Who knew hula hoops could look this cute? Years ago, I made this hula hoop backdrop DIY for my best friend’s bridal shower. Later? I repurposed the same hoops for my own backyard wedding. I shared a quick reel tutorial at the time. And to this day, it’s still one of my most popular DIYs.
But I never gave you the full, step-by-step breakdown with all the supply details and pro tips.
So here we are.
If you’re a crafty bride, shower host, or party planner who wants something Pinterest-worthy without the Pinterest price tag, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Hula Hoop Backdrop DIY
This hula hoop backdrop DIY is one of those decorations that looks impressive but is actually very beginner-friendly, and is so popular because:
- It looks high-end but costs very little
- You can customize it for any theme
- It works for a variety of events (parties, showers, weddings)
Essentially, whether you’re making this as a hula hoop wedding backdrop behind your head table, or a DIY photo booth moment for your baby shower, it’ll be gorgeous.
And.. once you make it, you can reuse it again and again.
DIY Hula Hoop Backdrop Decor Supplies
Here’s everything I used to make this hula hoop backdrop decor:
Dollar Tree Supplies
- Hula hoops (note: this is a seasonal item, only available once summer inventory comes out, and they usually only have one size available. If you don’t want to wait, or prefer the look of the varied sizes, like mine, this pack is the best option I found on Amazon.
- Greenery and floral stems (note: if you want higher quality, see links below)
- Fishing line
- Optional: floral wire or zip ties for reinforcement
Tools
- Spray paint (I used Rustoleum’s metallic gold. You can use any color, just make sure it’s quality and provides coverage for any material, including plastic)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (I love my rechargable, wireless glue gun, if you don’t already have one)
- Wire cutters
- Cardboard or drop cloth
Higher Quality Alternatives + Optional Additions
- Higher quality florals and greenery stems (if you want a more elevated look)
- I recommend shopping on Ling’s Moment’s DIY flowers. You can easily find the color or specific flowers you’re looking for to fit your aesthetic.
- I recommend shopping on Ling’s Moment’s DIY flowers. You can easily find the color or specific flowers you’re looking for to fit your aesthetic.
- Large wood letters (an option if you want to personalize you hula hoop backdrop with a monogram, like I did)
Hula Hoop Backdrop DIY: Step-by-Step Tutorial
This hula hoop backdrop DIY is super simple, once you break it down into simple easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prep Your Hula Hoops
Remove all labels and sticky residue first. Any leftover adhesive will prevent paint from sticking smoothly.
Set up your spray area outdoors or somewhere well-ventilated. Lay down cardboard or a drop cloth.
Spray a light coat of spray paint on one side. Let it fully dry before flipping.
Note: I ended up doing three coats on each side to completely cover the original colors and patterns. Depending on your paint brand, you may need more or less.
Let everything dry completely before moving to florals.
Step 2: Design Your Floral Arrangement First (Don’t Glue Yet!)
Trim your flower and greenery bundles to short stems using your wire cutters so they are easier to arrange and assemble.
This is where most people rush. DON’T! Before hot gluing anything, lay your hoop flat on a table and build your arrangement loosely first, laying out your greenery and florals to confirm the arrangement you want.
- Start with greenery.
- Create your base using longer, more elongated stems to establish shape and movement.
- Once your greenery base feels balanced, tuck in flowers:
- Larger blooms toward the center
- Smaller blooms fanning outward
Trim down your stems further, if needed, depending on how you plan your arrangement.
I repeated this process for all three hoops, scaling the arrangements based on size.
This step gives you a chance to adjust without commitment.
Step 3: Secure the Florals to the Hoop
Now comes the glue.
Important: The stems themselves won’t hold well when glued directly to the plastic.
Instead:
- Use petals and leaves as anchor points
- Glue greenery and floral elements around the hoop rather than trying to stick the stem flat
If anything feels wobbly once attached, you have two easy reinforcement options:
- Wrap discreet floral wire around key areas
- Use small zip ties and trim excess at the back
You won’t see them once hung.
Step 4: Add Fishing Wire for Hanging
Attach fishing wire to the top of each hoop.
I secured mine with a small dab of hot glue to prevent shifting once hung.
If you’re adding wooden letters (like I did), suspend them from the top of the hoop using additional fishing wire for a floating effect.
This is what makes it feel like true hula hoop backdrop decor rather than just a floral wreath.
How to Hang Your Hula Hoop Backdrop
You have options:
- Hang from an open metal frame or arch structure (what I did behind our head table)
- Suspend from the ceiling
- Suspend from a tension curtain rod
- Hang directly on a wall from a large command hook
This makes it incredibly versatile for both indoor and outdoor celebrations.
Ways to Customize This Hula Hoop Decoration for Wedding or Shower
You can completely tailor this design to your event:
- All greenery for a minimalist look
- Bright florals for a summer bridal shower
- Pampas + neutral tones for boho vibes
- Baby’s breath for a romantic wedding backdrop
- Add ribbon or draping for softness
Why I Love DIYs That Pull Double Duty
Here’s my favorite part.
I made these for a bridal shower… and then reused them at my own backyard wedding.
That’s the kind of decorating that makes your budget stretch.
If you’re planning a wedding and a shower? Think ahead. Build pieces that can serve both events. It’s one of my favorite wedding budget hacks that can save you money.
Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
Final Thoughts on This Hula Hoop Backdrop DIY
This project proves that “budget” doesn’t have to look like a kids craft project. In fact, I have a whole blog on do it yourself wedding decorations that DON’T look DIY.
With a little spray paint, intentional floral placement, and smart hanging techniques, you can transform hula hoops into a beautiful, layered backdrop moment.
And if you love making your wedding budget work harder? You’ll love some of my other Dollar Tree wedding DIY ideas.
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Because we don’t do basic over here.
We do beautiful on a budget.