Make Your Own Marquee Letters For Your Wedding Day

Marquee letters are a popular choice for weddings, adding a touch of vintage charm to the decor. They can be used as a backdrop for the ceremony or photo booth, or as a focal point in the reception area. Making your own marquee letters can be a fun DIY project, but it requires some planning and the right tools and materials. The process typically involves designing the letters, cutting them out of wood, drilling holes for lights, painting or staining the letters, and attaching metal flashing to direct the light outward. You can then add lights and plug them in or use an extension cord to power them up. Making marquee letters can be a challenging but rewarding project, adding a unique and personalised touch to your special day.

Choosing the font and size of your marquee letters

Font Choice:

• Consider the style and theme of your wedding: Choose a font that complements the overall style and theme of your wedding. If you're going for a modern vintage look, a classic font like Eras Bold ITC can be a great choice.
• Straight strokes vs. curved strokes: Fonts with straight or nearly straight strokes, such as Eras Bold ITC, are generally easier to work with when creating marquee letters. Tight curves and complex shapes can complicate the installation of metal flashing.
• Initial fonts: If you plan to create marquee letters with the initials of the bride and groom, consider the letters themselves. Fonts with largely straight strokes, like L and T, are often simpler to work with than letters with intricate curves.

Font Size:

• Space and placement: Consider the size of the space where you plan to place the marquee letters. Most marquee letters are typically 2 feet wide by 3 feet tall. Measure the area and do the math based on the phrase or word you want to spell out to ensure the letters will fit comfortably.
• Double-stacking: If you want to include two lines of text, some companies offer the option to double-stack letters, allowing for more flexibility in your design.
• Proportion and impact: Larger letters can make a bold statement and ensure your display is visible from a distance. However, very large letters may require additional support or stands to keep them stable.

When choosing the font and size for your marquee letters, it's important to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Consider the overall look you want to achieve, the space you have available, and the level of complexity you're comfortable with in the construction process.

Transferring the letterforms onto the material

There are several ways to transfer the letterforms onto the material. One method is to use a projector to trace the letters onto the sheet of wood or MDF. This can be done by projecting the letters onto a sheet of wrapping paper and then tracing around them. Another option is to use a computer program, such as CAD, to draw the letters and then project them onto the sheet of wood. This method allows you to ensure that the letters are laid out efficiently and that the projection is not distorted.

If you don't have access to a projector, you can use the grid method to transfer the letterforms. This involves drawing the letters on a grid and then using a permanent marker to trace them onto the sheet of wood. You can also cut out the letters from wrapping paper, tape them onto the board, and then use a marker to transfer the letters onto the material.

When transferring the letterforms, it is important to consider the size of the letters and the spacing between them. For example, if you are making freestanding letters, you will need to leave enough space between them to ensure stability. It is also important to mark the locations of the lights before transferring the letters, as this will affect the placement of the holes for the light bulbs.

Once you have transferred the letterforms onto the material, you can use a jigsaw to cut out the individual letters. It is helpful to have a helper to stabilize the letter while cutting and to prevent it from falling when making the final cut. Keep in mind that your cut lines don't have to be perfect, as you will be sanding the letterforms later in the process.

Cutting out the letters

Now that you have your materials and tools ready, it's time to start creating your marquee letters! The first step is to cut out the letter shapes from your chosen material, such as plywood or MDF. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Create a template: Before cutting, it's essential to have a clear idea of the letter shapes and their placement on the sheet of wood. You can use a projector to trace the letters onto a sheet of wrapping paper, including gridlines to make freehand drawing easier. Alternatively, you can print out letter templates and tape them together to create life-size versions.
• Transfer the design: Once you have your template, it's time to transfer the letter shapes onto the wood. Cut out the letters from the template and tape them onto the board. This will help you determine the optimal placement for cutting. Use a marker to trace the letters, creating a clear guideline for the next step.
• Cutting the letters: Don safety gear, including safety glasses, before operating power tools. Use a jigsaw to cut out the individual letters. If your design includes interior cutouts, like the inside of an "O," create relief holes with a spade bit or hole saw first. Carefully guide the jigsaw along the traced lines, being mindful not to overextend your cuts. Having an assistant to stabilize the letter during cutting can be helpful.
• Sand and smooth the edges: After cutting, use a sanding block or sponge to smooth the edges of the letters. Pay attention to any rough spots or tear-outs caused by the cutting process. This step ensures your letters have a polished finish.
• Drill holes for lights (optional): If you plan to incorporate lights, measure and mark the locations for the light holes. Use a hand drill with a paddle drill bit or a spade bit to create the holes. Ensure the holes are slightly larger than the light sockets but smaller than the bulbs. Be cautious to hold the drill straight and apply firm pressure to avoid cracking the wood.

By following these steps, you'll have successfully cut out the letters for your wedding marquee. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and prioritize safety when using power tools. With your letters cut out, you're well on your way to creating a beautiful and personalized decoration for your special day!

Adding the lights

Now that your letters are cut out and painted, it's time to add the lights! This part is pretty straightforward. You'll want to start by removing the bulbs from your string lights. Then, push the sockets through the holes you drilled in your letters. If your holes are a snug fit, you may need to twist the sockets as you push to get them through. Once all the sockets are in place, screw the bulbs back in.

If you're using multiple strings of lights, make sure to plan out how you'll connect them. You may need to skip holes or backtrack to ensure that all the lights are used. This is especially important if you're spelling out a word with multiple letters, as you'll want to avoid having dark spots in your display.

Another thing to keep in mind is the placement of your letters. If they'll be standing on their own, make sure they're balanced and won't tip over. You may need to add "feet" or a stand to the letters for stability. If you're planning to hang the letters or lean them against a wall, make sure you have the necessary hardware or supports in place.

Once your letters are lit up and securely positioned, you're ready for the big day! These marquee letters will surely add a wow factor to your wedding decor and create lasting memories.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while adding the lights, here are some tips to help you troubleshoot:

• Bulbs not fitting securely in the sockets: Ensure you're using the correct type of bulbs for your string lights. You may need to adjust the size of the holes if they're too tight or too loose.
• Not enough lights or holes: Consider reducing the number of holes or spacing them out differently. Alternatively, you can purchase additional string lights to ensure each hole has a light.
• Difficulty pushing sockets through holes: Try twisting the sockets as you push to guide them through. Using a spade bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the sockets can also help.
• Tears or splinters in the wood: Use a sanding sponge or sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. Fill larger gaps with wood filler or spackle and sand it smooth once dry.
• Letters not standing straight: Add "feet" or a stand to the letters to improve their stability. You can attach these with nails, screws, or glue, depending on your preferred method.

Painting the letters

Once you've cut out your letters, it's time to paint them! The paint you choose will depend on your wedding colour palette and personal preference. Traditionally, marquee letters are painted red, but you can opt for a shade that matches your wedding colours. For instance, if your wedding palette is silver and white, you could paint the letters silver.

If you're going for a rustic look, you might want to consider staining the wood instead of painting it. This will give the letters a more natural look, showcasing the grain of the wood. If you do decide to stain the letters, be sure to sand the edges and wipe off any excess stain as you go to ensure an even finish.

If you're painting the letters, use a roller for a smooth finish and be sure to cover the edges well. You can also use a paint sprayer to make the job easier, especially if your letters have a lot of corners or intricate details. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the letters or adding the lights.

If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your letters, consider using glitter paint or adding a clear glitter topcoat over your chosen paint colour. This will give your letters a subtle shimmer and make them stand out even more.

Once the paint is dry, you can move on to the next step of adding the lights. Remember to plan out the placement of your lights before drilling any holes to avoid any mistakes. You can space the lights evenly or create a unique pattern to make your letters truly one-of-a-kind.

Frequently asked questions