Creating A Wedding Blackboard: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding chalkboards are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. They can be used to display everything from seating charts to menus, welcome messages, and even fun photo booth props. Creating your own wedding chalkboard is a fun DIY project that can save you money and add a unique, rustic charm to your wedding decor. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of making a wedding blackboard, from gathering the right materials to designing and crafting your very own chalkboard sign.

Choosing the right size for your board

Consider the purpose of your wedding blackboard: Will it be used to display the seating chart, welcome guests to the reception, or provide information about the menu or photo booth? The amount of information you need to convey will dictate the size of the board. For example, a large chalkboard can be used to create a visible seating chart, while a medium-sized board can be used to welcome guests or provide directions. Smaller chalkboards can be used for displaying favours or requesting guests to sign a wedding book.

Determine the amount of text and design elements: The amount of text and design elements, such as flourishes or illustrations, will impact the size of the board. If you have a lot of text, you will need a larger board to ensure it is legible. Similarly, if you plan to include intricate designs or illustrations, you will need a larger surface area.

Choose the right font size: The font size you select will also influence the size of the board. If you want to use larger, eye-catching letters, you will need a bigger board. It's important to consider the legibility of the text, especially if your guests will be reading it from a distance.

Allow for adequate spacing: Don't cram too much text or design elements onto the board. Leave enough space between lines of text and around design elements to create a visually appealing and easy-to-read layout.

Think about the frame: If you plan to use a frame for your wedding blackboard, make sure to consider its size and proportions when choosing the size of your board. The frame should complement the board and not overwhelm it.

By following these tips, you can choose the right size for your wedding blackboard, ensuring that your message is conveyed effectively and aesthetically.

Selecting the right frame

Type of Frame

When selecting a frame for your wedding blackboard, you have two main options: a traditional picture frame or a wooden board frame. Picture frames are readily available in various sizes and styles and can be purchased from craft stores or online. If you're seeking a more rustic or vintage look, consider using a wooden board frame. This can be easily created by cutting and assembling four pieces of wood to form a border around your blackboard.

Size and Proportion

The size and proportion of your frame are crucial to achieving a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing design. Ensure that the frame is proportional to the size of your blackboard, neither too large nor too small. Consider the amount of text and any decorations you plan to include, and choose a frame width that will provide a suitable border. A wider frame can add a sense of elegance or rustic charm, while a narrower frame may suit a more modern or minimalist design.

Colour and Style

The colour and style of your frame should complement the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. For a rustic or vintage wedding, consider a distressed or painted wooden frame in a soft colour such as white or pastel shades. If your wedding has a more glamorous or elegant theme, opt for a metallic frame in gold, silver, or rose gold. You can also paint or decorate the frame to match your wedding colours or add embellishments like flowers or branches for a unique touch.

Mounting and Display

Consider how you plan to display your wedding blackboard when selecting a frame. Will it be placed on an easel, hung on a wall, or propped against a surface? Ensure that your frame has the necessary hardware or attachments for your chosen display method. If you plan to hang the blackboard, attach D-rings or picture wire to the back of the frame for added stability. For placement on a table or easel, consider a frame with a built-in stand or attach a separate stand to the back.

Customisation and Personalisation

Customising and personalising your frame can add a unique and special touch to your wedding blackboard. Consider painting or staining the frame to match your wedding colours or adding decorative elements such as lace, ribbons, or flowers. You can also incorporate lighting, such as fairy lights or battery-operated candles, to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Another idea is to attach meaningful items to the frame, such as locks and keys, dried flowers, or other symbolic decorations.

Remember, your wedding blackboard is a reflection of your style and personality, so have fun and be creative when selecting the right frame!

Using the right tools to write on the board

To create a wedding blackboard, you will need the right tools to write on the board. Here are some options:

Chalk

Chalk is a classic option for writing on blackboards. Regular Crayola chalk will work well, and colourful chalk can add a pop of colour to your wedding blackboard. However, keep in mind that chalk can be messy and may require touch-ups if it starts to smudge.

Paint Pens

Paint pens are a trendy alternative to chalk. They come in various colours, allowing you to match your wedding colour palette. Paint pens provide a smoother and more precise finish than chalk, making them ideal for intricate designs or calligraphy.

Ink Jet Printers

For a more precise and permanent option, you can use an ink jet printer to transfer fonts and images onto your blackboard. This method ensures that your writing is neat and smudge-proof.

Graphite Transfer Paper

If you want to achieve a chalk-like effect but don't want to deal with the mess of chalk, graphite transfer paper is a great option. You can print or draw your desired design on the paper and then transfer it onto your blackboard. This method ensures that your writing is neat and allows you to create intricate designs or fonts.

Other Materials

In addition to the writing tools mentioned above, you will also need a blackboard base, chalkboards, erasers, and water and Q-tips for any necessary touch-ups.

When creating your wedding blackboard, it's important to choose the right tools for your specific design and to practice beforehand to ensure the best results.

Making your board stand out with fonts and colours

Choosing the right font and colour can make your wedding blackboard stand out and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Choose the right font

The font you select can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your blackboard. If you're aiming for a rustic or vintage theme, consider using fonts that resemble handwriting or calligraphy. Websites like daFont.com offer a variety of free downloadable fonts that are easy to install and use. Play around with different fonts and don't be afraid to mix and match to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Use different font sizes

Varying font sizes can add interest and hierarchy to your design. For example, you can use a larger font size for the headings or important information you want to highlight. This will make the text more readable and help guide your guests' attention to the most critical parts of your blackboard.

Incorporate colour

While the classic combination of white or light-coloured chalk on a black background is elegant and timeless, don't be afraid to experiment with colour. Using colourful chalk or paint pens can add a pop of colour and make your blackboard more vibrant and fun. Consider using colours that complement your wedding theme or palette to create a cohesive look.

Embellish with decorations

Adding simple decorations or illustrations, such as flowers, leaves, or other motifs, can give your blackboard a whimsical and elegant touch. These embellishments can be hand-drawn or painted using acrylic paints. You can also use stencils or stamps to create more consistent designs.

Frame your blackboard

A well-chosen frame can elevate the look of your blackboard and make it stand out. For example, an ornate or decorative frame can add a touch of elegance or glamour, while a simple wooden frame can enhance a rustic or vintage aesthetic. Consider the style of your wedding and the overall impression you want to create when selecting a frame.

Keep it consistent

While each blackboard can have its unique design, maintaining a consistent theme or style across all your wedding signage will create a cohesive and polished look. This can be achieved by using the same font, colour scheme, or decorative elements throughout your blackboards.

Adding decorations to your board

Once you've got your board and decided on your message, it's time to get creative with some decorations. If you're going for a rustic, vintage look, you might want to stick to simple embellishments like flowers or olive branches. If you're feeling more glamorous, you could try gold calligraphy on a crisp, white background.

For a simple, elegant look, try using a white gel pen to trace over your lettering. This will give it a fine, delicate finish. You can then fill in the larger spaces with a white paint pen to create a "chalky" look. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix and match fonts and add some colourful chalk or paint pens to make your board really pop.

If you want to add some extra flair, try framing your board with a complementary colour or material. You can also use a piece of chalk to lightly rub over the surface of the board, then wipe it off with a paper towel to give it a "vintage/worn" vibe.

For a more natural, rustic look, consider using an old cupboard door as your base. You can clean it up, give it a fresh coat of paint, and you're ready to go!

Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to your wedding blackboard. It's a great way to add a unique, custom element to your special day.

Frequently asked questions