Creating A Wedding Post Box: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding post boxes are a great way to collect your guests' well-wishes and cards, and they can also add to your wedding decor. You can buy or hire a post box, but making your own is a fun and easy DIY project that allows you to personalise it to match your wedding theme. From vintage suitcases to wooden crates, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, get creative and make a unique wedding post box that you and your guests will love!

Sourcing materials: look for a box, crate, barrel, or basket at home, in charity shops, or online

Sourcing the right materials is the first step to making a wedding post box. You can look for a box, crate, barrel, or basket at home, in charity shops, or online.

A good place to start is to search your home for any suitable containers. A wicker basket with a lid, for instance, is a sustainable option that you may already own. You could also bring a drawer from a piece of furniture and simply add a sign. If you're a musician, you could even bring your guitar or drum case to double up as a post box.

If you can't find anything suitable at home, charity shops are a great place to look for second-hand containers. You might find a vintage suitcase, a wicker hamper, or a wooden crate with a bit of rustic charm.

Online platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Hobbycraft also offer a wide range of options. You can find everything from pre-made cardboard boxes to unique items like miniature campervans, terrariums, and even dollhouses. These online sources also provide the opportunity to buy materials to decorate your post box, such as paint, bunting, and flower garlands.

Whether you decide to look at home, in charity shops, or online, there are plenty of options to choose from when sourcing materials for your wedding post box. With a bit of creativity and some personal touches, you'll be well on your way to creating a unique and stylish post box for your special day.

DIY ideas: paint, decorate, or upholster your box

If you're looking to make your wedding post box yourself, there are plenty of ways to get creative and put your own unique stamp on it. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Paint it: If you're going for a rustic look, leave the wood of your box natural or give it a quick coat of varnish. For a more colourful option, paint the box to match your wedding colours or theme. You could also try spray painting it, perhaps adding handprints or other decorations.
• Decorate it: Add flowers, bunting, garlands, or other cute decorations that tie into your wedding theme. If you're using a cardboard box, you could wrap it in fabric or add glitter, stamps, or stickers.
• Upholster it: For a truly unique post box, try upholstering a plain box with a lid and hinges. You could use fabric that matches your wedding colours or a pattern that fits your theme.
• Personalise it: Add your names and wedding date, either with a sign or by painting it directly onto the box.
• Make it interactive: Provide Polaroid cameras for guests to take funny photos to add to the box, or provide small, shaped pieces of wood for them to write their well-wishes on and drop into a decorative frame.
• Get creative with the shape: Instead of a traditional box, try making your post box in the shape of a campervan, a book, a birdhouse, or even a guitar case!

Display ideas: place your box on a table with your guest book, or suspend it from a frame

Displaying your wedding post box on a table with your guest book is a great way to encourage guests to leave their well-wishes for you and your partner to read through together after the wedding. To make your post box and guest book stand out, consider the following:

Interactive Elements

Make your guest book table interactive by including things for people to do that will attract their attention and draw them in. For example, you could include a Polaroid camera for guests to capture some fun shots, or you could have vinyl records for people to sign.

Food

Food is a great way to attract guests to your table. You could merge a dessert table with your guest book table by providing sweets or desserts for your guests to enjoy while they write their well-wishes. Just be sure to consider the placement of each item to avoid sticky fingers on the guest book!

Table Styling

Think about the type of table you want to use and how you want to style it. You can link this to your overall wedding theme. For example, if you're going for a vintage theme, you could use a dresser, or for a boho vibe, you could use a stunning wooden table. Add decorations such as flowers in small vases, foliage, or pampas grass. You can also use dreamy wedding tablecloths to add colour to your guest book table.

Placement

When deciding where to place your guest book table, consider placing it in a key sightline after the ceremony, such as in the reception room where drinks are served. This will give guests something to do during the gap between the ceremony and reception.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could suspend your wedding post box from a frame, exposed beam, or tree branch. Mini tin mailboxes are a great option for this, and you can even give each guest their own mailbox and card to fill, creating a beautiful DIY overhang display.

Alternative containers: use a vintage suitcase, a glass container, or a birdcage

If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding post box, there are plenty of creative options to choose from. Here are some ideas for using a vintage suitcase, a glass container, or a birdcage as your wedding post box:

Vintage Suitcase

A vintage suitcase is a charming option for collecting cards at your wedding, especially if you're going for a wanderlust or vintage theme. You can fill it with second-hand books and a small bouquet of flowers, or get creative with paper planes, an old-fashioned map, or luggage tags that guests can write extra notes on. To source a vintage suitcase, try asking friends and family or checking out charity shops.

Glass Container

A glass container, such as a large candle lantern with a latch, can be a beautiful and unique way to collect cards at your wedding. Look for one with glass sides so guests can see that it's meant for cards. You can decorate it with paint pens or pretty decals to match your wedding theme.

Birdcage

Birdcages are a popular choice for vintage-style weddings. They are elegant and add a touch of retro-chic to your decor. You can leave the birdcage as it is or decorate it with flowers or other embellishments.

With a bit of creativity, you can make any of these alternative containers into a stylish and functional wedding post box that fits your theme and adds a unique touch to your special day.

Post-wedding: sell, give away, or reuse your box as storage or decor

Post-wedding: sell, give away, or reuse your box

Now that the wedding is over, what do you do with your post box? Well, there are a few options. If you're looking to make some money back, you could sell your box to another couple. There are many online platforms where you can list your wedding items for sale. Alternatively, if you have any engaged friends or family members, you could give the box away to them.

If you'd like to hold on to your post box, there are plenty of ways to reuse it. One option is to use it as storage. Depending on the style of your box, you could use it to store anything from keepsakes and memories to general household items. Another option is to display your post box as decor in your home or garden. You could even adapt it to fit a specific use, such as an ottoman or a plant pot.

Frequently asked questions