Creating Bridesmaids Hangers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding coat hangers are a great way to add a unique touch to your special day. They can also help your bridesmaids identify their dresses, especially if they are in the same or similar styles. You can buy personalised hangers, but making your own is a fun and relaxing way to unwind from the stress of wedding planning. There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you create engraved or metal-work detail hangers, or you can simply add a pretty bow or some vinyl stickers to a hanger for a quick, snazzed-up look.

Engrave names, role and wedding date

Engraving names, roles, and the wedding date on bridesmaids' hangers is a wonderful way to personalise your wedding and create lasting keepsakes for your bridal party. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the design and font for the engraving. Choose a font that is easy to read and suits your wedding theme. You will also need to plan the layout of the engraving, ensuring that the name, role, and date fit nicely on the hanger.

For materials, you will need:

• Wooden hangers: You can opt for natural wood, white-painted hangers, or a wooden hanger with a padded base.
• Tools for engraving: This could be a wood chisel, wood gouge, Dremel tool, wood-burning pen, or a laser engraver. Choose the tool that best suits your desired look and skill level.
• Sandpaper: Medium-grit sandpaper will help smooth the wood before engraving.
• Tack cloth or a soft, damp cloth: This is for wiping away any dust or sawdust.
• Topcoat (optional): You can choose a matte, satin, or glossy finish to protect the surface of the hanger.

Preparing the Hangers:

Start by cutting the hangers into square pieces, if desired, and cleaning them using a Dremel tool with a drum sander attachment. This step is optional but can add a unique touch to your design. Next, sand the surface of the hangers to ensure they are smooth. Always wipe away any sawdust with a tack cloth or a soft, damp cloth.

Engraving:

Now, it's time to transfer your design onto the hangers. You can print out the names, roles, and wedding date in your chosen font and stick them to the hangers using a gum stick. If you feel confident, you can also draw the design directly onto the hangers with a pencil.

When you're happy with the layout, it's time to start engraving. If you're using a wood chisel or gouge, hold the tool at a 20- to 30-degree angle and make cuts that are 1/16 to 1/8 inch deep. Brush away any wood slivers as you work. For a Dremel tool, choose a sanding or engraving tip and hold it like a pencil. Outline any thick designs with a fine tip first, then fill them in with a larger tip. If using a wood-burning pen, apply just enough pressure to avoid skipping over the surface or gouging the soft wood.

Finishing Touches:

Once you've finished engraving, lightly sand any carved surfaces to remove any chips or splinters. Wipe away the dust, then decide if you want to apply a topcoat. You can leave the hangers as they are or add a finish to protect them. Choose a topcoat that suits your desired look, and don't forget to let it dry completely before using the hangers.

And that's it! You now have beautiful, personalised hangers for your bridesmaids. This project may take some time and practice, but it's a wonderful way to add a unique and thoughtful touch to your wedding day.

Add a cute bow

Adding a cute bow is a simple yet effective way to embellish your bridesmaids' hangers. It adds a little something extra to the look and can be done in a few easy steps.

First, decide on the type of bow you want. You can go for a classic shape or try something more unique like a double bow. Choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or bridesmaids' dresses. You could also opt for a patterned bow with a design that complements your wedding style. The size of the bow is also important – a small, delicate bow will create a subtle effect, while a larger bow will make a bolder statement.

Next, you'll need to gather your materials. You can purchase ready-made bows from craft stores or make your own using ribbon. If making your own, choose a ribbon that is wide enough to create the desired size of your bow. You'll also need a pair of scissors and a hot glue gun or strong adhesive.

Now it's time to assemble the bow. Cut a length of ribbon and create a loop, securing the centre with glue. Cut another length of ribbon and wrap it around the centre to create the middle of the bow, gluing it in place. If you want a double bow, simply repeat this process and secure both bows together.

Finally, attach the bow to the hanger. Again, use hot glue or a strong adhesive to ensure it stays in place. Position the bow at the top of the hanger, centring it for a polished look. And there you have it – a cute bow to adorn your bridesmaids' hangers!

For an extra special touch, you could add embellishments to the centre of the bow, such as a small pearl or gemstone. This will give it a more luxurious feel and tie in with other wedding details.

Use a metallic pen

If you're looking for a simple way to create beautiful bridesmaids hangers, using a metallic pen is a great option. This method is easy, effective, and adds a touch of shine to your hangers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a metallic pen to create personalised bridesmaids hangers:

Step 1: Choose the Right Pen

Not all metallic pens are created equal. Opt for a pen that has a shiny, opaque ink that will stand out on your hangers. Some recommended options include the Gelly Roll Metallic Pens, STABILO pen 68 Metallics, or the Infinity Permanent Metallic Marker. You can also explore paint pens, such as the Sharpie Water-Based Paint Pen or the Molotow Liquid Chrome Marker.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you start writing, ensure you have a flat, clean surface to work on. This will help you achieve neat handwriting. It's also a good idea to practice writing the names or messages you want to include on a piece of paper first, so you're happy with the style and layout.

Step 3: Write with the Metallic Pen

Now it's time to write your desired text or design on the hangers. Take your time and write slowly and carefully to ensure neat lettering. You can write the bridesmaids' names, the wedding date, or a special message. Consider using a pretty script or calligraphy style to make it extra special.

Step 4: Allow the Ink to Dry

Once you've finished writing, let the ink dry completely. This usually takes a few minutes, but it's important to be patient to avoid smudging your hard work. While you wait, you can prepare any other decorations you want to add to the hangers, such as bows or ribbons.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

To complete the look, consider adding a cute bow to the top of each hanger. Choose a colour that matches your wedding theme or bridesmaids' dresses. This will add a charming detail to your hangers and make them even more photogenic.

Using a metallic pen is a simple and effective way to create personalised bridesmaids hangers. With a bit of creativity and careful handwriting, you can make beautiful hangers that will look perfect in your wedding photos and be cherished as keepsakes.

Invest in vinyl stickers

If you're looking for a simple way to decorate your bridesmaids' hangers, consider investing in vinyl stickers. This is a great option if you're not feeling confident in your DIY skills or are short on time. With vinyl stickers, you can easily add initials, names, or even quotes to the hangers. It's a quick and effective way to personalise the hangers and make them look special.

When choosing vinyl stickers, opt for a style that complements your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, go for stickers with a rustic font and perhaps a twine bow to accent the hanger. If your wedding is more glamorous, consider glitter or metallic stickers to add a touch of sparkle. You can also choose stickers in your wedding colours to tie the hangers into your overall aesthetic.

The beauty of vinyl stickers is that they can be applied to any type of hanger. Whether you choose wooden, metal, or plastic hangers, stickers are a versatile option that can be easily customised. You can find a variety of sticker designs and colours online or in craft stores. If you want something truly unique, you can even have custom stickers made with your bridesmaids' names or a special message.

To enhance the overall look, consider adding a bow to the top of the hanger. Choose a colour that matches your bridesmaids' dresses or your wedding colour palette. This will add a touch of elegance to the hangers and make them stand out in your photos. You can use a variety of materials for the bows, such as ribbon, twine, or fabric, depending on the style you want to achieve.

By investing in vinyl stickers, you can easily create beautiful and personalised bridesmaids' hangers. It's a simple and cost-effective way to add a special touch to your wedding day, and your bridesmaids will appreciate the thoughtfulness of this keepsake. With a little creativity, you can make these hangers a memorable part of your wedding preparations and celebrations.

Buy hanger tags

If you're looking to buy hanger tags for your bridesmaids, there are plenty of options to choose from. Hanger tags are a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding without breaking the bank. They can also be kept as mementos of the special day.

For a simple yet elegant option, consider acrylic hanger tags. These tags can be personalised with your bridesmaids' names and come with a white ribbon for hanging. You can find these on Amazon, with prices starting from £2.25. For something a little more unique, you could opt for wooden hanger tags. These tags are available in a variety of designs, including wreath designs and can also be personalised. They typically range in price from £4.50 to £11 and can be purchased from retailers such as Lulah Raine and Lisa Angel.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can find hanger tags on eBay for as little as £4.79. These tags can be personalised with your bridesmaids' names and titles and are a great way to add a special touch to your wedding without spending a fortune.

When it comes to hanger tags, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for something simple and elegant or unique and personalised, you're sure to find the perfect option to suit your wedding style and budget.

Frequently asked questions