If you are looking to throw a wedding with a tight budget, then there are easy ways to cut costs without losing out on quality.
One of those ways is by creating things yourself, as this can largely reduce overall costs.
An arch can look beautiful, helping to frame the bride and groom as they get married.
Whilst you could pay out a few hundred dollars to have one made professionally, or buy one pre-made, you can also create your own for next to nothing.
This DIY project is simple enough to complete even for beginners.
Whilst you might think it will look a little too obvious that you have created it yourself, if done well, nobody will even notice.
A wedding arch is a great way to add some flair to your wedding day. The arch can also serve as a backdrop for photos, allowing guests to take pictures from various angles.
This project is perfect for those who want to save time and money. All you need is wood, nails, glue, and paint – plus any extras like flowers for decoration.
If you don’t have access to these materials, you can always find them at your local hardware store.
Why Build Your Own Wedding Arch
Whilst DIY projects can save you money, it also helps you to bring your own personality into the wedding and is a great project to do before the big day.
Creating it yourself can also help the arch to fit your overall theme better, which will make for some pretty stunning photographs, and double up as the backdrop for the actual wedding ceremony. So, all the effort will be worth it!
How To Build A Wedding Arch
Whilst the job is simple, you will need a few tools and materials to get you started. These are:
- A drill
- Putty knife
- Chalk or pencil to mark the wood lengths for cutting
- Medium-grit sandpaper
- Miter saw or hand saw
- Wood that is suitable for DIY projects and in post form
- Screws
- Paint in the color that suits the wedding, or just white paint
- Glue for decorations
- Decorations
Step 1: Cut The Wood
First, you will need to cut four pieces of wood that are 80 inches long. These will become the legs of the arch.
Secondly, you will need to cut smaller pieces of wood. For each of the posts, you will need to cut wood lengths in these sizes: 48 inches (at 45-degree angle on both edges), 12 inches (at 45-degree angle on both edges), and 24 inches.
Step 2: Clean The Wood
Because the wood may need cleaning up, take the time to remove any sap or dust by scraping it off with a putty knife.
Once you have done that, sand the wood to remove any bumps or rough patches.
Step 3: Assemble The Pieces Of Wood
This is the trickiest part. On the 48 inches length, mark 2 inches from the top of the 45-degree angle with a pencil and saw a straight line.
Line up the 24 inches with the marking of the 48 inches, and then drill the pieces in place to provide a rectangular top frame.
Step 4: Attach The Legs
The top of the arch is complete and will need to be added to the legs for height. Add the 80 inches wood perpendicular to each of the corners of the frame and drill to secure.
Step 5: Extra Support
Remember those 12 inches pieces of wood? These will need to be added diagonally to either side of the top frame and drilled in to secure them.
Step 6: Paint
Now is the time to prime the arch with a white color, and then paint a couple of coats in the color you desire. You can also leave it white.
Step 7: Decoration
You can use glue to add flowers and other decorations to the arch, as well as drape material over it.
Once this step has been completed, the arch is finished!
Great Wedding Arch Ideas
There are several kinds of arches that you may consider:
Wooden Arches
These arches are usually built using wooden planks and are the simplest. It is very common to see wooden arches in homes, offices, restaurants, hotels, and other places where people gather.
Wooden arches are commonly found in public spaces such as malls, airports, train stations, parks, shopping centers, and schools.
Glass Arches
This type of arch is popular because they allow light into the space while still providing privacy. They are often used in lobbies, waiting rooms, and reception areas.
Metal Arches
These arched structures are typically made of steel or aluminum. They are frequently used outdoors to provide shade and protection against weather conditions.
Concrete Arches
These arches are mostly used in commercial buildings. They are normally cemented in place and are strong and durable.
Stone Arches
These arced structures are made of natural stones. They are typically large and require lots of manpower to construct.
Tips For Building A Wedding Arch
Building an arch requires a lot of patience and practice. However, once you get the hang of it, you won’t regret having made your own arch. Here are some tips that will help you build the best wedding arch possible:
Choose The Right Size And Shape
The first thing you should do before starting on your arch is to determine its exact dimensions. For example, if you are planning to build a rectangular arch, then the height should be twice the width.
Measure Carefully
Before you start cutting your pieces, measure the area where you intend to build your arch. Make sure that you mark all the edges with chalk or a pencil so that you can easily cut along the lines.
Use A Miter Saw
A miter saw makes it easier to cut the boards at precise angles and is generally useful when cutting wood. Some people may opt to use a circular saw.
Cut The Boards
Once you have measured everything, you need to cut the boards. If you are using a circular saw, then you should set the blade depth to about 1/8 inch. When you are done, you should sand off any rough edges.
Sanding
After you have finished cutting the boards, you should sand down their surfaces. The purpose of doing this is to remove any splinters, knots, or imperfections. You can use a belt sander or hand-held sanders.
Paint
After you have sanded the boards, you should coat them with primer. Then, apply two coats of paint. Finally, let the arch dry completely.
Hang The Arch
When the arch has dried, you should attach it to the wall. You can either drill holes through the walls and screw the arch directly to the wall, or you can install brackets and screws.
Add Lighting
If you want to add lighting to your arch, you should consider installing track lights. Track lights are easy to install and come in various sizes.
Decoration
It is always nice to add flowers and cloth to drape over the arch to provide the wedding with a stunning backdrop. Make sure the colors fit the theme.
Final Words
Creating your own arch is a simple yet effective way of building a backdrop for the ceremony and photos.
It is also a great way to become involved in the lead up to the wedding, whilst creating something that will fit the theme, as well as save you money.
There are so many ideas that it will all ultimately depend on the look and style you are going for, as well as your own ability. But, most importantly, fun!
