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

Wedding walls are a great way to add a unique and personalised touch to your big day. They can be used as backdrops for the ceremony or reception, providing a beautiful setting for photos. Creating your own wedding wall can be a fun DIY project, allowing you to save money and add a special, handmade element to your wedding. In this article, we will explore different types of wedding walls, from floral installations to creative backdrops, and provide step-by-step guides on how to make your own, including materials and construction methods. We will also offer tips on transporting and repurposing your wedding wall after the event, ensuring it becomes a cherished memento of your special day.

Using a PVC pipe stand

Materials:

• 3 10-foot lengths of 1-inch, schedule 40 PVC pipe
• 2 90-degree, slip-in elbows (that means without threads)
• 8 T-Shape slip-in connectors
• 8 Slip-in end caps
• A hacksaw or pipe-cutting tool
• Heavy-duty clamps
• Fabric of your choice for the backdrop

Instructions:

Ask your local hardware store to cut the PVC pipes into the following lengths to make it easier to transport:

• 4 five-foot lengths
• 2 three-foot lengths
• 1 four-foot length

At home, cut the following additional lengths:

• 2 five-foot lengths
• 2 three-foot lengths and 2 two-foot lengths
• 4 18-inch lengths
• 8 6-inch lengths

• Assemble the PVC pipes according to the measurements. You can opt to glue the joints or leave them as they are for easy disassembly.
• Look for fittings that are not threaded. Ensure that none of your connecting pieces have threads, and if they do, replace them with slip-in pieces.
• Make sure your PVC pipe and fittings are the same size.
• Use heavy-duty clamps to hold your fabric or backdrop material in place.
• Decorate your wedding wall with flowers, lights, or any other desired embellishments.

Tips:

• You can ask the hardware store to cut the PVC pipes according to your desired measurements to make transportation easier.
• Sand or carve the pipe ends to make them slightly tapered for easier assembly and disassembly.
• Weigh down the stand with sandbags or similar weights, especially if you're using it outdoors, to prevent it from toppling over.
• Spray paint the PVC pipes to match your wedding colour scheme or to make them less visible through sheer fabric.

Building a PVC pipe stand

Supplies:

• Three 10-foot lengths of 1-inch, schedule 40 PVC pipe
• Two 90-degree, slip-in elbows (without threads)
• Eight T-Shape slip-in connectors
• Eight slip-in end caps
• A hacksaw or pipe-cutting tool

Building the PVC Pipe Stand:

• Transporting several 10-foot lengths of pipe can be challenging, so ask a store employee to help with cutting the pipes to make transportation easier. Request the following cuts:
• Four five-foot lengths (will use up two of the three 10-foot lengths of PVC)
• Two three-foot lengths
• One four-foot length
• Make several more cuts at home:
• Two five-foot lengths
• Two three-foot lengths and two two-foot lengths (cut these from the remaining five-foot sections)
• Four 18-inch lengths (cut from the two three-foot sections)
• Eight six-inch lengths (cut from the four-foot section)
• Assembly: Simply fit the pieces together like a puzzle. There is no need to glue the pieces as a tight fit will hold them together.
• Look for fittings that are not threaded. Ensure that your PVC pipe is the same size as your fittings.
• Buy heavy-duty clamps to hold your fabric or material in place.

Tips:

• If you need a wider backdrop stand, you can add extra cross-supports for stability.
• Consider using connectors in the center for more manageable size lengths of PVC.
• For outdoor use, weigh down the stand with sandbags or other weights to prevent it from tipping over.
• If you want to dye your fabric a different color, fill a bucket with hot water and add dye solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the fabric inside the bucket, crumple it up, and dip it in for a tie-dye effect. Remove and rinse with warm water.

Your PVC pipe stand is now ready to be used for your wedding wall!

Building a plywood chalkboard backdrop

Materials and Preparation:

• For this project, you will need plywood, preferably 4×8 1/4" in size. You can find this at your local hardware store.
• Choose a chalkboard paint that suits your desired aesthetic. Rust-Oleum and Benjamin Moore are popular brands. You will also need a foam roller or paintbrushes for application.
• Consider the space you want to create your backdrop in and measure out the dimensions you will need. Mark the dimensions on the wall with painter's tape to ensure a straight edge.
• Prepare the plywood surface by sanding it down and removing any dust with a tack cloth. This will ensure the paint adheres smoothly.

Painting and Installation:

• Apply multiple coats of chalkboard paint to the plywood, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat. Two to three coats are usually recommended.
• Once the paint is completely dry, treat the surface with a thin layer of white chalk. This process is called "seasoning" and helps to create an even writing surface.
• If desired, build a frame for your chalkboard backdrop using wood trim. You can leave the wood natural or stain it to match your wedding theme. Attach the frame to the plywood using nails or a strong adhesive.
• Install your backdrop by hanging it on the wall or propping it up against a sturdy surface. Ensure it is secure and stable.

Final Touches:

• To add a playful element, include a basket of colourful chalk or chalk markers for your guests to use.
• Embellish the backdrop with decorative items such as bunting banners or flowers to match your wedding theme.
• Consider the surrounding decor and incorporate complementary colours or themes to create a cohesive look.

Your plywood chalkboard backdrop is now ready to be a fun and functional part of your wedding! It can serve as a beautiful photo backdrop, a space for guests to leave messages, or even a creative way to display important information or the evening's menu. Enjoy crafting and customising this unique piece for your special day!

Building with polystyrene sheets

Choose the Right Polystyrene Type:

There are two main types of polystyrene sheets: expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). EPS is more common and cost-effective, making it ideal for walls and roofs. On the other hand, XPS is denser and more suitable for floors and basements. Select the type that best suits your needs and budget.

Prepare the Workspace:

Before you begin, ensure you have a clean and level surface to work on. Protect this surface with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to catch any spills or debris. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask.

Measure and Cut:

Measure the area you want to cover with the polystyrene sheets. Mark the dimensions on the sheets and use a sharp utility knife or insulation saw to make precise cuts. A straight edge will help you achieve clean, straight cuts. Minimize gaps during installation by keeping your cuts accurate and straight.

Adhere the Sheets:

Use a polystyrene-safe adhesive to attach the sheets to the wall. Water-based or acrylic-based adhesives are ideal, applied in a zigzag pattern for a strong hold. Avoid solvent-based adhesives, as they can dissolve polystyrene. Apply the adhesive evenly to the wall and the back of each sheet before attaching it.

Install with Care:

When installing the polystyrene sheets, start from the bottom corner of the wall and work your way up. Ensure the sheets are aligned and level, gently pressing them into the adhesive. Use a level to check if the wall is plumb, as adjustments will be difficult after the adhesive dries. Install the sheets in a running bond pattern, alternating between horizontal and vertical rows for added strength.

Fill Gaps:

If there are any gaps between the polystyrene sheets, use spray foam insulation or a specialized polystyrene-compatible sealant to fill them. This step ensures the wall's insulation value and prevents air leakage.

Finish and Decorate:

Once the polystyrene sheets are installed and any gaps are filled, you can finish the wall with decorative elements. Polystyrene sheets can be finished with various textures and paints to create the desired look. Apply putty and then decorative paint to match your wedding theme. You can also attach flowers, signs, or other decorations to the wall.

Building a wedding wall with polystyrene sheets is a cost-effective and versatile way to create a stunning backdrop for your special day. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a professional-looking result that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Attaching the flowers

There are several ways to attach the flowers to your wedding wall. One way is to use a staple gun, especially if you are using plywood as your base. You can also use a glue gun to glue the flowers directly to the wall. Another option is to coat the wall with a mesh substance and then stick the flower stems through it. This method is lightweight and easy to transport. If you are using plywood, you can also attach the flowers by sticking the stems through the net-like structure of a boxwood panel design. This is secure but will take some effort to remove the flowers after the event.

If you are using real flowers, you will need to attach them to the wall very close to the wedding day so they remain fresh. If you are using fake flowers, you can construct your wall at least four months in advance and rework it until it is perfect.

Frequently asked questions