Creating Roman Columns: A Wedding Diy Guide

Roman columns can be a beautiful addition to a wedding, adding an elegant touch to the decor. However, real columns are heavy and expensive, so making your own is a creative and cost-effective solution. There are various ways to create DIY Roman columns, from using cardboard boxes, tubing, and pool noodles to plastic sheets and corrugated strips. You can even make your own concrete columns using moulds. With some time and effort, you can achieve the authentic Roman look without breaking the bank.

Using cardboard boxes, tubes, and wallpaper

Materials and Preparation:

First, gather your materials. You will need several large cardboard boxes, cardboard tubes (which can be obtained from carpet rolls), duct tape, wallpaper, and paint. Ensure you have enough cardboard to create the height and width desired for your columns.

Constructing the Columns:

Begin by cutting and taping the cardboard boxes into a large piece that will form the main structure of your column. A suggested size is 24 inches wide and 90 inches long, but you can adjust the dimensions to your preference. Tape the boxes together securely, ensuring the duct tape is only on the back side, so it remains hidden.

Adding Detail and Structure:

Draw 23 vertical lines, spaced 1 inch apart, along the length of the cardboard piece. Use a ruler to ensure straight lines. Then, carefully bend the cardboard inward along each line to create a curved shape. This will give the column its round structure. Secure the shape by taping along the edges.

Creating the Capital and Base:

Cut out five 24-inch square pieces of cardboard and glue them together to form a stack. Repeat this process with five 36-inch squares for the other end. Glue or tape these stacks onto the ends of the tube to create the capital and base of your column.

Final Touches:

You can now paint the column in your chosen colour. Once the paint is dry, you can enhance the column with additional details. Curl long, thin pieces of cardboard and attach them to the top for a decorative touch. You can also consider using wallpaper to cover the column and create a textured or patterned finish.

Repeat these steps to create multiple columns, and you will have beautiful, inexpensive Roman columns perfect for a wedding or any other themed event.

Using PVC pipe

PVC pipe is a versatile and lightweight material that can be used to create Roman columns for a wedding. Here are some instructive tips on how to make them:

Firstly, you'll need to gather the necessary materials and tools. For this project, you'll require PVC pipes, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. The size of the pipes will depend on your desired column height and thickness. You will also need some additional materials such as PVC roofing panels, foam insulation board, duct tape, liquid nails, a caulk gun, a bread knife or box cutter, wooden chopsticks, sand, and any paint or decorations of your choice.

Once you have your materials, you can begin constructing the columns. Start by cutting the PVC roofing panels to the desired length and taping them into tubes. These will form the main structure of your column. Next, create the base by scoring and snapping the foam insulation board into squares. Use liquid nails to adhere these squares into a stack, creating a sturdy base for your column.

Now, it's time to assemble the column. Slide one of the PVC tubes onto the base and check for stability. If needed, pour sand into the base to add weight and ensure the column stands firmly. Repeat this process for as many columns as you require.

To enhance the appearance of your columns, consider adding decorative elements. You can wrap the columns with textured wallpaper to create ridges, giving them a more authentic Roman look. Paint the columns to achieve the desired colour and finish—marble or stone effects can be created with paint techniques. Additionally, you can decorate the columns with flowers, tulle, twinkle lights, or ivy to match your wedding theme.

Remember to plan the placement of your columns in advance. Consider the overall layout of your wedding venue and how the columns will enhance the space. You may want to create varying heights by making some columns taller and others shorter, adding depth and visual interest to the décor.

By following these steps and using PVC pipes, you can create elegant and affordable Roman columns that will impress your wedding guests and enhance the theme of your special day.

Using corrugated plastic

Materials:

• 4 mm corrugated sheet, 36-by-36 inches
• Permanent marker, fine
• 4 mm corrugated strips, 4-by-73 inches (2)
• Low-temperature hot glue
• 2 mm flexible corrugated plastic, 8-feet high by 38 inches long
• Duct tape
• Sand (optional)

Instructions:

• Begin by laying the 36-by-36-inch corrugated plastic sheet on a flat, firm surface, such as a work table or floor.
• Use a yardstick and a fine permanent marker to divide the sheet into four equal parts, each measuring 18-by-18 inches.
• Identify the centre of two 18-inch squares by measuring diagonally from corner to corner. Mark this centre point with a reference dot. Repeat with the opposite corners to ensure accuracy.
• Using the dots as a guide, draw a 12-inch diameter circle within each of the marked 18-inch squares, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides.
• Carefully cut out both circles using a sharp craft knife, being careful not to damage the plastic on either side of the squares.
• Take one of the 18-inch squares without a cut-out circle and lay it flat on a table. Use hot glue to attach one of the 4-by-73-inch strips around its perimeter, bending the strip at each corner for a crisp edge.
• Cut off any excess strip where the ends meet. Repeat this process with the other uncut square and strip. You should now have two shallow, open boxes.
• Repeat the gluing process to attach the squares with cut-outs on top of the two boxes you just created. You will now have two completed boxes with 12-inch holes in the tops.
• Using the same centre hole, draw a new diameter of 11-1/2 inches on each of the 12-inch cut-outs. Cut them down to this size.
• Take the 8-foot-long flexible corrugated plastic and roll it into a tube shape. Tape both edges together from the inside with duct tape, ensuring the edges meet without overlapping.
• Place one end of the tube into each box through the cut-outs to test the fit. If it's too large, adjust by cutting a slender strip off one edge.
• Once the tube fits snugly, slide a circle cut-out into each end and check again for a good fit.
• Remove the circles and tape from the tube. Fasten the edges together along the entire length with hot glue, working in small sections to prevent the glue from hardening too quickly.
• Reattach the circles to the ends of the tube with a small amount of hot glue.
• Glue the boxes onto the tube to complete the column.
• If you want to add weight and stability to the column, pour sand into the bottom box before gluing the tube in place.

By following these steps, you can create elegant and sturdy Roman columns from corrugated plastic, perfect for adding a unique touch to your wedding décor.

Using pool noodles and foam board

Materials:

• Pool noodles: Look for ones that are on clearance or discounted, as they can be pricey. You'll need enough noodles to cut and wrap around your column structure.
• Foam board: This will be used to create the base and cap of the column, as well as any additional details you want to add.
• Cardboard tubing: You can use concrete form tubes or carpet tubes for this. The tubing will serve as the main structure of your column.
• Contact cement: This will be used to adhere the pool noodles to the tubing.
• Paint: Choose colours that match your wedding theme or go for a classic stone or marble look. You can use wall paint and craft paint to achieve the desired effect.
• Additional supplies: You will also need a utility blade, sharpie, scrap wood, and any other decorative elements you want to add.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Pool Noodles:

• Cut all your pool noodles in half lengthwise using a utility blade. Don't worry about making perfectly straight cuts, as the noodles will be curved and textured.
• On one of the cut noodles, arrange it into a spiral curve on the tubing. This will be your guide for gluing down the noodles.
• With the help of an assistant, draw a line with a Sharpie along the arranged noodle. This line will be your guide when it comes time to glue the noodles onto the tubing.

Step 2: Adhere the Pool Noodles to the Tubing:

• Paint the cut edges of the noodles and the surface of the tubing with two coats of contact cement. Allow the cement to dry between coats.
• Once the cement is dry, start attaching the noodles to the tubing. Line up the first noodle with your guideline and press it down firmly.
• Continue adding noodles, working your way around the tubing. You may need to trim the last noodle to fit snugly.

Step 3: Trim and Finish the Column:

• Trim the edges of the noodles with a utility blade to create a clean, even lip around the column.
• To finish the ends of the column, you can cut wooden rings to slide over each end, creating a cap.
• Wrap each ring with another half of a pool noodle to give it a rounded edge.
• If desired, cover the wooden caps with thin aluminium, wood veneer, flexible plastic sheeting, or heavy poster board to achieve the desired look.
• Caulk along the seams and lines of the column to create a smooth finish.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate:

• Apply a coat of spray primer to the entire column, including the caps and any additional foam board details.
• Once the primer is dry, paint the column with your chosen colours. For a stone or marble effect, use a cream-coloured base and add thinned-down brown craft paint on top, wiping it off immediately with a wet paper towel to create an aged look.
• You can further decorate the column with tulle, twinkle lights, artificial ivy, or any other wedding decorations that match your theme.

Your Roman columns made from pool noodles and foam board are now ready for your wedding! This inexpensive and creative DIY project will surely impress your guests and add a unique touch to your special day.

Buying ready-made columns

If you're looking for ready-made Roman columns to use as wedding decor, there are several options available to you.

Home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Michaels sell ready-made columns in various dimensions and materials, including concrete and plastic. These stores also offer supplies for those who want to make their own columns, such as moulds and colourants.

Another option is to rent or buy columns from craft stores like Hobby Lobby, or online retailers like Artisan Designs, Shindig.com, and TableclothsFactory.com. These stores offer a range of sizes and styles, including Roman-inspired columns, and some may be more affordable than others.

When buying ready-made columns, consider factors such as height, material, colour, and whether you want to rent or purchase them. Compare prices and options from different stores to find the best deal. Additionally, don't forget to plan how you'll use the columns in your wedding decor. They can be used to line aisles, divide sections of the venue, or simply add a classical touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions