Creating A Wedding Moongate: A Step-By-Step Guide

Moongates, also known as moongate arches, have become a popular backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photos. These elegant archways symbolise luck and happiness, with their origins in ancient Chinese philosophy. In Chinese culture, moongates flanked the courtyards of wealthy nobles, serving as a welcoming entrance according to feng shui. Over time, the promise of good fortune became associated with newlyweds, and today, moongates are often used as a backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photos, symbolising eternal love with their circular shape. Building a moongate arch can be a fun DIY project, with some planning and the right tools, you can create a beautiful and affordable addition to your wedding décor.

Planning and materials

Planning a moongate for your wedding? It's a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your special day. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan and gather the materials you'll need.

First, consider the size of your moongate. Do you want to stand under it or in front of it during the ceremony? If you plan to stand under it, you'll need to ensure there's enough headroom. The standard inner ring diameter for a moongate is 96", but you can customise it to your needs.

Next, think about the materials. Traditionally, moongates are made from wood, with western red cedar being a popular choice due to its exterior durability and aesthetic appeal. You'll need enough wood to cut out the centre supports, frame segments, and legs.

For a strong and stable moongate, you'll also need wood glue and 2 ½” pocket screws for assembly. A Kreg Jig will be useful for drilling pocket holes.

To finish your moongate, you'll need a paint sprayer and water-based stain. The Super Finish Max paint sprayer is a good option, and you'll want at least two cans of stain to ensure full coverage. Don't forget to include safety gear, such as eye protection and a respirator or face mask, in your planning.

Finally, enlist some help! Building a moongate is much easier with an extra set of hands, and you'll definitely need assistance when it comes time to move your finished moongate into place.

With the right planning and materials, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and memorable moongate for your wedding.

Cutting the wood

The first step to making a wedding moongate is to cut the wood to size. You will need to cut 16 centre supports, 14 frame segments, and two legs. It is important to ensure that the wood is not bowed or warped before cutting. The inner ring radius/diameter should be 48"/96", with a ring thickness of 5.5". The outer ring radius/diameter should be 53.5"/107", resulting in an outer circumference of approximately 336".

To create the 8' diameter ring, you will need to seam up two 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" plywood to create an 8' x 8' square. Set up a router on a 48" long trammel and cut a 48" radius/96" diameter circle. This will form the base of your moongate arch.

Next, you will need to cut the wood for the outer edge of the ring. Build it up to a 6" height using 2" x 4" stock and routing each layer round, using the previous layer as a template. Sand the edges smooth and wrap with stretch plastic to prevent the ring from gluing itself to the form.

For the legs, take a long 2x4 board and lay it across both sides of the frame so that it crosses the inside tip. Mark a cut line and cut it with a circular saw.

Once all the pieces are cut to size, you can begin assembling the moongate arch.

Adding pocket holes

The Kreg Jig is a tool that helps you to drill holes at the correct angle and depth for pocket screws. It is a guide that you attach to your drill, with a built-in measuring system, ensuring precision. The Kreg Jig is set to 1 ½” material, meaning the depth of the holes will be 1 ½”. This is important as it ensures the screws will be long enough to provide a strong joint, but not so long that they protrude from the wood.

When marking the location of the pocket holes, it is important to space them evenly along the centre supports and frame pieces. This will ensure that the weight of the structure is distributed evenly, and that the joints are strong enough to bear the weight of the moongate. It is also important to ensure that the holes are drilled straight and perpendicular to the surface of the wood. This will ensure that the screws can be inserted smoothly and securely.

After the pocket holes have been drilled, the next step is to assemble the two outer frames. This is done by using wood glue and assembling the frames on a flat surface. It is helpful to have an extra set of hands for this step to ensure that the pieces are lined up correctly.

Assembling the arch

Now that you have your supplies, it's time to start building your moongate arch. Here's a step-by-step guide to assembling the arch:

Step 1: Cut the wood to size.

You'll need to cut the wood into the required pieces: 16 centre supports, 14 frame segments, and two legs. Make sure to measure twice and cut once to ensure accurate sizing.

Step 2: Create pocket holes.

Using your Kreg Jig, set it to 1 1/2" material. This will allow you to drill the pocket holes needed for joining the wood pieces together. Mark the locations of each pocket hole before drilling for accuracy.

Step 3: Assemble the outer frames.

Lay out one side of the frame on a flat surface. Apply wood glue to the joints and carefully assemble the pieces, ensuring they are aligned correctly. Repeat this process for the other side of the frame. It's helpful to have an extra pair of hands for this step to ensure stability.

Step 4: Connect the centre supports.

With both sides of the frame assembled, it's time to add the centre supports. Measure and mark where the supports will go, then attach them to the frame using wood glue and pocket screws. Ensure everything is securely fastened before proceeding.

Step 5: Add the legs.

To create the legs, lay a long 2x4 board across both sides of the frame, crossing at the inside tip. This will give you the angle and length needed for the legs. Mark the cutting lines and use a circular saw to cut the legs to size.

Step 6: Stain the arch.

Set up a large tarp in a well-ventilated area. Place the assembled arch on the tarp and prepare your Super Finish Max paint sprayer. Fill the paint sprayer and the extra container with water-based stain. Apply the stain to one side of the arch, then flip it over and stain the other side. Once both sides are coated, stand the arch up and look for any spots that need touch-ups. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on.

Your moongate arch is now ready for decoration and display! Remember to always have two people lift and move the arch to ensure safety and avoid any damage. Enjoy crafting this beautiful addition to your wedding or garden décor!

Applying the finish

Once you have assembled your moongate arch, it's time to apply the finish. This will not only give your arch a beautiful sheen but will also protect the wood from the elements. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless finish:

Prepare your work area by laying out large tarps or drop cloths to catch any stain splatters. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, as the staining process can produce strong fumes. Put on safety gear, including eye protection and a respirator or face mask, to safeguard against stain exposure.

For a smooth and efficient staining process, it is recommended to use a paint sprayer. Fill your paint sprayer container with water-based stain. Before starting, ensure the nozzle is set to vertical spray, and adjust the paint flow to your desired level. Conduct a test spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the arch to ensure the stain colour and coverage meet your expectations.

Hold the paint sprayer at a slight angle, maintaining a distance of about 10-12 inches from the surface of the arch. Keep the sprayer steady in your arm, and walk with it in a smooth, sweeping motion as you apply the stain. Start with the large pieces of the arch, and then move on to the smaller details, such as the centre supports. Apply the stain in one long motion from end to end without stopping for a seamless finish.

After staining the entire arch, allow it to dry thoroughly. Depending on the type of stain used, you may need to let it sit for up to 48 hours. During this time, avoid touching or moving the arch to prevent any smudges or marks.

Once the stain is completely dry, inspect the arch for any spots that may require a second coat or touch-ups. If necessary, repeat the staining process, ensuring you follow the same technique for consistent results.

Your moongate arch is now ready for decoration! Adorn it with flowers, greenery, or any other embellishments that suit your wedding theme. Remember to always have at least two people move the arch, as it can be quite cumbersome and delicate. Enjoy your beautiful creation, and congratulations on taking on this DIY project!

Frequently asked questions