Creating A Wedding Wish Jar: A Guide To Making One

A wedding wish jar is a unique and thoughtful addition to your wedding day. It's a fun activity for your guests and a wonderful keepsake for the newlyweds. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own DIY wedding wish jar:

Firstly, you'll need to gather your supplies. You will require a quart-sized mason jar with a lid, scissors, ribbon, glue, and printed materials. You can either print these yourself or take advantage of printing services offered by stationery stores.

Next, it's time to get cutting! Cut out the heart-shaped lid topper and as many wish cards as you'll need for your guests. If you want to get creative, consider using a paper cutter for a precise finish.

Assemble the lid by gluing the heart-shaped cut-out to the center. You can also add a band of ribbon around the jar for an extra decorative touch.

Finally, provide a pen alongside the wish jar, and you're all set! Your guests can now write their well wishes, words of wisdom, or personal messages for the happy couple.

This DIY project is versatile and can be adapted for other occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays, by simply changing the lid design.

Choosing a jar

Size:

The size of the jar will depend on the number of guests you expect to attend your wedding. If you have a large guest list, consider choosing a jar with a larger capacity to ensure all the wishes can fit inside. For smaller, intimate weddings, a smaller jar will do the trick. Keep in mind that you want to provide enough space for your guests to write their well wishes.

Material:

When it comes to the material of the jar, glass is a popular choice for wedding wish jars. Glass jars offer a classic and elegant look, and they can be easily decorated to match your wedding theme. You can also find decorative jars made of other materials, such as ceramic or acrylic.

Shape:

While traditional mason jars are a common choice, you can get creative with the shape of your wish jar. Consider choosing a jar with a unique shape, such as a heart or a round globe. This can add a whimsical touch to your wedding decor.

Colour:

Clear glass jars are versatile and can be decorated to match any colour palette. However, if you want to add a pop of colour to your wish jar, consider choosing a tinted glass jar or painting the jar yourself. Popular colours include soft pastels or metallics like rose gold.

Lid:

Don't forget to consider the lid of the jar! A decorative lid can add a nice touch to your wish jar. Look for lids with a knob or handle, or consider tying a ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar for a rustic look. You can also find wish jars with lids that have a slot for guests to slip in their wishes.

Customisation:

If you want to make your wish jar extra special, consider customising it with the couple's names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote. You can find personalised wish jars online or create your own by engraving or etching the glass.

Remember to choose a jar that reflects your style and personality, and don't be afraid to get creative! Your wedding wish jar will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Decorating the jar

There are many ways to decorate your wedding wish jar. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Ribbon and Bows

Add a touch of elegance to your wish jar by wrapping a ribbon around it. You can choose a ribbon that matches your wedding colour palette or opt for a simple and elegant option like a white or ivory ribbon. Tie a beautiful bow to finish the look. This will give your wish jar a polished and romantic feel.

Lid Decorations

If you want to decorate the lid of your wish jar, consider adding a decorative knob or handle. You could also attach a small plaque with a message or the couple's names. Another idea is to wrap the lid with twine and a hanging plaque, adding a rustic charm to the jar.

Glitter and Paint

For a sparkling effect, use glitter glue or paint to add some shine to your wish jar. You can cover the entire jar or just add glitter to the rim or lid. Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme, such as gold, silver, or rose gold.

Flowers and Greenery

Bring a touch of nature to your wish jar by adding some artificial flowers or greenery. Wrap a string of flowers around the jar, or glue small flower buds to the lid. You could also use dried flowers for a more rustic look. This will give your wish jar a whimsical and romantic feel.

Personalised Tags

Create personalised tags to hang from the wish jar. You can write messages, the couple's names, or even a small quote. These tags can be made from cardstock or wooden slices, depending on the overall style of your wedding.

Lights

Add some fairy lights or LED lights inside your wish jar to make it glow. This will create a magical and enchanting atmosphere, especially for evening receptions. You can find lights in various colours to match your wedding colour scheme.

Remember, when decorating your wedding wish jar, it's essential to choose a style and colour palette that complements your wedding theme and reflects the couple's personality.

Adding a lid

• Choose a Lid Design: Opt for a flat or domed lid that complements the jar's style. You can select from various materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. If you're crafty, consider decorating the lid with ribbons, fabric, or twine for a personalised touch.
• Secure the Lid: Ensure the lid fits snugly on the jar. You may need to glue or screw it in place, depending on the type of jar you have. This will ensure that the wishes inside remain safe and private until the couple decides to read them.
• Embellish with Decorations: Decorate the lid to make it stand out. You could attach a small decorative knob, a crystal, or a personalised tag with the couple's names and wedding date. These additions will elevate the jar's overall appearance.
• Include a Lid in the Colour Theme: Choose a lid that aligns with the wedding's colour palette. For instance, if the wedding has a rose gold theme, opt for a rose gold-coloured lid. This will create a stylish, cohesive look.
• Consider a Lid with a Special Feature: Some wish jars come with lids that have built-in LED lights, adding a magical touch to the display. Alternatively, you could add fairy lights around the jar and lid to create a warm, enchanting atmosphere.
• Provide a Pen Holder on the Lid: Attach a small pen holder to the lid, ensuring guests have easy access to a writing instrument. This could be as simple as a ribbon or string attached to the lid, holding a pen in place.

Including cards and a pen

Choose the Right Cards

Select cards that are the right size for your jar and complement your wedding theme. You can find cards in various shapes, such as heart-shaped, or with different patterns, like floral or rustic designs. If you're feeling creative, you can even design and print your own cards.

Provide a Variety of Writing Instruments

Along with the cards, it's a good idea to provide a pen or pencil for your guests to use. You may want to choose a pen with smooth ink flow to ensure legibility. Additionally, consider providing a few different colour options to make the wishes stand out.

Prepare Enough Cards

Ensure you have enough cards for each guest to write their well wishes. It's better to have a few extra cards than to run out during your celebration. You can estimate the number of cards needed based on your guest list or opt for a set that includes a generous amount.

Display the Cards and Writing Instruments Attractively

Arrange the cards and writing instruments neatly beside the jar. You may wish to place them on a decorative tray or platter. Adding a small sign inviting guests to contribute their wishes can also enhance the display.

Encourage Guests to Participate

If you want to ensure a high level of participation, consider making an announcement or including a note in your programme encouraging guests to contribute their wishes. You could also ask a member of the wedding party or a trusted friend to gently remind guests about the wish jar throughout the event.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable wedding wish jar that captures the thoughtful words and wishes of your loved ones.

Using the wish jar at the wedding

A wedding wish jar is a fun and thoughtful way to involve your guests in your special day and create a lasting keepsake. Here are some tips for using a wish jar at your wedding:

Before the Wedding

When preparing for your wedding wish jar, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary materials. This includes the jar itself, which can be a simple mason jar or a more decorative option purchased online. You will also need wishes cards or tickets for guests to write on, as well as pens or pencils. Some wish jar kits come with decorative lids and signs, but you can also personalise your jar with ribbon, glue, and printed items.

During the Wedding

On your wedding day, set up the wish jar at the entrance of the reception or in a designated area where guests can easily access it. Provide clear instructions for guests, such as filling out a wish card with their well wishes, personal messages, or words of wisdom for the newlyweds. This can serve as a fun alternative to a traditional guest book.

After the Wedding

After the wedding, the newlyweds can choose when to read the wishes. They may opt to read them all at once, or savour the moment by reading one wish per day. The wish jar will then become a cherished keepsake, allowing the couple to revisit the well wishes and fond memories of their wedding day whenever they wish.

Additional Tips

• Ensure you have enough wish cards or tickets for all your guests.
• Encourage guest participation by including a sign or note explaining the wish jar.
• Consider personalising the wish jar to match your wedding theme or colours.
• The wish jar can be a fun activity during the reception, providing entertainment for guests of all ages.

Frequently asked questions