Transferring Guest Names To Glass: A Unique Wedding Keepsake

Wedding planning can be a stressful and time-consuming process, with many details to consider. One such detail is how to address wedding invitations to ensure guests feel welcome and included. While it is not necessary to include guests' names on the actual invitations, addressing them by name on the outer and inner envelopes is standard practice. This can be done by hand or through printing guest address labels or purchasing pre-printed envelopes. Including names helps indicate who is invited, especially when children or plus-ones are involved. Additionally, there are specific etiquette guidelines for addressing married couples, unmarried couples, single individuals, and families.

Glass straws as place cards

Glass straws can be a unique and innovative way to display place cards at your wedding. They can be personalised with individual guest names, symbols, motifs, and loving messages, creating a lasting memento for your guests.

Benefits

Glass straws are a practical and elegant solution for wedding place cards. They are a unique way to surprise your guests and add a "wow effect" to your celebration. They are also a sustainable alternative to traditional place cards, as your guests can reuse them long after your wedding.

Customisation

You can customise your glass straws with various engravings, such as guest names, your names as the bride and groom, or your wedding date. You can even include special symbols or motifs to make them more personal. Each engraving transforms the drinking straw into a work of art and a lasting gift for your guests.

Functionality

Availability

You can find glass straws as place cards on websites like Etsy and Wedding-Straws.com. These websites offer customisation options and competitive prices. For example, on Wedding-Straws.com, a set of 50 engraved glass straws with guest names costs €59.90 on sale.

Glass etching

Step 1: Clean the Glassware

Use a small cotton ball or paper towel with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to wipe the surface of the glass, removing any dust, dirt, or fingerprints. This step is important as it ensures that the stencil will adhere properly to the glass.

Step 2: Apply the Stencil Design

You can create your own stencil using a cutting machine like a Cricut Maker or Silhouette Cameo, or buy a pre-made adhesive stencil online or from craft stores. When applying the stencil, use a brayer or scraper tool to ensure that it adheres smoothly without any air bubbles. Curved surfaces can be tricky for beginners, so it's best to start with flat surfaces. Use painter's tape or masking tape to prevent the etching cream from bleeding past the stencil.

Step 3: Apply the Etching Cream

Before you begin, put on protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a mask. Etching cream is an acid that can cause severe burns, so adequate ventilation and a water source nearby are essential. Stir the etching cream with a popsicle stick or paint stirrer, and then apply a thick layer inside your stencil using a bristle brush.

Step 4: Rinse Off the Etching Cream

Follow the instructions on your etching cream for the recommended wait time, which can vary from one minute to up to 20 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the cream off in the sink, and be sure to rub at it gently to remove any residue.

Step 5: Remove the Stencil

After rinsing off the cream, carefully peel off the stencil to reveal your design. Your glassware is now ready to be used or gifted!

Additional Tips:

• If you don't have a cutting machine, you can create your stencil by hand using scissors or a craft knife and stencil vinyl or contact paper.
• For complex designs with multiple pieces, use transfer paper to help keep the pieces together and facilitate easy application to the glass.
• Always press the stencil edges firmly to the glass to prevent the etching cream from seeping underneath.
• If your design has large open areas, use washi tape or painter's tape to add extra material at the edges.
• Etching cream is not recommended for use on large sections of glass (greater than 1 x 1 inch) or on certain types of glass, such as some Pyrex products and coloured glass. Always test on a small area first.

Glass charms

There are many different styles of glass charms available. Some popular options include:

• Wine glass charms: These can be attached to the base of the glass and are usually made with silver-plated wire, decorated with charms, crystals, or pearl-coloured beads.
• Wine glass markers: These can be in the form of colourful tassels, magnetic drink markers, or letter beads that spell out guests' names.
• Wine glass tags: These are often made of acrylic or wood and can be personalised with names or messages.
• Wine glass clips: These are small clips that attach to the stem of the glass and can be decorated with charms or beads.
• Wine straws: These can be engraved with guests' names or the wedding date and can also be used as place cards.

When choosing glass charms, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. You may want to choose charms that complement your wedding colours or match the style of your venue. You can also find charms in different shapes and themes, such as hearts, flowers, or other wedding-themed designs.

Glass as an alternative to paper invites

Glass is a unique alternative to traditional paper invites. Couples have plenty of options when it comes to choosing an invitation paper, ranging from high-end to cost-effective. Glass invites are a dramatic and modern choice that will set the tone for a contemporary wedding.

Glass invites are an unexpected and luxurious way to invite guests to your wedding. Glass, as an invitation medium, is a clear choice (no pun intended!) for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations. The weight and texture of glass will give your invitations a rich and luxurious feeling, and its translucent nature provides a unique way to layer and showcase text and graphics.

When it comes to printing on glass, there are a few options. Digital printing is a budget-friendly option that allows for freedom and flexibility in design. For a more premium look and feel, engraving and embossing are high-end techniques that add a hint of luxury. Foil stamping is another way to add glamour to your glass invites, with its clean, sharp edges and crisp, metallic effect. Letterpress is a slightly more affordable option, giving a soft, romantic feel with its distinctive vintage vibe.

Glass invites are a bold choice and will require careful consideration when it comes to postage. The weight and thickness of the glass will impact the cost of sending your invitations, so it's important to keep this in mind when designing your invites.

If you're looking for a unique and modern alternative to traditional paper invites, glass could be the perfect choice for your wedding invitations.

Glassware as wedding favours

Glassware is an excellent choice for wedding favours, offering a practical and elegant memento of your special day. From champagne flutes to beer mugs, there is a wide range of options to suit different wedding themes and budgets. Here are some ideas for glassware wedding favours:

Champagne Flutes

Champagne flutes are a classic choice for wedding favours, perfect for toasting the happy couple. Engrave the glasses with the couple's names, wedding date, or a special message to create a timeless keepsake. These elegant glasses will be cherished by your guests long after the wedding.

Wine Glasses

Stemless wine glasses are a modern and functional option, perfect for contemporary weddings. They can also double as place cards on the wedding tables, with each glass engraved or printed with the guest's name. This adds a unique and personalised touch to your wedding décor.

Shot Glasses

Shot glasses are a fun and popular choice for wedding favours, especially for a wild and celebratory crowd. You can personalise them with names, initials, or a special message. Shot glasses are a compact and affordable option, making them a great choice for large weddings.

Beer Mugs and Glasses

For beer lovers, engraved beer mugs or glasses are an excellent choice. These can be personalised with the guest's name or a special message. Beer mugs are a timeless and sturdy option, perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

Cocktail and Gin Glasses

Cocktail and gin glasses offer a stylish and elegant option for wedding favours. These can be personalised with names, initials, or a special message. Whether your guests prefer a classic martini or a trendy gin and tonic, these glasses will be a sophisticated memento.

Glass Straws

Eco-friendly and reusable glass straws are a unique and practical wedding favour. These can be engraved with names or a special message. Glass straws are a great way to reduce single-plastic use, and your guests will appreciate this sustainable choice.

Frequently asked questions