Creating A Dreamy Wedding Backdrop For The Perfect Dinner

Wedding backdrops are a crucial design element, framing the newlyweds as they exchange vows and serving as a focal point for guests. While some opt for natural scenery, like a roaring ocean or mountain range, others prefer a more intricate setup. A well-designed backdrop can elevate a simple venue, and with a bit of creativity, you can easily make your own. Whether it's a rustic wooden pallet with fresh greenery and string lights or a sophisticated floral installation, a DIY wedding backdrop is a rewarding project that will make your celebration unique and memorable.

Simple wooden backdrops

Wooden backdrops are a great way to add a rustic , yet elegant touch to your wedding dinner. Here are some ideas to create a beautiful wooden backdrop for your special day:

Rustic Wooden Arch

Create a beautiful rustic wooden arch by using natural wood branches or logs. You can find wood with a natural curve to form the arch, or you can join straight pieces of wood together to create the desired shape. Decorate the arch with greenery, flowers, or fairy lights to add a whimsical touch. This backdrop will create a romantic atmosphere for your dinner and can also be used as a photo backdrop for you and your guests.

Wooden Pallet Wall

For a more rustic and industrial look, consider creating a backdrop using wooden pallets. You can join several wooden pallets together to form a large wall. Stain or paint the pallets in your wedding colours, or leave them in their natural state for a more rustic feel. Add some hanging lights or drape fabric over the pallets for a softer look. This backdrop will definitely make an impression and can also be used as a ceremony backdrop.

Freestanding Wooden Panels

Another option is to create a freestanding wooden backdrop using individual wooden panels. You can vary the height and width of the panels to add visual interest, and stain or paint them in different shades to create a unique look. This backdrop can be easily moved and rearranged, making it a versatile choice. Add some floral arrangements or greenery to soften the look and tie it into your wedding theme.

Personalized Wooden Sign

A personalized wooden sign is a perfect way to add a special touch to your wedding dinner. Spell out your names, your wedding date, or a meaningful quote on a large wooden sign. You can decorate the sign with flowers, fairy lights, or other decorative elements. This simple yet effective backdrop will add a warm and intimate feel to your dinner and can also be used as a photo prop.

Wooden Backdrop with Greenery

Combine the beauty of wood with the freshness of greenery to create a stunning wooden backdrop. You can use a variety of wooden elements such as pallets, panels, or a simple wooden frame, and then add an abundance of greenery. Hang greenery from the top or allow it to drape down the sides. You can also incorporate flowers or hanging lights to add more colour and texture. This backdrop will bring the outdoors in and create a magical atmosphere for your wedding dinner.

Floral installations

A floral backdrop is a perfect way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding dinner. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating a stunning floral installation:

Hanging Flower Installation:

This idea is perfect if you want a statement piece at your wedding. You will need a wooden frame with chicken wire stapled to the back, a drill, picture hanging wire, wire rope loop clamps, and wholesale flowers of your choice.

First, decide how far down you want the structure to hang from the ceiling and cut the picture wire to the desired length plus an extra 4-6 inches for looping and tying. Then, create a loop with the wire and the clamps, and attach these to cup hooks screwed into the ceiling. To hang the flowers, simply wrap and knot fishing wire or clear tape around the end of each flower stem and attach them to the chicken wire, placing them sporadically.

PVC Pipe Stand:

For this backdrop idea, you will need PVC pipes of various lengths, female tee connectors, female elbow connectors, a cross connector, PVC caps, and flowers. You can attach the flowers to the pipe using hot glue or wire. Drape the pipe with fabric, sheets, or curtains, and attach flowers directly to the fabric using hot glue or pins if they have a wire hanger.

Plywood Chalkboard Backdrop:

Building a plywood backdrop takes a bit more skill and some power tools. You will need plywood, chalkboard paint, and flowers. Paint the plywood with 2-3 coats of chalkboard paint. Use weights or sandbags on the back to support the weight of the flowers. Attach the flowers using hot glue, pins, or floral foam.

Polystyrene Sheets:

A polystyrene backdrop is lighter and easier to build than plywood. You will need polystyrene sheets, flowers, and an attachment method such as hot glue, pins, or floral foam. Polystyrene sheets can be cut to size and painted if desired.

Grid Plates:

This method uses three metal grid plates, floral foam, and flowers. Attach the floral foam to the grid plates using cable ties, and then insert the flowers directly into the foam. You can hang this backdrop by sliding wall hooks through the metal meshing of the grid plates or using pins or nails.

Remember to take lots of pictures to show off your beautiful floral creation!

Sheer curtains with a touch of green

Sheer curtains can be a beautiful, ethereal addition to a wedding backdrop, especially when paired with a touch of green. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning wedding backdrop for dinner using sheer curtains and greenery:

Materials:

• Sheer curtains in your choice of colour (popular choices include white, ivory, or champagne)
• Curtain lights or string lights
• Green garlands or vines
• Floral wire or twine
• A backdrop stand or structure (this could be a wooden frame, a pipe and drape system, or a wedding arch)

Instructions:

• Set up your backdrop stand or structure. This will serve as the framework for your curtains and greenery. You can create a simple wooden frame with a trip to your local hardware store, or you could hire a pipe and drape system from an event rental company. If you're looking for something more affordable and accessible, you could even use a wedding arch.
• Hang your sheer curtains from the stand or structure. You can use curtain rods, hooks, or simply drape the fabric over the framework. Sheer curtains are available in various sizes, so make sure you have enough fabric to cover the desired area.
• Add curtain lights or string lights to your sheer curtains. These lights will create a soft, romantic glow and make your backdrop truly shine. Look for lights with a warm white hue to achieve an elegant atmosphere.
• Drape green garlands or vines across the top of the backdrop stand or structure. You can secure them in place using floral wire or twine. If you're using a wooden frame, you can also staple or glue the greenery in place. The greenery will add a touch of nature to your backdrop and complement the sheer curtains beautifully.
• Adjust the curtains and greenery as needed to create the desired effect. You can play with the amount of fabric you use, the way it's draped, and the placement of the greenery to achieve different looks. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Additional Tips:

• If you want to incorporate more colour, consider adding some flowers or hanging greenery in front of the sheer curtains. This will create a layered effect and add depth to your backdrop.
• For a more rustic or bohemian look, try using sheer curtains with a textured fabric, such as chiffon or tulle.
• Remember to consider the lighting at your venue. Sheer curtains look especially magical when lit by the golden hour sun or when paired with fairy lights at an evening reception.
• If you're looking for a unique touch, you can customise your backdrop by adding personalised details such as song lyrics or your wedding vows.

Travel-themed backdrops

Map it Out:

Add a touch of wanderlust to your wedding with a map-themed backdrop. You can choose a vintage map as your base and decorate it with flowers, greenery, or twinkling lights. If you want to make it more personal, highlight or frame the places you've visited together or the places that are special to you as a couple. You could even use maps in different colours and styles to create a collage effect, with your guest book or seating plan in front.

Passport to Love:

Create a backdrop that looks like a giant passport, with stamps and visas from all over the world. This idea is perfect if you're an adventurous couple who loves to travel. You can even include your wedding date and location as part of the "passport stamp". This backdrop will not only be a fun conversation starter but will also showcase your love for exploration.

Suitcase Display:

Stack vintage suitcases of different sizes and colours to create a unique and whimsical backdrop. You can fill the suitcases with flowers or use them to display mementos from your travels. Add some soft lighting and a "Just Married" banner for a touch of romance. This idea is perfect if you want a backdrop with a three-dimensional effect.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure:

Imagine floating away into the sky with your new spouse! Create a hot air balloon backdrop with colourful balloons and a basket made from wicker or wood. You can even add some clouds and blue sky for a whimsical touch. This idea is perfect for couples who want a playful and imaginative backdrop.

Destination Signpost:

Create a large signpost with arrows pointing to different destinations and landmarks around the world. You can include places that are meaningful to you as a couple or simply choose your dream travel locations. This backdrop will not only be visually appealing but will also be a fun way to showcase your love for exploration.

With a travel-themed backdrop, the possibilities are endless! You can incorporate maps, suitcases, passports, and other travel-related props to create a unique and personalised setting for your wedding dinner.

Rich woodland blooms

Rich, vibrant shades of orange, pink, purple, and yellow with delicate baby's breath intertwined can create a stunning wildflower wedding backdrop. For a woodland theme, you can opt for a rustic-chic setup with whimsical florals and ambient lighting. Bright and bold arrangements, such as roses and wildflowers, can be paired with hanging Edison bulbs to create a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere.

To achieve this look, consider the following:

• A wooden table setting with a floral centrepiece, complemented by soft lighting such as string lights or candles.
• A floral arch or wreath as a focal point, with soft peach and ivory blooms creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
• A flower-strewn aisle or path leading to the arch, with petals or fallen leaves scattered to add a whimsical touch.
• Bundles of twigs, rustic cans, and adorable forest creatures can further enhance the woodland theme.

For a more natural and rustic woodland wedding backdrop, opt for a wooden aisle flanked by lush arrangements of lavender, baby's breath, and soft greenery. This will create a harmonious blend with the surrounding tall trees, and the backdrop of cascading florals and dappled sunlight will add a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

If you're looking for a pre-packed thematic decor option, companies like Suitcase Weddings offer a "Walk in the Woods" theme with props, backdrops, and accents for a Pinterest-worthy setting. Alternatively, you can create your own backdrop by using a wooden texture board with a floral print or an actual wooden backdrop with flowers draped over it.

Frequently asked questions