Creating A Wedding Pillar: A Guide To Design And Decor

Wedding pillars are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. Whether you're looking for elegant aisle decorations or stunning floral arrangements, creating your own wedding pillars is a fun and affordable option. With a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity, you can make beautiful pillars that will wow your guests and create lasting memories. In this guide, we'll explore the steps to make your own wedding pillars, from choosing the right materials to assembling and decorating them. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of DIY wedding pillar creation!

Use terracotta pots, concrete and PVC pipe

Wedding pillars are a great DIY project that can be used to decorate your wedding ceremony, reception, or even your home. You can make these pillars using terracotta pots, concrete, and PVC pipes. Here's a detailed guide on how to create these beautiful and affordable wedding pillars:

Materials Needed:

• Two 7” opening terracotta pots
• One bag of fast-setting concrete mix (e.g., Quikrete)
• Stirring device
• Two 10’ tall 2” diameter PVC pipes (cut down to 6’-8” after drying)
• Optional: dark green or black spray paint for PVC pipes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare the Concrete Mix: In a large container, mix the concrete with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. The consistency should be thick and glue-like.
• Fill the Terracotta Pots: Using the stirring device, fill the terracotta pots with the concrete mix. This will serve as the base of your pillar.
• Insert the PVC Pipes: Before the concrete sets, insert the PVC pipes into the centre of each terracotta pot. Ensure they are straight and securely embedded in the concrete.
• Let it Dry: Allow the concrete to dry completely. This may take several hours or even a day, depending on the concrete mix you're using.
• Cut the PVC Pipes: Once the concrete is dry, cut the PVC pipes to your desired height. The pipes should be taller than the terracotta pots to create a visible pillar structure.
• Optional: Paint the PVC Pipes: If desired, spray paint the PVC pipes in a dark colour (e.g., dark green or black) to create a cohesive look and avoid light reflection.
• Decorate with Florals: Now comes the fun part – decorating your wedding pillar! You can follow the floral arrangement tutorial by Bloom Culture Flowers, which includes a list of flowers and step-by-step instructions.
• Add Greenery: Start by adding greenery to create structure and cover any mechanics. Use different types of greenery and vary the lengths to add depth and dimension to your design.
• Incorporate Line Flowers: Add line flowers, such as delphinium and snapdragon, to guide the eye up and down the tall structure. Place them diagonally or in groupings of threes.
• Include Focal Flowers: Layer in focal flowers, such as roses, to build the foundation of the design. Use varying stem lengths to create depth and connect groupings.
• Accent with Spray Flowers: Use spray flowers, like mini carnations, to break up any solid or static areas of the design. Tuck them in at different angles and vary the stem lengths.
• Enhance with Accent Focal Flowers: Add accent focal flowers, such as carnations in terracotta and blush colours, to accentuate the colour palette and fill in any gaps.
• Add Detail Flowers: Sparingly use detail flowers, such as scabiosa, in intentional places to create whimsy and movement in your arrangement.
• Finish with Filler Flowers: Finally, fill in any remaining spots with filler flowers, such as wax flowers, to complete the look and tie everything together.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY wedding pillar using terracotta pots, concrete, and PVC pipes. Feel free to get creative and make adjustments to the floral arrangement to match your wedding theme and colours. Enjoy crafting these beautiful pillars and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Choose flowers and greenery

The type and amount of flowers and greenery you choose for your wedding pillar will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as the size of your pillar. If you want to create a simple, elegant look, opt for a single type of flower in a classic colour such as white or ivory. For something more whimsical and colourful, choose a variety of flower types and colours.

For a 6ft x 6ft pillar, you will need at least 8 boxes of flowers and 10 boxes of greenery. If you want a fuller look, you can always add more.

• 1 bunch Gunni Eucalyptus
• 1 bunch Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• 2 bunches Leather Leaf
• 2 bunches Lemon Leaf (Salal)
• 25 Terra Cotta Carnations
• 10 stems White Scabiosa
• 20 White Mini Carnations

In this design, they start with greenery to create structure and a foundation for the floral design. They use four different types of greenery, starting with broad leaves/wide-reaching Salal, distributed evenly up the pillar. They then add Leather Leaf, placing this variety at varying lengths to create depth and dimension.

When choosing your flowers and greenery, consider the following:

• Colour: Choose colours that complement each other and fit your wedding colour palette.
• Size: Select flowers and greenery with varying stem lengths to add depth to your design.
• Texture: Mix and match different textures to create a professional-looking arrangement.
• Scale: Use a combination of large and small flowers and greenery to create a cohesive look.

Assemble the pillar structure

To assemble the pillar structure, you will need the following supplies:

• Two 7” opening Terracotta pots or metal buckets
• 1 bag of fast-setting Quikrete
• A stirring device
• Two 10’ tall 2” diameter PVC Pipes (cut down to 6’-8” after they dry vertically in the pots)
• Optional dark green or black spray paint

Begin by cutting the PVC pipes to your desired height, between 6 and 8 feet. Spray paint the pipes and the inside of the pots or buckets a dark colour, such as dark green or black, to make them easier to hide and prevent light reflection.

Next, prepare the fast-setting Quikrete according to the package instructions, using the stirring device. Pour the mixture into the pots or buckets and place the PVC pipes inside, holding them steady and straight until the concrete sets. Allow the concrete to dry completely before handling.

You now have the base structure of your wedding pillar, ready to be decorated with flowers and greenery.

Use glue to bond the paper to the tube

When creating your own wedding pillars, you can use paper to cover the tube that forms the main structure. In this case, the tube is bumpy and grainy, so it's important to use dry erase laminate paper, keeping the paper backing on for a smoother finish.

To attach the paper to the tube, apply a strong adhesive such as super glue to the paper borders. Be sure to only apply the glue to the edges of the paper, as you will need to repeat this process on the other side of the tube. Once the glue is applied, carefully attach the paper to the tube, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.

After the paper is securely bonded to the tube, you can cut off any excess paper using scissors or a craft knife. This will ensure a neat finish.

For added stability, you can also use construction adhesive to glue the base of your pillar together. This will help to hold all the pieces in place and create a sturdy structure.

Add weight and texture with spackle

Spackle is a versatile product that can be used to add weight and texture to your DIY wedding pillars. It is a type of paste typically used to repair holes and cracks in walls and ceilings, but it can also be used to create unique textured finishes on various surfaces.

To add weight and texture to your wedding pillars using spackle, follow these steps:

Prepare the Surface:

Start by ensuring that the surface of your pillar is clean and dry. If there are any loose debris or old filler in any holes or cracks, remove them. For small holes, use a putty knife or your finger to apply spackle, smoothing it out evenly with the surrounding surface. For larger holes, you may need to use a backing material such as mesh tape or drywall patching compound before applying the spackle.

Choose the Right Spackle:

Select a lightweight spackle for your project. Lightweight spackle is easier to work with, especially for quick fixes and small repairs. It has a smooth consistency, making it effortless to apply and ensuring a seamless finish. It also dries faster compared to traditional spackle, allowing you to complete your project more quickly.

Apply the Spackle:

Use a putty knife to apply the spackle to your pillar. You can create different textures and patterns by using a putty knife, textured roller, or even your fingers. If you want to add more pattern and texture to your pillar, you can use the putty knife to create designs such as stippling, swirls, or zig-zag patterns. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to unleash your creativity.

Allow Drying and Sanding:

Once you have applied the spackle to your pillar, let it dry completely. Lightweight spackle typically dries within 30 minutes to 1 hour, but this can vary depending on factors such as humidity and temperature. After it has dried, you can use sandpaper to smooth out any uneven surfaces and create a seamless blend between the repaired area and the rest of the pillar. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually switch to finer grits for a smooth, professional finish.

Painting (Optional):

You can choose to paint your pillar after the spackle has dried. Paint is optional, but you can add a pop of color to your pillar or even paint over the entire stencilled design if you wish. You can also add a glossy finish, gold leaf, or other decorative elements to enhance the design.

By following these steps, you can add weight and texture to your DIY wedding pillars using spackle, creating a unique and personalized touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions