Creating Shabby Chic Wedding Signs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Shabby chic wedding decor is a popular choice for couples wanting to create a romantic, vintage atmosphere. It's a great theme for those who enjoy crafting their own decorations, from banners to bows and signs. If you're looking to make a shabby chic wedding sign, you can use a variety of materials, such as wood, paint, stencils, and flowers, to create a beautiful, personalised addition to your big day.

Shabby chic wedding banners

Shabby chic wedding decor is a romantic, vintage, soft, and feminine way to decorate a wedding venue. Here is a guide on how to make a shabby chic wedding banner, which can be hung on the front of the wedding party table, near the gift table, or anywhere else that suits the bride.

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need banner pendants, such as kraft paper or pine, and decorations such as doilies, flowers, stencils, stickers, and ribbons. You will also need paint, primer, and glue. Ensure you have a well-ventilated workspace and cover this with newspaper or an old sheet.

If using wood, such as pine, sand it down with 100-120 grit sandpaper until smooth. Shake the primer spray and spray the wood, holding the can approximately 30cm away, spraying back and forth steadily and overlapping as you go. Allow the primer to dry, then paint on your base coat. Once this is dry, add your top coat. If using kraft paper, you can skip this step.

Next, plan out your design. If you are adding words, work out the font, size, and placement. Print out the words and secure them to the banner with tape. Carefully cut out the letters with a craft knife, remembering that the black pieces are the bits to remove, and the white is the part to leave. Remove the correct pieces of tape and stir your paint. Use a stencil brush or small paintbrush to paint over each letter. Allow the paint to dry, then carefully remove the remaining tape.

Now you can add your decorations. Glue on flowers, stencils, and stickers, and attach ribbons. You can also distress the banner by gently rubbing with 80-grit sandpaper, lightly revealing the base coat.

Finally, hang your banner at the wedding venue. This project can be done in stages, so it is ideal if you only have small blocks of time available.

Shabby chic wedding bows

Supplies:

First, you'll need to gather the right materials. For a shabby chic look, you'll want to use a combination of ribbons and fabrics that complement each other. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Two 30" lengths of 9" wide tulle
• One 26" length of 3½" wide lace ribbon
• One 24" length of 2¾" wide burlap ribbon
• One 24" length of 1½" wide decorated organza ribbon
• One 36" length of 9" wide tulle
• A flower embellishment
• One 20" length of bow wire
• A bow-making tool (optional)

Instructions:

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of creating your shabby chic wedding bows:

• Cut the ribbons and tulle to the specified lengths.
• Dovetail the ends of the ribbons by folding them in half and cutting the fold at an angle. You can quickly pass the ribbon ends through a flame to seal them and prevent fraying.
• Take your bow wire and fold it in half. Place it into your bow-making tool, if you have one, to help you create the perfect bow shape. Tuck the ends of the wire under to keep them out of the way.
• Centre both 30" lengths of tulle in the bow-making tool, creating a base for your bow.
• Now, start layering your ribbons. Centre and layer them in the following order: lace ribbon, burlap ribbon, and finally, the decorated organza ribbon.
• Scrunch the 36" length of tulle in with the other ribbons to add volume and texture to your bow.
• Use the wand of your bow-making tool to compress the ribbons together. If you don't have a bow-making tool, you can carefully use your hands to shape the bow.
• Bring the wire ends through the loop and tighten to secure the bow.
• Remove the bow from the bow-making tool (if used) and bring the wire ends to the backside of the bow. Tie a secure knot and trim the excess wire.
• Finish your shabby chic wedding bow by attaching a flower embellishment with strong adhesive. You can choose a flower that matches your wedding colour palette or adds a pop of colour.

Display Ideas:

Once you've created your beautiful shabby chic wedding bows, here are some ways you can incorporate them into your wedding decor:

• Pew Bows: Adorn the pews or chairs at your ceremony venue with these bows for a charming touch.
• Table Decorations: Lay the bows flat on guest tables or use them as unique centrepieces.
• Door Wreaths: Hang the bows instead of wreaths on doors to welcome your guests.
• Chair Decor: Attach the bows to the backs of chairs, especially the bride and groom's chairs, for a romantic touch.
• Photo Props: Use the bows as props for your wedding photos, adding a touch of shabby chic charm to your memories.

Shabby chic wedding signs

For a simple yet elegant look, consider using kraft paper banner pendants with doilies and flowers. You can create delicate rosebuds using Creative Medium in Iridescent Purple, adding a gorgeous pop of colour to your banner. Enhance the vintage feel with sheer shimmer spray and embossing powder. Don't forget to include the couple's names or a romantic quote using alphabet stickers. This type of banner is perfect for hanging on the wedding party table or near the gift table.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can create a wooden sign with a painted quote or design. Start with a length of pine, preferably sanded to a smooth finish. Use a primer spray to prepare the surface, and then apply a base coat of paint in a colour like Winter Grey. Once dry, paint over it with your main colour, such as Antique White. To achieve the distressed, shabby chic look, wait for the paint to dry completely, and then use sandpaper to gently rub the surface in the direction of the grain, revealing the base coat underneath. You can also add stencilled letters or a quote using a different paint colour. This type of sign can be used as a hanging display or even as a shelf.

For a whimsical touch, incorporate a water-can or a rustic old door as part of your wedding sign. You can also use a window frame as a table plan or a vintage ladder to display love letters and flowers. Think outside the box and use everyday items as unique signage that fits the shabby chic theme.

When it comes to the overall decor, incorporate soft, feminine elements like lace, pastel colours, and fresh or dried flowers. Shabby chic is all about creating a warm, heartwarming atmosphere with organic textures and natural colours. Whether you're going for a beach wedding or a rustic barn celebration, these signs and decorations will add that extra special touch to your big day.

Shabby chic wedding photo frames

Materials and Preparation:

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. For a shabby chic look, you can use old picture frames or purchase new ones that you can distress and decorate. Look for frames with interesting shapes, carvings, or details, as these will add to the charm of the final product. Sand the frames with 100-120 grit sandpaper to create a smooth finish, ensuring you work in a well-ventilated area.

Painting the Frames:

Next, you will need to prime the frames. Use a spray primer and hold the can about 30 cm away from the frame, spraying back and forth steadily, overlapping as you go. Once the primer is dry, apply your base coat of paint. A neutral colour like grey or white works well for the base. Allow this coat to dry thoroughly before applying your main colour. For a shabby chic look, soft, muted colours like antique white, pale pink, or light grey are ideal.

Adding Details:

Once your paint coats are completely dry, you can begin to add your chosen details. You can use stencils and a contrasting paint colour to add words or quotes to your frame. Alternatively, you could decoupage the frame with vintage-style paper or fabric. Lace, doilies, and flowers can also be glued on to create a romantic, textured look. Embellishments like pearls, ribbon, or small craft jewels can be added for a touch of sparkle.

Distressing the Frame:

To achieve the signature 'shabby chic' look, gently rub the frame with fine-grit sandpaper, going in the direction of the grain. This will reveal the base coat in some areas, giving the frame a worn, vintage appearance. Focus on areas that would naturally show wear over time, like the edges and corners.

Your shabby chic wedding photo frames are now complete! You can display them as part of your wedding decor, perhaps as part of a table setting or as a charming photo booth prop. They will add a unique, handmade touch to your special day.

Happy crafting!

Shabby chic wedding centrepieces

Shabby chic is a rustic and vintage style that is a popular choice for weddings. To create a vintage atmosphere, consider using antique decor pieces such as lace tablecloths, vintage vases, and old doors or windows as a backdrop for your ceremony. You can also use wildflowers and herbs or antique brooches or pins as bouquet accents.

Vintage Vases and Wildflowers

Arrange wildflowers and herbs in vintage vases to create a rustic and natural centrepiece. You can mix and match different vases and flowers to create a unique and eclectic look.

Antique Brooches and Bouquets

If you want to add a touch of sparkle, use antique brooches or pins as accents in your bridal bouquet. This idea can also be adapted for centrepieces by using the brooches to decorate the vases or table settings.

Rustic Wood Slices

For a rustic touch, use wood slices as a base for your centrepieces. You can place vases, candles, or other decorations on top of the wood slices to create a natural and rustic look.

Burlap and Twine

Burlap and twine are also great materials to incorporate into your centrepieces. You can use burlap table runners or twine-wrapped bouquets to add a rustic charm to your tablescape.

Vintage China and Silverware

Create a vintage-inspired tablescape by using vintage china and silverware as part of your table setting. Mix and match different patterns and styles to create a unique and eclectic look.

When creating shabby chic wedding centrepieces, it's important to pay attention to the details and incorporate vintage and rustic elements to create a unique and memorable atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions