Crafting A Wedding Gift Box Card Holder: Easy Diy Guide

Wedding card boxes are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be used to securely collect cards and monetary gifts from your guests. The size of your wedding card box will depend on the number of guests and whether you expect to receive mostly cards or gifts. Card boxes can be easily personalised and made at home, with a wide range of DIY options available. From vintage suitcases to rustic wooden boxes, you can create a unique card holder that fits your wedding theme and adds a special flair to your gift table.

Choosing the right size

When making a wedding gift box card holder, choosing the right size is crucial to ensure all the cards fit comfortably and securely. Here are some factors to consider when determining the appropriate size for your wedding gift box card holder:

• Guest List Size: Consider the number of expected guests at your wedding. If you have a large guest list, you may need a bigger box to accommodate a potentially higher number of cards and gifts. Conversely, a smaller guest list may require a more compact box.
• Type of Gifts: Think about the types of gifts you anticipate receiving. If you have a wedding registry with smaller items, a standard-sized box could suffice. However, if you expect larger gifts or monetary presents, opt for a bigger box. It's always better to have a box that's too big than one that's too small.
• Card Box Placement: The placement of your card box at the wedding venue can also influence its size. If you plan to place it on a gift table, ensure it doesn't occupy too much space, especially if there are other items on the table. On the other hand, if the card box will be displayed near the guest book or reception entrance, you might want a more sizeable box that is easily noticeable.
• Portability: Consider how easy it will be to transport the card box to and from the wedding venue. A bulky or oversized box may be challenging to carry and set up, especially if you have a long distance to travel.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The size of the card box should align with the overall aesthetic of your wedding decorations. A box that is too large may overwhelm the surrounding decor, while a box that is too small may get lost among other visual elements.
• Card Box Design: The design of the card box can also impact its size. For example, a vintage suitcase or stacked trunk card holder will likely have different size requirements than a simple rectangular box. Ensure that the design and size complement each other.

Remember, it is always better to have a little extra room in your wedding gift box card holder than to run out of space. You can find various card boxes of different sizes and designs at craft stores or online. Choose the one that best suits your needs and adds a personal touch to your special day.

DIY vs. buying a pre-made box

There are many factors to consider when deciding between DIY and buying a pre-made wedding gift box card holder. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of both options:

DIY Wedding Gift Box Card Holder:

Advantages:

• Personalisation: You have complete control over the design, allowing you to create a highly personalised and unique gift box that reflects your style and theme.
• Cost-effectiveness: By making the box yourself, you can choose materials and decorations that fit within your budget, potentially saving money.
• Creative expression: Crafting the box yourself allows you to showcase your creativity and add special touches that showcase your effort and love for your partner.

Disadvantages:

• Time and stress: DIY projects can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you are unsure about the design or materials.
• Quality and safety: There may be concerns about the quality and safety of the finished product, as individual materials may not have undergone rigorous testing.
• Lack of convenience: You will need to source and purchase materials separately, which can be time-consuming, especially if you have time constraints.

Buying a Pre-made Wedding Gift Box Card Holder:

Advantages:

• Convenience: Pre-made boxes save time and eliminate the hassle of sourcing and assembling materials yourself.
• Thoughtful packaging: They often come in beautiful boxes or baskets, adding an extra touch of elegance and thoughtfulness to the gift.
• High-quality items: Pre-made boxes typically contain safe and high-quality items, ensuring peace of mind that the products are suitable for the occasion.
• Range of options: There is a wide range of pre-made boxes available, offering different themes, styles, and customisation options to suit various preferences.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of personalisation: Pre-made boxes may not offer unique or personalised items, potentially making the gift feel less special.
• Limited customisation: They may not always meet specific needs or preferences, such as organic or natural product preferences.
• Cost: Buying a pre-made box can be more expensive due to the convenience and high-quality items included.

Ultimately, the decision between DIY and buying a pre-made wedding gift box card holder depends on your personal preferences, budget, time constraints, and the level of personalisation desired. Both options offer a range of benefits and drawbacks, so consider your priorities and what will make your wedding day most memorable and enjoyable.

Using wood glue and brad nails

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this project, you will need 3/4" square dowels, 1/4" and 3/4" finished plywood, wood glue, 1-1/4" and 5/8" brad nails, a buckle lock latch with matching hinges, edge banding, trimmer, spray paint or flat paint, and a jigsaw.

Step 2: Cut the Dowels for the Box Frame

Cut the 3/4" square dowels to the following lengths: four 14" sections for the widest parts of the front and back frames, four 9-1/2" sections for the tallest parts, and four 10-1/2" sections to connect the front and back frames.

Step 3: Assemble the Box Frame

On a flat surface, build two identical frames for the front and back by laying out two 14" sections and separating them with two 9-1/2" sections. Square up the corners and apply wood glue to the ends of the 9-1/2" pieces. Secure them with clamps and nail all four corners together with the brad nailer.

Step 4: Connect the Frames

Stand the two frames up and separate them with two 10-1/2" pieces, applying wood glue to both ends. Ensure they're square, then nail all four corners. Flip the frame over and repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Cover the Box with Plywood

Cut the 1/4" finished plywood to the following dimensions: a 14" by 12" piece for the bottom, two 11-1/4" x 12" pieces for the sides, and two 14-1/2" x 11-1/4" pieces for the front and back.

Step 6: Attach the Plywood to the Frame

Apply wood glue to the bottom of the frame and attach the plywood bottom piece with brad nails. Turn the box on its side, apply glue to one 11" x 12" end, and attach a side panel with 5/8" brad nails. Repeat for the other side. Connect the front and back plywood pieces in the same way.

Step 7: Create the Lid

Cut the 3/4" plywood to 14-1/2" x 12-1/2" for the lid. Mark and cut out a card slot using a jigsaw. Apply edge banding to the lid to hide the plywood edge, then sand the entire lid smooth.

Step 8: Paint the Box and Lid

Set up a small spray shelter and elevate the lid. Paint the underside first, then the top and sides, allowing the paint to dry between coats. Paint the box, starting with the bottom and inside frame.

Step 9: Install the Latch, Hinges, and Chain

Install the lower latch on the box front, then align and attach the lid with hinges. Attach a length of black jack chain to the inside of the frame and lid to prevent the lid from opening too far. Finally, install the upper latch on the box lid.

And that's it! You've created a beautiful and lightweight wedding gift box card holder that's sure to be cherished by the happy couple.

Adding a latch, hinges and chain

Now that you have a painted box, it's time to install the latch, hinges, and chain. This part of the process will be done in two steps, separated by the installation of the hinges.

First, put painter's tape on the box front just below where the lower latch will be installed. Measure and mark the centre of the box. Line up the latch with the centre mark and pre-drill the indicated spots with your cordless drill. Install the lower latch. We'll add the upper latch in a minute.

Next, align the lid on the box. The addition of the edge banding will make the lid slightly larger than the box, creating a tiny overhang on the sides and front. Slip the hinges between the lid and the box where you want them. Mark the location of the hinges with a slight pencil mark on the outside of the box and the lid. Lay the hinge on the underside of the box lid, mark, and pre-drill the screw holes. Attach the hinges to the box lid.

Place the lid on the box and ensure the original alignment marks still line up. Holding the lid up with the hinge open, mark the screw holes and pre-drill. Attach the hinge to the box frame.

This part can get tricky, so you may need a helper. Lastly, attach a length of black jack chain (16 gauge) to the inside of the frame and the underside of the lid to prevent the lid from opening too far.

Now that the lid is secured to the box, line up and install the upper piece of the latch to the front of the box lid.

Painting and decorating

The fun part about making your own wedding gift box card holder is that you can get creative and personalise it to match your wedding theme and colours.

If you want to add a pop of colour to your wedding gift box card holder, you can paint it. You can use spray paint or flat paint, and it's best to paint the box and the lid separately. Start with the underside of the lid, and then the top and sides. For the box, paint the bottom first and let it dry. You can also get creative with the paint colours—for instance, painting the inside of the box black and the top edge and inside frame white.

You can also decorate your box with vinyl cut-outs of the names and wedding date. Use a Cricut or Silhouette to design and cut out the names and dates for the front of your box. You can also test out different fonts and designs on plain paper before finalising the design. Once you're happy with the design, load your vinyl into the Cricut and cut it out. Carefully weed the design, pulling out the extra vinyl with a weeding tool or an X-Acto knife. Apply transfer tape to the letters and remove the vinyl backing. Line up the design and apply the vinyl to the front of the box. You can also add tiny dashes to the sides of the names and dates to ensure they are centred and even.

If you want to add a rustic touch to your box, consider using burlap or twine. You can also decorate the box with flowers, greenery, or other accents that match your wedding theme.

Don't forget to add a card slot to the lid of the box! You can cut out a slot using a table saw or a jigsaw. Sand the inside edges of the card slot to ensure that there are no sharp edges.

Frequently asked questions