Creating A Wedding Post Box Sign: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding post box signs are a great way to collect cards from guests on your big day. They can be used as centrepieces on a table, alongside a guest book and a Polaroid camera for guests to capture funny shots. You can hire or buy a post box, or make your own. DIY post boxes are a great way to save money and personalise your wedding. You can buy a pre-made cardboard box or build your own from scratch. You can also buy a vintage suitcase, a candle lantern, or a wooden crate and decorate it to your liking.

Choosing a theme: vintage, rustic, boho, minimalist, etc

Wedding post box signs can be personalised to fit your wedding's theme. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vintage

A vintage theme can be achieved by using a wicker picnic hamper decorated with bunting and flower garlands. Alternatively, an American-style vintage mailbox can be purchased and painted, or left natural for a shabby-chic look. For a vintage-themed wedding with a travel twist, a well-travelled suitcase can be used as a card box, decorated with old-fashioned maps and luggage tags.

Rustic

A rustic feel can be created with a wicker hamper, or by using a wooden crate and allowing the grain of the wood to show through. A mini greenhouse card box made from rustic wood also adds a rustic feel, especially when paired with a simple decal. For a farm or barn wedding, a vintage milk churn can be used, perhaps painted red or white.

Boho

A boho, festival wedding could feature a candle lantern card box with a latch and glass sides, decorated with paint pens or decals. A VW campervan post box, made from cardboard or wood, is another fun option for a boho wedding.

Minimalist

For a wedding with an industrial chic design, a minimalist basket card box made from modern wire can be used to collect cards. A plain basket on a white table will create an uncluttered, cool look.

Selecting materials: wood, cardboard, glass, etc

When making a wedding post box sign, the materials you select will depend on the look you're going for, the amount of effort you want to put in, and your budget. Here are some options to consider:

Wood

Wooden post boxes can be simple and rustic or more intricate and elegant. You can buy ready-made wooden post boxes, or you can make your own. If you're going for a rustic look, consider using a wooden crate and painting it or leaving it natural. You could also use a vintage wine barrel, a wooden doll's house, or a wooden suitcase. For a more elegant look, you might want to consider a wooden box with intricate carvings or a wooden box with a stained-glass front.

Cardboard

Cardboard is a versatile and affordable option for creating a wedding post box sign. You can buy pre-made cardboard post boxes or build your own. Cardboard boxes can be easily decorated with paint, fabric, glitter, stamps, or stickers to match your wedding theme. They are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them a convenient choice.

Glass

Glass wedding post box signs can be elegant and sophisticated. You can use a large candle lantern with a latch and glass sides, which you can decorate with paint or decals. Another option is to use a glass vase or a decorative indoor greenhouse. These options will give your guests a clear view of the cards and well wishes inside.

Metal

Metal post boxes offer a sturdy and secure option for your wedding cards. You can find ready-made metal post boxes in various styles, such as modern, contemporary, or vintage. Metal post boxes can also be personalised with colours, addresses, or other decorations. They are a great choice if you want something long-lasting and durable.

Other Materials

There are also many other materials you can use to make a wedding post box sign. For example, you could use a wicker hamper for a rustic look or a birdcage for a vintage-style wedding. A pumpkin makes a unique and festive post box for an autumn wedding, while a milk churn is perfect for a farm or barn wedding. You could also use a globe for a travel-themed wedding or a beach box for a seaside wedding.

Sourcing items: buying vs. making

There are many options available for those looking to buy a wedding post box sign, with a variety of online retailers offering a range of styles, including Etsy, Hobbycraft, Not On The High Street, and eBay.

If you're looking for a simple, ready-made option, you can find cardboard post boxes at Hobbycraft, which you can decorate yourself. Etsy also offers a wide range of wedding post box signs, from vintage-style wooden boxes to modern acrylic designs, with the added benefit of personalisation. Not On The High Street has a selection of unique post boxes, including gift sacks, glass jars, and wooden options, which can be personalised.

For those on a budget, buying a pre-made post box may be more cost-effective than making one from scratch. Online retailers often have sales and discounts, so it's worth keeping an eye out for those. Additionally, if you're short on time or don't want the hassle of crafting, buying a post box is a more convenient option.

However, making your own wedding post box sign can offer several advantages. Firstly, it allows for complete customisation to match your wedding theme. For example, you could create a vintage suitcase post box for a travel-inspired wedding or a rustic wicker hamper for an outdoor wedding. DIY options also give you the freedom to choose the materials, colours, and decorations that suit your taste and budget.

Another benefit of making your own post box is the potential cost savings. While buying a pre-made box may seem more convenient, the cost of materials to make your own is often lower, especially if you already have some of the required tools and supplies. Additionally, DIY projects can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor.

Whether you decide to buy or make your wedding post box sign, it's important to consider your budget, time constraints, and the overall style of your wedding. Both options offer a range of possibilities to suit your needs and preferences.

Customising: paint, glitter, stickers, etc

Customising your wedding post box sign is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Paint

If you're feeling creative, grab a paintbrush and add a splash of colour to your post box sign! You can choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or go for a more subtle approach with a neutral shade. For a rustic look, consider painting the wood in a colour that complements the grain. Alternatively, you could create a vintage or shabby-chic effect by using a distressed paint technique.

Glitter

Add some sparkle to your wedding post box sign with glitter! You can use glitter paint or glue to create a subtle shimmer or go for a more bold approach by covering the entire surface. If you're feeling extra fancy, you could even create a glitter ombre effect by gradually fading the glitter from dark to light.

Stickers

Stickers are a great way to add detail to your wedding post box sign without the mess of paint or glitter. You can find a variety of wedding-themed stickers online, including monograms, floral designs, and elegant calligraphy. Stickers are also a perfect option if you want to include specific details, such as your wedding date or a romantic quote.

Decals

If you're looking for something more intricate than stickers, decals could be the perfect option. Decals come in various designs, from pretty florals to modern geometric patterns. You can apply them to the front of your post box sign or get creative and place them on the sides or even inside the box. Decals are also a great way to personalise a candle lantern or bird cage card box.

Stamps

Stamps can add a unique, handmade touch to your wedding post box sign. You can find a variety of rubber stamps with different designs, or you could even create your own custom stamp with a monogram or wedding logo. Stamps are perfect for adding a subtle pattern or texture to your sign, and they can be used with ink or paint.

Ribbons and Flowers

Finish off your wedding post box sign with some beautiful ribbons or silk flowers. You can tie ribbons to the handle of your post box or use them to create a bow. Flowers can be used to add a romantic touch, and you can choose between fresh or artificial blooms.

Adding personal touches: photos, maps, etc

Adding personal touches to your wedding post box sign is a great way to make your special day even more unique and memorable. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Photos

Including photos on your wedding post box sign is a wonderful way to showcase your personalities and celebrate your love story. You can use photos of the two of you, perhaps illustrating your favourite things to do together or showcase your relationship milestones. Alternatively, you could display photos of your families, honouring the past generations and celebrating those who couldn't be with you on your big day.

If you're feeling creative, you could even make Polaroid-style prints of your guests and use them as place cards, adding a fun element of interaction as your guests try to find their pictures. This idea can also be adapted to display photos of you with each guest, especially those closest to you, making for a heartwarming and personal touch.

Maps

Incorporating a map into your wedding post box sign is not only practical but also adds a unique and whimsical touch. You can include maps of the local area, marking important landmarks, your favourite spots, and even the location of your first date. This is especially useful if your wedding has multiple locations within the same venue, helping your guests navigate and familiarise themselves with the venue.

If you're having a destination wedding, a map of the area is a thoughtful addition, helping guests navigate and providing suggestions for local activities. You can also include maps with a more symbolic meaning, such as marking places you've travelled together or plan to visit on your honeymoon.

Other Personal Touches

In addition to photos and maps, there are endless ways to personalise your wedding post box sign:

• Monograms: Create a monogram of your initials, adding a personal touch to your sign and other wedding details like napkins, drinks stirrers, and thank-you cards.
• Handwritten messages: Include handwritten notes or vows on your sign, making it even more intimate and special.
• Creative table names: Instead of numbering tables, name them after places you've travelled, favourite drinks, books, music artists, or anything else that reflects your interests.
• Illustrations: Commission an illustration of the happy couple, your venue, or your new home together to adorn your sign.
• Personalised jackets: Embroidered or painted jackets with your new name are a fun way to announce your new chapter and make for great photo props!

Frequently asked questions