How to Decorate a Wedding Tunnel with Drapes on a Budget

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Creating a wedding tunnel can add drama and elegance to your wedding setting with ease! Whether it’s an entrance for the bride or a path leading to the reception area, a wedding tunnel has the power to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to make it happen.

With just a few basic materials in an easy to setup DIY kit, you can set up a stunning tunnel for your big day. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of setting up a wedding tunnel step by step, while keeping costs in check.

✔️ By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to craft a centerpiece that will delight your guests.

Average Read Time: 4 minutes 5 seconds

Why Decorate a Wedding Tunnel

Enhancing the entrance to your venue or reception with a decorated wedding tunnel can create a captivating ambiance that sets the stage for the event to unfold seamlessly and elegantly.

A stunning feature, like wedding tunnel draping, can bring a touch of sophistication and excitement to any event. Be it for the bride and groom or their guests as they make their way into the area.


Upgrade Your Space

If your location features a hallway or entrance area that lacks character or charm, a tunnel can easily elevate it to something inviting with minimal resources and time invested.


Enhances Visual Appeal

A draped tunnel can smoothly connect sections of your venue and contribute to a sense of unity in the space.


Tailored Design Option

You have the flexibility to customize the dimensions and height of your tunnel according to the space and aesthetic preference for your wedding celebration.

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Materials to Drape a Tunnel

To set up a wedding archway or tunnel for the ceremony decorum requires a few materials on hand. Here’s a list of what our DIY kit includes:

Congratulation, you have everything you need to begin with these materials.

How to Setup Wedding Tunnel Decor

Let’s begin by screwing your ferrules into your base plates & laying them on the ground in a square like formation. Next lay down your crossbars so the baseplates alight with the crossbar ends.

Next, place the uprights into the foundation base plates and make sure they fit securely. If they are tight enough try to wiggle the uprights while sliding onto the ferrule pin.

Uprights should slide over the ferrule pin at least halfway. Do not force down if the fit is tight.


Step 1: Securely Fasten the Crossbars in Place

Grab the crossbars and join them with the tops of every upright to create a 10-foot x 10-foot square frame. If your tunnel construction project needs to be smaller adjust the crossbar length to 7.5ft… they are telescopic!

You can choose to make a more rectangular frame (more longer that it is wide). This forms the core structure aka skeleton of your tunnel.


Step 2: Gently Place the Fabric Over the Surface

Now you’re all set to attach the fabric.

  • Watch our video above to see fabric placement over the crossbars, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
  • Gently fold the fabric on each side (even amounts on both sides) to create an elegant drape.
  • Keep the fabric together at the points where it overlaps by using either zip ties or fabric clips.

Make sure to repeat these steps for each crossbar, ensuring that the fabric is evenly spread on both sides and that the pleats appear balanced.


Step 3: Install the Ceiling Fabric in Place

To give the tunnel a finished appearance, attach some fabric to the ceiling section. This creates your canopy.

  • Place two cloth pieces over the crossbars to create the ceiling (as shown in the video).
  • Gently fold the fabric below the bars to allow it to drape naturally.
  • Make sure to position the ceiling fabric at your desired height, remember your uprights will be elevated so this canopy will be much higher.

Step 4: Adjust the Tunnel’s Height

You can change the tunnel’s height by lifting the uprights to ensure a comfortable walking space of at least 7 feet for people passing through it. For more impact or effect, you have the option to raise it as high as 10 feet.


Step 5: Develop the Entrance and Exit Points

Uncover the fabric on both ends of the tunnel to create an entryway for guests to pass through smoothly. Consider adding fabric touches such as garlands or another fabric color to make it pop.


Step 6: Consider Incorporating Uplighting if Desired

For a vibe and cozy ambiance in the tunnel area, try incorporating uplights or fairy lights. Position them at the tunnel’s perimeter. Weave them into the fabric for a luminous effect.

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Result: A Beautiful Wedding Tunnel on a Budget

Planning a walkway for your wedding doesn’t have to break the bank! By using simple materials and putting in some DIY workmanship, you can craft a focal point that will leave a lasting impression on your special day’s guests.

Doesn’t it feel great creating this tunnel without spending a lot of money?

DIY wedding decorations can be just as stunning as those made by professionals. Whether you’re dreaming of it for the bride’s arrival or to enhance the ambiance at your celebration, a wedding tunnel brings an element of sophistication and flair.

Explore our articles for wedding decor suggestions & inspiration to assist you in creating your dream wedding within budget. Feel free to give us a call or message us on chat.

Founders Robert + Nicole Reno

With a combined (4) decades in the industry; we’ve trained hundreds, booked thousands, & partied with millions. Our first-hand experience allows us to empower others to succeed & be great… (read full bio)

Founders Robert + Nicole Reno

With a combined (4) decades in the industry; we’ve trained hundreds, booked thousands, & partied with millions. Our first-hand experience allows us to empower others to succeed & be great… (read full bio)

Plan Your DIY Wedding Under Budget

brad_annika3

  Brad & Annika

   Cario, Nebraska

jennifer_val3

  Jennifer & Val

   Detroit, Michigan

jose3

  Jose Rocha

   Omaha, Nebraska

We saved $15,000 hiring Ship Our Wedding

I’m infatuated thank you hugs + kisses MWAH

We were amazed the uplights were really easy

brad_annika3
Brad & Annika
Cario, Nebraska

We saved $15,000 hiring Ship Our Wedding

jennifer_val3
Jennifer & Val
Detroit, Michigan

I’m infatuated thank you hugs + kisses MWAH

jose3
Jose Rocha
Omaha, Nebraska

We were amazed the uplights were really easy

Brad & Annika

Cario, Nebraska

We saved $15,000 hiring Ship Our Wedding

Jennifer & Val

Detroit, Michigan

I’m infatuated thank you hugs + kisses MWAH

Jose Rocha

Omaha, Nebraska

We were amazed the uplights were really easy

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