Creative Diy Ideas For Wedding Reception Card Boxes

A wedding card box is a fun and creative way to let your personality shine through at your wedding. It's also a great way to ensure that your guests' cards and well wishes are kept safe and secure. You can make your own wedding card box using a variety of materials, such as wood, cardboard, or even a birdcage! There are many ways to personalise your box, from painting it your wedding colours to adding stickers or dried flowers. You can even include a slot for cards and ensure it's the perfect size for your guest list. Making your own wedding card box is a quick and exciting way to prepare for your big day.

Choosing a card box design

There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing a wedding card box. The design you choose will depend on your personal preferences, the wedding theme, and the overall aesthetic you are aiming for. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a card box design:

Size

The size of your card box will depend on the expected number of guests and the types of gifts you anticipate receiving. If you have a large guest list or expect many cards and gifts, opt for a larger box. It's always better to go too big than too small to ensure all cards and gifts can be securely stored.

Material

Card boxes can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, cardboard, glass, acrylic, or metal. Consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding when choosing the material for your card box. For example, a rustic wedding might call for a wooden box, while a modern wedding could feature a sleek acrylic or glass box.

Shape

Card boxes come in various shapes, including traditional rectangular boxes, suitcases, bird cages, and even unique shapes like a boombox or a piñata. Choose a shape that reflects your personality and fits with the wedding theme. For instance, a suitcase card box would be perfect for a travel-themed wedding.

Colour and Decorations

The colour and decorations of your card box can tie into your wedding colour palette or theme. You can opt for a simple design with a single colour or go for a more intricate design with ribbons, flowers, or other embellishments. Consider using tissue paper, craft paper, stickers, or string lights to add a creative touch to your card box.

Security

Since the card box will contain valuable gifts and well-wishes from your guests, it's important to choose a design that is secure. Consider a card box with a lock or a latch to ensure the contents are protected. This will give you and your guests peace of mind during the wedding celebrations.

Personalisation

You can add a personal touch to your card box by including your names, wedding date, or other meaningful details. Customisable stickers or vinyl cut-outs are a great way to personalise your card box without having to paint or draw directly on the box.

Gathering supplies

Gathering the right supplies is the first step to making a wedding reception card box. The supplies you will need depend on the type of card box you want to make. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Ready-Made Card Boxes:

Start with a ready-made card box that you can easily assemble and decorate. You can find these at craft stores or online. Some options include plain cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, or even acrylic or glass boxes.

Card Box Decorations:

• Tissue paper: Cover the box with fun tissue paper, such as gold hearts or pastel colours.
• Ribbons and bows: Tie ribbons and bows around the box to match your wedding palette.
• Rustic touches: If you're going for a rustic theme, add decorations like burlap, floral accents, or a wooden base.
• Stickers: Customize the box with stickers, such as floral designs or your initials.
• Craft paper: Cover the box with double-sided craft paper in baroque designs.
• Flowers: Incorporate dried or artificial flowers, such as silk blooms, to add a romantic touch.
• String lights: Brighten up the box with battery-powered string lights.
• Banners: Add a small banner to the box to guide your guests.

Tools and Adhesives:

Depending on the type of decorations you choose, you may need tools like scissors, a hot glue gun, paintbrushes, or a craft knife. Make sure to have strong adhesives to secure your decorations, such as glue dots, double-sided tape, or a glue gun.

Personalization:

To make the card box more personal, consider adding your wedding date, names, or initials. You can use stickers, paint, or even a Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut out custom designs.

With these supplies gathered, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional wedding reception card box.

Preparing the box

There are many ways to make a wedding reception card box. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

The Gift Card House

For this design, you will need a lazy Susan, wood glue, plywood, a drill, a bolt, and some cardboard. First, glue the frames together to form a box, and cut out an 8x10-inch piece of plywood for the bottom. Drill a hole in the centre of the lazy Susan and bolt the wood to it. Apply wood glue in a line on the bottom of the wood and attach frames to base. Leave it to dry overnight.

For the top, take an 8x10-inch piece of cardboard and cut a slit for cards to be inserted. Use batting to make it look like a pillow and cover it with satin. Attach the top to the base using Velcro strips.

The Shoe Box Wedding Card Holder

For this simple design, you will need a shoebox with a separate lid, foil, paper doilies, and silver sticker lettering or other clear stickers. Wrap the box and lid in foil, then adorn the front lip with paper doilies. Decorate the box with stickers.

The Wedding Cake Card Box

This design involves stacking three boxes—large, medium, and small—that have been wrapped in white wedding paper. Cut a slot in the top and bottom of each box (except the bottom of the smallest box) so that cards can be inserted and drop through to the bottom box. Glue the wrapped boxes on top of each other, then wrap the boxes with wide satin ribbon where they attach to each other. Cascade silk flowers from the top box down to the bottom layer.

The Rustic Wedding Card Box

For a rustic look, start with a wooden box. Prepare the box by wiping it down or painting it, then cover it with decorative paper or fabric, attaching it with adhesive. Personalise the box with your wedding date or names, and add embellishments like ribbons or dried flowers. Cut a slot in the top of the box for cards to be inserted.

Adding personal touches

Customise with Names and Wedding Date

Add a personal touch by including your names and wedding date on the card box. You can use vinyl cutouts, stickers, or even paint or draw them on. This will not only make the box more special but will also ensure everyone knows whose special day it is!

Incorporate Your Wedding Theme

Match your card box to your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, opt for a wooden box with burlap and floral accents. Or, if you're having a beach wedding, consider a repurposed lobster trap card box for a unique and fun touch.

Add Flowers or Greenery

Flowers or greenery can add a romantic and elegant touch to your card box. You can use fresh flowers, but silk flowers will last the whole day and can be a more cost-effective option. Greenery, such as a moss covering, is another lovely way to incorporate nature into your card box.

Include Photos

Why not display a favourite photo of you and your partner on the card box? It's a great way to personalise the box and celebrate your love. You could even use it to display your engagement photo.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows can add a whimsical and elegant touch to your card box. Choose colours that match your wedding palette, or opt for a simple and classic white. You can use them to decorate the box or even to tie the box closed for a finishing touch.

Creating a card slot

Planning the Card Slot:

Before you begin cutting, it is essential to plan the placement and size of the card slot. Consider the size of standard cards and envelopes to ensure that they fit comfortably through the slot. Mark the outline of the card slot on the lid or top of your box with a pencil and a straight edge. It is usually best to place the slot on the top of the box for convenience.

Cutting the Card Slot:

Using a drill, create pilot holes inside the outline that you drew. These holes should be big enough to accommodate the blade of your jigsaw. Carefully line up the jigsaw blade with the outline and clamp a straight edge to the board as your guide to ensure a straight cut. Cut along the outline to create the card slot.

Sanding the Card Slot:

To ensure a smooth finish, use sandpaper to sand the inside edges of the card slot. Wrap the sandpaper around the cut-out plywood piece for a more comfortable grip. This step will help remove any splinters or rough edges that could catch on envelopes.

Testing the Card Slot:

Once you have finished sanding, test the card slot by inserting a few envelopes or cards. Ensure that they slide through smoothly and do not get stuck. If necessary, use the sandpaper to make any adjustments to the slot's width or height.

Finalizing the Card Slot:

After testing and making any necessary adjustments, your card slot is almost complete. You can further personalize the box by adding decorations or embellishments around the card slot, such as ribbons, stickers, or dried flowers. Ensure that any added decorations do not obstruct the slot or make it difficult to insert cards.

By following these steps, you will create a functional and aesthetically pleasing card slot for your wedding reception card box. Remember to plan the placement and size of the slot carefully, and always test the slot after cutting to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for your guests when they drop in their cards.

Frequently asked questions