Transform A Bucket Into A Wedding Wishing Well

A wedding wishing well is a fun way to collect gifts and money from guests. It is usually a box or bucket where guests can drop off their monetary gifts for the couple. If you're looking to make a round wedding wishing well from a bucket, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

First, you'll need to gather the necessary materials and tools, including a bucket, lumber, a table saw, wood glue, a drill, a spindle or dowel, and any desired paint or finish. Begin by cutting and beveling the edges of the lumber to form the base of your wishing well. Use wood glue to assemble the pieces into a circular shape, clamping them together to ensure a tight fit. You can also add a bottom to the base for extra support.

Next, attach roof supports to the inside of the base and build a roof frame. Cut and attach rafters to the frame, and don't forget to add trim for strength and curb appeal. Paint or finish your wishing well to protect the wood and add a personal touch.

Now, it's time to hang the bucket. Create a spindle by using a thick dowel or lumber, and attach it to the roof supports with homemade washers. Create a handle for the spindle, and tie the bucket to the spindle with a piece of rope or string.

Finally, add any desired foliage, rocks, or flowers around your wishing well to create a beautiful display. Your round wedding wishing well is now ready to be a part of your special day!

Choosing a bucket

Choosing the right bucket for your wedding wishing well is essential to achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a bucket:

Size and Proportions

The size of the bucket you choose will depend on the overall dimensions of your wishing well. Consider the height and width of the well's base and roof when selecting a bucket. You want to ensure that the bucket is proportional to the well and doesn't look too small or too large in comparison.

Style and Design

Buckets come in various styles and designs, from simple and classic to more ornate and decorative. Choose a bucket that complements the overall style of your wedding and venue. If you're going for a rustic or vintage theme, consider a bucket with a distressed or burnt wood finish. For a more modern or elegant affair, opt for a sleek and simple bucket design.

Functionality

Consider the functionality and purpose of the bucket. Will it be used solely for decoration, or do you want it to hold cards and well wishes from your guests? If the latter, choose a bucket with a detachable option, allowing you to easily remove and collect the cards. Additionally, look for a bucket with an adjustable hanging feature so you can position it at the perfect height.

Material

Buckets are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. Consider the material that best suits your needs and preferences. Wood buckets offer a natural and rustic look, while metal buckets can add a touch of elegance or industrial charm. Plastic buckets are lightweight and often more affordable but may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing.

Colour

The colour of the bucket can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding wishing well. Opt for a natural wood finish or choose a colour that complements your wedding colour palette. If you want the bucket to stand out, select a bold colour that contrasts with the well's base and roof. For a more subtle approach, choose a neutral colour or a shade that matches the surrounding décor.

Remember to consider the size, style, functionality, material, and colour of the bucket when making your selection. By taking these factors into account, you can create a cohesive and beautiful wedding wishing well that aligns with your vision.

Attaching the roof

Now it's time to attach the roof to your wedding wishing well!

Firstly, take the two longer pieces of wood that you cut earlier and cut one end of each to a triangular point using two 45-degree angles. These will be the roof supports. Place these roof supports on either side of the well's barrel, ensuring they are parallel to each other. Nail the roof supports to the inside base of the barrel and again near the inner lip for extra stability.

Next, you can start to build the roof frame. Cut four pieces of lumber to the same size as the roof supports. Cut one end of each piece to form a 45-degree slant. This will allow the pieces to fit together neatly over the peaked roof supports. Drill holes and attach wood screws through the frame and onto the support from above. The length of the roof frame is up to you, but typically, a small roof that doesn't extend past the edge of the well is used.

Now it's time to add the rafters. Work from the top down and lay 1-inch by 2-inch planks from one side of the roof frame to the other. Use one or two wood screws to attach each side of the planks to the roof frame. Ensure the planks are flush with each other to create a flat surface.

For added strength and a more polished look, add some trim to the roof. Attach a 1-inch by 4-inch piece of wood across the open triangular frame at its lowest point. Position the plank horizontally so it extends under the awning and use finishing nails to secure it to the roof frame and/or roof supports. Repeat this step on the opposite side, then connect them with another 1-foot by 4-foot piece of wood beneath the lowest rafter.

You can also paint the roof (and the rest of the well) if you wish. This will protect the wood and add a pop of colour to your wedding decor. If bright colours aren't your thing, opt for a clear finish or wood stain for a more natural look.

Adding a spindle

To create a spindle for your wedding wishing well, you will need a 1-inch-thick wooden dowel or a 1-by-1-inch piece of lumber. Cut the dowel or wood so that it extends across the full outer diameter of the well, with an additional 6 inches of length. This extra length will allow the spindle to fit through the holes you will drill into the roof supports.

If you want to add a handle to the spindle, save the wood scraps from cutting.

Next, decide where you want your bucket to hang and mark the spot on the outer side of both roof supports. It is recommended to place it high up on the roof support so that the bucket can dangle over the well's base. Ensure the markings are even by measuring the distance from the well's edge to each mark. Then, drill holes at the marked spots—they should be large enough for the spindle to fit through. Now, push the spindle through the holes.

To secure the spindle in place, you will need to create wooden washers. Take the scraps of lumber and cut out two 1.5-inch-long pieces, drilling a 1-inch hole through each. Slide these washers onto each end of the spindle until they are flat against the frame. Apply wood glue between the washers and the frame to secure them.

Finally, create a handle to spin the spindle by cutting a 2-by-3-inch rectangle from a piece of wood and drilling two 1-inch holes into it. Attach one hole to the spindle with wood glue, and insert a 6-inch piece of dowel or lumber through the remaining hole to serve as the handle.

Hanging the bucket

To hang the bucket, you'll need to create a spindle. Use a 1-inch-thick dowel or a piece of 1-inch x 1-inch lumber if you can't find a thick enough dowel. Cut the dowel or wood so that it extends across the full outer diameter of the well, plus an additional 6 inches. This will allow the spindle to fit through the holes you'll add to the roof supports.

Save the wood scraps from cutting the dowel or lumber, as you can use them later to add a handle to the spindle.

Next, pick where you'd like the bucket to hang and mark the spot on the outer side of both roof supports. We recommend a location high up on the roof support so that the bucket can dangle over the well's base. Measure the distance from the well's edge to your mark on both sides to ensure they're even. Then, drill holes large enough for the spindle, and push it through.

Now, attach the spindle to the roof supports using homemade washers. Cut out two pieces of square or round wood that are 1.5 inches long from the leftover scraps. Drill a 1-inch hole through each piece—and there's your wooden washer! Push a washer onto each end of the spindle until it lies flat against the frame, and use wood glue to secure them in place.

To create a handle for the spindle, cut a piece of wood into a 2-inch x 3-inch rectangle and drill two 1-inch holes into it on either side. Place one hole onto the spindle and attach it with wood glue. Cut another piece of dowel or lumber, about 6 inches long, and stick it through the remaining hole in the rectangle, gluing it in place.

Finally, tie a bucket onto the spindle using a piece of rope or string. Simply tie a knot around the bucket handle, and then use the other end of the string to tie another knot around the middle of the spindle. Turn the spindle with the handle, and watch your bucket lift up!

Consider using super glue to fasten the rope permanently, especially if the wishing well is for decoration.

Decorating your well

Now that you have the structure of your wishing well in place, it's time for the fun part: decorating! Here are some ideas to make your well look absolutely enchanting:

Paint it

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your well. Opt for a colour that complements your wedding colour palette or go for a classic white or ivory for a traditional look. If you're feeling adventurous, try a bold colour like navy or burgundy. You could even add some subtle sparkle with a metallic paint.

Flowers and foliage

Add some natural beauty to your well by filling it with flowers and foliage. Choose blooms that are in season for your wedding and that fit your colour scheme. You could also add some trailing vines or ivy for a romantic, rustic look. If you want to get really creative, use blue foliage to create the illusion of water in your well.

Lights

Add some sparkle to your well by wrapping fairy lights or string lights around the bucket and roof. For an extra magical touch, opt for lights that twinkle. If your wedding is in the evening, the lights will create a beautiful, soft glow.

Signage

Create a cute sign to hang on your well, perhaps with a poem or a message about your love. You could also add a sign with your names and wedding date as a keepsake. Use a pretty font and maybe even add some illustrations or decorations to the sign.

Ribbons and bows

Tie some ribbons or bows to the handle of the bucket for a whimsical touch. Choose ribbons that match your wedding colours, or go for a neutral colour like ivory or white. You could also add some ribbon to the roof of the well, letting it trail down for a fairy-tale effect.

Personalised touches

Add some unique touches to your well that reflect your personality as a couple. This could be anything from a favourite quote painted on the side of the well to a collection of meaningful items placed inside. For example, if you love to travel, you could add some small souvenirs from your travels to the bucket.

Remember, this is your special day, so have fun with the decorations and make your wishing well truly yours!

Frequently asked questions