Creating Wedding Pillars: A Guide To Design And Decorate

Wedding pillars are a versatile accent piece that can be used to decorate the entrance, aisle, or altar of your wedding venue, adding depth and dimension to your space. They are available in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials, including metal, PVC, wood, and acrylic. If you're looking to save some money or add a personal touch to your wedding, you can even make your own wedding pillars. This can be done using materials such as wire, Styrofoam, or cardboard, and decorated with flowers, garlands, vines, candles, ribbons, or fairy lights. For a sturdier option, you can follow a DIY tutorial that uses oak wood, melamine wood, and dollar tree pie pans to create elegant 4 1/2-foot pillars.

Choosing the right materials

Wedding pillars are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials. When choosing the right materials for your DIY wedding pillars, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of material you want to use. Common options include metal, PVC, wood, and acrylic, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Metal wedding pillars, for instance, offer superior durability and sturdiness but tend to be more expensive. If you're looking for something more affordable, PVC pillars are a cost-effective choice, although they may not provide the same level of durability as metal. Wood and acrylic pillars are also budget-friendly options that offer versatility and can be used for multiple functions.

Another factor to consider is the overall theme and style of your wedding. You can choose materials that complement your wedding colour palette or decorative elements. For example, if you're going for a rustic or natural look, wooden pillars can enhance that theme. On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern or elegant style, acrylic or metal pillars might be a better choice.

The size and height of the pillars are also important considerations. If you plan to use the pillars to create a dramatic entrance or to accentuate the height of a centerpiece, opt for taller pillars. Shorter pillars can be used to create a more intimate setting or to decorate tables without obstructing the view of your guests.

Additionally, consider the weight and portability of the materials. If you intend to transport the pillars or set them up without assistance, lighter materials like PVC or acrylic may be more practical. On the other hand, if stability is a priority, metal pillars might be a better option, although they will be more challenging to move around.

Lastly, think about the decorative possibilities of the materials. Some materials, like wood, can be easily painted or adorned with flowers, garlands, or other embellishments. Acrylic pillars can also be decorated, but the options may be more limited. Metal pillars often have an elegant look and may require fewer additional decorations.

Building the base

Wedding pillars can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, PVC, wood, and acrylic. When creating your own wedding pillars, you will need to consider the type of material you want to use, as well as the overall design and structure. Building a strong and stable base is crucial for the safety and durability of your pillars. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a secure base for your wedding pillars:

Start by gathering the necessary materials. For a wooden pillar, you will need items like oak wood pieces, melamine wood (shelf wood), a dollar tree pie pan, a quick tube, laminate paper, spray paint, construction adhesive, super glue, and a caulk gun.

Prepare the materials by cutting and measuring the wood to the desired size and length. Spray paint the wood pieces and the back of the pie pan in the colour of your choice. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

To create a smooth and polished finish, sand down any rough edges or surfaces on the wood. This step is important to ensure that your base will be even and free of imperfections.

Assemble the base by using a strong adhesive, such as liquid nails construction adhesive. Apply the adhesive to the bottom piece of wood, which should be the largest piece, and attach it to the centre of the pie pan. Hold it in place firmly or use clamps to ensure a secure bond.

Once the centrepiece is attached, continue building the base by gluing additional wood pieces around the centre, forming a stable structure. The specific assembly process may vary depending on the design of your pillar, so refer to your chosen design plan for guidance.

After assembling the base, let the adhesive dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This step is crucial to ensure that the base is sturdy and can bear the weight of the pillar.

Finally, you can add any additional decorations or embellishments to the base. Consider wrapping the base with fabric or greenery to create a visually appealing foundation, especially if you plan to use the pillar for a flower arrangement.

Remember, the base of your wedding pillar is crucial for both stability and aesthetics. Take your time during the building process, follow safety guidelines when working with tools and adhesives, and don't be afraid to seek assistance if needed.

Adding flowers

Choose your flowers and greenery:

Select a variety of flowers and greenery to create a lush and beautiful arrangement. You can choose different types of flowers, such as roses, carnations, and scabiosa, as well as greenery like eucalyptus and lemon leaf. The amount of each will depend on how many pillars you are decorating and how full you want your arrangements to be.

Prepare your pillar:

Before adding flowers, ensure your pillar is ready. You can create your own pillar structure using PVC pipes and a terracotta pot, or you may opt to buy ready-made pillars made from materials like metal, wood, or acrylic. Wrap the base of the pillar in greenery or fabric to create a foundation for the flowers. This will help cover any mechanics and give a professional finish.

Start with greenery:

Begin by adding greenery to your pillar, working from the bottom to the top. Distribute the greenery evenly, creating a solid base for your flowers. Take a step back periodically to assess the design and ensure it looks balanced. You can use different types of greenery to add depth and dimension to your arrangement.

Add line flowers:

Line flowers, such as delphinium and snapdragon, will add length and height to your arrangement. Place these flowers diagonally or in groupings of threes to guide the eye up and down the pillar. Start at the top of the pillar, creating long lines and then move downwards.

Include focal flowers:

Focal flowers are the stars of your arrangement. In this case, we are using roses. Use varying stem lengths to create depth and connect different parts of the arrangement. The design should feel lighter at the top, so use heavier-looking flowers less towards the top. Focal flowers help build the foundation of your design, working together with the greenery to cover any mechanics.

Accent with spray and focal carnations:

Add spray flowers, such as mini carnations, to break up any solid areas and add interest to your design. Start at the top, using longer stems to create an organic feel. Tuck some flowers into the arrangement to add depth and vary the scale. For accent focal flowers, use two varieties of carnations, such as Terra-Cotta and blush carnations. These will accentuate your colour palette and fill in any gaps.

Finish with detail and filler flowers:

Detail flowers, like scabiosa, are used sparingly to add interest and movement to your arrangement. Filler flowers, such as wax flowers, are then added to fill in any remaining gaps and break up solid masses of greenery or other flowers.

Finally, stand back and admire your stunning floral wedding pillars!

Decorating the pillars

Wedding pillars can be decorated in a variety of ways to create a sophisticated and magnificent allure to your wedding ceremony. They can be adorned with flowers or garlands, or you can get creative and use other decorative elements such as vines, candles, candelabras, crystal beads, ribbons, or fairy string lights.

If you're looking to create a simple yet stunning flower pillar, start by choosing a sturdy base. A foam or cardboard cylinder wrapped in greenery or fabric will serve as a foundation for the flowers. Once the foundation is in place, begin adding a variety of blooms in different colours and sizes, securing them with hot glue or floral wire. Continue until the pillar is covered, and then add any finishing touches, such as ribbons or beads.

For a more cost-effective option, you can create your own pillars using oak wood pieces, melamine wood, pie pans, quick tubes, white laminate paper, spray paint, construction adhesive, and super glue. You can find a more detailed guide on the Hometalk website.

Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made pillars and stands from sites like Etsy, where you can find a wide range of options, including metal pedestals, wooden stands, and flower pillars. These can be decorated further to match your style and theme.

Using pillars to create height

Firstly, consider the placement of your pillars. Strategically position them at the entrance of your venue to create a grand and inviting setup. You can also use them to line the wedding aisle, placing them on both sides of the aisle runner to add a touch of charm. For an even more captivating look, adorn the pillars with flowers, garlands, or fairy string lights.

Another way to use pillars to your advantage is to place them throughout the venue to add height and visual interest. For example, you can use pillars of varying heights to elevate centrepieces, floral arrangements, or candelabras. Opt for pillars made from sturdy materials such as metal or wood to ensure they can bear the weight of your decorations.

If you're feeling creative, consider making your own pillars. DIY pillars can be easily crafted using materials like oak wood, melamine wood, and white spray paint. By customising your pillars, you can ensure they perfectly fit your wedding's theme and colour palette.

When choosing or creating your pillars, pay attention to their height. Select pillars that are tall enough to create a noticeable impact without being too obtrusive. The ideal height will depend on the size and layout of your venue, so be sure to measure your space in advance.

Finally, don't forget to decorate your pillars to match your style. Wrap them with fairy lights, drape fabric or greenery around them, or adorn them with flowers or ribbons. You can even use pillars to display wedding signage or hang decorations from them to create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

By incorporating pillars of varying heights and strategically placing them throughout your venue, you can create a sense of height, depth, and drama, making your wedding decor truly unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions