Creating Wedding Columns: A Guide To Making White Columns

Wedding columns are a great way to create a memorable setting for your walk down the aisle. They can be adorned with floral decor, pearl beads, candles, and more. While you can rent or buy wedding columns, they can be expensive. An alternative is to make your own using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets, which are available at craft stores. This will cost you between $40.00-$80.00. You can also use other plastic foam shapes, such as balls or spheres, to enhance the look of your column.

Use styrofoam or plastic foam sheets

To make wedding columns using styrofoam or plastic foam sheets, you will need the following:

• Plastic foam sheets (8 sheets of 36 by 12 by 1/2 inches, 2 sheets of 36 by 12 by 2 inches, and optionally, 2 plastic foam balls of 10 inches in diameter)
• Plastic foam glue or a low heat glue gun
• Stone-texture spray paint
• Silk flowers
• Lace or ivy (optional)

Cut and Assemble the Sheets:

Using a serrated knife, cut the two 12 by 36 by 2-inch sheets in half widthwise. You will now have four small sheets that will serve as the tops and bases of the columns. Place one of the base sheets on a flat surface. Take the eight 12 by 36 by 1/2-inch sheets and glue them to the base along their 12-inch edges. Form a 90-degree angle by gluing two of the 36-inch edges together. Repeat this process until you have assembled four walls for each column.

Add Weight and Stability:

Allow the glue to dry for 20 minutes to an hour. Place a hardcover book inside each column to add some weight and stability. This will ensure that the columns don't get knocked over easily by the wind.

Embellish and Decorate:

Apply glue to the edges of the top pieces. Hold the glue gun at a 10-degree angle and gently apply glue along the edges. Secure the top pieces to the column walls. If you have the plastic foam balls, center one on top of each column and glue it in place as an accent piece. Spray paint the columns with the stone-texture paint. Decorate the columns by inserting silk flowers around the balls and draping lace or ivy around them.

Safety Precaution:

Do not leave burning candles near the columns.

Adorn with floral decor

Once you have your wedding columns, it's time for the fun part: decorating them with flowers! Here are some ideas and instructions to help you adorn your columns with floral decor:

Choose Your Flowers

Select flowers that fit the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. You can opt for real flowers, such as silk flowers or long-stemmed peonies, or go for artificial flowers, which can be a more cost-effective option.

Floral Arrangements

You can create a beautiful floral arrangement by combining different types and sizes of flowers. For example, combine ivory long-stemmed peonies with white carnations for a classic and elegant look. Add some greenery, such as ivy, to give it a natural touch.

Attach the Flowers to the Columns

There are a few ways to attach flowers to your columns. You can use floral foam, which is a lightweight and absorbent material that can be easily cut to fit the shape of your column. Soak the floral foam in water, then secure it to the column with tape or hot glue. Start inserting the flower stems into the foam, creating a lush and full arrangement.

Alternatively, you can use flower panels, which are pre-made grids covered in flowers. These can be attached to the columns with zip ties or hooks and loops. Another option is to use flower vases or pots that can be placed on top of or attached to the columns.

Add Some Extra Details

To enhance the look of your floral columns, consider adding some extra details such as crystal beads, hanging chandelier crystals, or ivy draped around the structure. You can also add string lights or fairy lights intertwined with the flowers for a magical touch.

Safety First

When decorating your wedding columns with flowers, it's important to keep safety in mind. Ensure that the columns are stable and secure, especially if you're using real flowers with water, as they can become heavy. Avoid placing lit candles near the columns to prevent any fire hazards.

Decorate with pearl beads

Pearl beads are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding pillars. Here are some tips and ideas to decorate your white wedding columns with pearl beads:

Choose the Right Pearl Beads

Select pearl beads that complement your wedding theme and colour palette. You can opt for classic white or ivory pearl beads or go for glamorous metallic shades like silver, gold, or even pastel colours like light blue, pink, lavender, or yellow. The size of the pearl beads is also important—choose beads that are too big or too small for your columns. Factory Direct Craft offers pearl beads in various sizes, from 3mm to 12mm, so you can find the perfect fit for your columns.

Drape and Weave the Pearl Beads

Drape and weave the pearl beads along the length of your wedding pillars to create elegant patterns or designs. You can also try intertwining the pearl beads with flowers, ribbons, or cloth accessories for a more decorative look. The pearl beads will add a sophisticated shine and texture to your wedding pillars.

Create a Floral Crown

After draping or weaving the pearl beads on the wedding pillars, complete the decor by adding a floral crown on top. You can use fresh flowers that match your wedding colours or theme, or opt for artificial flowers for a more durable option. The combination of pearl beads and flowers will create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Add Other Decorative Elements

In addition to the pearl beads, you can incorporate other decorative elements to enhance the overall look of your wedding pillars. Consider adding LED fairy lights, candles, or even ice sculptures if your venue has the appropriate refrigeration facilities. These elements will add drama and interest to your wedding pillars, creating a memorable visual impact for your guests.

Experiment with Different Arrangements

Don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements and combinations. Try draping the pearl beads at different angles or in unique patterns. You can also mix and match different sizes and colours of pearl beads to create a unique design. Play around with different options until you find the perfect arrangement that reflects your style and personality.

Enhance with candles

Candles are a classic way to enhance wedding columns, adding a romantic and ethereal touch to the big day. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding columns with candles:

Surround the Columns with Candles

Create a romantic and intimate atmosphere by surrounding the wedding columns with candles. Place candles of varying heights and types, such as taper candles, pillar candles, and votives, at different levels around the columns. This will add visual interest and create a soft, flickering glow.

Hang Candles from the Columns

For a unique and whimsical touch, hang tea candles or votives in glass holders from the wedding columns. This will create a floating effect, adding to the magical ambiance.

Top the Columns with Candles

Place large pillar candles or groupings of smaller candles on top of the columns. This will add a warm glow to the surrounding area and draw attention to the height of the columns.

Combine Candles with Flowers or Greenery

Enhance the beauty of the wedding columns by combining candles with floral arrangements or greenery. Place small votive candles within the floral displays, or surround the columns with flowers and candles at their base.

Use Candles to Create a Romantic Aisle

Line the bridal aisle with mini wedding columns, and place candles at varying heights between them. This will create a romantic and enchanting walkway for the bridal party.

Add Candles to a Fabric-Draped Canopy

Create a dreamy canopy by topping four tall columns with a fabric roof. Suspend candles of various lengths from the canopy, or place them at different levels around the columns for a magical forest-like effect.

Incorporate Candles into Outdoor Settings

If your wedding columns are outdoors, add complementary lighting such as wrought-iron chandeliers or wide pillar candles in hurricane globes. This will create a cosy and enchanting atmosphere, especially as the sun sets.

Spray paint with stone-texture paint

To make white wedding columns, you can use stone-texture spray paint to achieve a sophisticated finish. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare your work area. This will help ensure a smooth and mess-free painting process. Set up your columns in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or in a spacious room. If you're painting indoors, make sure to cover any nearby surfaces or furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray.

Step 2: Choose the Right Paint

Select a stone-texture spray paint in the colour of your choice. There are various options available, including grey stone, white onyx, black granite, and sandstone. You can find these products at hardware stores or online retailers. Always read the instructions on the can before starting to ensure proper usage.

Step 3: Prime the Columns (Optional)

If your columns have a very smooth surface, consider applying a primer designed for use with spray paint. This will help the stone-texture paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. Follow the instructions on the primer, allowing it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Spray Paint the Columns

Hold the can of stone-texture paint about 10-12 inches away from the surface of the column. Start spraying with a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke to ensure even coverage. Apply several thin coats, waiting the recommended amount of time between coats as per the manufacturer's instructions. This will create a more natural and durable finish than applying a single thick coat.

Step 5: Allow the Paint to Dry

Once you've finished spraying, allow the paint to dry completely. The drying time may vary depending on the paint you've chosen, the temperature, and humidity levels. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for an accurate drying time.

Step 6: Add Additional Coats or Details (Optional)

If you feel that the coverage isn't complete or you want a more textured look, you can apply additional coats of paint, following the same spraying technique. You can also use a paintbrush to add final touches or details by gently tapping the brush against the column to create a stippled effect.

Step 7: Decorate Your Columns

Once the paint is completely dry, you can further decorate your columns with silk flowers, lace, or ivy. These additions will give your wedding columns a romantic and elegant touch.

Frequently asked questions