Crafting Wedding Backdrops: Diy Wall Decorations For Your Big Day

There are many ways to make a decorative wall for a wedding. For example, you could use a chalkboard with the couple's names, wedding date, and romantic quotes, or a backdrop of written vows. You could also use a polaroid picture wall, a satin, ribbon, and lace wall, or a gold-fringed backdrop. For a more natural look, you could use a greenery garland wall, a forest-inspired backdrop, or a flower wall.

Using flowers, foliage, balloons, or streamers

Using Flowers

Flower walls are a great way to bring the outdoors inside your venue and can be used as a backdrop for your vows, a photo booth, or even as a decoration behind the dessert table. You can hire a florist to create a towering flower wall or make your own using paper flowers. If you're after a more cost-effective option, dried or artificial flowers can be used to create a luxurious look.

Using Foliage

Foliage walls, also known as greenery walls, are a popular choice for weddings. You can create your own by gluing artificial boxwood panels to a wooden backer, which can be painted to blend in with the panels. This can then be hung using command strips. You can also add foam letters to give a personal touch.

Using Balloons

Balloons are a fun and affordable way to create a statement wall at your wedding. First, inflate balloons of various sizes and attach them to a foam board base, which can be stuck to the wall or hung from the ceiling. You can then add decorative extras such as streamers, flowers, or foliage.

Using Streamers

Streamers are a simple and effective way to decorate your wedding venue. They can be hung from the ceiling to create a colourful backdrop or used to create a curtain effect. You can also incorporate them into a photo backdrop by hanging them from a frame. For a more luxurious look, try adding in some foil fringe curtains.

Decorating with fairy lights or bulbs

Fairy lights and bulbs are a great way to add a whimsical, romantic, and charming touch to your wedding decor. They can be used in a variety of ways to create a magical atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here are some ideas for decorating with fairy lights or bulbs to make a statement wall at a wedding:

Backdrops and Curtains

Fairy lights can be draped to create stunning backdrops and curtains, adding a delicate and ethereal touch to the venue. Hang them behind the ceremony altar, cake display, or head table, or use them to decorate a blank wall for an Instagram-worthy photo backdrop. For a subtle effect, hang string lights behind a layer of sheer fabric, organza, or tulle.

Canopies and Ceilings

Create a dreamy canopy of fairy lights for an outdoor wedding reception, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere. For indoor weddings, drape fairy lights meticulously across the ceiling to add depth and character to the venue. For a clear-top tent wedding, cover the ceiling with string lights to give the illusion of celebrating beneath a galaxy of stars.

Archways and Entrances

Craft a mesmerizing archway with fairy lights to set the tone for the evening celebrations. Wow your guests by decorating the venue entrance with a string light canopy or archway, creating a magical welcome.

Focal Points and Shapes

Use fairy lights to create distinctive shapes and draw attention to specific areas. Strategically place lighting decor to highlight focal points such as the wedding cake, altar, drink stations, or photo booths.

Trees and Nature

Wrap fairy lights around trees to create illuminated trees, blending nature seamlessly into your wedding decor. This idea is perfect for boho and rustic-themed weddings, adding a mesmerizing touch to the outdoor setting.

Dance Floors and Tables

For a captivating indoor setting, hang fairy lights above the dance floor or tables to create a luminous and enchanting atmosphere. Intertwine fairy lights with flowers and fabrics for a subtle yet captivating table decoration, providing a soft, romantic ambiance to the dining experience.

These ideas will help you create a stunning statement wall, adding extra sparkle and magic to your special day.

Hanging floating elements

Hanging Flowers

Suspended blooms are a trendy choice for wedding decorations, especially when combined with statement lighting to create an immersive experience for guests. Consider a flower chandelier, which mimics the shape of a chandelier or wreath, or a flower cloud, where separate bundles of blooms are suspended in a group to create a whimsical, floating effect. For a more dramatic look, an "upside-down garden" can be created by covering the entire ceiling or a large portion of it with hanging flowers, giving the illusion of a lush garden suspended above.

Hanging Greenery

Suspended greenery can transform your venue into an enchanted forest. For a simple and subtle look, opt for delicate garlands draped across the ceiling or vines climbing up walls and continuing across the ceiling. To make more of a statement, try a geometric structure adorned with greenery and blooms or an upside-down flower box filled with spring blooms.

Combining Elements

Mixing and matching different hanging elements can create a unique and captivating display. For example, combining overhead lighting, florals, and chandeliers can elevate the ambiance of the entire space. Adding hanging topiaries or paper lanterns to a chandelier and garland display can also enhance the elegance of a garden-inspired wedding.

Other Floating Elements

Balloons, paper lanterns, and disco balls are excellent alternatives to flowers and greenery. Colorful balloons can form a sculptural cluster that serves as a photo backdrop, while paper lanterns add a playful touch to the ceiling decor. Disco balls, when paired with winding vines, create a glamorous and whimsical effect that is perfect for a dance floor.

Tips for Hanging Floating Elements

When incorporating hanging floating elements into your wedding wall, here are some tips to consider:

• Check with your venue to ensure they can accommodate hanging decorations and inquire about any additional fees or stipulations.
• Consider the existing infrastructure. You may need to add cables or poles to support the arrangements, or you can use light fixtures or beams as a starting point for your design.
• Choose your flowers wisely. Consider whether you want a fluffy cloud-like effect or cascading waterfalls of flowers to inform your flower choices.
• Work with reputable vendors, such as an experienced florist and event designer, to bring your vision to life safely and successfully.

Using a backdrop of written vows

Choose a meaningful location

As mentioned earlier, a wedding wall is often the most photographed place at the venue, so choose a spot that is visually appealing and complements the theme of your wedding. Consider the lighting and surrounding decor to ensure that your vow backdrop is both aesthetically pleasing and easily visible to your guests.

Customize the design

There are several ways to incorporate your vows into the backdrop design. You can have them printed on a large canvas or banner, creating a bold and modern statement. Alternatively, you can opt for a more rustic or vintage look by using a large chalkboard or framed signage. If you want to showcase your vows in a more creative way, consider using different materials such as acrylic, wood, or fabric. You can even write your vows by hand for a more intimate and personalized touch.

Add decorative elements

Enhance the visual appeal of your vow backdrop by incorporating decorative elements that complement your wedding theme and colour palette. Consider using flowers, greenery, ribbons, lights, or other props to frame your vows and create a romantic setting. For example, you can drape fabric or fairy lights around your backdrop or place floral arrangements on either side.

Make it multi-functional

To get the most out of your vow backdrop, consider ways to incorporate it into other parts of your wedding. For instance, you can use the same sheet as an aisle runner, creating a cohesive look that ties together the ceremony and reception spaces. After the wedding, you can also display your vow backdrop at home as a cherished memento.

Include other meaningful content

In addition to your vows, you can include other meaningful content on the backdrop to make it even more special. This could include significant dates, romantic quotes, song lyrics, or even excerpts from love poems or literature. You can also add personal touches such as your names, initials, or a special symbol or motif that holds significance for you as a couple.

Final thoughts

Remember to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose a design that reflects your unique style. By incorporating your vows into the wall decoration, you will not only create a beautiful visual focal point but also add a deeply personal touch to your wedding ceremony.

Creating a Polaroid picture wall

Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme:

First, gather all your Polaroid pictures and decide on a theme or colour scheme. For a wedding, you may want to choose a romantic or rustic theme, or perhaps a specific colour palette that matches your wedding colours.

Select an Appropriate Wall:

Choose a blank wall that you want to decorate. Consider the size of the wall and the number of pictures you have to ensure they will fit nicely. Use painter's tape to measure and mark out the placement of each photo. This will help you visualise your design before you start hanging the pictures.

Hanging the Pictures:

There are several ways to hang your Polaroids:

• Adhesive Tape or Dots: You can use double-sided tape or glue dots to stick the pictures directly onto the wall. This method is simple and effective, but be sure to plan your layout carefully so you don't have to peel them off and reposition them.
• String and Pegs: For a rustic or bohemian look, hang a length of string or twine horizontally or vertically across the wall, and attach your Polaroids with mini wooden or metal pegs. You can add weight to the bottom of a vertical string to keep it in place.
• Boards: You can display your Polaroids on a pinboard, plastic board, or magnetic board. These options offer more flexibility, as you can easily move and rearrange your photos. You can also add decorative elements like coloured pins, stickers, or magnets.

Enhance with Decorative Elements:

Consider adding fairy lights, wall decals, or other decorative items to enhance your Polaroid wall. These extra touches will create a charming and personalised display that your wedding guests will love.

Arrange the Photos:

You can arrange the photos in a few different ways: neatly in a row, with all the photos the same size; or mix it up with different sizes to create a dynamic look. You can also go for a chaotic arrangement or a balanced composition—whatever suits your style and the overall wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions