Creative Outdoor Wedding Signs: Diy Guide And Tips

Wedding signs are a great way to personalize your wedding day, tie the overall look together, and provide guests with important information. Making your own wedding signs can be a fun DIY project that saves you money and adds a personal touch to your wedding decor. In this article, we will discuss different ideas and tutorials for creating outdoor wedding signs, including mirror signs, acrylic signs, and wooden signs. We will also provide tips and tricks for working with different materials and making your signs stand out. So, whether you're looking for a rustic, elegant, or unique sign, read on for inspiration and guidance on how to make outdoor wedding signs.

Using mirrors for outdoor wedding signs

Mirrors are a great way to elevate your outdoor wedding decor. They add a touch of luxury, elegance, and style to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas for using mirrors for outdoor wedding signs:

Choosing the Right Mirror:

• Consider the weight of the mirror, especially if you need to ship it. Mirror signage can be quite heavy, making transportation and shipping more challenging.
• Opt for mirrors with interesting and ornate frames. A fancy baroque mirror or a mirror with a vintage frame can add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding decor.
• Choose a size that fits your needs. You can go for smaller tabletop mirrors or larger statement pieces, depending on the impact you want to make.

Display Ideas:

• Welcome Sign: Greet your guests with a reflective welcome sign. You can prop a large mirror against an outdoor wall or place it on a stand near the entrance.
• Seating Chart: A mirror seating chart is both functional and stylish. Display it on an easel or lean it against a wall, ensuring it's secure and won't blow over in the wind.
• Table Numbers: Small tabletop vanity mirrors with table numbers written on them can add a touch of elegance to your reception tables.
• Menu: Instead of traditional menu cards, you can use a mirror to display the dinner menu at each table or propped up at the reception entrance.
• Schedule of Events: Keep your guests informed by placing a mirror with the schedule of events near the venue entrance or reception area.

Customization:

• Calligraphy: Hire a calligrapher or use your own skills to write elegant messages, quotes, or the schedule of events on the mirrors. White paint pens work well on mirrors.
• Decals: If you're not confident in your handwriting, you can find customizable decals on sites like Etsy. These can be personalized with your wedding schedule, quotes, or any other message you wish to display.

Remember to consider the weather and ensure that your mirror signage is secure, especially on windy days. Mirrors are a unique and elegant way to provide information and guidance to your guests while also adding a decorative touch to your outdoor wedding.

DIY wedding signs with foam insulation board

DIY wedding signs can be a great way to save money and personalize your big day. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own wedding signs using foam insulation board:

Materials and Tools:

• Foam insulation board (preferably with the fewest flaws)
• Spackle and spackling knife
• Exacto knife or box cutter
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint (matte paint is recommended to hide flaws and dents)
• Vinyl lettering
• Wood name cut-outs (optional)
• T-posts or heavy cuts of timber for the base
• Duct tape
• Command™ Strips for hanging

Step 1: Cut the Foam Board to Size

Carefully measure out the dimensions for each sign and mark straight lines to guide your cuts. Cut the foam board along these lines, being mindful not to create indents into the foam with your pencil. It is recommended to do this over a large piece of cardboard to protect the surface underneath.

Step 2: Sand the Edges of the Signs

The foam board may not cut smoothly, especially along the pre-made breaking points. This can be easily fixed by sanding down the edges. Don't worry about perfection, as any pieces that crumble or cracks that form can be filled in with spackle in the next step.

Step 3: Smooth Creases, Cracks, and Dents with Spackling Paste

Examine every surface of the foam board for any spots that need to be filled in, including the edges. Use spackling paste to fill in any flaws and smooth them out.

Step 4: Prime and Paint

Prime both sides of the board. This step will help you identify any remaining flaws that need to be smoothed out before painting. After priming, paint your signs in your desired color.

Step 5: Apply Lettering

Add the finishing touches by applying vinyl lettering to your signs. Tape down the lettering before sticking it to the board to ensure proper placement and layout.

Displaying Your Signs:

To display your DIY wedding signs outdoors, you can use T-posts or duct tape them to heavier cuts of lumber like timber. For indoor use, Command™ Strips can be used for hanging.

Additional Tips:

• Create a preview of your design in Canva or with paper to get an idea of the final look and the dimensions needed for lettering.
• If using wood name cut-outs, attach them to the sign with wood glue.
• Start your DIY project early to avoid any last-minute rushes.

DIY acrylic wedding signs

Planning an outdoor wedding? Congratulations! You've probably got a long to-do list, but creating your own wedding signs is a fun and easy task that will really add something special to your big day.

Acrylic wedding signs are a beautiful, elegant, and modern way to elevate your wedding decor. They are a great DIY project, and you can even use them as home decor after the event.

The Trace Method:

This method doesn't require a cutting machine, but it does require a steady hand and patience.

• Step One: Prepare your acrylic sheet by removing the protective backing from one side.
• Step Two: Print and trim your chosen design using a home computer and printer.
• Step Three: Attach the design to the back of the acrylic sheet using tape, making sure it is aligned properly.
• Step Four: Outline the design with a paint marker and then fill in the space. It is important to use a paint marker with a thicker consistency; the Uni POSCA brand is recommended.
• Step Five: Remove the design and the remaining backing from the acrylic sheet. You can add paint to the back of the sheet to make the design stand out.

The Stencil Method:

This method requires more steps and materials but has a smoother, more professional finish.

• Step One: Cut your chosen design using an electronic cutting machine.
• Step Two: Weed the vinyl by removing the letters to create a stencil.
• Step Three: Add transfer tape to the vinyl stencil and secure it with a vinyl scraper tool. Turn it over and scrape the back of the design, then trim the excess tape.
• Step Four: Apply the vinyl stencil to the acrylic sheet using the hinge method, and remove the transfer tape.
• Step Five: Paint the stencil with acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush.
• Step Six: Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the vinyl stencil and any small vinyl pieces.
• Step Seven: Remove the backing from the acrylic sheet.

The Vinyl Method:

This method is similar to the stencil method but uses vinyl letters for a bold, sharp look.

• Step One: Cut your chosen design using an electronic cutting machine.
• Step Two: Weed the vinyl, removing the excess and leaving only your design.
• Step Three: Add transfer tape to the vinyl and secure it with a vinyl scraper tool.
• Step Four: Apply the vinyl to the acrylic sheet using the hinge method and remove the transfer tape.
• Step Five: Remove the backing from the acrylic sheet.

No matter which method you choose, remember to start your DIY projects early to avoid any last-minute rushes!

DIY wooden wedding signs

Materials

You will need the following materials:

• Thin pieces of wood, such as plywood, cut to your desired size. You can purchase this from a hardware store or salvage it from old wood.
• Paint or stain for the wood.
• Vinyl letters or paint for the lettering.
• A cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette (optional).
• Sandpaper.
• Transfer tape.
• Painter's tape.
• A scraper.

Step 1: Prepare the Wood

Start by cutting your wood to the desired size. If you don't have a way to cut the wood yourself, you can ask an employee at the hardware store to do it for you. Once you have the correct size, spend some time sanding the board to smooth out any rough edges. Be sure to sand both sides of the board as well as the edges. Then, wipe away any dust or dirt with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Paint or Stain the Board

Apply a layer of paint or stain to the sanded, clean board. If you are using stain, wear gloves to protect your skin. You can elevate your board on some scrap wood while painting to protect your work surface. Once the front and sides are dry, flip the board over and paint the back.

Step 3: Prepare the Design

While you are waiting for the board to dry, you can start designing the layout of your sign. You can use software such as Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, Canva, or Adobe Illustrator to create your design. If you are using a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine, you can design directly in the software. Otherwise, you can export your design as an image file and upload it to the cutting software.

Step 4: Cut the Vinyl

Once your design is ready, it's time to cut the vinyl letters. Follow the instructions in the design software to send the design to your cutting machine. If you don't have a cutting machine, you can cut the letters by hand or hire someone to cut them for you.

Step 5: Weed the Vinyl

After the letters have been cut, remove the extra vinyl and use a weeding tool to remove the vinyl from the smaller areas inside the letters.

Step 6: Attach Transfer Tape to the Vinyl Letters

Place a layer of transfer tape on top of the vinyl letters. For larger projects, it's easier to unroll the transfer tape on a flat surface, sticky side up, and then place the vinyl on top. Trim the excess transfer tape and repeat for each section of vinyl letters.

Step 7: Align Letters on the Wooden Board

Use painter's tape to mark the middle of your board at the top and bottom. Then, mark the middle of each section of vinyl letters with a pen on the transfer tape. This will ensure that the letters are straight once applied to the sign.

Step 8: Attach Letters Using the Hinge Method

Place a piece of painter's tape or masking tape vertically across the middle of the vinyl letter section. Gently pull up on the transfer tape to remove the vinyl letters from the backing. Carefully cut the backing and use a scraper to press the vinyl letters and transfer tape onto the wood board. Repeat this process for the other side of the vinyl letter section. This is called the hinge method and will help you apply the letters straight onto the sign.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful, budget-friendly wooden wedding sign that will add a unique touch to your special day.

Using neon lights for outdoor wedding signs

Choose the Right Type of Neon Sign

Custom neon signs are a popular choice for weddings, as they allow you to personalize your sign with your names, a special quote, or even your wedding hashtag. You can work with a designer to create a unique design or choose from pre-designed options. Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when selecting your sign to ensure it complements your decor.

Consider the Placement of Your Sign

Neon signs can be hung above the altar, placed behind the sweetheart table, or used to light up the dance floor. If you want to get creative, use your neon sign as a photo booth backdrop or as a fun addition to your bar area. For outdoor weddings, consider hanging your sign from a tree or placing it against a decorative wall.

Incorporate Your Sign into Your Wedding Theme

Neon signs can be designed in various colors and fonts to match your wedding theme. For example, you can choose a soft pink neon sign for a romantic, ambient glow or a bright white sign for a modern, elegant look. Consider incorporating natural elements, such as surrounding your sign with disco balls or soft green forest trees, to create a whimsical atmosphere.

Combine with Other Decor Elements

To make your neon sign even more impactful, combine it with other decor elements such as floral arrangements or greenery. You can also place your sign on a sturdy stand or lean it against a wall to ensure it's secure, especially if there are wind conditions. Mirrors are another great option for outdoor weddings, as they add weight and can be reused, creating a low-waste wedding.

Plan Ahead and Consider Logistics

When incorporating neon signs into your outdoor wedding, it's important to plan ahead and consider any logistical challenges. Ensure you have access to power sources and consider the durability of your sign if it will be exposed to the elements. Custom Neon offers a range of outdoor signs with an IP67 waterproof rating, ensuring protection against the weather.

Frequently asked questions