Creating A Wedding Keepsake: Shadow Box Invites

A wedding shadow box is a creative and fun way to commemorate your big day. It involves displaying your most special wedding moments, often on a vanity, mantle, or wall, for loved ones to enjoy. There is no limit to what you can put in a wedding shadow box, but common items include invitations, bouquets, photos, dresses, and other decorative fillers like lace. You can either DIY your own wedding shadow box with supplies from your local craft store or order a personalised one from crafters on Etsy or independent artists.

Choosing a theme

• Matching your living room decor: If you plan to display your shadow box in your living room, consider matching the colour scheme or design elements to your existing decor. This could include using similar colours, patterns, or materials that complement the space.
• Food-specific elements: If you and your partner love food or cooking, you could create a shadow box with a culinary theme. This might include adding miniature cooking utensils, recipe cards, or even small jars of spices.
• Displaying wedding outfits: If you have a wedding dress or suit that is too pretty to be stored away, why not make it the centrepiece of your shadow box? You can add in other accessories like shoes, jewellery, or a veil to create a stylish display.
• Nature-inspired box: Bring the outdoors in by creating a nature-themed shadow box. You could include items such as dried flowers, twine, moss, or even a custom engraving on a slice of wood.
• Sentimental value: Curate items that hold a special memory for you and your partner. This could include tickets from your first date, a map of the city where you met, or even a caricature drawing of the two of you.
• Colour-coordinated: Choose a colour scheme that matches your wedding colours or a specific theme, such as a soft pastel palette or bold jewel tones. This can be incorporated through the items you include, the background of the shadow box, or any additional decorative fillers.

Remember, the theme you choose should reflect your personal style and the items you want to showcase. Get creative and have fun with it!

Picking a design

When it comes to picking a design for your wedding invitation shadow box, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want a modern and elegant look, or something more rustic and whimsical? This will help guide your design choices.

For a modern and elegant look, consider using a combination of sleek materials such as acrylic, velvet, and suede. For example, you could opt for a luxury velvet or suede invitation box in a neutral colour like grey or cream. Pair this with modern acrylic invitations, perhaps with gold foil print or a subtle glitter accent. You could even include a box with dry mixed rose petals for a romantic touch.

If you're looking for something more rustic, a wooden shadow box is a perfect choice. You can find these in various depths and colours to suit your taste. For a whimsical touch, consider adding paper flowers, quilling, or other 3D paper art elements to your design. You could also incorporate natural elements like dried flowers or greenery.

Don't be afraid to personalise your shadow box with your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. You can also add extra depth and dimension by playing with different paper layers and textures. If you're feeling creative, you could even try making your own paper flowers or quilling designs to include in your shadow box.

Remember to choose a design that reflects your unique style and showcases your wedding invitation beautifully. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, your wedding invitation shadow box will become a cherished keepsake.

Selecting a container

Type of Container

The most common options for wedding shadow boxes are wood or plastic containers with a clear glass or acrylic window. You can purchase ready-made shadow boxes from craft stores like Michael's, Walmart, and Target, or you can make your own. Custom framing stores can also create boxes for larger items. Consider the display options offered by the box; for example, a picture frame backing allows for wall hanging.

Size of Container

Before selecting a container, it is essential to consider the size and number of items you plan to include in your shadow box. Make a list of all the items you want to include and ensure they will fit comfortably within the container. You may need to adjust your item selection or layout to ensure they fit well and create a visually appealing arrangement.

Protection and Preservation

When choosing a container, consider using a sealed shadow box to protect your precious wedding items from external elements such as dust or damage. This is especially important if you plan to include delicate items such as paper invitations, flowers, or fabric. Non-reflective glass or acrylic windows can also help reduce glare and enhance the visibility of your displayed items.

Design and Customization

Shadow boxes come in various designs and styles, and you can further customize them to match your theme or decor. Consider adding personal touches such as engravings, paint, or decorative fillers like lace or twine. You can also opt for a simple and elegant design that showcases your items without distractions.

Durability and Material

Wood and plastic are popular choices for shadow boxes due to their durability and ease of customization. When selecting a container, consider the weight and fragility of your items. For example, a sturdier wood frame may be better suited for heavier items, while a lightweight plastic box could be preferable for delicate paper goods.

Remember to choose a container that not only complements your wedding items but also ensures their long-term preservation, allowing you to cherish those special memories for years to come.

Arranging items

Now that you've gathered all the items you want to include in your wedding invitation shadow box, it's time to arrange them in a way that looks nice and highlights your favourite pieces. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Start by choosing a focal point for your arrangement. Select the item or items that you want to be the centrepiece of your shadow box. This could be your wedding invitation, a bouquet of flowers, a photo of you and your spouse, or any other item that holds special meaning for you.

Next, consider how you can use the container itself to creatively display your items. Hang some items from the top, place some on the interior side walls, and rest others on the bottom of the box to create a dynamic arrangement. If your box has a transparent window, make sure the focal point is visible through it.

Try out different arrangements and take photos of each one. Compare the photos side by side to decide which arrangement you like best. You can also send the photos to friends and family to get their opinions.

Once you've decided on the arrangement, it's time to secure the items in place. Use temporary adhesives like sticky tack wherever possible, so you can easily adjust the arrangement if needed. Only use permanent glue as a last resort, and be sure to let it dry completely before moving or hanging your shadow box.

Feel free to experiment and get creative with your arrangement. There are no rules when it comes to designing your wedding invitation shadow box, so have fun and enjoy the process of preserving these special memories.

Finalising the design

Start by choosing a theme that resonates with you and your partner. This could be something that matches your living room decor, incorporates food-themed elements, or showcases your wedding outfits. Deciding on a theme will give you a clear direction for the design of your shadow box.

Once you have your theme, create a list of the items you want to include. This may include invitations, save-the-date cards, flowers, photos, dresses, pearls, lace, and other decorative fillers. It's a good idea to gather all the items beforehand to ensure nothing is missing when you seal the box.

Next, select a layout for your shadow box. Choose a focal point, such as your wedding invitation, and arrange the other items around it. Consider hanging some items, attaching them to the interior side walls, or placing them on the bottom of the box to create a visually appealing composition.

When you're happy with the layout, it's time to purchase or make your shadow box container. You can find ready-made shadow boxes at craft stores like Michael's, Walmart, and Target. Alternatively, you can work with a custom framing store if you have larger items or unique size requirements. Consider the display options offered by the box, such as wall-mounting or placing it on a mantle.

Arrange all the items inside the shadow box before securing them in place. Experiment with different layouts and take photos to compare and choose the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Try to use temporary adhesives where possible, and allow any glue to dry completely before handling or displaying your finished shadow box.

Your wedding invitation shadow box is now finalised and ready to display! This handmade creation will beautifully commemorate your special day and can be enjoyed by loved ones for years to come.

Frequently asked questions