Create A Lush Wedding Backdrop With A Greenery Wall

A greenery wall is a popular choice for weddings, adding a unique touch to your special day. They are highly customisable and can be used to suit a range of themes and styles. You can create a greenery wall using either faux or preserved greenery, and they can be made easily and affordably. To make a greenery wall, you will need materials such as plywood, hinges, hardware, and, of course, greenery mats or panels. The process involves cutting and assembling the plywood, installing any necessary fixtures, and stapling the greenery panels in place. Greenery walls can be used as backdrops for photos, decorative accents, or to cover up unsightly areas. With some creativity and effort, you can create a stunning greenery wall that will impress your wedding guests and create lasting memories.

Choosing your greenery

When it comes to selecting the greenery for your wedding wall, you have a few options. You can choose between faux or preserved greenery, or a combination of both. Faux greenery is a cost-effective and low-maintenance option that will add a natural touch to your wedding without breaking the bank. Preserved greenery, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious and fragrant option, but it can be more expensive and may not last as long.

If you decide to go with faux greenery, you'll find that most options come in 12x12 or 20x20 pieces that you can connect to create your desired backdrop size. You can also find larger sheets of 4ft by 6-8ft that will create a seamless and high-quality look. This option is great if you want to avoid any visible connections between the pieces.

Another important consideration is the colour and dimension of your greenery. Classic boxwood greenery is a popular choice and offers a classy look. However, you can also add variety with palm leaves, small white flowers, or dimensional boxwood in different shades of green. This will create a more vibrant and textured look that is sure to impress your guests.

When choosing your greenery, it's also essential to keep in mind the overall theme and style of your wedding. Do you want a refined and elegant look, or something more wild and natural? You can use greenery walls to frame a photo wall or altar, adding a stunning visual element to your wedding venue.

Additionally, consider the size and scope of your project. How much greenery you will need will depend on the size of your wall and the desired level of coverage. It's always better to have slightly more than you think you need to ensure a full and lush look.

Connecting the backdrop

The second step in making a greenery wall for a wedding is connecting the backdrop. For this step, you will need to connect each smaller piece of the greenery wall to make a larger backdrop. This is a customisable step, as you can adjust the size of the backdrop based on your needs.

For example, you can offer an 8ft by 8ft option for larger events, or a 4ft by 6ft option for smaller parties. If you are using balloons, remember that the dimensions will be much bigger.

To connect the backdrop, you can use zip ties to create more longevity and make the wall more resilient and easier to move.

Cutting and painting plywood

To make a greenery wall for a wedding, you will need two or more panels of plywood to act as a sturdy base for the greenery to attach to. Now, let's go through the steps for cutting and painting plywood for your wedding backdrop.

Cutting Plywood:

Before you begin cutting, decide how large you want your wall to be and purchase enough plywood panels accordingly. You can cut plywood with a handsaw, jigsaw, table saw, or circular saw. Here are the steps to follow for each method:

• Handsaw: Start with a sharp saw blade. A miter handsaw is ideal for smaller cuts. For longer cuts that need to be straight, use a stiff board as a jig to guide your saw blade. Clamp the board along your cut line and only cut on the push motion of the saw, not the pull motion.
• Jigsaw: Select a jigsaw blade with 20 teeth per inch with inline teeth. Ensure the jigsaw's cord is long enough to reach your work area. Lock the angle or depth adjustment knobs before cutting.
• Table Saw: This method is dangerous for a full-size sheet of plywood, so get someone to help you. Set the blade height as high as it will go and lay the good edge of the plywood face-up. Have someone catch the board at the other end without putting pressure on it, which could prevent a straight cut.
• Circular Saw: Use a basic circular saw with inexpensive cutting guides, such as the Kreg Rip Cut and Accu-Cut, to break down a full plywood sheet. Place the plywood on a set of sawhorses or on the ground on top of a 4' x 8' sheet of 2" foam. Set the blade depth so it doesn't contact the ground and glides through the foam while cutting the wood. Clamp a board along the length of the plywood to use as a guide for a straight cut.

Painting Plywood:

Before painting, prepare the plywood surface by sanding it and wiping it down to clear any wood dust. Here are the steps to paint your plywood:

• Clean the Plywood Surface: Use a smooth-bristled brush to gently remove dust and debris from the plywood surface. Follow this with a damp cloth if necessary.
• Apply Wood Filler: Use a filling blade or filling knife to fill any dents, exposed nails, or bumps. Let the filler dry overnight or as recommended by the manufacturer. Reapply if necessary to achieve a smooth surface.
• Sand the Plywood Surface: Use 180-220 fine-grit sandpaper to sand down any additional bumps or lumps created by the wood filler. Wipe the plywood surface again to remove dust.
• Apply Primer Coat: Add a primer coat to ensure the colour of your paint isn't impacted by the colour of the plywood. Apply multiple coats if necessary, sanding between coats to maintain a smooth surface.
• Apply Paint: Use a brush for the outside edges and a roller for an even finish. Apply light coats with multiple applications to avoid runs.
• Apply Paint Sealant: Once your paint is dry, review your work and touch up any areas as needed. Add a layer of paint sealant, especially if the plywood will be used outdoors or for furniture. Seal all exposed edges to protect your paint coatings from dust and contaminants.

Your painted plywood is now ready to be used as a base for your wedding greenery wall!

Installing the backdrop

The first step in installing your greenery wall backdrop is to decide where you want to place it. If you're using it as a photo backdrop, you'll need to secure it to a wall or fixture to avoid tipping over. You may also want to place it in an area designated for a photo booth or behind the guest(s) of honour's table.

Once you've chosen the perfect spot, it's time to start assembling the backdrop. If you've purchased or created a rollable backdrop, you can simply unroll it and attach it to a photo backdrop stand or hang it against a wall using zip ties or nails.

For a more permanent installation, you'll need to follow these steps:

Cut the Plywood to Size:

Determine the desired size of your backdrop and cut your plywood or OSB backboard to the correct dimensions.

Paint the Plywood:

Slap on some green paint. You don't need to be neat, but make sure to paint the sides and edges, especially if your backdrop will be used indoors.

Drill Holes and Install the Backboard:

If you need holes in the backboard for plugs, light fixtures, or other additions, cut them out now. Then, install the backboard by screwing it into the wall or using L-brackets to anchor it.

Install any Fixtures:

If you plan to include any fixtures like a dartboard or a water feature, install them now.

Staple the Greenery Panels:

Time to bring your backdrop to life! Connect the greenery panels together, then staple them to the backboard. Make sure to leave a small gap behind the board for extension cords if needed.

Add any Final Touches:

Once your backdrop is covered in greenery, trim any excess, secure any loose panels, and cover any gaps or holes with scraps of greenery.

And that's it! You now have a stunning greenery wall backdrop that will add a unique touch to your wedding or event.

Adding decorative elements

Flowers

Flowers are a great way to add colour and elegance to your greenery wall. You can use faux flowers or fresh flowers, depending on your preference and the overall style of your wedding. If you opt for fresh flowers, be sure to trim the stems to about two to three inches in length before sticking them into your greenery wall. You can also staple the stems to secure them. Choose flowers that fit the theme and colour scheme of your wedding, such as peonies for a wild and lush look, or roses and hydrangeas for a refined garden party feel.

Neon Signs

For a trendy touch, consider adding a neon sign to your greenery wall. This can be a fun way to incorporate your wedding hashtag or a cute saying that reflects your personality as a couple.

String Lights

String lights can add a magical, glowing effect to your greenery wall. This is especially beautiful for an evening wedding, as the lights will twinkle in the background of your photos.

Butterflies

For a fun and whimsical touch, add some faux butterflies to your greenery wall. This is especially fitting for a springtime wedding.

Silk Flowers and Garlands

If you want to enhance the lush look of your greenery wall, consider adding some silk flowers or garlands. This can be a cost-effective way to add volume and texture to your design.

Feathers

For something unique and unexpected, try incorporating feathers into your greenery wall. This can add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your design.

Curtains

If you want to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere, consider adding curtains to the sides of your greenery wall. This can be a beautiful way to frame the space and create a soft, dreamy backdrop for photos.

Decorative Birds

For a natural and whimsical touch, add some decorative birds to your greenery wall. This can be especially fitting if you're having a garden wedding or a wedding with a nature theme.

Battery-Powered Candles

For a stunning and safe alternative to real candles, consider using battery-powered candles on your greenery wall. This can add a warm and inviting ambiance to your wedding décor.

Remember, you can also keep it simple and forgo additional decorative elements if you feel the greenery or florals look best on their own. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect combination of elements that reflects your unique style.

Frequently asked questions