Creating A Wedding Arch: Cardboard Archway Diy

A DIY wedding arch is a unique and elegant addition to any ceremony. It can be made from various materials, such as boxwood, balloons, grass, iron, or even cardboard. Building your own wedding arch can be a fun and creative way to save money while personalizing your decoration.

If you're looking to create a round wedding arch out of cardboard, here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Source two cardboard sheets, each measuring at least 8 feet by 8 feet. You can visit a building supply, furniture, or home supply store to get your cardboard.

2. Use a ruler to measure and mark 1 foot to the right and left sides of each sheet.

3. Place the ruler vertically on one of the marks and use a marker to trace a straight line. Repeat this process to create 6-foot-long lines on all the marks.

4. Draw an upward curve connecting the left and right lines on each sheet. You may need to attempt this a few times to get an even curve. Once satisfied, trace over the curve with a marker.

5. Round the top left and right corners of each sheet into an arch using a pencil, then trace over with a marker. You should now have the outlines of two arches.

6. Cut along the marked lines with sharp scissors or a box cutter.

7. Secure a 48-inch wooden dowel rod onto the back of each leg of the arches with clear duct tape. These will provide support and prevent the cardboard from bending.

8. Decorate your arches with paint, glitter, ribbons, or balloons. Allow ample time for the paint to dry.

9. Cut two 1-foot-by-1-foot cardboard pieces diagonally to create four triangle pieces. Tape one triangle piece to the centre base of each leg for additional support.

10. Line up the arches and attach their feet to two 1-foot-by-2-foot cardboard pieces.

11. Carefully stand up your arch. You may need assistance or lean it against a wall.

12. Secure nine 1-foot-by-1-foot cardboard pieces between the arches, attaching them firmly together.

13. If desired, tape balloons to your arch.

Your round cardboard wedding arch is now complete and ready for its special day!

Gather cardboard and cut to size

To make a round arch for a wedding out of cardboard, you'll need to start by gathering the necessary materials. Visit a building supply, furniture, or home supply store to get your cardboard. Ask an employee for large extra boxes. Most stores that sell furniture or large building supplies will have leftover packing boxes that you can take for free. If you can find boxes that have packed doors, that would be ideal.

You will need two cardboard sheets that are at least 8 feet by 8 feet in size. Additionally, you will require sharp scissors or a box cutter, wooden dowels of varying lengths and diameters, and clear duct tape.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can begin cutting the cardboard to the required sizes. Use a box cutter and a ruler to cut the cardboard down to the desired dimensions. For the base of your arch, you will need two 8-foot-by-8-foot cardboard sheets. Mark 1 foot from each side of the sheets and draw vertical lines to create 6-foot lines. Then, draw an upward curve connecting the lines to form the inward curve of your arch. Round the top corners to create an arch shape and trace over the final lines with a marker. Repeat this process to outline two arches on your cardboard sheets.

Cut along the marked lines to create the arch shape. You will also need to cut the wooden dowels to the required lengths. Now you are ready to start assembling your arch!

Assemble the arch

Now that you have all the pieces cut out, it's time to assemble the arch.

First, secure a 48-inch dowel rod onto the back of each leg of the arches with clear duct tape. These will provide support and prevent the cardboard from bending. Next, attach a 12-inch dowel rod on either side of the top of each arch, making sure they cover most of the length.

Now, decorate your arch to your liking. Paint, glitter, and ribbons are all great options. If you want to include balloons, wait until the end of the project to attach them. Be sure to allow ample time for the paint to dry.

Once the paint is dry, cut two of your 1-foot by 1-foot cardboard pieces in half diagonally to create four triangles. Tape one triangle piece to the centre base of each leg of your arches at a 90-degree angle. These will provide additional support when the arch is standing.

Line up your arches and attach the feet of the arches to the 2-foot by 1-foot cardboard pieces. The feet should fit snugly. Stand up your arch carefully—you may need to lean it against a wall for support.

Finally, secure the remaining 1-foot by 1-foot cardboard pieces between your arches, attaching the two pieces together. The best way to do this is to tape one piece to each arch at the top while standing on a chair or stool, and then tape the remaining pieces down the sides.

And there you have it—your very own round arch made of cardboard!

Decorate with paint, glitter, ribbons, or balloons

Once you've made your arch, it's time to decorate! Paint is a great way to add colour and personality to your arch. You can use any type of paint that you like, but acrylic paint will give you the most vibrant results. Get creative with your colour choices and consider using multiple colours to create a fun and festive look. Don't forget to let the paint dry completely before handling the arch or adding any additional decorations.

Glitter is another way to add some sparkle and glamour to your arch. You can use glue to adhere the glitter to the arch, or you can use glitter spray paint for a more even coating. If you're using glue, be sure to sprinkle the glitter on while the glue is still wet, and shake off any excess.

Ribbons can be used to add texture and movement to your arch. You can drape them across the arch, tie them in bows, or even create a ribbon backdrop by attaching ribbons to the top of the arch and letting them hang down. If you're using balloons, you can also tie ribbons to the balloon strings for an extra festive touch.

Balloons are a fun and playful addition to your arch. You can blow them up yourself or use an electric balloon pump to speed up the process. To create a balloon arch, blow up your balloons and tie a knot at the end, then slip the knot through one of the holes in a balloon decorating strip. Alternate balloon colours and directions to create a visually appealing display. Once you've filled the strip, cut it to the desired length and tie strings to each end to attach it to your arch. You can also add mini balloons to fill in any gaps.

Stabilise the arch with weights

To stabilise the arch with weights, you can use a variety of materials and creative approaches to ensure it doesn't topple over. Here are some detailed steps and ideas to achieve this:

Firstly, consider the weight options available to you. Sandbags, bricks, concrete blocks, and metal weights can all serve as effective stabilising agents. Choose the option that aligns with your theme and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. For instance, if you're going for a rustic, bohemian look, opt for sandbags wrapped in burlap and adorned with greenery. Alternatively, for a modern and sleek appearance, metal weights with LED lights will make a stylish statement.

Now, let's discuss placement. It's important to position these weights on a solid base to maximise their stabilising effect. If your wedding arch has metal weights, ensure they are securely attached to the structure. Additionally, consider the overall weight distribution. Evenly distribute the weights to create a balanced arch that can withstand potential toppling forces.

If you're working with a limited budget, there are still ways to stabilise your arch effectively. For a minimalist look, use red brick bases. The bricks will provide stability while also contributing to the overall design. This approach is cost-effective and can be enhanced with creative decorations.

Another innovative and affordable solution is to use logs as a stabilising element. Drill a hole in the centre of the logs, ensuring it's large enough to accommodate your arch stands. Then, fill the remaining space with cement to create a tight and secure hold. This method not only stabilises your arch but also adds a rustic charm to your wedding decor.

Finally, for outdoor weddings, you can utilise the power of nature to stabilise your arch. Push a metal bridal arch firmly into the grass, ensuring it's deep enough to provide stability. The deeper you push it in, the more stable it will become. You can also anchor the arch with tent pegs or metal anchors, especially if you anticipate windy conditions.

By following these steps and choosing the right weights and stabilising techniques, you can ensure your cardboard round arch is sturdy and safe, providing the perfect backdrop for those memorable wedding photos.

Transport and set up the arch

Transporting and setting up your DIY wedding arch may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, it can be a breeze! Here are some tips to help you get started:

Disassemble for Transport:

First, consider the size of your vehicle and whether the arch will fit in one piece. If not, it's a good idea to disassemble it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Mark the tops of the legs and their corresponding connection points for easier reassembly. Then, carefully detach the legs and any diagonal supports from the frame. This should give you separate pieces that are easier to transport.

Protect the Arch During Transport:

When loading the arch into your vehicle, be gentle and avoid placing heavy items on top of it. You can use blankets or bubble wrap to cushion the arch and protect it from scratches or damage during transport. Make sure everything is securely loaded and won't shift or fall over while driving.

Reassemble at the Venue:

Once you arrive at the venue, carefully unload the arch pieces and lay them out. If you marked the connection points earlier, match them up and begin reassembling the arch. Use the appropriate tools to secure the pieces back together, following the reverse of your original assembly process.

Set Up the Arch:

Choose a stable and level surface for your arch. If it's a windy day or the ground is uneven, consider staking the arch to the ground for added stability. You can use metal stakes that attach to the backside of the posts. If you're setting up on grass, you can use stained 2x2s or 1x2s between the legs for extra support, which will be mostly hidden from view.

Final Touches:

Once the arch is securely in place, it's time for the finishing touches! Add any decorations, such as balloons, ribbons, flowers, or drapery. Ensure that any fabric or decorations are evenly distributed and securely attached. Step back and admire your handiwork!

Your DIY wedding arch is now ready to serve as a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and create lasting memories for the happy couple. Enjoy the celebration and don't forget to capture plenty of photos in front of the arch!

Frequently asked questions