Wall Draping 101: Elevate Your Wedding With Drapes

Wall drapes are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding décor. With some basic tools and creativity, you can transform any event space into a magical setting. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of fabric used for wedding drapes, such as chiffon, organza, tulle, and satin, and provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to create stunning wall drapery. We will also explore the various ways you can use draping to enhance your wedding venue, from softening harsh edges to creating intimate spaces. So get ready to be inspired and add a touch of whimsy to your big day!

Choosing the right fabric

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your wedding wall drapes, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colour palette. All-white fabric is the most common choice for traditional weddings, but you can also opt for neutral colours like ivory or blush for a clean and simple look, metallic colours like gold or silver for an edgy theme, or bold colours like red, green, or blue for added contrast. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you might even opt for multicoloured fabric to complement a modern wedding style.

In addition to colour, the type of fabric you choose is equally important. Sheer, gauzy textiles like chiffon, organza, or voile are popular choices as they create a luxe and upscale atmosphere while still feeling intimate and cozy. Chiffon, in particular, is a lightweight woven fabric that is sheer and slightly shimmery, often made from silk. Organza, also made from silk, offers more stiffness and body while remaining extremely light, making it ideal for adding volume to your draping décor. If you're looking for something that holds its structure well while remaining soft and smooth, tulle is a great option. Satin is another popular choice, characterised by its soft, shiny, durable, and smooth appearance. It's important to note that not all satin wedding draping fabrics are the same, so be sure to select one that suits your wedding reception.

Other fabric options include voile and netting. Voile, an ultra-wide fabric measuring 118 inches, is a great choice for pipe and drape backdrops and ceilings. It looks especially stunning when paired with lighting to create stunning effects. Poly Premier fabric is another elegant option, offering both romance and sophistication with its fine dining table linen-like texture.

When choosing your fabric, it's also essential to consider the venue and any restrictions they may have. Some venues may not allow you to touch the walls or hang anything from the ceiling. Additionally, be mindful of flame retardant requirements and ensure that your chosen fabric meets the necessary safety standards.

With these factors in mind, you can create beautiful wall drapes that will transform your wedding venue into the space of your dreams.

Creating a backdrop

Choose the Right Fabric:

Select a lightweight fabric such as chiffon, organza, tulle, or muslin. These fabrics will be easy to hang and won't be too heavy for your support system. Decide if you want a sheer or opaque fabric, depending on the level of privacy and lighting you prefer.

Determine the Amount of Fabric Needed:

Calculate the amount of fabric required based on whether you want a full wall drape or just strips of fabric. If using a sheer fabric, consider installing it folded over to avoid it being too see-through. Don't forget to add an extra 30% of fabric to your measurements to allow for swag or droop in the ceiling draping.

Install Eye Bolts:

Mark the locations for the eye bolts, ensuring they are installed into studs in the wall. Use a stud finder to confirm the placement. Predrill holes slightly smaller than the eye bolts, then screw them in securely.

Set Up Support Wires:

Use heavy-duty braided fishing line and turnbuckles to create a sturdy support system for your drapes. Tie the fishing line to one turnbuckle, attach it to an eye bolt, and run it along the wall. Repeat this process for each line, adjusting the turnbuckles to ensure the lines are tight.

Hang the Fabric:

Run the fabric up and over the installed fishing lines. If possible, leave the fabric uncut until everything is in place, allowing for adjustments. You can create a draped effect by letting the fabric cascade down from the ceiling.

Make Final Adjustments:

Once all the fabric is hung, adjust the spacing and swag to ensure they are even. Use small safety pins to attach the fabric to the wires and close any gaps. You can also add uplighting to enhance the overall effect and create a magical atmosphere.

Additional Tips:

• If your venue already has eye bolts or hardware installed, make use of them to save time and effort.
• Consider mixing and matching fabrics to create a unique, textured look.
• Incorporate fresh florals, greenery, or string lights with your drapes to add a romantic and whimsical touch.

DIY kits

First, decide on the type of fabric you want to use. Popular options include tulle, chiffon, organza, and voile. Tulle is a cheap and lightweight option, while chiffon has more weight and is not see-through. Voile is similar to tulle but has less weight, and poly-silk has a nice weight, gathers well, and is wrinkle-resistant.

Next, determine how much fabric you will need. For wall draping, the fabric is usually 10 feet tall, and you can add 3-foot extensions if you need to increase the height. It is charged per foot and rented out in 10-foot sections. To calculate the amount of fabric needed for a head table backdrop, take the number of guests in the bridal party, multiply it by 2, and then round up to the nearest 10. For example, a 14-person bridal party would require a 30-foot backdrop.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of setting up your DIY wall drapes:

• Insert your baseplates 10 feet apart.
• Slide the uprights over the baseplate ferrules.
• Connect a crossbar between every upright.
• Hang 3-4 fabric pieces on each crossbar.
• Pleat the fabric and raise the uprights to the desired height.
• Finalize the bottom of all the fabric.

You can also pull back the fabric for doorway openings using pipe cleaners. This type of straight wall draping looks great in photos, especially for your ceremony or head table. White is the most popular colour choice, but you can choose other colours as well. Keep in mind that white wall draping looks best with uplighting kits.

If you want something more ornate than a standard pipe and drape kit, consider a single valance backdrop. This can be hung from the top or pulled to the side and only takes a couple of extra minutes to set up.

For a more luxurious look, you can add some bling to your wall draping decorations by using a flexible silver sequin band to dress up your pulled-back fabric. Hanging chandeliers are another way to add visual appeal and improve the lighting for photos.

With these DIY kits, you can create beautiful and affordable wall drapes for your wedding that will transform your venue into a romantic and intimate setting.

Using uplighting

Choose the Right Fabric

The type of fabric you select for your wall drapes will play a crucial role in achieving the desired effect with uplighting. Sheer, gauzy fabrics like chiffon, organza, or voile are excellent choices as they allow light to pass through, creating a soft, ethereal glow. White or cream-coloured drapes are classic choices, providing a clean and sophisticated backdrop that complements any wedding theme.

Create a Stunning Visual Impact

Uplighting can transform your wall drapes into a radiant and elegant feature. When warm-toned uplighting is directed onto white or light-coloured drapes, it lends a sense of elegance and timelessness to the venue. This combination is particularly well-suited for weddings, creating a romantic and refined atmosphere.

Customise Your Colour Palette

One of the biggest advantages of using uplighting with wall drapes is the ability to customise colours. With adjustable lighting, you can match the lighting to your wedding colour scheme or create contrasting hues to make certain design elements pop. This versatility allows you to set different moods, from a soft and intimate ceremony to a vibrant and energetic reception.

Accentuate Focal Points

Strategically placed uplighting on your wall drapes can draw attention to key areas of your venue, such as the altar or stage. By highlighting specific areas, you add depth and dimension to the space, enhancing the overall spatial awareness for your guests. This technique ensures that the event's design is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.

Enhance the Ambiance

Uplighting can be used to create different atmospheres throughout the wedding. For instance, soft, warm lighting during the ceremony can transition to vibrant, energetic lighting during the reception, reflecting the changing moods of the celebration. This customisation ensures that your wall drapes remain a dynamic and versatile element of your wedding decor.

Combine with Other Design Elements

To create a truly unique setting, combine your lit wall drapes with other design features. Try incorporating bistro lighting or string lights with your drapes to add a whimsical, fairy-tale touch. Alternatively, drape fabric around tent poles and light them up to create designated spaces for dining, dancing, or lounging. This technique not only adds structure but also contributes to the overall flow and functionality of your event.

Draping a ceiling

Choose the Right Fabric:

Select a lightweight and breathable fabric such as chiffon, organza, or voile. These fabrics will create a soft, romantic, and luxurious look. They are also easy to work with and will drape gracefully. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and choose a shade that complements your theme. White, ivory, and blush are popular choices for weddings, but you can also opt for more vibrant colours if you wish to make a bold statement.

Determine the Amount of Fabric:

Decide on the number of panels you want to hang and measure the length and width of your ceiling to calculate the required fabric. For a full and elegant look, opt for longer and wider panels. You can find ceiling drapes in various sizes, such as 5ft x 10ft, 5ft x 20ft, or even longer, depending on the height of your ceiling.

Gather the Necessary Hardware:

To hang your ceiling drapes, you will typically need ceiling hooks, drapery pins, and rings. If you are renting a drape kit, it should come with the necessary hardware for installation. Ensure you have a sturdy ladder or other means to safely reach the ceiling.

Install the Drapes:

Start by attaching the hooks or rings to the ceiling at regular intervals. Then, gently drape the fabric over the hooks or rings, creating graceful folds or swags. You can leave the fabric loose for a billowing effect or gather it for a more structured look. Play around with different draping styles to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Enhance with Lighting and Decor:

Add fairy lights or spotlights to your ceiling drapes to create a magical ambiance. Intertwine delicate floral arrangements or garlands with the fabric for a whimsical touch. For a more dynamic look, consider hanging chandeliers, lanterns, or wreaths from the ceiling drapes to create a layered and elegant effect.

Safety Considerations:

When installing ceiling drapes, always put safety first. Ensure that the fabric is securely attached and will not pose a hazard to your guests. Avoid using flammable materials, and be cautious of any lighting or decor that may generate heat. It is also essential to consider the weight of the fabric and the strength of the ceiling to prevent any accidents.

By following these steps and adding your personal touches, you can create a stunning ceiling draping that will transform your wedding venue into an enchanting and memorable space.

Frequently asked questions