Creating A Wedding Card Box From Cardboard

Wedding card boxes are a great way to add a decorative element to your wedding while also providing a safe place for guests to leave their cards. If you're looking to save some money on your wedding, making your own wedding card box out of cardboard is a fun and easy DIY project that allows you to incorporate your wedding design elements into your gift table. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a wedding card box out of cardboard, as well as offer some creative ideas and tips for customising your box to match your wedding theme.

Choosing a design

The design of your wedding card box is important as it should reflect your wedding theme and add a decorative touch to your gift table. Here are some design ideas and considerations to help you choose the perfect style for your special day:

Shape and structure

Decide on the shape and structure of your cardboard box. You can go for a simple square or rectangular box, or get creative with shapes such as a cylinder, hexagon, or even a unique structure like a miniature house. Consider how the shape of the box will complement your wedding theme and decor.

Size

The size of your wedding card box should be determined by the expected number of guests and the types of cards or gifts they might bring. It's always better to go for a larger box than a smaller one to ensure all the cards can be securely placed inside. Consider the size of your guest list and whether you expect mostly cards or gifts.

Theme and decoration

Choose a theme and decoration style that aligns with your wedding vision. You can opt for a rustic look with burlap and floral accents, go for a glamorous gold box, or even a vintage-style suitcase for a travel-themed wedding. Consider using decorative paper, fabric, ribbons, dried flowers, or stickers to enhance the appearance of your cardboard box.

Personalisation

Adding personal touches to your wedding card box makes it even more special. Consider including your wedding date, your names, or even a special design or symbol that holds meaning for you and your spouse-to-be. This could be in the form of custom stickers, painted details, or other embellishments.

Card slot

Don't forget to include an opening or slot for guests to insert their cards. The top of the box is usually the most convenient spot. Ensure that the slot is large enough to accommodate cards of different sizes and lengths.

Gathering materials

The first step to making a wedding card box out of cardboard is to gather the necessary materials. Cardboard is a versatile and inexpensive material that can be easily sourced and customised to create a unique and beautiful card box for your special day. Here is a list of materials you will need:

• Cardboard: Ensure you have a sturdy piece of cardboard that can serve as the base material for your project. Look for thick and durable cardboard sheets or boxes that can be cut and shaped as needed.
• Cutting Tools: You will need tools such as a craft knife, scissors, or a box cutter to cut the cardboard to the desired size and shape.
• Measuring Tools: A ruler, measuring tape, or a combination square will help you measure and mark the cardboard accurately before cutting.
• Adhesives: Strong adhesives such as glue or double-sided tape will be essential for assembling your card box. Look for adhesives suitable for cardboard to ensure a secure bond.
• Decorative Materials: To enhance the appearance of your card box, gather decorative items such as paint, fabric, ribbons, lace, stickers, or artificial flowers. Choose colours and themes that match your wedding décor or personal style.
• Embellishments: Consider adding extra touches such as glitter, stamps, decals, or personalised messages like your wedding date or names. These details will make your card box unique and memorable.
• Card Slot: Don't forget to create an opening for the cards! You can cut a slot in the top or side of the box, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate different card sizes.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can start the process of measuring, cutting, and assembling your cardboard wedding card box. Remember to be creative and have fun with the decorative elements to make your card box truly yours.

Preparing the cardboard

For this project, you can buy pre-made cardboard boxes or build a cardboard box yourself. If you're building your own, start by marking the cuts on a 1 x 10 board (with actual dimensions of 72"L x 9¼"W x ¾"D). You can adjust the measurements based on how big you want your box to be. After marking the cuts, use a circular saw, jigsaw, or table saw to cut the board into the required pieces.

The number of pieces you need will depend on the design of your box. For a basic box, you'll need five pieces: a top, two sides, a back, and a bottom. Cut all the sections to length, and then use a miter or circular saw to rip their width. Remember to account for the material lost due to the thickness of your saw blade by measuring, marking, and cutting each line before moving on to the next cut.

Once you have all the pieces cut to size, it's time to assemble the box. Stand the side pieces upright and position the front piece against them. The top edge of the front piece should rest about an inch below the height of the sides to create a slot for the cards. Apply wood glue to the edges of the sides and position the front piece. You can use a pneumatic nail gun with 1¼-inch finish nails to secure the pieces together.

Next, attach the bottom piece. Place it between the sides, butted against the front panel, leaving a ¼-inch gap near the back for the hinges. Apply wood glue to the edges and secure it in place with nails.

Now, attach the top piece. Apply wood glue to the top edges of the side panels and place the top panel on. Slide the top forward until it overhangs the sides by about ¾ of an inch and sets flush with the front panel. Secure it in place with nails.

At this point, you should have a basic cardboard box structure. You can further reinforce the joints with more glue or additional hardware if needed. If you want to add a hinge and latch to create a lid, follow the steps outlined in the previous section.

Now that the basic structure is complete, you can move on to decorating and personalizing your wedding card box.

Assembling the box

The first step in assembling your wedding card box is to gather all the necessary supplies and cut the cardboard to the desired measurements. If you're creating a basic rectangular box, you'll need five pieces of cardboard: the top, bottom, two sides, and a front panel. Mark the dimensions on the cardboard and carefully cut out each piece using a sharp craft knife or a pair of scissors.

Next, you'll want to prepare the cardboard for decoration. Wipe the surfaces clean and consider painting the cardboard to create a cohesive base for your design. If you plan to cover the box in paper or fabric, choose a paint colour that complements your chosen material. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding.

Now, it's time to bring your design to life! Cover the box with decorative paper or fabric, securing it in place with a strong adhesive. Take your time with this step, ensuring that the material is smooth and free of bubbles or creases. If using fabric, consider using a spray adhesive or fabric glue for a secure hold.

Once the adhesive is dry, it's time to personalize your box. You can add details such as your wedding date or names, or embellish it with ribbons, dried flowers, or other decorations that reflect your wedding theme. This is your chance to make the box truly unique, so feel free to get creative!

Finally, create an opening for the cards. The top of the box is usually the most convenient spot for guests to insert their cards. Measure and cut a slot that will accommodate various card sizes. You may also want to reinforce the edges of the slot with additional cardboard or fabric to prevent tearing.

Give your box a final once-over, checking for any loose strings, uneven edges, or areas that need improvement. Once you're satisfied, your DIY wedding card box is ready to be displayed at your wedding!

Adding personal touches

There are many ways to personalise your wedding card box and make it unique to you and your spouse-to-be. Firstly, consider the overall design of the box. You could opt for a rustic theme, using materials such as burlap, wicker, or wood, or go for a more elegant and modern look with glass or acrylic. If you're feeling creative, you could even try making a box out of Lego!

Once you've chosen your materials and assembled the box, it's time to add some personal touches. Consider including your wedding date, your names, or even a special design or symbol that holds meaning for you as a couple. If you have a specific wedding palette, incorporate those colours into the box's design. You could also add ribbons, bows, or dried flowers to give it a romantic feel.

If you're artistically inclined, you could try painting or drawing something meaningful to you and your partner on the box. Alternatively, if you'd rather not paint directly on the box, consider using stickers or decals to add some flair. You could even include a Polaroid camera next to the box for guests to capture some fun photos.

Finally, don't forget to create an opening for the cards! The top of the box is usually the most convenient spot. Ensure that the opening is large enough to accommodate cards of different sizes. With these personal touches, your wedding card box is sure to be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your special day.

Frequently asked questions