Creating A Wooden Backdrop For Your Wedding: A Guide

A wedding backdrop is an important design element, framing the newlyweds as they exchange vows and serving as a focal point for the ceremony. There are many ways to make a wooden backdrop for a wedding, from the simple to the complex. For example, you could mount a wooden pallet behind the couple's table, add some fresh greenery to the upper area, and position string lights around it. Alternatively, you could build a wooden frame from scratch, using materials such as PVC or birch poles. This option requires more time and money but can be worth it if you want something super pretty. Another idea is to use a wooden board draped with greenery and blooms to create a rich woodland backdrop.

How to make a wooden frame for a wood backdrop

A wooden backdrop is a great DIY project for a wedding, as it can make a huge splash in your pictures and be used for both the ceremony and a photo booth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a wooden frame for a wood backdrop:

Step 1: Planning

Before you start building your wooden frame, it's important to consider the size and stability of the structure. If you plan to transport the backdrop or reuse it for another event, ensure it can be easily disassembled and packed. Mark the measurements and cut your wood to size.

Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools

You will need wood for the frame, such as 2x4s, as well as screws, washers, L brackets, bolts, a rubber mallet, and any desired wood stain or paint. You may also need a saw, a drill, and a sander for a smoother finish.

Step 3: Construct the Feet

For stability, create feet for your wooden frame by placing two pieces of wood parallel to each other and adding a third piece across the top. Secure these pieces together using long screws, drilling pilot holes first to ensure a tight fit.

Step 4: Add Vertical Supports

For easy assembly and disassembly, use L brackets and bolts to attach the vertical supports to the feet. Drill holes through the L brackets and secure them with bolts and pins. You can use a rubber mallet to gently pound the bolts through the holes.

Step 5: Create Notches for Curtain Rods (Optional)

If you plan to hang fabric or curtains, create notches at the top of the vertical supports to hold the curtain rods. Mark the desired height and use a jigsaw to cut zig-zag notches that will hold the rods in place.

Step 6: Stain or Paint (Optional)

If desired, finish the wood with a stain or paint of your choice. Allow it to dry completely before assembling the backdrop at your wedding venue.

Step 7: Assembly and Testing

Finally, assemble your wooden frame at the desired location, ensuring it is stable and secure. Hang any fabric or decorations, and test the setup to ensure it meets your vision and requirements.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional wooden frame for your wedding backdrop, adding a personal and creative touch to your special day.

How to make a PVC frame for a wood backdrop

A PVC backdrop frame is a cheap, easy-to-make, and sturdy option for a wedding backdrop. The frame can be made in any dimensions, but here are the steps to make a 6' x 7'7" frame:

Materials:

• 4 – 10 feet tall 1-inch PVC pipes
• 4 – 1” T connectors
• 4 – PVC caps

Instructions:

Cut the PVC pipes with a PVC cutter tool, or any kind of saw or cutting tool. You will need the following pieces:

• 2 x 6' + 20" + 20" + 3" PVC pipes (cut from 10' PVC pipes; you’ll have 2 pieces of 5” PVC left over)
• 2 x 7' + 20" + 3" PVC pipes (cut from 10' PVC pipes; you’ll have 2 pieces left over that are just over a foot long)

• Assemble the feet with the 20" sections, a T connector, and 2 caps for each foot, as shown in the schematic.
• Put together the sides with the 7' section, a T connector, and a 3" section.
• Assemble the top 6' section with the 2 corner connectors.
• Put all the pieces together as shown in the schematic, with the feet turned 90 degrees from the frame to stand upright.

Additional Tips:

• You can add screws to the back of the side bars to make it easier to string banners across your backdrop.
• If you want to use a curtain or sheet as your backdrop, an 8' wide frame would be a better fit.
• You can use a queen-size sheet on the 6' x 7'7" frame by cutting a slit in the hem and inserting it through the top pipe.
• PVC frames are easy to disassemble and store.
• To make your PVC frame sturdier, especially if you're using it outdoors, you can add sandbags or heavy rocks to the feet.

How to decorate a wood backdrop with flowers

A wooden backdrop is a great base for a wedding—it's simple, natural, and intimate. Here are some ideas for how to decorate a wooden backdrop with flowers:

Keep it Simple

If you're going for a rustic theme, a simple wooden pallet mounted behind the couple's table can be a great base. Drape fresh greenery over the upper area of the pallet, and position string lights around it for a warm, intimate feel.

Rich Woodland Blooms

If you have a larger budget, you can go crazy with flowers and greenery. Mount a simple wooden board behind the head table and drape it with lush greenery and vibrant blooms like red-tinted Ranunculus and subtle pink cafe au lait Dahlias.

Bring the Outdoors In

Take inspiration from nature and bring the outdoors in. Oversized arrangements of white Duchess peonies, viburnum, Playa Blanca roses, white Majolica spray roses, tulips, and foxgloves can be placed on acrylic stands to create a stunning, modern altar.

Suspended Florals

Get creative with your arch by suspending strands of florals. This round altar at a California wedding showcased white garlands hanging upon a backdrop of greenery.

Floral Wall

A wall overflowing with greenery and white florals is a surprisingly statement-making backdrop. Ask your florist to create a lush aisle using the same blooms for a cohesive design.

Flower Power

If you're feeling bold, don't be afraid to embrace bright shades in your floral backdrop. A unique floral altar at a Brooklyn wedding used bright flowers to create a vibrant, colourful display.

Something Blue

For a modern twist on a wooden backdrop, add a unique blue interior. This wood backdrop at a wedding in Zion National Park popped against the vast desert landscape.

How to decorate a wood backdrop with fabric

A wooden backdrop is a great base for your wedding as it can be decorated in many ways using fabric. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Simple Feminine Flow

For a simple yet feminine touch, mount a tall crossbar to create the illusion of a lacy waterfall. Hang a sheer curtain, preferably in blush pink, from the crossbar, ensuring it cascades to the floor. Then, hang generous amounts of greenery, such as Italian Ruscus, on the crossbar so that it resembles vines. You can match this with a sheer pink table runner for the couple's table. This will result in a feminine, blush pink backdrop with a touch of green.

Rich Woodland Blooms

If you have a larger budget, you can go crazy with greenery and flowers. Drape a simple wooden board with as much greenery and blooms as possible, preferably in shades of red and pink. This will create a lush woodland backdrop, making the couple look like woodland royalty.

Rustic-themed

For a simple, natural, and intimate feel, mount a wooden pallet behind the couple's table. Add fresh greenery to the upper area of the pallet and position string lights around it. This will result in a simple wooden background with a lush green overhead and a twinkle of lights.

Fabric Strips

Tear or cut fabric into strips and dye them in your chosen colours. You can then hang these strips from a wooden backdrop, or from curtain rods attached to the top of the wooden structure. This will create a soft and subtle effect.

Floral Garlands

Stunning on their own or combined with other decorative elements, floral garlands add romance to your wedding photo backdrop. Hang them from a wedding arch, drape them over a mantle, or dress up a wall display. They quickly cover a lot of space and add depth and drama to your backdrop design.

Macrame

For a rustic wedding photo backdrop, consider using macrame instead of linens to drape over your wedding arch. Adorn it with flowers for a free-spirited display to frame the happy couple. The varying lengths of a macrame swag work especially well with tall rectangular or hexagonal arches or tall wooden beams.

How to make a wood backdrop with a rustic theme

A rustic-themed wedding backdrop is a simple and natural way to showcase the happy couple. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a wooden backdrop with a rustic theme:

Materials:

• Pinewood flooring boards (10cm x 100cm x 0.9cm)
• Pinewood beams (38cm x 60cm x 18cm)
• Wood screws (25mm x 3mm)
• Sanding paper (grit size 120)
• Wood stain
• Petroleum jelly
• White acrylic water-based paint
• Paintbrush and a clean sponge
• Electric sander
• Power drill
• Circular saw
• Paintbrush
• Flat white latex interior paint

Step 1: Choosing the Wood

First, decide on the look you want for your backdrop. Do you want it to appear new and luxurious, or old and vintage? Pine is a good option for a light-coloured and easy-to-work-with backdrop.

Step 2: Constructing the Plates

For this backdrop, you will need to create two platform plates. Interlock the flooring boards with carpenters' glue and fit them together. If your boards don't have grooves, simply glue them together side by side.

Step 3: Prepare the Beams

Connect two beams to the backside of each plate with wood screws. Drill pilot holes into the beams to avoid splintering, and place them ten centimetres apart so that each board has a hole. Leave the plates overnight to allow the glue to dry.

Step 4: Staining the Wood

Choose a wood stain that suits your desired colour scheme. You can dilute the stain with turpentine to make it dry faster, or use strong black coffee as a natural alternative. Apply the stain with a sponge or cloth to avoid dripping, and leave to dry for a few hours.

Step 5: Add Petroleum Jelly for a Distressed Effect

If you want to create a distressed wood effect, apply petroleum jelly to the spots on the boards where you want the paint to peel off. Focus on areas along the seams, near the edges, and on interesting wood patterns. Avoid creating unnatural patterns like geometrical shapes or waves.

Step 6: Paint a Second Layer

Using a brush, paint the plates with water-based acrylic paint. Choose a colour that contrasts well with the stained wood. Cover the wood well, including the areas with petroleum jelly. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours or up to a full day.

Step 7: Complete the Distressed Effect

Once the paint is dry, use a metal spatula to scrape off the upper layer, exposing the stained wood underneath. You can also use sanding paper to give the paint a worn look.

Step 8: Mount and Decorate Your Backdrop

Mount the wooden backdrop behind the couple's table and add some fresh greenery to the upper area. You can also position string lights around the pallet to create a simple, intimate atmosphere.

And there you have it! A beautiful, rustic wooden backdrop for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions