Creative Ways To Make Your Own Ang Pow Box For Wedding

Ang pow boxes are an important part of wedding planning. They are often the first thing guests look for at the wedding reception table, and they can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your big day. While some couples opt for a simple box, others go all out with creative and quirky designs. If you're thinking of making your own ang pow box, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the box and the number of guests you're expecting. You don't want the box to be too small and fill up too quickly! Second, get creative with the design and decorations. Whether you go for a fairy tale theme, a post box, or a simple wrapped box with a slit, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Third, don't forget the practicalities – make sure the slot for the ang pows is big enough, and consider how you'll secure the box and any cash inside it. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make a unique ang pow box that adds a special touch to your wedding day.

Choosing a box: Opt for a box with a lid, or get creative with an A4 paper box or a vintage mailbox

When choosing a box for your Ang Pow box, you can opt for a simple box with a lid, but if you want to get creative, there are plenty of other options.

A4 paper boxes are a popular choice for DIY Ang Pow boxes. They are easy to find and can be decorated in a variety of ways. You can cut a slit in the lid or side of the box for guests to insert their Ang Pows, and then wrap the box in wrapping paper, cloth, or even gold wrapper for a more luxurious look. You can also add decorations such as silk flowers, ribbons, or seashells to match your wedding theme.

If you're looking for something more unique, you could try using a vintage mailbox as your Ang Pow box. Props & Crafts offers a selection of vintage-style geometric boxes, including a Great Gatsby-themed box and a rustic wooden style, which can be customised with your names or initials. For an Old World wedding, Styled Story offers rentals of authentic vintage props, including a French National La Poste postbox from the 1940s.

Other creative options include using a bird cage, a wedding cake box, or a fairy tale-themed wishing well. You can also find ready-made Ang Pow boxes online or at craft stores, which you can then personalise with your own decorations.

Cutting slots: Measure and cut two rectangular slots for ang pows, ensuring they're big enough

To make an ang pow box for a wedding, you'll need to carefully measure and cut two rectangular slots to ensure they're big enough for ang pows. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Box: Choose a box that's appropriately sized for your needs, such as a 28.5cm by 19.5cm box mentioned in one source. You can purchase boxes from craft stores or online.
• Mark the Slot Locations: On the underside of the box's lid, use a ruler or measuring tape to determine where you want the slots to be. Mark the centre points for each end of the slots with a pencil.
• Choose Your Cutting Tool: You have several options for cutting the slots, including a craft knife, a table-mounted router, a plunge router, a drill press, or a jigsaw. Each tool has its advantages and considerations.
• Cut the Slots:

• Craft Knife: Use the craft knife and a ruler to guide your cuts. Carefully cut along the marked lines for the slots, making sure the cuts are straight and smooth.
• Router: If you choose a router, you can use a table-mounted router or a handheld plunge router. Set up a guide or straight edge to ensure straight cuts. Slowly and carefully cut along the marked lines for the slots.
• Drill Press: If you have a drill press, use a Forstner bit that matches the size of your desired slot. Drill a series of overlapping holes along the marked lines, then clean up the edges with a chisel or sandpaper-wrapped drill bit.
• Jigsaw: If you opt for a jigsaw, use a straightedge guide to ensure straight cuts. Cut along the marked lines, being cautious not to go beyond the marked slot length.

• Clean Up the Edges: Once you've cut the slots, use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges or corners. You can also use a small piece of sandpaper wrapped around a drill bit to sand the ends of the slots.
• Test the Fit: After cutting and cleaning up the slots, test the fit by inserting an ang pow through the slots. Ensure that the ang pows slide in and out smoothly without getting stuck.
• Make Adjustments: If the slots are too tight, you can carefully sand or file the edges again to widen them slightly. If they are too loose, you may need to cut new slots, being more conservative with the slot width.

Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure the slots are straight and smooth. You don't want any sharp edges that could cause tears or injuries.

Dividers: Insert a sturdy board in the middle of the box to separate the slots

Dividers are an important component of your Ang Pow box. They ensure that the slot for guests to place their blessings is secure and sturdy. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating dividers for your wedding Ang Pow box:

Firstly, source a thick, sturdy board. You can use plastic board, as suggested by SingaporeBrides, or any other material that is strong enough to withstand the weight of the Ang Pows and not bend or break. Cut two pieces of the board: one measuring 19cm by 3cm and the other 19cm by 8.5cm. These measurements can be adjusted to fit your box size, but the larger piece should be significantly taller than the other.

Next, use double-sided tape to attach the two pieces of board together. Ensure the smaller piece is flat, and the larger piece is standing upright. This will create a strong divider with a tall back. Position this divider in the middle of your box and secure it to the base using more double-sided tape. Ensure it is firmly attached so that it can bear the weight of the Ang Pows.

Now you have two separate slots for guests to place their blessings. You can further decorate the box by adding a nautical ribbon, as suggested by Lovetoinfinity, or any other adornments that suit your wedding theme.

Remember to test the sturdiness of your divider by placing a few items in the box to simulate the weight of Ang Pows. You want to ensure that the divider can bear the weight and that the slots are easily accessible for your guests.

Wrapping: Use wrapping paper, leaving a border to cover the sides. Fold corners neatly and secure with double-sided tape

Wrapping your Ang Pow box is a simple and effective way to decorate it. You can use wrapping paper to cover the box, leaving a border to fold over the sides. This is a quick and easy way to personalise your box and make it fit your wedding theme.

First, you will need to measure and cut your wrapping paper. For the lid of the box, cut the paper to size, leaving a border of around 5cm. You can use the measurements in the example above as a guide, or adjust to fit your chosen box. Place the paper flat on the table, and then place the lid of the box on top, pressing down to ensure a smooth finish. Secure the paper to the lid with double-sided tape.

Next, you can cover the sides of the lid with the border you have left. You may want to make small cuts at the corners to help the paper fold neatly. Secure with double-sided tape. Trim off any excess paper for a neat finish.

Repeat this process for the base of the box, using a different colour of wrapping paper if desired. You can then add further decorations, such as a crochet trim, letters, or ribbons, to finish off your box.

Decorations: Add ribbons, flowers, or other decorations to the box to match your wedding theme

Decorating your Ang Pow box is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to help you decorate your Ang Pow box and match your wedding theme:

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons are a versatile and elegant way to decorate your Ang Pow box. You can choose ribbons in colours that complement your wedding palette. For example, if your wedding theme is pastel shades, opt for ribbons in soft pinks, blues, and greens. You can tie a large bow with long trailing ends to the handle of your box or wrap a wide ribbon around the lid, securing it with a smaller bow at the front. For a more understated look, use a thin ribbon to tie a delicate bow at the centre of the lid.

Flowers

Flowers are a beautiful addition to your Ang Pow box and can be tailored to your wedding theme. For instance, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, decorate your box with small bunches of baby's breath or dried flowers. For a classic, romantic look, roses or peonies in your wedding colours will add a touch of elegance. You can attach the flowers to the lid or place them at the centre of a bow for a 3D effect.

Crystals and Pearls

For a glamorous and luxurious feel, consider using crystals or pearls to embellish your Ang Pow box. Adhering individual crystals or gluing strands of pearls around the edges of the lid will add sparkle and sophistication. If your wedding has an Art Deco theme, you can create geometric patterns with the crystals or pearls for a stylish, vintage look.

Personalised Details

Adding personalised details to your Ang Pow box will make it truly unique. You can use wooden letters to spell out your names or words like "Love" and "Just Married". Paint the letters to match your wedding colours and glue them to the lid. Alternatively, you can print out photos of the happy couple and attach them to the box. This is a wonderful way to incorporate memories into your special day.

Themed Decorations

If you have a specific wedding theme, you can decorate your Ang Pow box to match. For example, for a beach-themed wedding, you might add small seashells or starfish to the box. A winter wedding could feature snowflake decorations or a dusting of glitter to resemble frost. Birdcage-themed weddings could have miniature bird decorations perched on top of the box.

Other Creative Ideas

• If you're having a fairytale-themed wedding, consider adding a unicorn or castle decoration to your box.
• For a simple yet elegant look, wrap your box in a fabric that complements your wedding colours.
• Use stamps or stickers that match your theme to decorate the lid or sides of the box.
• Attach a small, framed photo of the happy couple to the lid.
• For a whimsical touch, tie colourful helium balloons to the handle of the box.

Frequently asked questions