Crafting A Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Arbor With Double Doors

Planning an outdoor wedding? A wedding arbor is a great way to personalize your ceremony and define the site within the open space. If you're looking for a rustic, whimsical, classic, or homespun style, there are plenty of ways to make a wedding arbor that represents you and your partner. One option is to build a budget-friendly garden arbor from 2x4s and other inexpensive structural lumber. You can also incorporate doors, florals, greenery, wood, fabric, or other decorative elements to create a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Choosing the right wood

Weather Resistance and Durability:

The chosen wood should be able to withstand the outdoor elements, including rain, sun, and temperature changes. Some woods are naturally more resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage. Western red cedar, redwood, and cypress are widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices that are not treated with chemical preservatives. Their heartwoods contain naturally occurring preservatives that make them undesirable to insects and fungi. Additionally, white oak, a "whiskey barrel" wood, is less porous than red oak, preventing moisture from wicking up its end grain.

Workability and Aesthetics:

Consider the workability of the wood, especially if you plan on crafting the arbor yourself. Some woods are easier to cut, shape, and finish than others. For example, cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with. However, its softness also leads to poor screw-holding capabilities. On the other hand, black locust is one of the strongest and stiffest domestic woods, offering stability and rot resistance, but its high density can make it challenging to machine. If you're looking for a wood that stains and finishes well, redwood is a good choice due to its structure, which contains little pitch and resin.

Cost and Availability:

Your geographic location will impact the availability and cost of certain types of wood. For example, redwood is widely available and used in the western United States, while Western red cedar is commonly sold in the Midwest. If you're looking for a more economical option, consider cypress, which is often a popular choice in the South and Southeast due to its availability and price. Teak, on the other hand, is associated with boatbuilding and is quite expensive, typically costing around $20 per square foot.

Environmental Impact:

If you want to make an environmentally conscious choice, consider the growth rate and sustainability of the wood. Teak, for instance, is often associated with the destruction of sensitive rainforests, so it's important to look for certified sustainable sources. Acacia is a fast-growing hardwood that is abundant and affordable, making it a good choice if you're concerned about the environmental impact of your project.

Maintenance:

Keep in mind that all wood will require some level of maintenance to prolong its life. Regular cleaning, refinishing, and protection from the elements are essential. Applying a weatherproofing finish or varnish can help seal the wood and protect it from UV light, rain, and other outdoor elements.

Tools and materials

The tools and materials you will need to make an outdoor 2-door wedding arbor include:

• Wood: The type and amount of wood you need will depend on the design and size of your arbor. For example, one plan calls for three 2x4x12 pieces of wood, one 2x4x8 piece of wood, and redwood lumber, while another suggests using slim tree branches for a rustic effect. You may also need additional wood for decorations, such as a wooden chandelier or dream catchers.
• Fabric: Fabric can be used to create a romantic, draped effect on your arbor. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, such as ivory, linen, or tulle, and in different colours to match your wedding theme.
• Flowers and Greenery: Flowers and greenery are essential for adding a natural and romantic touch to your arbor. You can choose from a wide range of options, including roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers, pampas grass, orchids, or ivy.
• Decorative Elements: To personalise your arbor, you can add decorative elements such as fairy lights, wreaths, ribbons, or macrame.
• Tools: The tools you will need include a hand saw or circular saw, a mitre box, a drill, an orbital sander, a jigsaw, a table saw, and a chalk line.
• Fasteners: You will also need fasteners such as wood screws, deck screws, and wood glue to assemble your arbor.
• Stains and Finishes: To protect your arbor and give it a polished look, you can apply a stain or finish. The type of stain or finish will depend on your desired colour and the type of wood you are using.

When selecting your tools and materials, consider the overall design and theme of your wedding, as well as the natural setting of your outdoor venue. By incorporating elements that complement your surroundings, you can create a stunning and memorable backdrop for your special day.

Building the arch

Materials:

• 3 x 2x4x12ft pieces of pressure-treated wood
• 1 x 2x4x8ft piece of wood
• 2 1/2-inch wood screws
• Cloth or other decorations
• Hand saw or circular saw
• Mitre box (optional)

Cutting the Wood:

Start by cutting the wood to the desired length. You'll need three 7-foot pieces and three 5-foot pieces from the 2x4x12ft wood. The 2x4x8ft piece will be used later. If you want to create a smooth 45-degree angle cut for the brace pieces, a mitre box is very helpful.

Assembling the Arch:

Using the three 7-foot pieces, form the rough shape of the arch on the ground. On the top piece, measure and mark 1 foot from each side. Line up the vertical piece with the outside of these marks and secure it with two diagonally placed screws. Repeat this process on the other side.

Now, take one of the 5-foot pieces and decide how you want the brace pieces to sit. Cut the piece on a 45-degree angle on either side to create a 26-inch brace piece. You will need six of these in total, so cut them all to size.

Adding Support:

Flip the arch over so the back is facing up. Add the 8-foot piece of wood as a flat surface in one of the corners. Line up a brace piece with the vertical piece and lay it on top of the horizontal top piece. Secure it with two screws. Repeat this process on the other side.

Creating Bottom Supports:

Cut the 8-foot piece in half to create two 4-foot pieces. These will be used to create bottom supports with braces. Mark the halfway point (2 feet) on each piece to know where the side piece should sit. Use the remaining four 26-inch angle pieces to attach the bottom and side pieces together. Ensure the corners are exactly 90 degrees using a square. Use the same angled holes technique as before to attach the pieces together. Repeat this process for the other side of the arch.

Final Touches:

Your arch now has a pretty sturdy structure. If you're concerned about wind, you can add sandbags or drill holes and stake the arch to the ground.

The final step is to decorate the arch! You can use cloth, garlands, flowers, or any other decorations that suit your wedding theme.

Congratulations on building your outdoor wedding arbor! Now you're ready to celebrate your special day in style.

Attaching the doors

Preparing the Doors:

• Start by sourcing two reclaimed wooden doors that align with your desired aesthetic. You can look for vintage doors at thrift stores, salvage yards, or antique shops. Ensure the doors are in good condition and have a similar size and style for a cohesive look.
• Sand the doors to smooth out any rough surfaces and create a uniform finish. This step will help you achieve a polished appearance and remove any splinters or imperfections.
• If desired, apply a coat of paint or stain to the doors to enhance their appearance and protect the wood. Choose a color that complements your wedding theme or venue setting. Allow ample time for the paint or stain to dry completely before proceeding.
• Determine the desired height and placement of the doors within the arbor structure. Mark the spots where you will attach the doors to the arbor's vertical supports.
• Use a drill to create pilot holes in the marked spots. Drilling pilot holes will help guide your screws and prevent the wood from splitting.
• Secure the doors to the arbor using sturdy screws and a power drill. Make sure to use screws that are long enough to penetrate the door and the arbor's support, providing a strong and durable connection.
• If additional stability is required, consider using metal brackets or hinges to reinforce the connection between the doors and the arbor. Place the brackets on the backside of the structure for a discreet appearance.
• Once the doors are firmly attached, decorate them to match your wedding theme. You can add floral garlands, fabric draping, fairy lights, or any other decorative elements that suit your vision.

By following these steps and attaching the doors securely, you will create a beautiful and stable wedding arbor that serves as a stunning backdrop for your special day. Remember to consider the weight of the doors and ensure that the arbor's supports are sturdy enough to bear the additional load.

Decorating the arbor

Now for the fun part: decorating your wedding arbor! This is your chance to get creative and make your arbor reflect your unique style and personality. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers and Greenery

One of the most popular ways to decorate a wedding arbor is with flowers and greenery. You can choose flowers that match your wedding colour palette or theme. For example, pastel flowers for a springtime garden vibe, blue hydrangeas for summer, or sunflowers for fall. You can also use greenery such as pampas grass, eucalyptus, or magnolia leaves to create a natural and organic look.

Fabric and Draping

Fabric and draping can add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding arbor. You can use sheer fabric, linen curtains, or coloured drapes to create a soft and dreamy backdrop. Fabric can also be used to create a ribbon curtain or macramé details for a boho-chic look.

Lights

Add some sparkle to your wedding arbor with fairy lights or string lights. This is especially magical for an evening wedding, as the lights will twinkle and create a cozy atmosphere. You can also use candles or lanterns to create a warm and inviting space.

Personalized Details

Incorporate personalized details such as a "hugs and kisses" banner, dream catchers, or origami paper designs. These special touches will make your wedding arbor unique and memorable.

Arch Shape

Play with different arch shapes to create a unique and unexpected backdrop. You can go for a traditional curved arch, or try something different like a triangular arch, circular arch, or heart-shaped arch.

Natural Elements

If you're having an outdoor wedding, bring the beauty of nature into your decor. Use natural elements such as tree branches, birch wood, or local flora and fauna to create a rustic and organic feel.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to decorating your wedding arbor. Let your creativity flow and have fun with it! This is your chance to make a statement and showcase your personal style.

Frequently asked questions