The Boxwood backdrop was so fun to put together for my sisters Bachelorette party and the perfect photo booth opportunity. I saw a lot of options on Pinterest and decided to make my own.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how I put a Boxwood backdrop together:
1. ORDER SUPPLIES
To start you’ll need to order the supplies. I ordered the supplies on Amazon and then went to Lowes to get the PVC pipe.
- Boxwood
- Option 1:Boxwood set
- If you use this option it’s cheaper, but you’ll need different dimensions for the frame. Start by measuring so you know what size you need.
- Option 2:4 Pieces of Artifical boxwood
- This is the option I ordered. Sometimes it’s out of stock so I linked more options below.
- Option 1:Boxwood set
- Decorations: “Love” Balloon and Flower garlands
- PVC pipes from Lowes
- Five: 10-foot pipes that are 1-1/4″ thick
- Four: T connectors
- Four: caps
- Two: elbows
More Boxwood options:
2. Cut the PVC pipe
At Lowe’s, I bought 5 pieces of 10ft long PVC pipe and then cut them to the lengths shown below. I was glad I made the frame out of PVC because it allowed me to break it down and put it in the back of my car versus making the frame out of wood and then needing a truck to drive it to the event.
Cut 5 pieces of 10ft long PVC pipe into:
Two 80″ pieces
Four 40″ pieces
Two 12″ pieces
Two 18″ pieces
3. Attach the boxwood to the PVC frame
Once you have the PVC cut with a saw you can piece it together. Then layout the boxwood and snap it together. Get a ladder to attach the boxwood to the PVC with zip ties. If you have any questions about how to put this together send me an email at simplysheppard@gmail.com. I’d love to help you make your boxwood backdrop! If you don’t have zip ties you can also screw nails into the PVC and then hang the boxwood from the nails.
4. Add Decorations
Next, attach the “Love” Balloon and Flower garlands or any other decorations you have. Seriously, this boxwood backdrop was a hit at my sister’s bachelorette party!
Comment below if you have any questions on how to make one or have your own variation. It was nice to make the frame out of PVC so I could break it into smaller pieces to fit in my car for the drive to Austin,TX.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest and don’t forget to sign up for my email list to get notifications about the latest blog posts.
Best,
Rachel
Update: since the Bachelorette party I re-used the artificial boxwood and added it to my fence. I love it!
Thank you for the terrific article
We rented boxwood and we are planning to attach giant paper roses how can be do this without using glue
Hi Tina, do you know if the boxwood you rented has a grated back? the one I used has openings and allows you to stick decorations through.
If the paper roses have a short stem you should be able to attach them by looping through the plastic backing.
I hope this helps!
Hi!
So I followed your instructions and attached the boxwood to the PVC but it keeps falling over. Do you have any idea how yours stayed in placed? I used a total of 16 20 by 20 which was 4 boxwood hedges horizontally and 4 vertically. I would really appreciate your help since my party is this weekend.
Thanks!
C
Hi,
We’ve been in touch via email, but I wanted to reply on the blog as well for anyone else that might be having difficulty with the stability of the PVC.
Here are a few options to ensure a stable Box Wood Backdrop:
– Arrange the base legs at an angle \ /
– Try putting weights or something heavy on the back
– If you’re able to prop it against a wall try that. I brought it to one event that was so windy I had to lean it against a wall.
– If you order boxwood that is larger, then you’ll need thicker PVC or another way to hold it up.
Thanks,
Rachel
You have done an amazing job here.
Thank so much, it was helpful a great deal.
Hi!
Great tutorial! I’m just wondering what diameter PVC you used. 1” or 2”?
Thanks!
Hi Nicole, I used PVC that is 1.25 inches thick. Thanks!