The Wedding Box Conundrum: To Big, Or Not Too Big?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, and you want everything to be perfect. A wedding card box is a great way to add a little bling to your gift table and ensure all your cards are in one place. The options are limitless when it comes to wedding card boxes—from vintage suitcases to Lego creations. You can even DIY your own! If you're short on time or feeling uninspired, you can always opt for a custom wedding card box to incorporate a unique feel to your special day.

Wedding card box size

The size of your wedding card box depends on the size of your wedding. A typical box size is about 14 x 9.5 x 5 inches, with a 6-inch slit for cards. You can make the slit larger, around 7 inches, to be on the safe side.

If you're making your own box, you can cut out the parts for different box sizes from cardstock and piece them together. You can also use a pet carrier and cut a slot in the top for cards. A small pet carrier that is 20" x 13" x 11" should be plenty big for a wedding of 240 guests.

There are also many ready-made options available in various sizes. For example, a wooden card box with a lock measures 149 x 149 x 149 mm or 5.8 x 5.8 x 5.8 inches. A larger option is an extra-large PVC hollow card box that measures 12 x 9.3 x 8.5 inches and can hold over 255 cards or envelopes.

You can also get creative and repurpose old items as card boxes. Some popular options include a vintage suitcase, an old birdcage, or a decorated mailbox, adding a unique and fun touch to your gift table.

DIY vs. professional

DIY Wedding Boxes

Creating your own wedding box can be a fun and creative project. It allows you to add a personal touch to your special day and save money. Many couples opt for DIY wedding boxes due to their affordability and customisability. With a DIY approach, you can choose the exact materials, colours, and designs that match your wedding theme and personality. There are numerous online resources and tutorials that offer step-by-step guides on how to make stunning DIY wedding boxes from various materials, such as cardstock, plywood, baskets, and vintage suitcases.

However, it is important to consider the time and effort required for a DIY project. Creating a wedding box from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you are not crafty or lack the necessary skills. Additionally, the quality of DIY wedding boxes may not match that of professional ones, and you may need to purchase additional tools or materials, increasing the overall cost.

Professional Wedding Boxes

Hiring a professional to create your wedding box ensures a polished and sophisticated result. Professional wedding box makers can provide a wide range of customisation options, including size, colour, design, and embellishments. They have the expertise and experience to create a high-quality, durable box that will securely hold your wedding cards and gifts.

While professional wedding boxes can be more expensive, they offer peace of mind and save you time. You won't have to worry about the design, assembly, or last-minute issues. Additionally, professionals can incorporate unique features, such as locking mechanisms, to ensure the safety of your gifts and cards.

Both DIY and professional wedding boxes have their advantages. If you have the time and enjoy crafting, a DIY wedding box can be a fun and affordable option that adds a personal touch to your big day. On the other hand, if you want a polished and sophisticated look without the hassle of designing and assembling, hiring a professional is a more convenient choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and the level of customisation you desire.

Wedding card box as a time capsule

A wedding card box is not a necessity, but it can be a great addition to your reception and can add a little bling to your gift table. It can also be a place for guests to stick congratulatory messages to the newly married couple.

A wedding card box can also be used as a time capsule, filled with mementos from the wedding and the couple's relationship. Here are some ideas for what to include in a wedding card box time capsule:

• Letters to each other, written on or just before the wedding day
• Vows, if you wrote your own
• A bottle of your wedding wine or another special beverage from the day
• Your invitation suite
• Well-wishes from guests, either in a guest book or on pieces of paper
• Goals for your marriage, written down by each partner
• Accessories or decor from your wedding, such as jewellery, small signage, champagne flutes, or a candle
• Wedding photos, either polaroids or framed portraits
• Wedding cake topper
• Engagement and wedding announcements, especially if they appeared in a newspaper
• A list of songs from your reception
• Ticket stubs from movies or concerts you attended while dating
• Love letters, cards, or silly proclamations scribbled on post-it notes
• Mix CDs or playlists of songs that are meaningful to you as a couple
• Restaurant menus and coasters from your favourite restaurants or special meals
• Photos from throughout your relationship
• Items with personal significance, such as a vial of sand from a beach you love to visit together or a book if you met at a book club

You can decide when to open your wedding time capsule, such as on your first anniversary or another milestone anniversary. Alternatively, you could save it for a challenging season of life or a time when you want to reminisce about happier days.

Wedding card box security

Location, Location, Location

Place your card box in a high-traffic area where it can be easily seen during the reception. This will deter potential thieves from targeting it. It's a good idea to put it near the entrance or by the DJ or stage. You can also ask someone you trust to keep an eye on it discreetly throughout the event.

Lock It Up

Consider investing in a locking card box. You can find elegant options with heart-shaped locks and keys or more simple latches. A locking box will give you peace of mind and make it more difficult for someone to steal your cards. If your box doesn't have a lock, you can add a padlock or consider using a suitcase with a built-in lock and cutting a slit in the top for cards.

Think Outside the Box

If you're worried about someone grabbing the entire box, think about using something less obvious to hold your cards. A vintage suitcase, an old birdcage, or a decorated mailbox are great options that add a whimsical touch to your decor. You can also use a guitar and cut a slit in the top—just make sure it's not too visible!

Secure It

If you're still concerned, you can take additional measures to secure the box. Attach a lock and chain to a chair and discreetly secure the box, or place the box under the skirt of the head table, making it harder for someone to access. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to collect the cards after dinner and put them in a locked room or car.

Blend In

While you want your card box to be visible, you don't want it to stand out as an obvious target. Blend it in with your decor by placing it on a table with flowers or other decorations that match your wedding theme. You can also ask your DJ or band to keep an eye on it while they're performing.

Size and Weight

Consider the size and weight of your card box. A larger, heavier box will be more difficult for someone to grab and go. You can also add weight to the bottom of the box with a brick or other heavy object to deter thieves.

Keep it Moving

Finally, don't leave your card box unattended for long periods. When you're busy with photos or other activities, ask a trusted member of your bridal party or a friend to keep an eye on it or move it to a more secure location temporarily.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the security of your wedding card box and focus on enjoying your special day.

Wedding card box alternatives

A wedding card box is a great way to add a little bling to your gift table and ensure that all your cards and gifts are in one location. While a box is the traditional option, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.

• Vintage Suitcase: If you love to travel, a vintage suitcase can be a stylish and meaningful way to collect your wedding cards. You can add a banner, ribbon, or other accents to make it unique.
• Birdcage: A birdcage is a perfect choice for "lovebirds." You can easily find an antique birdcage at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
• Mailbox: A mailbox with a decal of your last name and street address can be a cute and functional option. After the wedding, you can even use it as your new mailbox!
• Glass Terrarium: A glass terrarium with a latching lid can be a beautiful and secure option for your wedding cards. You can find them at home decor stores or online.
• Lantern: A lantern card box fits perfectly with many themes, such as rustic, minimalistic, or woodsy weddings. It also symbolically lights the way to your happily ever after.
• Lego Creation: For Lego lovers, you can create a unique card box out of Legos. You can even add special pieces that represent your hobbies or recreate your first date!
• Beach-Themed: If you're having a beach wedding, the options are endless! Consider a repurposed lobster trap or a lighthouse card box with a working light.
• Book Box: For book lovers, create a box that looks like a stack of books or use thrifted old books as card boxes. You can theme your invitations around great pieces of literature to match.
• Hat Box: A vintage hat box can be a stylish and unique option for your wedding cards. It adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to your gift table.

No matter your style or wedding theme, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding card box. Get creative, and don't be afraid to think outside the box (pun intended)!

Frequently asked questions