Looking through tons of bridal mags for reception ideas, ceremony ideas, details, flowers.. it all meshes together after a while. As I was going through the Ceremony publication for San Diego for ideas on my own wedding, I ran across a ceremony picture (above) that just stuck with me. Black straight-lined pillars with vase on top – great for a modern feel! To rent this would be a couple hundred $$. So, I decided this was something simple enough to DIY and save $$! Some calculation is needed before you go to Home Depot or Lowes. You will need to determine:
- dimensions of your desired pillars (based on what kind of floral arrangement on top)
- number of pillars you want
When you get to the hardware store, you will need to determine:
- type of wood; cost varies (will you paint on it, spray, fabric overlay?)
- how many pillars can be made from 1 wood panel;
- then have the store cut the wood panel to dimensions of pillar panels.
Remember that when you nail each pillar panel together, you are creating a “T”, so 2 panels should be one width (outside panels) while the other 2 pillar panels should be slightly smaller width (inside panels), so as to be accurate to your desired overall pillar dimensions (if exact dimensions are critical to you). There is a science to this simple looking project! =)
Here are some photos I took as Jayson and I built our pillars:
Materials: pre-cut panels, pre-cut 2x2s, wood glue, finishing nails, hammer, and a dog to supervise the project!
panels and 2x2s nailed together (missing 4th side and top)
4 pillars.. ready for a paint job!
