Creating Wedding Pillars: A Guide To Diy Nuptial Columns

Wedding pillars can be expensive, but they add a special touch to your big day. Luckily, they are easy to make yourself and can save you a lot of money. In this article, we will cover how to make your own wedding pillars, from the materials you will need to the step-by-step process of constructing them. We will also provide some tips and tricks to make your DIY wedding pillars look elegant and professional. So, whether you are a craft enthusiast or just looking to save some money, read on to find out how to make your own wedding pillars.

Sourcing materials: wood, glue, paint, and decorations

The materials you will need to make your own wedding pillars depend on the type of pillar you want to create. For example, you could use oak wood for a more elegant look, or opt for wooden candlesticks for a rustic feel.

Wood

For a simple, elegant pillar, you will need two 5/6 x 11 x 14 oak wood pieces, and two 3/4 x 10 1/2 x 12 pieces of melamine wood (shelf wood). These can be purchased at Home Depot.

If you're looking for something more decorative, you could try wooden carved regal Ionic Pilasters, or a flat-back column. These can be purchased unpainted, so you can add your own personal touch. For a rustic look, you could use birch wood, or opt for antique carved wood with a floral ornament.

Glue

A strong adhesive is key to constructing a stable pillar. Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive is a good option, along with super glue for smaller areas.

Paint

Gloss white spray paint is a good option for a uniform, elegant finish. If you're using unpainted wood, you can add a dark stain to achieve a rustic look.

Decorations

Decorations can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You could use white dollar tree pie pans, or opt for a more decorative top, such as a wooden flower stand or a plant vase. For a romantic touch, you could add pillar candles, or opt for a set of rustic candle holders.

Constructing the pillars: cutting, gluing, and painting

Constructing the pillars involves cutting, gluing, and painting various materials.

First, you will need to cut the wood to the desired size and shape. For the wooden base and top, you can use oak wood pieces measuring 5/6 X 11 X14 and melamine wood (shelf wood) measuring 3/4 X 10 1/2 X 12. Cut two circles out of the wood using a router saw. These will form the base and top of your pillar.

Next is the gluing process. Attach the coupling fittings to each wood plaque circle using hot glue. Secure the wooden dowels to the base and top of the stand with hot glue, ensuring they are level and even. For additional stability, use liquid nails construction adhesive or super glue.

Finally, it's time for painting. Spray paint the wood with silver foil or white spray paint, ensuring all sides are covered evenly. You may also want to paint the back of dollar tree pie pans white to match the colour of the wood. Let the paint dry completely before handling or assembling further.

Once the paint is dry, you can begin assembling the pillar. Stack the pieces in the desired order, with the pie pan placed last, and secure them together using liquid glue. Allow the glue to dry for 4-6 hours before handling.

Your DIY wedding pillars are now ready to be displayed! You can choose to glue the top piece or leave it unglued if you wish to add sand or other decorations inside the pillar.

Adding weight and texture: spackle for stability

Once you've constructed your wedding pillars, you can add spackle to them to increase their weight and texture. Spackle is a gooey substance made from gypsum powder and binding materials, and it's perfect for filling in small dents and dings. It dries quickly, usually within 30 minutes, and it's easy to sand and paint over.

Before you start spackling your wedding pillars, you'll need to prepare the surface. Use a putty knife to remove any protruding pieces or loose paint from the pillars. Push the knife firmly at an angle and then carefully scrape up and down. You can also use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. After that, wipe the pillars with a damp cloth to get rid of any remaining residue or dust.

Now you're ready to start applying the spackle. Scoop out some spackling compound with your putty knife and hold the knife at a 45-degree angle against the pillar. Smoothly spread the spackle over the surface, using a feathering motion, until you've covered the desired area. If you apply too much spackle, simply use a piece of sandpaper to sand it down until it's even with the rest of the pillar.

Remember to work quickly, as spackle dries fast. If you notice any excess spackle on the pillars, scrape it away with your putty knife and then wipe the area with a damp cloth. If you find that you didn't apply enough spackle and there are some depressed areas, simply repeat the process and let it dry again.

Decorating the pillars: flowers, garlands, and lights

Flowers, garlands, and lights are all excellent ways to decorate wedding pillars.

For flowers, consider using bright, colourful blooms that match your wedding colours or existing floral décor. Large, oversized arrangements or dramatic floral sculptures in the shape of hearts or other meaningful symbols can help to bring the outdoors inside and create a romantic atmosphere.

Garlands are a great way to dress up plain pillars. You could opt for artificial ivy, especially if your wedding is in the evening, or eucalyptus and lamb's ear for a more natural look. For a beach wedding, try a tropical palm leaf garland to tie the theme together.

Fairy lights and LED lights are a modern way to illuminate your wedding pillars. For a timed lighting effect, multicolour LED-lit crystal pillars will put on a show, or for a more dramatic look, try ice sculptures with LED lights inside, which will cast patterns on the walls and floor.

Finalising the design: ensuring stability and durability

When finalising the design of your wedding pillars, it is important to consider the stability and durability of the structures, especially if they will be used as aisle markers or need to bear any weight. Here are some tips to ensure your pillars are both stable and durable:

Use the right materials: Select materials that are sturdy and can withstand some weight. For example, oak wood is a strong and durable option for the main structure of your pillar. Melamine wood, also known as shelf wood, can be used for the internal structure to provide additional strength.

Secure all connections: Ensure that all parts of the pillar are securely attached. Use strong adhesives, such as liquid nails construction adhesive, or hot glue, to attach the base and top pieces to the main structure. This will create a solid foundation and ensure the stability of the pillar.

Add weight for stability: If you anticipate needing additional stability, consider adding weight to the base of your pillars. This can be done by attaching something heavy, such as a weight plate or a decorative element, to the bottom of the pillar. This will lower the centre of gravity and make the pillar more resistant to tipping.

Reinforce joints and connections: To enhance durability, reinforce the joints and connections between different parts of the pillar. This can be done by using L-brackets, metal plates, or additional wooden supports. These reinforcements will help distribute weight more evenly and reduce the stress on glued connections.

Test and adjust: Once you have constructed your pillars, test their stability by gently applying pressure to different sides. If they feel unsteady, adjust as necessary by adding additional support or reinforcing connections. It is better to be cautious and make adjustments until you are confident in the stability of your pillars.

By following these guidelines and carefully constructing your wedding pillars, you can ensure that they are both stable and durable, providing a safe and elegant addition to your wedding décor.

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