Creating A Wedding Welcome Sign: Diy Guide

Wedding welcome signs are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding day and make your guests feel special. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as acrylic, wood, chalkboard, or mirror, and can be designed to match the theme and style of your wedding. In this article, we will discuss the steps to create your own DIY wedding welcome sign, from choosing the right materials to assembling the sign. We will also explore some cost-effective ways to create a beautiful and elegant welcome sign that will impress your guests and save you money.

Choosing the right materials

Durability and Weather Resistance:

If your wedding is outdoors, it's crucial to choose materials that can withstand the elements. Opt for weather-resistant materials such as acrylic, metal, or treated wood. These materials will hold up better against potential rain or wind. Consider using a waterproof paint or sealant to further protect your sign from moisture.

Aesthetic Appeal:

The material you choose should align with the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For instance, wood is an excellent choice for a rustic or country-themed wedding, while acrylic suits modern, classic, or traditional weddings. Mirrors, on the other hand, add a touch of elegance and formality to your decor. Select a material that complements your wedding theme and enhances the ambiance you wish to create.

Ease of Workability:

Some materials are easier to work with than others. For example, foam insulation boards are lightweight and can be easily cut and painted. They are also cost-effective and simple to find at most hardware stores. However, they may require additional steps, such as filling in dents and cracks with spackling paste before painting. Consider your crafting skills and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to the project.

Size and Portability:

The size and weight of your welcome sign will depend on the venue and where you plan to place it. If you're transporting the sign yourself, opt for lighter materials like foam or acrylic. Consider the dimensions of your sign and choose materials that are easy to cut and manoeuvre, especially if you're creating a large sign.

Cost:

Creating a wedding welcome sign yourself can range from $50 to $100, depending on the materials you choose. Acrylic and wood can be more expensive, while foam boards and chalkboards offer more affordable options. Consider your budget and keep in mind that you may need additional supplies like paint, vinyl lettering, or frames.

Remember, the key is to select materials that align with your vision, skill level, and budget. By choosing the right materials, you'll be well on your way to crafting a beautiful DIY wedding welcome sign that will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your special day.

Designing the sign

The first step to making a DIY wedding welcome sign is to decide on the design. This includes the size, material, text, and any additional decorations you want to include.

The average size of a wedding welcome sign is 59.4cm x 84.1cm (A1) or 42.0cm x 59.4cm (A2). However, you can make your sign larger or smaller depending on the size and layout of your venue. If your wedding is outdoors, you may want a larger, more eye-catching sign.

Popular materials for wedding welcome signs include acrylic, wood, chalkboard, or mirror. Acrylic is a perfect choice for modern, classic, or traditional weddings, while wood is excellent for rustic or country-themed weddings. Metal signs pair well with industrial decor, and mirrors are ideal for formal or elegant weddings.

The text on your sign should include, at a minimum, the names of the bride and groom and a short welcome message, such as "Welcome" or "Welcome to the Wedding of." You can also include the date, the name of the wedding venue, a short message like "We're So Glad You're Here," or a pun or wordplay like "The Party Starts Here."

You can sketch, handwrite, or use software like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator to design your sign. Etsy is a great source of inspiration for wedding sign ideas. Once you have your design, you can print out any design elements you need or use a Cricut machine to cut out your text.

If you're feeling creative, you can even try making your own decals or using a projector to project your design onto a board and hand-painting it.

Printing, writing or tracing text

Now that you have your welcome sign materials and supplies, it's time to start designing. You can either sketch, handwrite or use software like Canva, Photoshop or Illustrator to design your sign. If you're looking for some wedding sign inspiration, we recommend browsing on Etsy.

If you are handwriting or painting your sign, you will need a thick pen or marker. If you have access to an electronic craft machine like a Cricut, feel free to use this machine to create your text. You can also use a Cricut to cut out vinyl lettering. If you don't have a Cricut, you can order custom vinyl lettering online.

If you are tracing, stick your design to the back of your sign using tape. You can also print your design on standard paper and then place it in a frame. If you want to adhere your design to a foam board, you can use spray adhesive.

If you are using a Cricut machine, cut out your text and prepare to stick it onto your sign. If you are using vinyl lettering, make sure to tape it down before sticking it to the board so you can be sure of the placement.

Another option is to print your design onto a foam poster board using a local print shop or even a store like Staples.

Examples

• One person designed their welcome sign on Canva and then printed it on standard paper before placing it in a frame.
• Someone else printed their design on poster-sized paper and then pasted it onto a foam board.
• A person who had access to a Cricut machine used it to make stencils, which they then stained around to create their sign.
• Another person printed their design on a foam poster board.
• Someone designed their welcome sign on Canva and then used a gold oil paint marker to trace the text onto acrylic.

Assembling the sign

The first step in assembling your wedding welcome sign is to gather all the materials you will need. This includes a large piece of thin but solid material such as acrylic, plastic, wood, or metal, as well as a thick pen or texta for handwriting, or an electronic craft machine like a Cricut to create your text.

Once you have your materials, it's time to start designing your sign. You can sketch, handwrite, or use software like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator to create your design. If you're looking for inspiration, try browsing Etsy.

After finalising your design, print out any design elements you need. If you are tracing your design, stick your printouts to the backside of your sign using tape. If you are using a Cricut machine, cut out your text and get ready to stick it onto your sign.

Now it's time to put your sign together! Remember to clean your sign with a cloth and spray before adding anything to it. Whether you're tracing, drawing, or sticking text onto your sign, make sure your sign is ready for assembly.

If you're using an easel to display your sign, you might want to give it a facelift with a can of gold spray paint. You can also use an old frame to assemble your sign. Start by giving it a light sanding to age it and uncover any beautiful colours. Then, apply your decals or text. Finally, gently clean the glass with a product like Windex, both front and back.

Deciding on the size of the sign

Deciding on the size of your DIY wedding welcome sign is an important step in the process. The size of your sign will depend on a few factors, including the size and layout of your venue, your budget, and your personal preference.

If your wedding is outdoors with ample space, consider a larger, eye-catching sign. A big sign can be a great way to make a statement and ensure your guests can easily find your venue. On the other hand, if your wedding is more intimate and you have a smaller venue, a smaller sign may be more appropriate. Take into account the layout of your venue as well—if your sign will be placed in a narrow entranceway or among other decorations, you may want to opt for a more compact size.

The average size of a wedding welcome sign is 59.4cm x 84.1cm (A1) or 42.0cm x 59.4cm (A2). However, don't feel limited by these dimensions—you can always go bigger or smaller depending on your vision and the factors mentioned above.

When deciding on the size, also consider the text and design you plan to include on your sign. You want to ensure your message is legible from a distance, so the amount of text and its size will impact the overall dimensions of your sign. Play around with different fonts and sizes on a word processor or design platform to get a sense of what will work best.

Additionally, if you're creating a double-sided sign or one with multiple sections, you'll need to allocate space accordingly. For example, if you plan to include a welcome message, the date, and the names of the bride and groom, you'll need enough room for each element to be clearly displayed.

Finally, your budget may play a role in determining the size of your sign. Larger signs may require more materials and could increase costs. Consider the price of the materials you plan to use, especially if you're working with a tight budget.

In conclusion, when deciding on the size of your DIY wedding welcome sign, take into account the venue, your personal style, the content of your sign, and your budget. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a sign that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Frequently asked questions