Crafting A Floating Frame: The Perfect Wedding Gift

A floating frame is a unique and thoughtful wedding gift that allows couples to showcase their cherished memories in a creative and elegant way. With its 360-degree rotating design, the happy couple can display two of their favourite photos at the same time, making it a versatile and captivating addition to any home or office decor. The natural wood grains and heart-shaped pendant engraved with Mr & Mrs add a sentimental touch to this gift, making it a perfect choice for bridal showers, wedding anniversaries, or a heartfelt surprise for your loved ones on their special day.

Choosing the right size

When creating a floating frame as a wedding gift, choosing the right size is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:

Firstly, decide on the number of photos you want to include in the frame. A popular option is to go for a dual-sided frame that can hold two pictures. This way, the couple can display two of their favourite memories simultaneously. The standard size for such a frame is 9”x8.3”x1.6”, which can accommodate two 4"x6" vertical photos. This size is ideal as it allows for a clear display of the photos without being too bulky.

If you opt for a single-sided frame, the standard size for a floating frame is typically 4"x6" or 5"x7". These sizes are common for picture frames and will easily fit most photos without requiring extensive cropping. They are also convenient for the recipient as they can be easily displayed on a tabletop or wall.

Another factor to consider is the size of the wedding party. If you are creating a floating frame for a large wedding party, you may want to opt for a larger frame size, such as 8"x10" or even 11"x14". This will allow you to include more people in the photo without the image appearing cramped.

Additionally, take into account the space where the frame will be displayed. If the couple has a small living room or bedroom, a large frame might overwhelm the space. In this case, a smaller frame, such as a 4"x6", would be more appropriate. On the other hand, if the couple has a large and spacious home, a larger frame will make a statement and become a focal point of the room.

Lastly, consider the overall design and style of the frame. If you are creating a rustic or minimalist floating frame, a smaller size might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are going for a more elaborate or decorative design, a larger frame will showcase the details better.

Remember, the size of the floating frame will significantly impact the overall presentation and appeal of the gift. Choose a size that best suits the photos, the couple's space, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Selecting the right materials

Wood: Choose a sturdy wood with a natural grain that complements the overall aesthetic of the gift. Ensure it is strong enough to support the weight of the frame and any additional decorations.

Acrylic or Glass: Decide whether you want to use acrylic or glass for the front of your frame. Acrylic is a lightweight and shatter-resistant option, while glass offers a more traditional and elegant look. Consider the safety of the gift recipients and opt for acrylic if there are any concerns about breakage.

Chain or Twine: You will need a chain or twine to suspend the frame and create the floating effect. Choose a thin but strong chain, preferably with a decorative design that enhances the overall look. If you prefer a more rustic or natural feel, opt for twine, ensuring it is sturdy enough to bear the weight.

Heart-Shaped Pendant: A heart-shaped pendant adds a charming and romantic touch to your gift. Look for a stainless steel pendant with an engraved message or the couple's initials and wedding date. This detail will make your gift more personalized and meaningful.

Photos: Selecting the right photos is essential for a thoughtful gift. Choose high-quality images that capture the couple's happiest moments together. Consider using a combination of wedding photos, engagement shots, or other memorable occasions. Ensure the photos are printed on high-quality paper to maintain clarity and color accuracy.

Additional Decorations: You can enhance your floating frame with additional decorations such as dried flowers, ribbons, or other sentimental items. These extra touches will make your gift even more special and unique.

Remember to choose materials that align with the couple's taste and the overall theme of the wedding. By carefully selecting each element, you can create a beautiful and personalized floating frame wedding gift that the couple will cherish for years to come.

Adding a personal touch

A wedding gift is made special by the personal touch you add to it. Here are some ideas for how to make a floating frame wedding gift that's unique to the couple:

Engravings

Engravings are a great way to personalise a gift. You could engrave the couple's names, their wedding date, or a meaningful message. For example, a heart-shaped pendant with "Mr & Mrs EST [year]" engraved on it adds a sweet touch to a rustic floating picture frame.

Photos

A picture speaks a thousand words, and including photos in your floating frame gift is a great way to add a personal touch. You could use photos of the couple, or if the frame has a dual-sided display, you could include two of their favourite memories.

Wedding Stationery

A floating frame is a perfect way to display wedding stationery, such as the wedding invitation, save-the-date cards, or table numbers. This idea is a great way to showcase the couple's style and the theme of their wedding.

DIY Shadow Box

If you want to get creative, you could make a DIY shadow box. This idea allows you to personalise the gift with items from the couple's wedding day, such as their wedding invitation, menu, or "something blue." You can also decorate the shadow box with dried greenery for a romantic touch.

Personalised Frames

There are many ways to personalise a frame. You could choose a frame with a message engraved on it, such as "Happily ever after." Alternatively, opt for a frame with a decorative touch, like a graceful curved design or gold-accented acrylic. If you want to include a quote, lyric, or date, you can also find frames with customisable text.

A floating frame wedding gift with a personal touch is a meaningful way to celebrate the couple's special day and will surely be cherished for years to come.

Packaging the gift

Now that you've created a beautiful floating frame as a wedding gift, it's time to package it with care and creativity. Here are some steps and ideas to help you present the gift in a memorable way:

Choose a gift box: Select a sturdy and slightly larger box than the frame to ensure it fits comfortably inside. Opt for a box with a lid or a magnetic closure for easy opening and secure storage. You can also customise a plain box by wrapping it with elegant paper, such as kraft paper or white wrapping paper.

Prepare the box interior: Line the inside of the box with a layer of soft tissue paper or coloured paper shreds to create a luxurious and protective bed for your frame. You can choose a colour that matches the wedding theme or go for classic white or ivory.

Add protective wrapping: Before placing the floating frame inside the box, wrap it carefully in bubble wrap or acid-free tissue paper. This will ensure the frame stays safe during transport and prevent any scratches or damage.

Include a personalised note: Write a heartfelt message to the happy couple on a card or a piece of stationery that matches the wedding theme. You can include a quote, a poem, or a simple congratulations message. Place the note inside the box, either tucked under the frame or attached to the inside lid, so it's the first thing they see when they open the gift.

Close the box and add a final touch: Secure the box with a beautiful ribbon or twine, tying a bow on top. You can also add a small tag with the couple's names or their initials as a final personalised touch. If you like, you can also attach a small charm or a dried flower to the ribbon for an extra special detail.

Your floating frame wedding gift is now ready to be presented! With these packaging ideas, you can create a thoughtful and elegant presentation that the couple will surely appreciate and remember.

Deciding on a gift card message

Deciding on a message to write in a wedding card can be tricky, but it's an important part of gift-giving that should be taken seriously. Here are some ideas for what to write in a gift card for a floating frame wedding gift:

Formal Wedding Wishes

If you've been invited to a formal wedding or have chosen an elegant card, a formal wedding message is always appropriate. These wedding wishes will bring a touch of sophistication to your gift card:

• "Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."
• "Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow."
• "Best wishes on this wonderful journey as you build your new lives together."
• "May the years ahead be filled with lasting joy."
• "Congratulations on a beautiful beginning to married life."
• "May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine."
• "Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together."
• "May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years."

Casual Wedding Wishes

If you don't feel comfortable with formal wedding sayings, then go with something short, sweet and relaxed. It's completely fine to write a more casual wedding message, no matter the recipient. Here are some ideas:

• "Wishing you lots of love and a lifetime of happiness."
• "Lots of love today and beyond."
• "Wishing you a long and happy marriage."
• "So proud of you both on this special day. Congrats!"
• "Here's to a long and happy married life!"
• "Wishing you the best—today and always."
• "So happy to celebrate this special day with you both!"
• "Let the adventure begin!"
• "Warmest wishes for a fun-filled future together."

Funny Wedding Wishes

Go ahead and write a funny wedding card message if you're confident that it will make the happy couple laugh. Be careful, though; what might come across as a joke in conversation could be taken the wrong way on paper. Avoid anything that could be considered insulting or imply that the couple took too long (or too little time) to get married. Here are some examples:

• "As Bill and Ted said: 'Be excellent to each other.'"
• "Thanks for inviting us to eat and drink while you get married. Congrats!"
• "You two make almost as good of a team as their favourite sports team."
• "Our marriage advice: Love, honour and… scrub the toilet!"
• "Congratulations—your wedding successfully made me sob like a baby!"
• "Is someone cutting onions? Never mind, those would be my happy tears."
• "Glad I got to break out my dance moves in honour of such a great couple. Lots of love to you both!"
• "Wow, you two know how to throw a party! Thanks for having us and congrats on a beautiful day."

Inspirational Wedding Wishes

Inspirational wedding wishes should get the happy couple excited about their future together. It's also a sweet idea to reflect on how special your past has been with one or both members of the couple and how your relationship with them has shaped you. Try something like:

• "Your love inspires me—here's to my favourite couple."
• "You've come so far and your future together is so bright. Happy wedding day."
• "Talk about the wedding of the century! Same time next year for your anniversary?"
• "I can't wait to see how the rest of your love story unfolds."
• "Power couple alert! Congratulations!"
• "May every day together see your love grow deeper."
• "Thanks for giving me an example of what true love is."
• "You shine so bright together."

Religious Wedding Wishes

If the couple is religious, then a religious wedding card message might be the best option. Religious messages can mention God, include bible verses about love and marriage, or tell the couple of your prayers for them. Before writing, consider the couple's beliefs and practices, and customise the message to them. If they aren't too religious, something very spiritual could make them uncomfortable, so it's best to tone it down or avoid it altogether. Here are some ideas:

• "May your marriage be blessed!"
• "Wishing you a marriage as strong as your faith."
• "Sending you prayers for unending love and happiness."
• "Love is the greatest blessing."
• "God bless you both on this day with a lifetime of shared love and joy."

Frequently asked questions