Creating Wedding Columns: A Guide To Design And Decor

Wedding columns create a focal point for your ceremony and are usually placed at the beginning of the aisle. Real columns can be made of wood, stone, or iron, and are often expensive to buy or rent. However, you can make your own wedding columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets, which are available at craft stores. This is a cheap and effective way to create beautiful decorations for your wedding.

Use styrofoam or plastic foam sheets

To make wedding columns out of styrofoam or plastic foam sheets, you will need:

• 8 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 1/2"
• 2 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 2"
• 2 10-inch plastic foam balls
• Plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun
• Stone-texture spray paint
• A serrated knife
• A hardcover book
• Satin and lace embellishments
• Silk flowers
• Ivy or lace for draping (optional)

First, use the serrated knife to saw both 12" by 36" by 2" sheets in half width-wise. These four small sheets will be the tops and bases of the columns. Next, place one of the base sheets on a flat surface and glue four 12" by 36" by 1/2" sheets to the base along their 12" edges. Glue two of the 36" edges together to form a 90-degree angle, and continue until you have four column walls.

Wait 20 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry. Place a hardcover book inside the column to give it some weight and stability. Cover the top piece edges with glue, and gently push the trigger of the glue gun to release the glue evenly along the edges. Secure it to the top of the column walls.

Use the foam ball as an accent piece by centering and gluing it to the middle of the top. Spray paint the columns with stone-texture spray paint. Insert silk flowers by their sharp stems around the balls. You can also drape lace or wrap ivy around the columns for added decoration.

Do not leave burning candles near the columns.

Cut sheets with a serrated knife

Wedding columns can be made from a variety of materials, including PVC, plastic, cardboard, metal, and acrylic. They can be purchased online and decorated with flowers, LED lights, and other accessories. If you want to cut sheets to create your own wedding columns, a serrated knife is a useful tool.

Serrated knives are designed with a saw-toothed or scalloped edge, allowing them to slice through tough exteriors and soft interiors without applying much force. This makes them ideal for cutting sheets of material for your DIY wedding columns. The serrations on the blade help prevent slipping, making it safer and more effective than a straight-edged knife.

To cut sheets with a serrated knife, start by marking the cutting lines on the sheet using a ruler and a marker. If you're working with thin sheets, place them on a flat surface and cut along the lines. For thicker or foam sheets, place them upright for better stability and cut from top to bottom.

Hold the serrated knife firmly and work the blade along the marked lines, applying gentle pressure. Take your time and be cautious to avoid accidental cuts. Depending on the material, you may need to make multiple passes with the knife to cut through the sheet completely.

With a serrated knife, you can cut sheets into the desired shapes and sizes for your wedding columns. Remember to always exercise caution when handling sharp objects and consider using gloves to protect your hands.

Glue sheets together to form walls

To make the walls of your wedding columns, you will need to glue together several sheets of plastic foam. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Materials:

• 8 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 1/2"
• 2 plastic foam sheets 36" by 12" by 2"
• Plastic foam glue or a low-heat glue gun
• Serrated knife
• Hardcover book
• Embellishments like silk flowers, lace, or ivy (optional)

Prepare the Sheets:

Use the serrated knife to carefully cut the two thicker sheets in half widthwise. You should now have four smaller sheets that will serve as the tops and bases of your columns.

Glue the Sheets Together:

Place one of the base sheets on a flat surface. Take four of the thinner sheets and apply glue along their 12-inch edges. Attach these sheets to the base sheet, gluing two of the 36-inch edges together to form a 90-degree angle. Repeat this process until you have four column walls.

Weight and Embellish:

Wait 20 minutes to an hour for the glue to dry. Place a hardcover book inside each column to add weight and stability. If desired, you can also embellish your columns with silk flowers, lace, or ivy.

Tips:

• When gluing the sheets together, be sure to apply enough glue to create a strong bond.
• To achieve a seamless look, consider using clear acrylic sheets and an adhesive that dries invisibly, such as a solvent-based cement or UV-curing glue.
• If you prefer a more ornate look, you can use stone-texture spray paint to give the columns a stone-like appearance.
• For added stability, consider screwing the sheets together in addition to gluing.

Add weight to the column's base

To make wedding columns, you will need to add weight to the base to ensure they are sturdy and safe. Here are some steps you can follow to achieve this:

First, cut the 12 by 36 by 2-inch plastic foam sheets in half widthwise using a serrated knife. These halves will form the tops and bases of your columns. You will need two halves for each column, one for the top and one for the base. Place one half of the sheet, which will be the base, on a flat surface. This provides a stable foundation for your column.

Next, take four 12 by 36 by 1/2-inch plastic foam sheets and glue them to the edges of the base sheet. Apply the glue along the 12-inch edges of the sheets and join two of the 36-inch edges together to create a 90-degree angle. This will form the walls of your column. Repeat this process until you have four sturdy walls for each column.

Once the glue has dried, you can add weight to the base. Place a hardcover book inside the column, ensuring it fits snugly. This adds weight and stability to the column, making it less prone to being knocked over by wind or accidental bumps. You can also use other weighted objects, such as a small sandbag or a weighted bag, as long as it fits securely inside the base.

If you want to enhance the stability further, you can attach a weighted base plate to the bottom of the column. This can be made from a thicker piece of plastic foam or a thin sheet of metal. Ensure that the base plate is large enough to provide a stable foundation and attach it firmly to the bottom of the column with strong adhesive or glue.

By following these steps, you will have wedding columns that are sturdy, safe, and less likely to topple over, ensuring a beautiful and secure display for your special day.

Spray paint the columns

Spray painting your wedding columns is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve the best results:

Prepare the Area:

Start by laying down a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect the surrounding area from any paint overspray. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated space or outdoors to avoid inhaling too many fumes. If necessary, wear a mask designed for spray painting to protect your respiratory system.

Prepare the Columns:

Before painting, ensure your columns are made of a suitable material. Some materials, such as cardboard, may be too delicate and could be damaged by the paint. If you're unsure, test a small area first. If the columns are dusty or dirty, wipe them down with a damp cloth to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Prime the Surface:

Consider using a primer, especially if you're painting a light colour over a darker surface. A primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Choose the Right Paint:

Select a spray paint designed for the material of your columns. For example, if your columns are made of plastic, choose a paint suitable for plastic surfaces. You can find these at most hardware stores or art supply shops. If your columns are made of fabric, consider using fabric spray paint, which won't dry out or stiffen the fabric as much as regular spray paint.

Painting Technique:

Hold the can of spray paint about 10-12 inches away from the column and spray in steady, back-and-forth motions, slightly overlapping each stroke to ensure even coverage. Start at the top of the column and work your way down. Allow the paint to dry completely, then apply a second coat if needed.

Finishing Touches:

Once the paint is dry, you can add any desired decorations, such as flowers, LED lights, or other embellishments. If you want a glossy finish, consider using a clear gloss spray to seal the paint and add a shine.

Remember to allow sufficient drying time between coats and always test your techniques on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you're happy with the results.

Frequently asked questions