Creating A Wedding Parking Sign: A Simple Guide

Wedding parking signs are a great way to direct guests to the correct parking area for your big day. They are especially useful for weddings that take place in unconventional venues where parking might not be obvious. You can buy wedding parking signs online from sites such as Etsy, Amazon, Zazzle, and Oriental Trading. These sites offer a range of styles, from minimalist to rustic, and many signs can be personalised. Prices vary depending on the style and material, but there are options to suit different budgets.

Choosing a design

When it comes to choosing a design for your wedding parking sign, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the overall aesthetic or theme you want to achieve. This could be influenced by the wedding's colour palette, chosen flowers or decorations, or even the season. For example, a summer beach wedding might call for a sign featuring tropical palm leaves, while a rustic autumn wedding could be complemented by signs with fall colours and foliage details.

You can also choose between a more minimalist or elaborate design. Minimalist signs often feature clean lines, simple fonts, and neutral colours like black, white, or grey. These signs are elegant and modern, ensuring that your guests receive the information clearly without any fuss. On the other hand, elaborate signs can incorporate intricate details, floral patterns, or even custom illustrations. These signs are perfect for adding a touch of personality and creativity to your wedding decor.

Another aspect to consider is the shape of the sign. The most common shapes are rectangular or arrow-shaped, with the latter being particularly useful for directional signs. You can also play around with different sizes to create a visually appealing display. For instance, you could use a combination of larger signs at the entrance and smaller signs closer to the parking area.

Additionally, think about the material of the sign. Common options include corrugated plastic, wood, or metal. Each material has its advantages, such as durability, reusability, or the ability to be customized. For example, corrugated plastic signs are lightweight and affordable, while metal signs can add a touch of elegance and are built to last.

Lastly, don't forget about the text you want to include on the sign. Keep the wording simple and clear, such as "Wedding Parking" or "Park Here." You can also include details like the date or the couple's names to make it more personalized. Play around with different fonts and text sizes to ensure readability, especially if the sign will be placed in an area where guests will be driving by.

Selecting a material

When selecting a material for your wedding parking sign, you'll want to consider factors such as durability, weather resistance, and ease of placement. Here are some commonly used materials to choose from:

Wooden Signs:

Wooden signs offer a rustic and natural look that can be perfect for outdoor weddings, especially if your wedding has a woodland or rustic theme. These signs are often cut into arrow shapes and can be painted or engraved with your chosen text and decorations. They are durable and can be placed on stakes to ensure they're visible to guests.

Metal Signs:

Metal signs, such as aluminium or rustproof metal, are an excellent choice for a sleek and modern look. These signs are typically more durable and long-lasting compared to other materials. They are also a good option if you want to create a keepsake from your wedding day, as they can be displayed in your home after the event. Metal signs can be personalised with your chosen text, colours, and designs.

Corrugated Plastic Signs:

Corrugated plastic is a lightweight and affordable option for wedding parking signs. These signs are often waterproof and durable, making them suitable for outdoor use. They usually come with metal stakes for easy placement in the ground. Corrugated plastic signs can be printed with various designs and colours to match your wedding theme.

Cardboard or Paper Signs:

For a more affordable and disposable option, you can consider cardboard or thick paper signs. These signs are usually pre-printed with generic designs and can be placed on stakes to direct guests to the parking area. While they may not be as durable as other materials, they can be a cost-effective choice, especially if you have a large number of signs to display.

Customisable Materials:

If you're looking for something unique, you can explore customisable materials such as acrylic or foam core. These materials allow you to create signs in various shapes, sizes, and colours. Customisable materials give you more freedom in designing signs that perfectly match your wedding theme and can be ordered from various online platforms.

Adding personalisation

Custom Text and Designs

Include your names, wedding date, or a special message on the sign. You can also incorporate your wedding theme, colours, or motifs. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you could opt for a wooden sign with a rustic woodland design, or if you're going for a minimalist theme, choose a simple black-and-white colour palette.

Personalised Symbols or Illustrations

Consider adding illustrations or symbols that represent you as a couple. This could be anything from a simple line drawing of your shared hobby to a more intricate illustration of your love story. You could even include a map of the wedding venue with a cute illustration of the two of you as a guide.

Photos

Why not add a personal touch with a photo or two? You could use engagement photos, a fun snapshot from your everyday life, or even a childhood photo of each of you. This is a great way to add a unique and unexpected element to your parking signs.

Special Quotes or Lyrics

Incorporate a favourite quote, line from a poem, or song lyrics that hold a special meaning for you both. It could be something that reflects your relationship or a phrase that sums up your wedding day vibe.

Matching Accessories

Don't forget the accessories! You can personalise the stakes or stands that go with your signs. For a rustic look, opt for wooden stakes. If you want something more elegant, consider metal stands. You could even add decorations like balloons or ribbons to the signs, tying them into the overall wedding decor.

Making it double-sided

Wedding parking signs are available to buy online, but you can also make your own. Here is a guide to making a double-sided wedding parking sign.

Planning and Materials

First, decide on the size of your sign. Think about where you will hang or place the sign and measure the space. For example, if you plan to place it under a cabinet, you might want to make a long, narrow sign.

You will need:

• Wood boards (the number and size will depend on your chosen design)
• A saw (a miter saw or hand miter box)
• Sandpaper or an orbital sander
• Paint or wood stain
• A paintbrush
• Wood glue
• A nail gun
• Vinyl lettering or another method of adding text to your sign

Cutting and Fitting

Cut your wood to size. Dry fit all of the pieces together and make any necessary adjustments.

Sanding and Finishing

Sand the wood to smooth the surface and help the paint or stain adhere better. If you want to add texture to the boards, you can use a wire brush to distress the wood. Wipe the boards to remove any dust.

Paint or stain your wood, making sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Seal your sign with a top coat to prevent bubbling or peeling.

Assembling the Sign

Run a thin line of wood glue along the edges of your main board and place the frame boards. Hold the frame firmly and nail the corners together. Add additional nails to the top, bottom, and centre of each end.

Adding Text

You can add text to your sign using vinyl lettering. Download and open the file for your chosen text, then adjust the settings on your cutting machine. Cut your vinyl and transfer it to your sign, rubbing it thoroughly so it adheres properly.

Hanging Your Sign

Consider where you will hang your sign. If you are hanging it from a cabinet or other surface, you may need to add hardware such as screw eyes, "S" hooks, or chain. Drill pilot holes if necessary and add the hardware.

Including a stake

Making your own wedding parking signs with stakes is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create these signs, including a stake:

Planning and Design:

Before you begin, decide on the design and text for your sign. Keep the message simple and clear, such as "Wedding Parking" or "Parking This Way." Consider the overall style of your wedding and choose a design that complements it, whether it's rustic, modern, or minimalist.

Materials:

You will need the following materials:

• A sturdy material for the sign, such as corrugated plastic, barn wood, or aluminium.
• A stake for each sign. The stake can be made from wood or metal and should be tall enough to be visible and sturdy enough to withstand wind.
• Paint or a printer for the design and text.
• Screws, a screwdriver or drill, and pre-drilled guide holes for assembly (if you're making the stakes yourself).

Assembly:

• Prepare your stakes: If you're making wooden stakes, cut them to the desired height (around 3 feet is a good size) and sand them to ensure they're smooth. For metal stakes, you can purchase pre-made ones or have them custom-made to fit your sign.
• Create your sign: Paint your design and text onto the chosen material, or use a printer to create a template that you can attach to the material. If you're using a printer, look for a waterproof and tear-resistant material, such as corrugated plastic or aluminium.
• Attach the stake to the sign: This can be done by drilling guide holes and using screws to attach the stake to the sign, or you can use other methods like strong adhesive or nails. Ensure that the connection is secure and can withstand outdoor conditions.
• Test and adjust: Before the big day, test the staked signs outdoors to ensure they're visible and stable. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure they can withstand wind or rain.

By following these steps, you'll have wedding parking signs with stakes that are both functional and stylish, adding a unique touch to your wedding day!

Frequently asked questions