Creating A Wedding Arbor Using Tree Branches

Wedding arches are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be made from a variety of materials, but one way to achieve a rustic, natural look is to make a wedding arbor from branches. This DIY project can save you money, and the end result will be a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony and photos.

Choosing and cutting the wood

The first step is to gather your materials and lay out your wood so you can visualise the building process. For a simple arbor, you will need:

• Two 10-foot 2" x 4" boards
• Two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards
• Three 8-foot 2" x 6" boards
• Screws
• Stain or paint
• A circular saw or hand saw, and/or a mitre saw

If you want to add fabric or flowers to your arbor, you will need additional materials such as:

• Floral decorations
• Fabric or drapery
• A staplegun

Once you have your materials, you can begin measuring and cutting your wood to the correct sizes. Using a straight edge, mark and draw lines on your boards to indicate where you will be cutting. For a basic arbor, you will need to cut your wood to the following sizes:

• Two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards (cut to create angled edges)
• Two 8-foot 2" x 6" boards (cut to 86" tall for vertical side pieces)
• One 8-foot 2" x 6" board (cut in half for base pieces)
• Four 28" pieces from the 10-foot 2" x 4" board (cut with 45-degree angles on each end for angled brace pieces)
• Two 28" pieces from the 2" x 4" board (cut with 45-degree angles for angled braces at the top of the arbor)

When cutting your wood, it is important to be precise and to double-check your measurements before cutting. As the saying goes, "measure twice, cut once"!

After cutting your wood to the correct sizes, you can begin assembling your arbor by screwing the pieces together. Layer and screw the boards together, being careful not to inset the screws too much to avoid having the sharp ends come through the other side. You may also want to consider the placement of your screws to avoid screwing into the same spots and to create a neat, rustic look.

Once your arbor is constructed, you can paint or stain it to your desired colour or finish. Be sure to follow the directions on the can for the best results.

Now that your arbor is built, you can add any desired decorations, such as fabric, drapery, or floral arrangements. Get creative and make it your own!

Assembling the frame

To assemble the frame, you will need:

• Two 10-foot 2" x 4" boards
• Two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards
• Three 8-foot 2" x 6" boards
• Screws
• A circular saw (or hand saw) and/or a mitre saw

Start by laying out your wood so you can visualise the finished product. The two 10-foot 2" x 6" boards will be the horizontal top pieces. On these boards, mark 20" in from each end, and then mark 10 1/2" in from the ends. Using a straight edge, draw a line from the end of the board to the opposite side of the board at the 10 1/2" mark. When drawing your lines for the angled edges of the top piece, make sure you draw your angles opposite of each other so the ends point outward. Double-check your lines before cutting!

Now, cut along the line to make the angled edges of the top boards. Once you have cut all four angled ends, set those boards aside.

Next, we will move on to the vertical side pieces. Cut the two 8-foot 2" x 6" pieces down to 86" tall. Now, layer the boards to assemble the top part. Start by laying down one of the top angle pieces. Then, lay down the vertical pieces on top of the angled horizontal piece, lining them up with the 20" line and squaring them up. Be sure to place them inside of the 20" line so that the space between the angle and the vertical piece is about 4". Screw them into place, making sure not to inset the screws too much. Screw in both vertical pieces onto the horizontal angled piece.

Now, place the other horizontal angled board on top of the boards you just screwed together. Screw these boards together. To ensure you don't screw into the other screws, try screwing these ones in a North, South, East, West pattern.

Now, moving on to the base pieces. Using the remaining 8-foot 2" x 6" board, cut it in half for the base pieces of the arbor. Mark the centre of the baseboards so you know where to screw them into the vertical pieces. Screw the base pieces to the bottom of the vertical boards. Make sure you get the screws all the way in so your base pieces sit flat.

Once you have the base pieces screwed on, it’s time to move onto the angled brace pieces! For these, you will need to cut 4 angled pieces (2 per side) from the 10-foot 2" x 4" board. Start by cutting 4 pieces, each one 28" long. Then, using a mitre saw, cut a 45-degree angle on each end on the flat side of the wood. Now, toenail the screw into the base pieces so they’re nice and secure.

Both bases should now be complete! Now we’re going to move on to the angled braces at the top of the arbor. For these pieces, you’re going to use the 2" x 4" board and cut two pieces that are 28" long. Cut them at a 45-degree angle, and then cut the other end of the board at the opposite angle. Then, measure 17 1/2" down from the bottom of the horizontal piece on the top and mark it on your vertical board. This brace piece is going to be flush with the vertical piece but pushed up snug between the top two pieces of the arbor. Toenail the board in (from the back so no screwheads are visible). Add a screw at the top in the horizontal board (once again, make sure it’s from the back so no screwheads are seen).

Your arbor is now completely constructed! If you’re going to paint or stain your arbor, now is the time.

Adding a base

Materials:

• One 8-foot 2" x 6" board
• Screws
• Stain or paint (optional)
• Circular saw or hand saw

Step 1: Cut the Base Pieces:

Using the 8-foot 2" x 6" board, cut it in half to create two equal-length pieces that will serve as the base of your arbor. Ensure that the pieces are straight and even to provide a stable foundation.

Step 2: Mark the Center of the Base Boards:

Before attaching the base pieces to the vertical structures, mark the center of each baseboard. This will help you identify the exact location for screwing them into the vertical boards.

Step 3: Screw the Base Pieces:

Now, it's time to attach the base pieces to the vertical boards. Screw the base pieces into the bottom of the vertical boards securely. Make sure the screws are fully inserted so that the base pieces lie flat and provide a stable foundation.

Step 4: Optional – Stain or Paint:

If you want to add a personal touch or match a specific theme, you can stain or paint your wedding arbor. It's recommended to use a stain like Minwax Espresso and follow the directions on the can for the best results.

Step 5: Finalize the Construction:

With the base pieces securely attached, your wedding arbor is now ready for further decoration. You can choose to wrap it with fabric, adorn it with flowers and greenery, or leave it as a beautiful rustic element at your wedding ceremony.

Remember to consider the overall theme and style of your wedding when decorating the arbor, and feel free to get creative! You can also add fabric, lights, or other decorative elements to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Attaching braces

Cutting the Braces:

• For the braces, you will need the 2" x 4" boards.
• Cut four pieces from these boards, each measuring 28" long.
• Using a mitre saw, cut both ends of each piece at a 45-degree angle. This will create angled ends that will be attached to the arbor's base and vertical pieces.

Attaching the Braces to the Base:

Toenail the braces into the base pieces for a secure hold. Ensure the braces are flush with the base and securely attached.

Attaching the Braces to the Vertical Pieces:

• Measure 17 1/2" up from the bottom of the vertical pieces and mark this spot.
• Position the braces so they are flush with the vertical pieces and snugly fit between the top horizontal pieces of the arbor.
• Toenail the braces into the vertical pieces from the back to avoid visible screwheads.
• Add a screw at the top, screwing into the horizontal piece from the back to ensure no screwheads are visible.

Now that the braces are attached, your arbor is structurally complete! You can choose to paint or stain the arbor to match your wedding theme or leave it as is for a rustic look.

Remember to take precautions when using power tools and always measure twice, cut once!

Decorating the arbor

Now that the wedding arbor is constructed, it's time to decorate it! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are classic choices for wedding arbor decorations. You can choose flowers that match the bride's bouquet or the wedding's colour theme. Roses, ranunculus, hydrangeas, ivy, dahlias, anemones, peonies, lemon leaf, silver dollar eucalyptus, myrtle, carnations, and daisies are all popular choices. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own floral arrangements.

Fabric and Drapery

Fabric and drapery can add a whimsical or elegant touch to your arbor. White drapery or fabric in shades that complement the wedding's colour scheme can be draped or wrapped around the arbor. For a beach wedding, consider using gauzy fabrics.

Lights and Chandeliers

For an evening wedding, consider adding string lights or hanging votive candles to your arbor to create a romantic and fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Just be sure to check with your venue beforehand to ensure open flames are allowed.

Personalized Touches

Incorporate personalized elements that reflect the couple's personality and style. This could include a hand-painted quote on canvas, vintage photo frames, or even a chandelier for a whimsical touch.

Natural Elements

If your wedding is taking place outdoors, incorporate natural elements such as tree branches, leaves, or seashells into your arbor decorations. For a fall wedding, consider using rich velvet fabric and hanging vines to create a cosy and dreamy atmosphere.

Colourful Accents

Add a pop of colour to your arbor with colourful accents such as ribbons, pom-poms, or paper honeycomb. This is a great way to make your arbor stand out, especially if you're using a simple wooden structure.

Remember to allow your arbor to breathe and avoid covering all areas completely with fabric or flowers. You can also enhance the overall aesthetic by ensuring that your decorations complement the wedding's theme and colour scheme.

Frequently asked questions