project. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful and stable arch for your special day.

Planning and Materials:

Before you begin, it's important to plan the size of your arch. The standard size for a wedding arch is about 56 inches wide and 7 to 8 feet high. You can adjust the dimensions based on your preferences and the space available.

For this project, you will need the following materials:

• Wood (at least 1-inch thick, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet long. You can use a longer piece, such as 4 feet, for added stability)
• PVC pipes: one 3/4-inch diameter x 10-foot long pipe, two 3/4-inch diameter x 2-foot long pipes, four 3/4-inch PVC connector elbows, and two 3/4-inch PVC connector tees.
• Sand
• Duct tape
• Spray paint (optional)
• Decorations of your choice (flowers, balloons, garlands, macrame, etc.)

Step 1: Creating the Bending Jig

Start by marking the centre point on one edge of your wood. Measure and mark the radius of the circle (half of the desired diameter) across the entire board. This line represents the centre of the pole. As PVC pipes have an outer diameter of about 1 inch, measure and mark about 1/2 inch on either side of the line.

Evenly space nails along the inner line and hammer them in. You can also hammer in two nails on the outside line at one end of the board. This will be your bending jig, which will help guide the PVC pipe into a smooth curve.

Step 2: Bending the PVC Pipe

Use duct tape to seal one end of the 10-foot PVC pipe. Fill the pipe with sand to prevent creasing and folding. Tap the pipe on the ground to compact the sand. Once full, seal the other end with duct tape.

Place one end of the sand-filled pipe into the starting point of the jig, where the two nails are. Using a heat gun, heat a 1-foot section of the pipe evenly on all sides. Be patient during this process, as it will take time for the pipe to soften.

Once the pipe is soft enough, carefully bend a small section at a time along the inside curve of the nails. Ensure that the pipe can touch the next nail without any pressure. Hammer in a nail on the outside curve to keep the pipe in place and maintain its shape. Repeat this process of heating, bending, and nailing until you reach the end of the board.

Step 3: Finalising the Curve

Once you've reached the end of the board, you'll need to shift the pipe through the jig to heat the next section. Continue this process until you've heated and bent the entire length of the pipe.

To retain the shape, re-centre the pipe on the jig and heat it up one final time, then leave it in the jig to cool for a few hours or, ideally, 24 hours.

Step 4: Creating the Base

Cut the two 2-foot PVC pipes into halves and quarters, respectively. Attach elbow connectors to both ends of the 1-foot sections. Use the tee connectors to join two 6-inch sections together. Connect all the pieces to form a rectangle, which will serve as the base of your arch.

Step 5: Assembling the Arch

Connect the curved PVC pipe to the base using the tee connectors. You may need to adjust the angle of the tees to get the perfect fit.

Step 6: Final Touches

If desired, spray paint the arch in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to dry overnight.

Now, it's time to decorate! You can use flowers, balloons, garlands, macrame, or any other decorations that suit your wedding theme.

Additional Tips:

• If you're concerned about stability, especially for outdoor weddings, consider placing the base pipes into large flower pots filled with sand or rocks to weigh them down.
• For a seamless look, you can spray paint the PVC pipe before decorating.
• Practice good workshop safety by wearing protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when using power tools and handling hot materials.

With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning circle arch for your wedding using wood and PVC pipe.

Buying a pre-made arch

If you're looking for a more convenient option, you can buy a pre-made arch. This will save you time and effort, especially if you're short on time or unsure about your crafting skills. Here are some options for purchasing a ready-made circle arch for your wedding:

• Online Marketplaces: You can find various online retailers, such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, offering a wide range of circle arches in different styles and materials. These arches typically range from $30 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the size, material, and quality. Some even come with decorations or additional features like floral arrangements or lighting.
• Specialty Wedding Suppliers: Websites like ShopWildThings offer wedding-specific products, including pre-made arches. While these options may be more expensive, they often provide a more elegant and refined look.
• Local Vendors: Depending on your location, you might be able to find local vendors or craftspeople who create custom circle arches. This option can be ideal if you want something unique and are willing to invest in a more personalised design.
• Rental Companies: If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, consider renting a circle arch from a specialty rental company. This way, you can still have a beautiful arch without the hassle of building or buying one.
• Florists and Garden Centres: Some florists and garden centres may also offer pre-made circle arches or have the necessary materials to create one. This is an excellent option if you plan to incorporate a lot of flowers or greenery into your arch design.

When buying a pre-made arch, be sure to consider the size, material, and overall aesthetic to ensure it aligns with your wedding theme and venue. Additionally, don't forget to factor in delivery or transportation costs, especially if you're ordering online.

Using hula hoops

To make a wedding arch using hula hoops, you will need the following supplies:

• Two hula hoops
• Two pool noodles
• Two votive candle holders
• Wooden dowels
• Flowers or greenery for decoration
• Hot glue
• Spray paint (optional)

Start by cutting your pool noodles into two 24-inch strips. Fill your votive candle holders with clear gems and place a wooden dowel in each end of the pool noodles. Insert the pool noodles into the candle holders.

Next, open up your hula hoops and remove any beads. Cut 6-8 inches off each side of the hula hoops and insert each side into the pool noodles. Be careful not to punch a hole in the pool noodles. Trim the hula hoops as needed to achieve your desired arch height.

If you wish to spray paint your arch, now is the time to do so. You can also add branches, garlands, and tea light holders using hot glue or floral wire.

Finally, attach your choice of flowers or greenery to the arch. You can use orchids, tulips, or calla lilies, or opt for greenery such as southern smilax, elaeagnus, or plumosa.

Your DIY hula hoop wedding arch is now complete! This project is a creative and affordable way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony and reception.

Using copper piping

Planning and Materials

First, sketch out your plan for the arch. Standard arch sizes are around 7-8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, but you can adjust the measurements based on your needs. To create an arch of this size, you'll need around 3/4" copper piping and fittings. You can find these materials at your local hardware store or online. Don't forget to purchase a pipe cutter and epoxy to cut and assemble the piping.

Cutting the Piping

Use the pipe cutter to cut the piping to size. Tighten the clamp on the pipe cutter as much as possible and spin it around the pipe to create a groove. Once you've made a groove, tighten the clamp a bit more and continue spinning until the pipe is cut through. Cut the piping into the following lengths:

• 2 x 1-1/2" pieces
• 4 x three-way tees
• 2 x 2' pipes
• 2 x 28" pieces
• 4 x copper tees

Assembling the Arch

It's easiest to assemble the arch on the floor. Start by attaching a 1-1/2" piece to a three-way tee, followed by another three-way tee. Repeat for the other side. Then, connect the two sides by attaching a 2' pipe in between. Next, attach a 28" piece on each side, followed by copper tees. Connect those pieces with another 2' piece to create a square. Repeat this process to make three total squares that will form a ladder-like structure. Finally, attach a 1-1/2" piece on each end for attaching the crossbars later.

Transporting and Setting Up

When transporting the arch to the wedding site, it's best to keep the crossbars separate for easier handling. Once you're at the site, attach the top 5' crossbars using 90-degree elbows. You can choose to skip the epoxy at this step to allow for easier adjustments. Secure the arch to the ground by tying cotton rope around the legs of the arch and tent stakes.

Decorating the Arch

On the day of the event, cut and wrap chicken wire around the corners and sides of the arch while wearing gloves for protection. Start by adding greenery to the chicken wire until it looks lush, then fill in with flowers to achieve your desired look. You can use fresh flowers from a florist or grocery store, or opt for silk flowers for a more budget-friendly option.

Additional Tips

• Consider making a prototype or small model of the arch beforehand to get a better idea of how the pieces will connect.
• If you're not confident in your soldering skills, enlist the help of someone with experience.
• Plan for transportation and assembly in advance to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the wedding.
• If you want to reuse the arch for other events, skip the epoxy when attaching the crossbars so you can easily disassemble and reassemble it.

Using PVC piping

Materials:

• Wood (at least 1in x 2ft x 2ft. You can use 1in x 2ft x 4ft)
• (1) 3/4in x 10ft PVC pipe
• (2) 3/4in x 2ft PVC pipes
• (4) 3/4in PVC Connector Elbows
• (2) 3/4in PVC Connector Tees
• (1) Rustoleum 11 oz. Rose Gold Spray Paint (or any colour of your choice)

Step 1: Making the Bending Jig

First, you need to create a bending jig to help shape the PVC pipe into a circle. Mark the centre point on one edge of your wood. Then, measure and mark the radius of the circle you want to create. This line will be the centre of the PVC pipe. As the inner diameter of the pipe is 3/4in, you should also mark about 1/2 inch on either side of the line. Evenly space your nails and hammer them along the inner line. Also, hammer two nails on the outside line at one end of the board.

Step 2: Bending the PVC Pipe

Use duct tape to seal one end of the 10ft PVC pipe. Fill the pipe with sand to prevent it from folding or creasing and to help create a smooth curve. Tape the other end closed once the pipe is full. Put one end of the pipe into the jig where the two nails are. Using a heat gun, heat a 1-foot section of the pipe evenly until it softens. Bend the pipe slowly along the inside curve of the nails. Make sure the pipe can touch the next nail without any pressure. Hammer in a nail on the outside curve to hold the pipe in place, ensuring it remains flush with the board. Repeat the process of heating, bending, and nailing until you reach the end of the board. You will need to shift the pipe through the jig about 1 foot at a time to heat the next section. Continue until you reach the end of the pipe. For the best results, re-centre the pipe on the jig and heat it one final time, then leave it to cool for a few hours. Once cool, empty out the sand.

Step 3: Making the Base of the Arch

Take one of the 2ft pipes and cut it in half. Cut the other 2ft pipe into four equal pieces. Attach elbow connectors to both ends of the 1ft sections. Use the tee connectors to join two 6in sections together. Connect all the pieces to form a rectangle that will serve as the base of your arch.

Step 4: Completing the Arch

Connect the arch to the base via the tee connectors. You may need to adjust the angle of the tees to get the arch to fit properly. Spray paint the entire structure in a well-ventilated area, waiting 10-15 minutes between coats. Let it dry overnight.

Step 5: Decoration

Your PVC circle arch is now complete and ready for decoration. You can use balloons, flowers, garlands, macrame, or any other decorations you desire. For a wedding, flowers and greenery would be a beautiful choice.

Frequently asked questions