Crafting A Wedding Column: A Guide To Making Memorable Moments

Wedding columns create a focal point for your ceremony and typically there are two, one on either side of the aisle. Real columns can be made of wood, stone, or iron, and can be expensive to buy or rent. However, you can design and build your own wedding columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets from craft stores. This will cost between $40.00-$80.00. You can also buy plastic foam shapes, including balls or spheres, to enhance the look of your column.

Sourcing materials

The materials you will need to make a column for a wedding can be found at your local craft store or online.

For a simple and affordable option, you can use styrofoam or plastic foam sheets to design and build the columns. You will need a total of 10 plastic foam sheets of different thicknesses: 8 sheets of 36 by 12 by 1/2 inches, and 2 sheets of 36 by 12 by 2 inches. Additionally, you will need 2 plastic foam balls with a diameter of 10 inches. Make sure to also get plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun to adhere the pieces together.

To give your columns a more elegant and realistic finish, you can use stone-texture spray paint. This will create the illusion of stone columns without the high cost. You can further enhance the appearance of your columns with decorations such as silk flowers, lace, or ivy. These decorative elements can be sourced from craft stores or florists.

If you are looking for a more convenient option, there are also pre-made column sets available for purchase online. These sets typically include multiple columns and may come in a variety of colours and styles, such as Roman or Greek-inspired designs. Some sets even include LED lights or flower vases built into the columns. The prices for these sets can vary depending on the quantity, quality, and style, but they generally range from $20 to $150.

Building the structure

To build cheap columns for a wedding, you will need the following:

• 8 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 1/2"
• 2 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 2"
• 2 10-inch plastic foam balls
• Plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun
• Stone-texture spray paint

You will also need a flat surface to work on, and a hardcover book will be useful.

Begin by using a serrated knife to saw the two 36" by 12" by 2" sheets in half widthwise. These four smaller sheets will be the tops and bases of the columns. Place one of these sheets onto your flat surface and glue four of the 36" by 12" by 1/2" sheets to its edges. Glue two of the 36" edges together to form a 90-degree angle, and repeat this process until you have four column walls.

Wait 20 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry. Place a hardcover book inside the column to weigh it down and ensure it won't be knocked over by wind.

Next, cover the edges of the top piece with glue. Hold the glue gun at a 10-degree angle and gently apply glue along the edges. Secure this piece to the top of the column walls. Centre the foam ball in the middle of the top piece and glue it down.

Spray paint the columns with the stone-texture paint. Once dry, decorate the columns with silk flowers, ivy, or lace.

Adding weight

To add weight to your wedding columns and ensure they are sturdy, you can follow these steps:

First, cut the 12 by 36 by 2-inch sheets in half width-wise with a serrated knife. These smaller sheets will form the tops and bases of your columns. Then, on a flat surface, glue the four 12 by 36 by 1/2-inch sheets to one of the base sheets along their 12-inch edges. Be sure to use plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun for this step. Join two of the 36-inch edges together to create a 90-degree angle, and repeat this process until you have four walls for your column.

Next, wait for the glue to dry. This should take around 20 minutes to an hour. Once the glue is dry, place a hardcover book inside the column to add weight and ensure it doesn't get knocked over easily.

Now you can add the top piece. Cover the edges of the top piece with glue, holding the glue gun at a 10-degree angle and gently applying glue to the edges. Securely attach the top piece to the walls of the column.

Finally, use a plastic foam ball as an accent piece by centering and gluing it to the middle of the top piece. This will finish your column and give it a polished look.

By following these steps and adding weight to your columns, you can ensure that they are stable and secure for your wedding decorations.

Embellishments

Lanterns

Add a unique touch to your wedding columns by incorporating lanterns as embellishments. You can use copper and glass lanterns etched with the names and table assignments of your guests, creating a functional and decorative piece. Place greenery and flowers inside the lanterns to tie them into your overall floral theme. This idea adds a warm and inviting element to your wedding decor.

Floral Arrangements

Flowers are a classic choice for wedding embellishments and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your columns. Consider wrapping greenery and flowers around the base of the columns or incorporating them into any surrounding decor. For a more subtle approach, place small vases or bottles with a few flowers or greens on top of or around the columns. You can also hang floral arrangements from the columns for a dramatic effect.

Candles

Incorporate candles as embellishments to add a romantic and intimate atmosphere to your wedding. Place candles of varying heights and sizes around the base of the columns to create a soft glow. For a cohesive look, choose candle colours that complement your wedding theme and florals. You can also use candles in combination with florals for a stunning visual display.

Personalised Details

Customise your wedding columns with personalised details that reflect your style and theme. Consider etching your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote onto the columns or any surrounding decor. You can also incorporate welcome signs with metal frames adorned with greenery and flowers. These personalised touches will make your columns even more special and memorable.

Greenery

If you're looking for a more natural and organic approach to embellishments, consider using greenery. Wrap greenery around the columns or intertwine it with any floral arrangements you have. You can also create a backdrop of greenery behind the columns or drape it from above for a whimsical effect. Greenery adds texture and a pop of colour while still maintaining a subtle elegance.

These ideas can be mixed and matched to create a stunning and personalised display for your wedding columns. Get creative and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired look.

Decoration

The decoration of your wedding columns is a fun part of the process and a great way to express your creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Firstly, consider the colour scheme and overall theme of your wedding. Do you want the columns to be a statement piece, or to blend in with the surrounding decor? Choose a colour or style that will complement your wedding palette. You can opt for a classic white or ivory, or go for something bolder like gold.

For a simple, elegant look, drape lace or ivy around the columns. This adds a romantic, whimsical touch to the overall aesthetic. You could also try wrapping fairy lights or string lights around the columns for a soft, magical glow.

If you want to add some height and dimension to your columns, consider topping them with an accent piece like a plastic foam ball, and then gluing silk flowers around it. Fresh flowers would also work well here, but be mindful that they may wilt throughout the day.

For a unique, modern twist, try using neon signs as part of your column display. You could have your new married name in lights, or a romantic saying that reflects your relationship.

For a natural, rustic vibe, opt for a wooden column, or decorate with dried flowers and pampas grass. This will give a soft, bohemian feel to your wedding.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a look that's truly yours.

Frequently asked questions