Creating A Wedding Welcome Sign: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding signs are a great way to welcome your guests and guide them in the right direction. There are many ways to make a wedding welcome sign, from using a wooden pallet and a few flower vines to printing a large photo of the couple on a board. You can also use a chalkboard, an upcycled cheeseboard, or a glossy wooden sign. If you're feeling creative, you can even make a sign using acrylic and a paint pen. For those who want a more modern look, neon signs are a unique option. Whatever your choice, wedding signs are a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your big day.

Use a photo of the couple as a welcome sign

Wedding welcome signs are an important part of your décor and can be used to communicate informative details about your wedding to your guests, such as the couple's names, the wedding date, and the location. They can also be used to communicate other important information, like a social media hashtag, the itinerary of the day, or requests for an unplugged ceremony.

One way to make your wedding welcome sign stand out is to use a photo of the couple. This can be a great way to introduce loved ones to your special day and showcase your personality and relationship. You can use a photo from your engagement photoshoot or a professional portrait to create a sweet and romantic welcome sign.

To create a photo wedding welcome sign, you can use a variety of materials such as wood, canvas, or even acrylic. You can choose to display your photo on its own or add decorative elements such as flowers, foliage, or other illustrations. Consider using a gold frame or a rustic wooden slab to enhance the photo and give it a stylish finish.

If you're looking for a more unique approach, you can use a combination of materials. For example, you can print your photo on a transparent lucite board and embellish it with pressed flowers or baby's breath. This will create a contemporary and elegant look. Alternatively, you can layer different papers and ephemera to create a collage-style welcome sign that showcases your creativity.

When designing your photo wedding welcome sign, consider including other important details such as the wedding date, a heartfelt message, or even your wedding hashtag. You can also add decorative elements that match your wedding theme, such as colors, fonts, or illustrations that reflect your personality and style.

Using a photo of the couple as a wedding welcome sign is a wonderful way to make a great first impression and set the tone for your special day. It adds a personal touch and showcases the love and bond between the soon-to-be spouses.

Print a meaningful quote

Wedding signs are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be chic decor, set the tone for the event, and even be taken home as a nostalgic reminder after the wedding. If you're looking to create a wedding welcome sign with a meaningful quote, here are some ideas and inspiration to get you started:

Firstly, consider the type of quote you want to include. A romantic quote is a popular choice for wedding welcome signs, and it can showcase the strong bond between you and your partner. You could go for a sweet and simple phrase like "You're my favourite", "All because two people fell in love", or "You are the best thing". These quotes are a lovely way to celebrate your love and can be very impactful for your guests.

Alternatively, you could opt for a funny quote to bring some lightheartedness and joy to your wedding. Something playful like "You're the gin to my tonic", "I love you more than pizza", or "Trust me, you can dance – alcohol" is sure to bring a smile to your guests' faces. These quotes can be a great icebreaker and set a relaxed tone for the celebrations.

If you're a music lover, you might want to consider incorporating song lyrics into your wedding welcome sign. Choose a song that has a special meaning to you and your partner, or one that reflects the joys of love. For example, "All of me loves all of you", "All you need is love", or "I can't help falling in love with you". These lyrics will not only be meaningful to you but will also create a romantic atmosphere for your guests.

Another option is to include a quote from a movie or TV show. From children's films to rom-coms, there are endless options for finding a quote that reflects your love story. For instance, "To infinity and beyond", "Love always finds a way", or "You are my greatest adventure". These quotes can add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your wedding welcome sign.

When designing your sign, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. You can choose a pre-printed quote or create a custom design. If you're feeling crafty, you can make the sign yourself using materials like wood, paint, or reclaimed wood for a rustic look. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern approach with textured paper or patterned fabric. Don't forget to add your personal touch, whether it's your wedding hashtag, the date, or even some neon lighting to make your sign stand out.

Whatever quote you choose, make sure it resonates with you and your partner. A meaningful quote will not only add to the decor but will also create a lasting impression and make your wedding day even more memorable.

Add natural elements like flowers and plants

Flowers and plants are a wonderful way to add a natural, romantic touch to your wedding welcome sign. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you incorporate these elements:

Flower Boxes

One option for adding flowers to your wedding welcome sign is to create a flower box. You can purchase a pre-made designer flower box or build your own to fit your specific dimensions and style. Ensure that your flower box has an opening to place floral foam, which will serve as the base for your floral arrangement.

For a cohesive look, choose flowers in warm, welcoming colors that complement your wedding theme. You can select from various designer color palettes to find the perfect match for your special day. Once you have your flowers, follow these steps:

• Select Your Flowers: Choose a mix of styles, sizes, and colors to create a multidimensional design. Set aside about half of your flowers, ensuring a good variety.
• Lengthen the Stems: Gently remove the attached stems and replace them with longer green wire stems. Secure these with hot glue.
• Prepare the Flower Box: Insert the floral foam block into the flower box, trimming it if necessary to ensure a secure fit.
• Insert Large Flowers: Begin arranging your large flowers in the foam, placing them at the edges to form the base of your design.
• Add Height and Depth: Continue adding flowers with longer stems to create balance and visual height. Intersperse deep red flowers for a romantic touch.
• Include White Flowers and Fillers: Save the smaller and white flowers for last, placing them among the larger blooms for a delicate, balanced finish.
• Fill Gaps with Greenery: Trim eucalyptus branches to blend naturally with your arrangement. Add leaves and greenery to provide freshness and visual depth.

Attaching Flowers to a Sign

If you prefer to attach flowers directly to your welcome sign, there are several methods you can use:

• Heavy-Duty Binder Clips: Use clips to create a flower spray or garland that can be attached to the sign.
• Double-Sided Tape: Use strong, sticky tape to attach flowers to the sign, especially effective for lighter flowers and blooms.
• Tie with Smilax: Wrap Smilax around the bottom corner of the sign and use it as a base to insert flower stems.
• Clamps and Chicken Wire: Use large clamps and a chicken wire nest to secure flowers to the sign, a sturdy option that also works for chuppahs and arches.

Additional Tips

When adding natural elements to your wedding welcome sign, consider the following:

• Size: The size of your welcome sign will depend on factors such as the amount of text, the display method, and the desired visual impact. Common sizes range from 18" to 36" or more.
• Display: Place your sign at eye level in a visible location to guide guest traffic through an entry point. You can display it on an easel or hang it on a wall.
• Customization: Experiment with different flowers, shells for a tropical theme, twine for a rustic feel, or other accessories to personalize your sign.
• Repurposing: Consider repurposing your welcome sign after the wedding as wall art, entryway decor, or for other special events celebrating your love.

Use a chalkboard

Using a chalkboard for your wedding welcome sign is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas to create a beautiful chalkboard welcome sign:

Choose the Right Chalkboard

First, you'll need to select a chalkboard that fits your wedding's style and theme. Chalkboards come in various sizes and designs, from small tabletop signs to large A-frame easels. Consider where you want to place your welcome sign and choose a size that fits the space. You can also find chalkboards with rustic wooden frames, elegant vintage designs, or modern magnetic options.

Design and Personalize

The fun part is designing your chalkboard sign! You can write a simple "Welcome to Our Wedding" message or get creative by adding your wedding date, a monogram, or a logo. If you're artistic, you can try drawing intricate designs or fun illustrations. For a more uniform look, use stencils or print out your design and transfer it onto the chalkboard.

Practice Makes Perfect

Chalkboard lettering can be tricky, so it's a good idea to practice beforehand. Look for online tutorials or inspiration on sites like Pinterest to get an idea of different lettering styles. You can also use chalk markers or liquid chalk for a neater finish. If you're not confident in your handwriting, consider hiring a calligrapher to create the design for you.

Add Some Colour

While traditional chalkboards use white or coloured chalk, you can add a pop of colour to your sign by using colourful chalk. This can tie in with your wedding colour scheme or simply add a fun element to your design. You can also decorate your chalkboard with ribbons, flowers, or other embellishments to make it stand out.

Don't Forget the Details

Include all the essential details your guests need to know. This could be the schedule for the day, instructions, or even a funny message. Chalkboards are a great way to communicate with your guests and add a personal touch to your wedding décor.

Using a chalkboard for your wedding welcome sign is a fun, creative way to welcome your guests and set the tone for your special day. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with designs and colours, your chalkboard sign is sure to be a memorable part of your wedding.

Paint your own chalkboard

If you're looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to create a wedding welcome sign, consider making your own chalkboard. This option allows you to customise your sign to fit your wedding theme and can be a fun DIY project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own chalkboard wedding welcome sign:

Step 1: Choose Your Surface

The first step is to select the surface you want to turn into a chalkboard. You can use a variety of materials, such as MDF board, artist's board, chipboard, or even an old picture frame with a glass panel. If you're using a frame, remove the glass panel and set the frame aside for now.

Step 2: Prepare Your Surface

If you're using a board, you'll want to spray paint it with chalkboard spray paint. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the paint can. Typically, you'll need to apply several coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

For a picture frame, you can use chalkboard contact paper. Unroll the contact paper with the paper backside facing up and place the glass panel on top. Trace around the glass, then cut the contact paper to size. Carefully peel away the paper backing and smooth the contact paper onto the glass, working slowly to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 3: Assemble Your Chalkboard

If you've chosen to create a framed chalkboard, now is the time to assemble your frame. Place the covered glass back into your frame and secure it in place. You can use any type of frame you like, but a white, colourful, or metallic frame tends to pop against the matte black chalkboard.

Step 4: Prime Your Chalkboard

Once your chalkboard is assembled, you'll need to prime it before use. Take a piece of chalk and rub it over the entire surface of the chalkboard. Then, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe the board down. This will give your chalkboard a slightly lighter colour and ensure it's ready for your designs.

Step 5: Design Your Sign

Now comes the fun part – designing your welcome sign! You can use regular chalk or chalkboard markers to create your design. If you're feeling creative, you can try your hand at calligraphy or decorative lettering. You can also find inspiration online or in craft stores for ideas to get you started.

Step 6: Display Your Sign

Once you've finished your design, it's time to display your wedding welcome sign! Place it in a prominent location where your guests will see it as they arrive. You can prop it up on an easel or hang it on a wall, depending on your preference.

Creating your own chalkboard wedding welcome sign is a fun and affordable way to add a personal touch to your big day. With a few simple steps, you can create a unique and memorable sign that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions