Creating A Tiered Wedding Card Box: Easy Diy Guide

A wedding card box is a helpful and secure place for guests to leave their cards, money, and gifts. It's also a chance for the couple to incorporate their wedding design elements into their gift table. There are many ways to make a wedding card box, and one option is to make a tiered wedding cake card box. This can be done using a variety of materials and decorations, such as cardboard, wood, glue, paint, and vinyl cut-outs.

Choosing a theme for your box

Consider your wedding theme and style:

Think about the overall theme and style of your wedding. Are you having a rustic, elegant, modern, or whimsical wedding? Choose a card box that complements your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, a burlap and floral card box would be a perfect fit.

Colour palette:

Take into account your wedding colour palette when choosing a theme for your card box. You can incorporate these colours into the design, whether it's through paint, fabric, or other decorations. This will help to create a cohesive look for your wedding decor.

Personalisation:

Make your card box personal and unique to you as a couple. Consider adding your wedding date, names, or even a special design or symbol that holds meaning for you. For instance, if you love to travel, a vintage suitcase card box with a banner or ribbon accents can be a fun and meaningful choice.

Interactive and creative elements:

Add an interactive or creative element to your card box. For instance, a Lego card box can be a unique way to represent your hobbies or recreate your first date. Or, if you're literary lovers, a book-shaped card box can be a fun and interactive way for guests to drop in their cards.

Size and location:

Think about the size of your guest list and the expected number of cards when choosing a theme for your card box. You don't want it to be too small! Also, consider where you will display the card box at your wedding. Will it be near the guest book, at the reception entrance, or on the gift table? Choose a theme that fits well with the chosen location.

Remember, your wedding card box is a fun project that allows you to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding decor. Choose a theme that reflects your style and don't be afraid to get inventive!

Selecting the right materials

Type of Wood

When building a wooden wedding card box, selecting the right type of wood is essential. Plywood is a common choice, as it is durable and easy to work with. Consider using 1/4" or 3/4" finished plywood for the sides, back, front, and lid of the box. This type of plywood is thin enough to be cut and shaped easily while still providing a sturdy structure.

Card Slot

The card slot is an important feature of your wedding card box, ensuring that cards can be easily inserted by guests. Measure the average size of greeting cards and ensure your slot is slightly larger to accommodate different card sizes. Use a jigsaw to cut out the card slot, creating a smooth and precise edge. Sand the inside edges of the card slot with sandpaper to remove any splinters or rough areas.

Adhesives and Fasteners

Wood glue is essential for assembling your box, providing a strong bond between the wooden pieces. Additionally, consider using brad nails or finish nails to reinforce the structure. These nails are small and easy to work with, providing a secure hold without requiring a lot of hammering force. For an even more secure option, you may also use a pneumatic nail gun to attach the pieces of wood together.

Paint or Stain

Adding a coat of paint or stain to your wedding card box will enhance its visual appeal and allow you to match it to your wedding colour palette. You can use spray paint or flat paint, depending on your preference and the desired finish. Consider painting the box before assembling it to ensure full coverage and avoid missing any areas. Allow adequate drying time between coats to prevent smudging.

Embellishments

To add a personal touch to your wedding card box, consider incorporating embellishments such as ribbons, dried flowers, or stickers. Customizable stickers or vinyl cut-outs are a great way to add your names, wedding date, or other special designs to the box. You can also use decorative paper or fabric to cover the box, adding texture and visual interest.

Hinges and Latches

If you plan to have a lid on your wedding card box, don't forget to include hinges and a latch to keep it securely closed. Measure and mark the locations for the hinges and latch before installing them. You may need to pre-drill pilot holes for the screws, especially if you are attaching them directly to the wood.

By carefully selecting the right materials and following the steps outlined above, you can create a beautiful and functional tiered wedding card box that will impress your guests and safely hold their well wishes.

Building the box frame

Step 1: Gather Materials and Cut Dowels

First, you'll need to gather the necessary materials, including square dowels, plywood, brads, paint, latches, hinges, and edge banding. Cut the 3/4" square dowels to the following lengths:

• Four 14" sections for the widest parts of the front and back frames.
• Four 9.5" sections for the tallest parts of the front and back frames.
• Four 10.5" sections to connect the front and back frames.

Step 2: Assemble the Frames

On a flat surface, build two frames (for the front and back) by arranging two 14" dowel sections parallel to each other. Separate them with two 9.5" dowel sections, creating a rectangular shape. Square up the corners with a framing square to ensure precise right angles. Apply wood glue to the ends of the 9.5" pieces, then secure them with clamps. Use a brad nailer to nail all four corners together. Repeat this process to create two identical frames.

Step 3: Connect the Frames

Stand the two frames upright and separate them with two 10.5" dowel sections, applying wood glue to both ends. Ensure the assembly remains square with the framing square and secure it with clamps. Nail all four corners together with the brad nailer. Flip the structure over and repeat the process on the other side. At this point, you should have a sturdy frame measuring 14" wide by 12" deep by 11" tall.

Step 4: Add Plywood Panels

Now, it's time to cover the frame with plywood panels. Cut the 1/4" finished plywood to the following dimensions:

• One 14" by 12" plywood piece for the bottom.
• Two 11.25" x 12" pieces for the sides.
• Two 14.5" x 11.25" pieces for the front and back.

Apply wood glue to the bottom of the frame and attach the 14" by 12" plywood piece. Then, turn the box on its side and glue and attach one of the side panels. Repeat this process for the other side. Finally, connect the front and back plywood pieces in the same manner. If desired, use spackle to fill in any exposed plywood edges for a seamless finish. Once the glue is dry, sand the entire box until it's smooth.

Step 5: Create the Lid

Using a table saw, cut the 3/4" plywood piece to a size of 14.5" x 12.5" for the lid. Mark and cut out a slot for the cards using a jigsaw. Sand the inside edges of the card slot to ensure a smooth finish. Apply edge banding to the lid to conceal the plywood edge and give it a polished appearance. Sand the lid and edges once more to ensure a smooth finish.

Step 6: Paint the Box and Lid

Spray paint the box and lid in your desired colour, allowing ample drying time between coats. Consider painting the box and lid separately for more even coverage and to avoid drips. You can add personal touches like your wedding date or names at this stage.

Adding the finishing touches

Now that the structure of your tiered wedding card box is complete, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your box truly unique and special:

Personalise It

Add personal touches such as your wedding date or names. Consider any other embellishments that might make your card box more personalised, such as ribbons, dried flowers, or even a banner with your names on it. You could also add a special design or symbol that holds meaning for you and your spouse-to-be.

Paint or Decorate the Box

You can paint the box any colour you like, or even add a bit of sparkle with gold, silver, rose gold or bronze accents. If you're feeling creative, you could also decorate the box with fabric, paper, or stickers. Cover the box in fun tissue paper, or double-sided craft paper for a cohesive and stunning look.

Lights

Add some fairy lights to brighten up your card box and make it stand out, especially if your wedding is going to be in the evening or at night.

Flowers

Incorporate your favourite flowers or greenery into your card box with dried or artificial blooms. This is a wonderful way to add a romantic and elegant touch to your box.

Make Sure It's Secure

Don't forget to ensure your card box is sturdy and secure so that all the cards and gifts are safely stored inside. You can add a lock or latch to the box to keep it closed, or even a chain to keep the lid from opening too far.

Your tiered wedding card box is now complete and ready to be displayed at your wedding!

Decorating your box

You can add personal touches such as your wedding date or names, as well as other embellishments like ribbons or dried flowers. If you don't want to draw or paint anything yourself, you can use customizable wedding stickers with a floral design, for example.

If you're working with a wooden box, you can paint it before adding any other decorations. You can also add some shimmer to your box with gold, silver, rose gold, or bronze colours.

For a rustic wedding, you can use a burlap and floral accent piece as your card box. You can also incorporate your favourite flowers into the card box with dried or artificial blooms. Silk flowers are a wonderful touch to any wedding, no matter the season.

If you're looking for something more modern, a simple translucent card box can be a chic choice. You can also add string lights to your box to make it stand out, especially if your wedding is taking place in the evening.

Frequently asked questions