DIY Wedding Ceremony Backdrop (No Tools Required!)
If you've been reading this blog lately, you know I hosted a styled shoot back in August. I wanted to make a "ceremony" area as well as "reception" area so I decided to build my own arch. The challenge for me was 1. it had to be easy to assemble on site and 2. it had to fit in my small NY apartment in a way that wasn't too obvious. With those two challenges, I decided the best way would be copper!!
Isn't this so lovely? Stay tuned 'til the end if you'd like to read up on some tips on what I'd do differently if I made this again.
Want to skip on the reading? Watch this video!
[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvyqLa0BhQE&w=854&h=480]
Materials:
- 4 - 8 foot 1/2" Copper Pipe
- Pipe Cutter
- 2 T fittings
- 2 90-degree fittings that will allow for the pipe to be inserted both ways
- 4 90-degree fittings that will allow for caps on one end and a pipe on the other
- 4 end caps
- Metal Glue
- Lights (Optional)
- Sheer Curtains (Optional)
Instructions:
This arch is super easy to make! Fist thing's first is to grab your copper and cut two 7-foot pieces, one 6-foot piece, and four 12-inch pieces.
We're going to begin with the legs first. Go ahead and grab your 12 inch pieces and glue them on either end of the T fitting. You'll want to make sure the glue is good for metal.
I didn't want the floors scratching so I took the 90-degree fitting that can hold a pipe and a cap and glued the caps on the end. You should have four 90 degree + cap combos.
I then took the ends and glued them onto the ends of the 12 inch pieces. Boom!! Your legs are done!
I glued the 90 degree caps that will allow pipes on either end to the 6-foot piece (see arrow/image above). I did NOT GLUE the adjacent piece since I wanted to easily deconstruct and store this arch.
Attach the 7-foot pieces to both legs so you have two giant legs
I then took the other side of the 7-foot pipe and attached it (with no glue) to the 6-foot piece.
Adjust the legs and add your curtain & lights if you so desire.
I chose to decorate the backdrop with these himmeli's - you know those things hanging on the arch.. I created these and I'll share that in another post so stay tuned! I actually wanted to decorate it a completely different way, BUT the florist didn't have what I wanted and gave me potted Ivy. I just broke them from the pot and decorated the himmeli and added a moss letter W for the couple's last name.
I did promise some pointers with making this arch so here we go:
1. If you get 1/2 inch copper, it's definitely the cheaper option BUT it will be flimsy. Forget about putting this up outside with the thinner pipe - your arch will blow away and your spouse will be upset that you went the cheap route! LOL. For better or worse, right?
2. If you NEED this outside, reinforce by doubling up the frame. It will require some recalculations and extra T fittings and 90 degree fittings, but it will be worth it!
3. Use this for other events!! Don't just make it for a wedding and forget about it in your attic. You made this arch - show it off!
Playing off of #3, I took my own advice and I let the backdrop make it's debut in a few baby showers! Like I say, creativity is only limited to your imagination. Always have fun with it!
Isn't this cake table stunning? Check out Bruno's Bakery & Restaurant (@brunosnyc) if you're in the NYC area! Their food is a-mazing!
