Creating A Copper Pipe Wedding Arch: A Diy Guide

A copper pipe wedding arch is a great DIY project that can be easily constructed and customised to fit your wedding style. It can be made with copper pipes and fittings, with optional decorations like curtains, lights, or flowers. This arch is not only beautiful but also cost-effective and easy to transport, making it a unique and personalised addition to your special day. With some creativity and imagination, you can create a stunning backdrop that will leave a lasting impression.

Measurements and cutting

To make a copper pipe wedding arch, you will need to cut the copper pipe into various lengths. The exact measurements will depend on the desired size of your arch, but here are some general guidelines for measurements and cutting:

First, decide on the overall dimensions of your arch. A standard arch might have a base of 5 feet by 5 feet and a height of about 6 and a half feet. You will need two vertical pipes that form the legs of the arch, and a third pipe that connects them at the top. The length of the vertical pipes will depend on your desired height, while the third pipe should be slightly shorter to allow for the curve of the arch.

For the legs of the arch, cut two pieces of 1/2-inch copper pipe to your desired length. Keep in mind that thinner pipes may be flimsy and not suitable for outdoor use. You will also need four 12-inch pieces of the same pipe for the base of the arch.

For the arch itself, cut a piece of 3/4-inch copper pipe to a length that is slightly shorter than the distance between the legs. This will be the top of the arch. You will also need two longer pieces of the same pipe that will form the sides of the arch. These should be cut to a length that is a few inches longer than the desired width of your arch, to account for the curvature.

Finally, you will need several shorter pieces of pipe to reinforce the structure. Cut four pieces of 1/2-inch pipe to a length of about 6 inches, and four more pieces to a length of about 3 inches. These will be used to create a sturdy base and to join the pieces of the arch together.

Remember to use a pipe cutter or a hacksaw to cut the copper pipe, and wear gloves and eye protection for safety. You may also want to sand the cut edges of the pipe to remove any burrs and create a smooth finish.

Gluing the legs

To make the legs of your copper pipe wedding arch, you will need four 12-inch copper pipe pieces, four 90-degree fittings that allow for caps on one end and a pipe on the other, and a T-fitting.

Start by gluing the 12-inch pieces to either end of the T-fitting. Ensure that the glue you are using is suitable for metal. Then, glue the caps onto the 90-degree fittings. You should have four of these cap-fitting combinations. Next, glue these onto the ends of the 12-inch pieces.

If you don't want to scratch the floor, you can glue the caps onto the ends of the 12-inch pieces first and then attach the 90-degree fittings. This will create a small buffer between the metal and the floor.

Once the legs are assembled, you can attach them to the rest of the arch.

Attaching the caps

Firstly, you will need four 90-degree fittings that are designed to accommodate both a pipe and a cap on either end. These fittings will act as the base for each leg of the arch, providing stability and preventing the pipes from scratching the floor. Take your 90-degree fittings and securely glue the caps onto the ends. It's important to use a strong adhesive that is suitable for metal surfaces. Allow this to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once the glue has dried, you can attach these capped fittings to the legs of your arch. Take the four 12-inch pieces of copper pipe that form the legs and insert them into the open end of the 90-degree fittings. Make sure they are firmly in place and securely attached to the caps. By doing this, you've created a stable base for your arch that won't scratch or damage the floor.

Now, move on to the top section of the arch. You will need two more 90-degree fittings, this time without the caps. These will be used to connect the horizontal pipe to the legs. Attach these fittings to the top of each leg, again ensuring a secure fit. You can choose to glue these fittings if you want a permanent structure, or leave them unglued for easy disassembly and storage, as mentioned in the previous steps.

Finally, take your 6-foot piece of pipe, which will form the top horizontal bar of the arch. Insert this pipe into the open ends of the 90-degree fittings at the top of the legs. Adjust the legs as needed to ensure the arch is stable and level. If you've chosen to leave this section unglued, you can easily detach the horizontal bar for transport or storage.

With the caps securely attached and the arch fully assembled, you can now add your chosen decorations, such as curtains, lights, or floral arrangements. Your copper pipe wedding arch is now complete and ready to be the focal point of your special day!

Joining the legs

To join the legs of your copper pipe wedding arch, you will need to cut your copper pipes to the desired length. You will need two 7-foot pieces, one 6-foot piece, and four 12-inch pieces.

Start by grabbing your four 12-inch pieces and gluing them to either end of the T-fitting. Ensure that you are using a strong adhesive that is suitable for metal.

Next, take your 90-degree fittings and glue the caps onto the ends. You should have four of these 90-degree + cap combinations. Attach these ends to the ends of the 12-inch pieces.

Now, you can attach the 7-foot pieces to both legs, creating two giant legs.

Finally, take the other side of one of the 7-foot pipes and attach it (without glue) to the 6-foot piece. This will allow for easy deconstruction and storage.

You have now successfully joined the legs of your copper pipe wedding arch! You can adjust the legs to your desired height and add any desired decorations, such as curtains, lights, or flowers.

Adding decorations

Once you have the basic structure of your copper pipe wedding arch in place, it's time to start decorating! Here are some ideas to elevate your arch and make it a stunning focal point for your ceremony:

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are a classic choice for wedding arch decorations. You can opt for fresh flowers or silk flowers, depending on your preference and budget. If you're crafty, you can create your own floral arrangements or garlands to weave through the arch, or you can work with a florist to design something truly special. Consider using flowers that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. For a more rustic look, add some greenery, such as ivy or eucalyptus, to soften the copper pipes.

Draping and Fabric

Another way to decorate your arch is by draping fabric or curtains from the top. Sheer curtains can add a romantic and elegant touch to your arch, and they come in a variety of colours to match your wedding theme. You can also try using voile or tulle fabric, which will create a soft and ethereal look. Play around with different fabrics and colours to see what works best with the copper.

Lights

Adding lights to your arch can create a magical and whimsical effect, especially for an evening ceremony or reception. String lights, fairy lights, or even hanging lanterns can be draped or wrapped around the copper pipes. You can choose between warm white lights or coloured lights to set the right ambiance. Just be sure to have a power source nearby or opt for battery-operated lights.

Hanging Decorations

Hanging decorations can add interest and depth to your arch. Consider hanging items such as pom-poms, paper lanterns, or even small picture frames with photos of the happy couple. For a more natural look, you can hang items like dreamcatchers or macrame pieces. If you want something more sparkly, try hanging acrylic crystals or beaded garlands that will catch the light.

Signs and Backdrops

If you're using your arch as a backdrop for your ceremony or as a photo op spot, consider adding a sign with your wedding date or a romantic quote. You can make this sign from wood, acrylic, or even a simple chalkboard. It will add a personalised touch to your arch and can be a great keepsake after the wedding.

Remember to have fun with the decorating process and let your creativity shine! This is your chance to make your wedding arch unique and memorable.

Frequently asked questions