Deborah Chan
Wedding columns can be expensive to buy or rent, but they create a beautiful focal point for your ceremony. You can save money by making your own columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets. These materials are available at craft stores and are easy to work with. In this introduction, we will explore the different ways to make columns for a wedding, including the materials needed, the steps to follow, and the decoration options to consider. By the end of this topic, you should be able to create elegant and affordable wedding columns that complement your special day.
Characteristics of 'How to Make Columns for a Wedding'
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of columns | 2 |
| Placement | One on either side of the ceremony aisle |
| Real column materials | Wood, stone, iron |
| Alternative materials | Styrofoam, plastic foam sheets |
| Cost | $40-$80 |
| Plastic foam shapes | Balls or spheres |
| Tools | Serrated knife, glue or glue gun, hardcover book, embellishments, spray paint, silk flowers, lace or ivy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sourcing materials: plastic foam sheets and glue
To make columns for a wedding, you will need to source plastic foam sheets and glue. Craft stores are a good place to start, as they stock styrofoam and plastic foam sheets in various sizes, which are perfect for creating wedding columns.
For a typical wedding column, you will need eight 36" by 12" by 1/2" plastic foam sheets for the walls, and two 36" by 12" by 2" sheets for the tops and bases. Additionally, you can purchase two 10-inch plastic foam balls to use as accent pieces.
When it comes to glue, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, ensure that the glue is suitable for the type of plastic foam you have purchased. A low-heat glue gun with plastic foam glue sticks is a good option for this project. Alternatively, you could use spray adhesives, which are versatile and can be used for bonding different materials to foam, such as wood, GFK, concrete, or metal. However, be mindful of the fumes and potential environmental impact. Another option is a special adhesive designed for joining foam, such as BEACON Hold The Foam, which can bond all forms of foam together and with other materials.
Authentic Cambodian Wedding Food: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cutting and assembling the columns
To make your own wedding columns, you will need to purchase some supplies. For two columns, you will need eight plastic foam sheets (36 by 12 by 1/2 inches), two plastic foam sheets (36 by 12 by 2 inches), and two 10-inch plastic foam balls. You will also require plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun and some stone-texture spray paint. All of these items can be sourced from craft stores.
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
- Using a serrated knife, carefully saw the two larger sheets in half width-wise. These four smaller sheets will form the tops and bases of your columns.
- Assemble the column walls by gluing four of the thinner sheets to the base along their 12-inch edges. Join two of the 36-inch edges to form a 90-degree angle, and repeat until you have four walls.
- Allow the glue to dry for 20 minutes to an hour.
- Place a hardcover book inside the column to add weight and stability.
- Apply glue to the edges of the top piece. Hold the glue gun at a 10-degree angle and gently apply glue along the edges. Secure this piece to the top of the column walls.
- Centre the foam ball on the middle of the top piece and glue it in place.
Crafting Customized Wedding Coasters: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding weight to the columns
Wedding columns can be made using various materials such as styrofoam, plastic foam sheets, cardboard, metal, and acrylic. While creating your own columns can be a cheaper option, it is important to ensure they are stable and safe, especially if used as decorative elements.
Use a hardcover book: Place a hardcover book inside the column to give it some weight. This will help ensure that the column doesn't get knocked over easily by wind or guests brushing past it.
Add internal support: Consider adding internal support structures to your columns, especially if they are made from lightweight materials. For example, you could use PVC pipe or wooden dowels cut to size and secured inside the column with glue or other fasteners.
Sandbags or water-filled containers: If you're concerned about stability, consider using sandbags or water-filled containers as weights. Place them inside the column structure or secure them to the base. Ensure they are properly concealed and won't be tripping hazards.
Use heavier materials: Opt for heavier materials for your columns, such as metal or solid wood. This will naturally add weight and improve stability. For example, metal flower stands or gold wedding columns can be purchased or rented.
Weight distribution: Ensure that the weight inside the column is evenly distributed. This will prevent the column from leaning or becoming unbalanced.
Remember to consider the overall design and aesthetics of your columns while adding weight. You don't want the additional weight to detract from the visual appeal of your wedding decor.
Wedding Hair: Tips for a Perfect Look
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Decorating the columns with paint and embellishments
To decorate the columns with paint and embellishments, you can follow these steps:
For a stone-like finish, use stone-texture spray paint to cover the columns. This will give them a realistic and elegant look. Wait for the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
You can then enhance the columns with satin and lace. Cover the top piece edges with glue and gently push the trigger to release it evenly along the edges. This will help you attach the satin and lace fabric to the columns. Hold the glue gun at a 10-degree angle for better control.
Another embellishment idea is to use silk flowers. Insert the sharp stems of the silk flowers around the foam ball accent piece. This will add a pop of colour and a romantic touch to the columns.
You can also drape lace or ivy around the columns for a more natural and whimsical look. The greenery of the ivy will also add a beautiful contrast to the stone-textured columns.
Feel free to mix and match these decoration ideas or add your own creative touches to make the columns truly unique and personalised for your wedding!
Create Stunning Bun Holder Wedding Jewelry: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using columns as a focal point for your ceremony
Wedding columns are a great way to create a focal point for your ceremony. Typically, there are two columns, one on each side of the ceremony aisle, and they can be made from materials like wood, stone, or iron. If you're looking to save some money, you can even design your own columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets from craft stores. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful and affordable wedding columns:
Choose the Right Materials
To make cheap columns for your wedding, you'll need plastic foam or styrofoam sheets. For two columns, you'll require eight 36" x 12" x 1/2" sheets and two 36" x 12" x 2" sheets. Additionally, you'll need two 10-inch plastic foam balls, plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun, and stone-texture spray paint.
Assemble the Columns
Start by using a serrated knife to cut the two thicker sheets in half width-wise. These will be the tops and bases of your columns. Place one base sheet on a flat surface and glue four of the thinner sheets to its edges to form the column walls. Repeat this process to create two columns. Place a hardcover book inside each column to add weight and stability.
Decorate the Columns
Enhance the look of your columns by adding decorative accents. Cover the edges of the top pieces with glue and secure them to the top of the column walls. Center a foam ball on top of each column and glue it in place. Spray paint the columns with stone-texture paint for a realistic finish. You can further decorate the columns by inserting silk flowers around the balls or draping lace or ivy around them.
Safety Precautions
When using your DIY wedding columns, be sure to take some safety precautions. Avoid leaving burning candles near the columns to prevent fire hazards. If you're using lightweight materials, be cautious of windy conditions to prevent the columns from being knocked over.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and affordable columns that will enhance the ambiance of your wedding ceremony.
Creating a Wedding Signature Board: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need plastic foam sheets, a serrated knife, plastic foam glue or a low heat glue gun, stone-texture spray paint, and silk flowers.
As of November 2010, the cost of making two wedding columns was estimated to be between $40 and $80.
It takes a few hours, including the time required for the glue to dry.
