A backdrop is one of the easiest ways to make a plain wall look finished, and you don’t need a crew to put one up. This guide explains how to set up pipe and drape using Rent My Wedding’s tripod backdrop kit, from measuring your space to adding a second layer of fabric, plus how to pack it up and send it back after the event.
Key takeaways
- The kit is a tripod frame plus drapes, so setup takes four steps: tripods, crossbar, drapes, raise.
- Backdrops come 8 or 10 feet tall, in any width you choose on the order page.
- The tripod system is designed for indoor use only.
- Drapes are wrinkle-free poly premier fabric, so there is no steaming or ironing.
What pipe and drape is
Traditional pipe and drape is a freestanding frame of upright poles and horizontal bars that holds fabric panels. Event venues use it to hide walls, divide a room or create a focal point. The classic version sits on heavy weighted bases.
Rent My Wedding’s version works the same way but uses a tripod system instead of weighted bases. That makes it lightweight, collapsible and easy to transport. The kit includes a sturdy adjustable frame, your choice of drapes and all the hardware you need, including the poles and connectors.
Before you start: size, spot and fabric
A little planning makes the setup itself quick.
Choose your height and width
Backdrops are available 8 feet tall or 10 feet tall, in any width, and you choose your size on the order page. The 8 ft pipe and drape kit suits most sweetheart tables and photo areas, while the 10 ft option fills a taller wall. The frame on its own extends up to 12 feet wide and 12 feet tall.
Plan for the dip
Because the tripods hold the crossbar only at its ends, a portable backdrop naturally dips a little in the middle. To keep that dip small, Rent My Wedding recommends shortening the crossbar to 6 feet wide instead of using the full 12 feet. For a wider wall, use several backdrops side by side rather than one long span.
Check the location
The tripod-based system is designed for indoor use only. The backdrops are not stable outdoors because of wind, so plan an indoor wall or a sheltered space. Leave enough room in front for the table, cake or photo booth that will sit there.
Pick the fabric
The drapes are poly premier fabric. They are wrinkle-free, so no ironing or steaming is needed, and the material is thick rather than see-through. Colors include solid and sequin options, and you can see the current choices under Fabric Options on the backdrop rentals page.
How to set up pipe and drape in four steps
Rent My Wedding’s setup infographic breaks the job into four steps:
- Set up two tripods. Open the legs of each tripod and stand them where the ends of your backdrop will be.
- Attach the crossbar. Connect the crossbar between the tops of the two tripods, adjusting it to the width you planned.
- Add the drapes. Slide the drape panels onto the crossbar and spread them evenly across it.
- Raise the tripods. Extend both tripods to your chosen height so the drapes hang straight to the floor.
Two people make the last step easier, with one at each tripod raising it at the same pace so the crossbar stays level. Once the backdrop is up, adjust the fabric folds by hand so they fall evenly. The backdrops page also has how-to videos if you’d like to watch the process before your event.
Adding a valance or swag
A regular backdrop has one layer of drapes. A valance or swag adds a second layer across the top. You can choose a second layer in a different color, or style the drapes to add interest, for example by gathering them at the sides. A swag is a simple way to make a white backdrop feel more formal behind a head table.
Connecting multiple backdrops
If you want to cover a long wall or create a corner, you can set up more than one pipe and drape backdrop and connect them. The backdrops page includes a video on how to connect multiple backdrops. This is also the easiest way to avoid the dip on a wide wall, since each section keeps a shorter crossbar.
Where to use your backdrop
Backdrops are commonly used behind sweetheart tables, for photo booths, behind cakes and to drape whole areas of a venue for a more polished look. A few combinations work especially well:
- Head table: a white backdrop with a swag frames the couple in every photo.
- Photo area: pair a backdrop with the DIY photo booth so guests have a clean background.
- Color: aim uplighting at the fabric to wash it in your event color.
- Cover-ups: hide a plain or busy wall without any permanent decoration.
You can compare every frame, drape and style option on the all backdrops page.
Taking it down and sending it back
Breakdown is the setup in reverse: lower the tripods, slide the drapes off, detach the crossbar and fold the tripods. The rental includes a 5-day rental period and free shipping both ways, with prepaid return shipping included.
Pack everything in the same box it arrived in, attach the prepaid return label and take it to a FedEx location within two days after the event. Returns must be handed in at a physical FedEx location, not left in a FedEx drop box. The FAQs page covers the full rental process.
Once you know how to set up pipe and drape, a backdrop becomes one of the quickest décor wins of the day: four steps, one box and a finished wall behind the moments that matter most.
Need help choosing a size?
Tell us your wall width and event, and the team can suggest a backdrop setup.
FAQ
Can I use the backdrop outdoors?
No. Rent My Wedding’s backdrop uses a tripod system that is designed for indoor use only, because the backdrops are not stable outdoors due to wind.
What backdrop sizes are available?
Backdrops are available 8 feet tall or 10 feet tall, in any width. You choose your size on the order page.
Do the drapes need to be steamed?
No. The drapes are wrinkle-free poly premier fabric, so no ironing or steaming is required. The material is thick and not see-through.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to set up pipe and drape?
With a tripod kit it is a short job: set up two tripods, attach the crossbar, add the drapes and raise the tripods. Allow extra time if you are adding a swag or connecting several backdrops.
How does pipe and drape work?
Upright poles hold a horizontal bar, and fabric panels hang from that bar to the floor. Rent My Wedding’s kit uses tripods as the uprights, which makes it lightweight and quick to set up.
What is pipe and drape?
Pipe and drape is a freestanding frame of poles and bars that holds fabric panels. It is used to create backdrops, hide walls and divide spaces at weddings and events.
