Creating A Mrs. Wedding Hanger: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding hangers are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. You can buy them online, but they can be expensive. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own Mrs wedding hanger at home. All you need is a wooden hanger, some wire, glue, a power drill, and a stencil. You can bend the wire into your desired shape, such as Mrs or Mrs [Your Surname], and then drill a hole in the hanger to attach the wire. You can also paint the hanger or add a ribbon in your wedding colours. This is a fun and affordable way to add a unique touch to your wedding day and can even be a cute gift idea for your bridal party.

Choosing a hanger

Material

The material of the hanger is an important consideration. Wooden hangers are a popular choice for wedding dresses as they are sturdy and can be easily customised with engravings or paint. Natural wood hangers with laser-cut designs or polished wood with white calligraphy are elegant options. You can also opt for padded hangers, which offer a retro-inspired alternative to wooden or metal styles. Metal hangers, such as those made from wire or intricate antique-style metal, are another possibility, adding a touch of glamour to your photos. Clear acrylic hangers provide a modern, minimalist look.

Colour

The colour of the hanger can be chosen to complement your wedding dress and your overall wedding theme. White hangers are a classic choice, especially if you are having a modern or romantic wedding. Natural wood hangers offer a more laid-back, rustic vibe, perfect for a beach wedding. Black, blush, and rose gold details can add a pop of colour and elegance to your photos, especially if you are wearing a white gown. You could also opt for colourful hangers, such as navy blue or rose gold, to match your wedding colours.

Customisation

Customising your hanger with your name, new title ("Mrs"), or wedding date is a popular way to make your hanger unique and special. You can choose from a variety of customisation options, including engraving, laser cutting, painting, or adding wire lettering. Consider custom hangers as gifts for your bridal party as well, with their names or roles added for a personalised touch.

Sturdiness

It is important to choose a sturdy hanger that can support the weight of your wedding dress. Look for well-padded, strong hangers designed for heavier and delicate items. If your dress has spaghetti straps, illusion tulle, or lace shoulders, be sure to hang it by the interior loops rather than the straps to avoid stretching or tearing.

Selecting the right wire

Wire Thickness:

The thickness of the wire, or its gauge, is an important consideration. A thinner wire, such as 16-gauge wire, may be more challenging to work with and can bend easily. On the other hand, a thicker wire, like 12-gauge floral wire, is stronger and easier to shape.

Wire Length:

When selecting your wire, it's essential to consider the length of your desired word or name. You'll need enough wire to form each letter without running out. It's a good idea to be generous with the wire length, as you can always cut off any excess.

Wire Colour:

Choose a wire colour that complements your wedding theme or the hanger's colour. You can find wires in various colours, including silver and purple.

Wire Material:

Opt for a wire material that is durable and easy to bend. Floral wire, available at craft stores or online, is a popular choice for wedding hangers.

Wire Bending:

Before you start bending the wire, sketch out your desired lettering on paper. This will help you visualize the design and ensure you have enough wire. Practice bending the wire to form the letters, as it takes some patience and skill. Remember, once you bend the wire, it's challenging to straighten it out again.

Wire Cutting:

Use needle-nose pliers with a built-in wire cutter to cut your wire to the desired length. You can also use these pliers to create sharp angles in your wire lettering. To protect the wire from ridges or dents, cover the pliers' ridged area with masking tape.

Wire Adhesion:

To attach the wire to the hanger, you'll need a strong adhesive, such as hot glue or superglue. Drill holes in the hanger where you want the wire to go and secure the wire in place with glue. Ensure the wire is centred and neither too tight nor too loose.

Creating a wedding hanger with wire lettering is a fun and creative project. By selecting the right wire and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making a beautiful and personalised hanger for your special day!

Drilling holes

Firstly, gather your supplies: a power drill, a 3/32" drill bit, and a wooden hanger. You will also need 12-gauge aluminium craft wire, glue, paper, a ruler, and a pencil.

Now, take your paper stencil and draw a straight line. This will guide you in bending the wire straight. You can shape the wire into words like "Mrs" or "Bride". Bend the wire to match your stencil, ensuring it is long enough to fit into both sides of the hanger.

The next step is drilling. Mark the hanger at the desired position, then drill a hole. Ensure the hole is deep enough to create tension when the wire is inserted but not so deep that it goes through the hanger.

Apply glue to the hole and insert the wire. Use a glue that becomes tacky a few minutes after application, such as Gorilla Glue Epoxy, to avoid having to hold the wire in place. Leave the hanger untouched for a day to ensure the glue sets completely.

You can further customise your hanger by painting it or adding a ribbon in your wedding colours.

Adding the wire

Here's a detailed guide on how to add the wire:

• Create a Stencil: Draw a straight line on a piece of paper to ensure your wire lettering remains straight. You can write "Mrs" or "Mrs [Your Surname]." If you make a mistake, you can use the pencil to make corrections.
• Bend the Wire: Using your stencil as a guide, start bending the wire to form the desired letters. Some letters may be tricky, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Remember to leave enough wire at the beginning and end to attach it to the hanger.
• Drill the Hanger: Mark the hanger where you want the wire to be placed. This is usually in the centre, but you can adjust it to your preference. Drill a hole at the marked spot, ensuring it's deep enough to hold the wire securely but not going all the way through the hanger.
• Attach the Wire: Apply glue inside the hole and insert the wire ends. Use a glue that becomes tacky, like Gorilla Glue Epoxy, so you don't have to hold the wire in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the hanger again.

You can further customise your hanger by painting it, adding a ribbon in your wedding colours, or even making matching hangers for your bridesmaids!

Decorating the hanger

Wire Writing

Bend 12-gauge aluminium craft wire into your desired word or phrase, such as "Mrs", "bride", or your name. You can use paper to create a stencil and ensure your writing is straight. Drill small holes on both sides of the hanger and use glue to attach the wire. This method allows you to create a cursive, personalised design.

Ribbon

Adding a ribbon in your wedding colours is a simple way to decorate the hanger and make it more festive. You can tie the ribbon in a bow at the base of the hook, or wrap it around the hanger's neck and secure it with glue.

Painting

Before adding any wire or other decorations, you can paint the hanger to give it a fresh look. Choose a colour that complements your wedding palette or the dress that will be hung on it.

Beads and Pearls

For a more glamorous touch, you can glue beads or pearls onto the hanger. This is a great way to add texture and sparkle to your design.

Engraving

If you're looking for a more subtle and sleek design, you can opt for engraving. Laser engraving is a popular method to personalise wooden hangers with names, dates, or other designs. This creates a lasting keepsake that can be treasured long after the wedding.

Floral Details

Add a romantic touch with floral details. You can use artificial flowers and glue them onto the hanger, or wrap the hanger with floral wire or ribbon. This is a beautiful way to incorporate your wedding colours and theme.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a unique and personalised hanger for your special day.

Frequently asked questions