Wedding pillars are one of those sneaky little details that can make the whole ceremony space feel intentional and magical.
Whitewashed Rustic Wood Pillars
For a farmhouse vibe, I love reclaimed wood pillars with a light whitewash finish so the grain still shows through. I’ve made mine from old fence boards, and the little knots and nail holes look incredible against wedding florals.
Useful items to consider:
- Whitewash Wood Stain: Achieve that dreamy farmhouse look by applying a light coat to let the natural wood grain shine through.
- Natural Jute Twine: Wrap this around your pillar for a simple, rustic accent that perfectly complements the weathered wood texture.
- Reclaimed Wood Planks: Build your own custom pillars quickly using these authentic, weathered boards full of rustic character and charm.
Classic Floral Toppers
My go-to is big, lush floral arrangements set right on top of wedding pillars—it instantly frames the ceremony without needing much else. I like using a flat wood cap (I’ve cut mine from scrap boards) so the arrangement sits steady and centered.
Items that may come in handy:
- Wooden Pedestal Stand: Create a rustic foundation by choosing sturdy wooden columns that perfectly elevate your floral ceremony displays.
- Floral Foam Blocks: Secure your lush arrangements firmly in place and keep flowers hydrated throughout the event with professional foam.
- Pampas Grass Stems: Add texture and volume to your bouquet by incorporating dried natural grasses for that trendy bohemian look.
Soft Draped Fabric Swags
Nothing says romance like draped fabric swooping from one wedding pillar to the next, especially in gauzy layers. I always test-pin it first, then I switch to hidden ties because I’ve learned the hard way that fabric slides when the breeze picks up.
Explore these options:
- Sheer Chiffon or Tulle Wedding Fabric: Create elegant swags easily with this gauzy material; perfect for draping softly around rustic pillars or arches.
- Natural Jute Twine or Rope: Secure your fabric drapes with rustic jute for a charming, secure hold that complements the natural wood.
- Macrame Cord or Tassels: Add a boho touch to your fabric knots with knotted cord accents or pre-made tassel decorations.
Spiral Greenery Wrap
Wrapping greenery garlands in a spiral up wedding pillars makes them feel taller and more “finished” in photos. I’ve done this with floral wire and a few intentional flower clusters, and it’s surprisingly forgiving if you’re not a pro florist.
Consider these options:
- Faux Eucalyptus Garland: Create a lush, natural-looking spiral base for your pillar decor with this versatile, durable greenery garland.
- Green Floral Wire: Secure your cascading vines and flower clusters effortlessly to any structure with this essential, bendable binding wire.
- Artificial White Roses: Add classic elegance to your greenery wrap by tucking in these realistic blooms for a romantic finish.
Tall Urns on Pedestal Pillars
Pairing urn-style vases with wedding pillars feels timeless, like an old garden party. I’ve elevated this look by making quick wood risers so the urns sit perfectly level and don’t scratch the pillar tops.
May just do the trick:
- Wooden Pedestal Stand: Create height and drama for your arrangements by placing your vases on these sturdy, elegant wooden columns.
- White Ceramic Urn Vase: Choose a classic, round ceramic vessel to hold your floral stems and complete the timeless garden aesthetic.
- Dried Pampas & Floral Stems: Fill your urns with fluffy pampas grass and dried stems for a low-maintenance, bohemian textural look.
Aisle Entry Statement Pair
Two bold wedding pillars right at the aisle entrance instantly tell guests, “Yep, this is the moment.” I’ve topped them with matching florals and tucked small welcome signs (on reclaimed wood) between them for a clean, photo-friendly entrance.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Display Pedestal: Elevate your floral arrangements with sturdy wooden pedestals that create a grand entrance for your ceremony aisle.
- Artificial Floral Arrangement: Add instant romance to your pillars using lush faux florals featuring roses, greenery, and pampas grass accents.
- Customizable Welcome Sign: Personalize your entry with a charming sign to greet guests and guide them to their seats beautifully.
Ribbon Waterfall and Blooms
Cascading ribbons down wedding pillars adds movement that looks amazing in breezy outdoor ceremonies. I like mixing wide and narrow ribbon and anchoring it under a floral topper—after a few windy setups, I now always double-knot everything.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Satin Ribbon Assortment: Create elegant movement in the breeze by layering these versatile satin ribbons in various soft, romantic shades.
- Wooden Pedestal Column: Anchor your floral arrangements on this sturdy, rustic wooden stand, perfect for framing your outdoor ceremony alter.
- Silk Rose & Eucalyptus Bouquet: Top your pillars with these realistic faux floral arrangements for a bloom-filled look that withstands any weather.
Hanging Floral Garland Loops
Drape a loose loop of greenery from the capital of each wedding pillar so it hangs like a soft necklace. I’ve done this with lightweight garland and hidden hooks, and it gives that “garden grew here” feel without blocking anyone’s view.
Possibly handy products:
- Faux Ruscus or Ivy Greenery Garland: Create a lush, natural cascade down your wedding pillar with realistic faux greenery that mimics fresh vines.
- Green Floral Wire & Tape Kit: Secure your garlands discreetly to the pillar capital using flexible wire that blends seamlessly with stems.
- Artificial White Roses & Baby’s Breath: Add classic elegance to the pillar top by tucking these white blooms into your greenery base.
Living Moss and Fern Wrap
Cover the lower half of wedding pillars in living moss with little fern pockets for a woodland-but-polished look. I’ve used floral pins and misted it before guests arrived, and it stayed fresh long enough to feel like a secret garden.
Try these:
- Green Sheet Moss: Create a lush, natural foundation by wrapping the base of your pillars with sheets of preserved green moss.
- U-Shaped Floral Pins: Secure your moss and fern accents firmly to wooden or foam structures with these easy-to-use metal pinning tools.
- Artificial Fern Stems: Add realistic texture and height to your arrangement by tucking durable faux fern fronds into the moss base.
Metal-and-Wood Hybrid Pillars
Mixing slim metal frames with wood bases makes wedding pillars feel modern without losing warmth. I’ve built these with simple joinery and then added a small asymmetrical floral spray, and the contrast looks seriously high-end.
Might be a good match:
- Matte Black Metal Frame Stand: Create the structural outline of your modern pillar with a sleek, minimalist metal stand perfect for floral displays.
- Adhesive Wood Veneer Sheets: Transform basic boxes or foam cores into warm wooden columns easily with these realistic, peel-and-stick veneer sheets.
- Artificial Pampas Grass & Roses: Top your custom pillar with this boho-chic mix of fluffy pampas grass and soft roses for instant elegance.
