Creating The Perfect Round Arch For Your Wedding Day

A round arch is a perfect addition to a wedding, whether as a backdrop or as a standalone piece. You can make a DIY round arch using PVC pipes, wood, and a few other materials. The process involves making a bending jig, bending the PVC pipe, creating the base, and finally assembling the arch. You can decorate it with balloons, flowers, or other elements to match your wedding theme. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made round metal arch and decorate it as you wish.

Making a circle arch out of PVC pipe

Step 1: Making the Bending Jig

First, you need to determine the radius of your circle arch. Since you are using a 10-foot pole to make the arch, and assuming the base is about 1 foot wide, the radius of the circle will be 21 inches. Mark the centre point on one edge of your piece of wood, and then measure and mark the radius of the circle across the whole board. This line represents the centre of the pole. As the pole has an outer diameter of approximately 1 inch, measure and mark about 1/2 inch on either side of the line. Now, evenly space your nails and hammer them along the inner line. Hammering in more nails will result in a smoother curve. Also, hammer in two nails on the outside line at one end of the board.

Step 2: Bending the PVC Pipe

Use duct tape to seal one end of the 10-foot pole. Then, fill the pole with sand, tapping it on the ground to compact the sand and prevent creasing. Tape the other end of the pole closed. Place one end of the pole into the jig where the two nails are. Using a heat gun, heat up a 1-foot section of the PVC pipe, sweeping back and forth until the pipe softens. This process takes time, so be patient to avoid creasing. Once soft, bend the pipe a small section at a time along the inside curve of nails. Ensure the pole touches the next nail without any pressure. Hammer in a nail on the outside curve to hold the pipe in place, and make sure to keep the pipe flush with the board. Repeat this process of heating, bending, and nailing until you reach the end of the board.

Step 3: Finalising the Curve

Once you reach the end of the board, you will need to shift the pole through the jig to heat up the next section. Continue this process until you reach the end of the pole. To retain the shape, recentre the pole on the jig and heat up as much of it as possible one final time. Leave the pole in the jig for a few hours, preferably 24 hours, to cool. Once cool, empty out the sand.

Step 4: Making the Base of the Arch

Take a 2-foot pole and cut it in half. Cut another 2-foot pole into fourths. Attach elbow connectors to the ends of the 1-foot sections. Use the tee connectors to join two 6-inch sections. Connect all the pieces to form a rectangle, which will serve as the base of your arch.

Step 5: Completing the Arch

Connect the arch to the base via the tee connectors. You may need to adjust the angle of the tees to fit the arch. Spray paint the structure in a well-ventilated area, waiting 10-15 minutes between coats. Let it dry overnight.

Step 6: Decorate!

Now, it's time to decorate your arch! You can use balloons, flowers, garlands, macrame, or any other decorations that fit your theme. Be creative and adapt the arch to your unique vision!

Using a metal arch as a base

Purchasing a Metal Arch

If you don't want to go through the hassle of building your own metal arch, you can purchase one from various online stores, such as Etsy or Wayfair. These stores offer a wide range of metal arch designs, including round, crescent, and double hoop shapes. When purchasing a metal arch, consider the size, colour, and stability of the structure to ensure it meets your needs.

Building Your Own Metal Arch

Building your own metal arch can be a fun and creative project, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps to help you build a sturdy and elegant metal arch for your wedding:

Materials and Tools:

• Metal tubing (steel or wrought iron)
• Arch connectors (elbow and tee connectors)
• Spray paint (optional)
• Wood for the bending jig
• Nails
• Hammer
• Duct tape
• Sand
• Heat gun
• Metal cutting tools (if needed)

Step 1: Design and Measurements

Determine the desired size and shape of your metal arch. The standard size for a wedding arch is around 7-8 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Consider the space where the arch will be placed and the overall theme of your wedding.

Step 2: Bending the Metal Tubing

Create a bending jig using a piece of wood. Mark the centre point and measure out the radius of the circle to ensure a smooth and consistent curve. Hammer nails along the inner line and on one end of the outer line. Use duct tape to secure one end of the metal tubing, and then fill it with sand to prevent creasing during the bending process.

Step 3: Heating and Bending

Using a heat gun, evenly heat a small section of the metal tubing until it softens. Bend the tubing along the nails, ensuring it touches the next nail without any pressure. Repeat this process, heating, bending, and securing with nails, until you reach the end of the tubing. Reheat the entire structure and allow it to cool in the jig to retain its shape.

Step 4: Creating the Base

Cut the remaining metal tubing into the required lengths for the base. Use elbow connectors to attach the base pieces together, forming a stable structure. You can also use tee connectors to adjust the angle and fit the arch securely onto the base.

Step 5: Final Touches

If desired, spray paint the entire structure with a colour of your choice. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling or decorating the arch. You can decorate the arch with flowers, balloons, tulle, or any other decorative elements that match your wedding theme.

Building a metal arch for your wedding can be a rewarding project, but it requires careful planning, the right tools, and attention to detail. If you prefer a more convenient option, purchasing a pre-made metal arch from online stores is also a great choice.

Decorating the arch with balloons

Balloons are a fun, budget-friendly way to decorate your wedding arch and can be used to create a whimsical, festive atmosphere. Here are some tips and ideas for decorating your round wedding arch with balloons:

Choose the Right Balloons

Select balloons in two to four colours that match your wedding theme and flowers. Opt for different sizes to add dimension to the arch. Latex balloons are a good choice as they have high elasticity to maximise float time.

Prepare the Balloons

Before you begin, inflate your balloons with an air pump and tie them securely with a tight knot to prevent air leakage. You can also use a mixture of air-filled and helium-filled balloons for a varied effect.

Attach the Balloons to the Arch

Tie the balloons in pairs, and then use ribbon to attach them to the arch frame. Place some larger, lighter-coloured balloons towards the bottom of the arch for balance. Fill in any gaps with smaller balloons to add depth and ensure the arch frame is hidden.

Add Greenery

Wrap the bottom of the arch with a rose leaf garland, securing it discreetly with fine metal wire. Add another layer of rose leaves to fully cover the arch frame. You can also use eucalyptus or ivy garlands for a different look.

Create Floral Vines

Trim sections of the rose leaf garland into short pieces and attach them by wrapping the wire stems of the flowers around the arch. This creates a gorgeous flower vine adorned with blossoms!

Harmonise the Design

Insert the floral vine into the gaps in the balloon arrangement to create a blending effect, allowing the two sides of the arch to flow seamlessly together.

Finish with Flowers

As a final touch, insert flowers into the greenery to create a gradient effect that ties the whole design together. Choose flowers that match the colour of your balloons. Continue to fill in any gaps with more flowers and leaves, adding small embellishments for a delicate touch.

Additional Tips

• Use balloon tape (double-sided adhesive with holes for tying string through) or fishing line wrapped in foliage to hide the strings of the balloons.
• For a unique look, add some faux flowers or eucalyptus sprigs to the balloons.
• Consider using a combination of air-filled and helium-filled balloons to create a varied and textured look.
• For a simple yet elegant look, opt for a single line of balloons in a classic colour combination, such as ombre pink or black and white.
• If you're short on time, you can purchase a ready-made metal arch and focus on the balloon decorations.
• For a rustic wedding, consider using sandbags with burlap and greenery to weigh down the arch.
• Add LED lights to the arch for a twinkling, fairy-tale effect.

Decorating the arch with flowers

Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding arch, creating a gorgeous backdrop for your special day. You can use real or faux flowers, and they can be combined with greenery, lights, and fabric for a stunning effect.

If you want to keep things simple and elegant, use flowers as a subtle accent. Add small bouquets to the corners of a square arch or dot flowers across a greenery arch. You can also scatter blooms among the fabric curtains or tie them into the fabric itself. This way, you get a beautiful floral arch without overwhelming the scenery around the altar.

For a bolder statement, dedicate one side of a square or rounded arch to an asymmetrical floral accent. You can also weave bunches of flowers and greenery around half of a full circle arch for an elegant and magical backdrop.

If you want to go all out, why not try a full flower arch? You can use a variety of flowers or keep it uniform with a single type. Combine flowers with greenery woven into a trellis or fabric curtain for a whimsical and enchanting look.

For a unique twist, try a floral curtain. Use your arch as a frame to hang whimsical strands of flowers. This creates a magical feel, perfect for a storybook wedding. You can use floral garlands or simple strands of flowers, featuring a single type of bloom for a minimalist touch.

Making a stable arch that won't fall over

To make a stable wedding arch that won't fall over, there are several methods you can use. Here are some detailed instructions:

Firstly, choose a sturdy base. The stability of your arch will depend on this, so opt for something solid and durable. If you're using a metal arch, push it into the ground. The deeper you push it, the more stable it will be. You can also use tent pegs, metal anchors, or weights made of sand, concrete, or metal to anchor your arch and prevent it from toppling over.

Another method to stabilise your arch is to use logs. Drill a hole in the centre of the logs large enough to accommodate your arch stands. Then, fill the gaps with cement to create a solid base. This method also works well with a rustic wedding theme, as you can decorate the base with greenery.

If you're creating a DIY arch from wood, there are a few steps you can take to ensure stability. Firstly, choose the right type of wood. For outdoor use, consider using cedar, which is naturally bug and rot-resistant. Alternatively, you can use green lumber, but be aware that it tends to be wet, so you'll need to allow time for it to dry before construction.

When assembling your wooden arch, add diagonal supports to the legs to increase stability. You can also attach metal stakes to the backside of the posts to anchor the arch to the ground. If you're concerned about stability, you can add extra support between the legs with stained 2x2s or 1x2s, especially if the arch will be placed in the grass, as this can help to hide the additional bracing.

Finally, if you're creating a round arch from PVC pipe, there are a few tricks you can use. First, fill the pipe with sand to help it keep its shape and prevent creasing when heated. Additionally, make sure to heat the pipe evenly and slowly to ensure it softens enough to bend without creasing. Once you've achieved the desired shape, allow it to cool completely before removing the sand and decorating.

By following these instructions and choosing the right materials, you can create a stable and stunning wedding arch that won't fall over.

Frequently asked questions