Creating Beautiful Wedding Hangers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding coat hangers are an easy DIY project that can add a personal touch to your big day. They can also serve as a pleasant surprise for your bridal party and even your groom! Personalised hangers can be used as keepsakes, and can add pizzazz to your wedding photos. There are plenty of options to buy online, but making your own is a great way to save money and add a unique touch. You can use a variety of materials, such as wire, ribbon, paint, and glue, to create hangers that match your wedding theme and colours.

Using wire to spell out names or titles

Step 1: Plan Your Lettering

Start by writing down the names or titles you want to spell out with the wire. This will serve as a guide when you start shaping the letters. Consider the width of your hangers to choose an appropriate font size. You can also look online for free downloadable fonts and printouts for inspiration. It's important to plan the design beforehand to ensure the wire name fits perfectly on the hanger.

Step 2: Prepare Your Materials

The type of wire you choose is important. Most tutorials recommend using a 12, 14, or 16-gauge wire. A thicker wire, like 14-gauge, will be tougher to bend, so if you're a beginner, start with a thinner wire like 16-gauge. You can find galvanized steel wire or floral wire at craft stores or online. You'll also need a pair of needle-nose pliers (optional: cover the inside of the pliers with masking tape to avoid leaving ridges on the wire) and a hot glue gun or superglue, and a drill with a 3/16" bit.

Step 3: Cut and Shape the Wire

Cut a piece of wire that is about twice the width of your hanger. This will give you enough length to work with. When shaping the letters, use the pliers and your hands to bend the wire. Practice shaping the letters before starting with your actual wire—it takes some time to get the hang of it! Remember, once you bend the wire, it's difficult to straighten it out again, so be committed to each bend. Try to avoid sharp angles and use the flat part of the pliers to avoid leaving marks on the wire. If you want to add a little extra durability, try twisting the "i"s.

Step 4: Drill and Attach the Wire to the Hanger

Drill holes on the inside of the hanger's arms, making sure they are wide enough for the wire to fit through. Cut the wire to the appropriate length, leaving a bit of wire on both ends to attach to the hanger. Use a strong adhesive, such as hot glue or epoxy resin, to secure the wire in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling.

Step 5: Embellish and Personalize

Now it's time to add your personal touches! You can use different coloured wires or stick to a single colour that matches your wedding theme. Gold or copper wire pairs nicely with wooden hangers. You can also add ribbons, bows, flowers, or other embellishments to dress up your hangers further. Get creative and make each hanger unique!

Creating wire-name wedding hangers takes time and patience, but the results are well worth it. Not only do they look magnificent, but they also add a special touch to your wedding day and can even be kept as mementos long after the celebration.

Adding embellishments like bows, fabric flowers, or pearls

Embellishments like bows, fabric flowers, and pearls can add a touch of elegance and charm to your wedding hangers. Here are some creative ways to incorporate these elements:

Bows

Adding a bow to your wedding hanger is a simple yet effective way to enhance its overall appearance. You can cut organza ribbon into strips and form a bow, either slipping it over the neck of the hanger or affixing it at the centre with hot glue. You can also purchase ready-made bows or create your own using ribbon and a glue gun. Consider choosing a colour that matches your wedding theme or the dresses of your bridal party.

Fabric Flowers

Fabric flowers bring a touch of whimsy and romance to your hangers. You can make your own flowers using fabric and attach them to the hangers with glue, or opt for ready-made fabric flowers available in craft stores. These flowers can be glued onto the hangers to create a delicate and charming accent.

Pearls

Pearls add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your wedding hangers. You can find hangers with pearl strands or accents, or you can glue individual pearls onto the hangers to create your own unique design. Combine pearls with other embellishments like bows or fabric flowers for a truly luxurious look.

When adding embellishments to your wedding hangers, remember not to overcrowd the design. Using more than three different types of embellishments may make the hanger look cluttered. Keep it simple and elegant, and your hangers will be a beautiful addition to your wedding day and a cherished keepsake for your bridal party.

Painting hangers with spray paint

Wedding hangers are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Painting hangers with spray paint is a simple and cost-effective way to create beautiful wedding hangers. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect spray-painted hangers for your wedding:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Hangers

Select a set of hangers that are suitable for spray painting. Plastic hangers are a great option as they are usually inexpensive and lightweight. You can also opt for wooden hangers if you prefer a more natural look, but ensure they are specifically designed for spray painting to avoid any issues.

Step 2: Preparing the Work Area

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare your work area. Place cardboard on a flat surface or hang the hangers up to avoid paint pooling. If you're working indoors, open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation. It's also a good idea to lay down a drop cloth or some old newspapers to protect your work surface from any paint overspray.

Step 3: Priming the Hangers

If the hangers have any dirt or residue on them, clean them with a mild detergent and water. Once they are dry, you may want to consider applying a primer, especially if the hangers are made of wood. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. Choose a primer that is suitable for the type of hanger material you are using.

Step 4: Spray Painting Technique

When spray painting, always follow the instructions on the paint can. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the hanger and spray in steady, even strokes. Start with a light coat and gradually build up the coverage to avoid drips and runs. It's better to apply several light coats than one heavy coat. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats.

Step 5: Adding Embellishments

Once the paint is dry, you can add some extra touches to your hangers. Consider gluing on some fabric flowers, pearls, or even small seashells for a beach wedding. You can also add personalised tags with the names or roles of your bridal party. Get creative and use different colours or glitter to match your wedding theme.

Step 6: Finishing and Protection

To ensure the paint job lasts, consider applying a clear coat or sealant over the painted hangers. This will protect the paint from chipping or scratching. Follow the instructions on the product, and apply in thin, even coats. Allow the hangers to dry completely before handling.

With these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful and personalised wedding hangers that will add a unique touch to your special day. Enjoy crafting, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Decorating with temporary tattoos or decoupage paper

Decorating hangers with temporary tattoos or decoupage paper is a simple way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Here are some steps you can follow to create beautiful wedding hangers:

Using Temporary Tattoos

First, create your custom tattoo design online and have it delivered. You can include elaborate designs, simple doodles, wedding details, or the names or roles of your bridal party.

Using Decoupage Paper

If you're using decoupage paper, here are three different methods you can try:

Colorful Torn Tissue Collage Wooden Hanger:

• Choose tissue paper colours that harmonise or are part of the same colour family to avoid unexpected colour changes when glued onto the hanger.
• Use light tack or painter's tape to gently wrap the metal hanger portion.
• Tear the tissue paper into various shapes and sizes.
• Brush a thin coat of decoupage medium onto the hanger, then quickly pick up a piece of tissue with the brush, place it on the glued area, and gently brush on more medium to attach and smooth it out.
• Repeat this process, overlapping the edges of each tissue piece slightly, until the entire side of the hanger is covered.
• Turn the hanger over and repeat the process on the other side.
• Hang the hanger to dry completely for 3-4 days before use.
• Apply additional thin coats of decoupage medium, drying in between coats, for a more durable finish.

Butterfly Fantasy Stamped Tissue Wooden Hanger:

• Stamp a random overlapping pattern on plain white tissue paper and let it dry.
• Wrap the metal hanger portion with light tack or painter's tape.
• Position the hanger on the stamped tissue paper, allowing for a 1" allowance all around, and trace the hanger shape for both sides. Cut out the shapes, including smaller sections to fit the curved areas.
• Brush a thin coat of decoupage medium onto one half of the hanger's centre section.
• Pick up a piece of tissue with the brush, place it on the glued area, and gently brush on more medium to attach and smooth it out.
• Repeat this process with the remaining tissue pieces, overlapping the edges slightly, until the entire side is covered.
• Turn the hanger over, trim where needed, and repeat the process on the other side.
• Hang the hanger to dry for several hours or overnight.
• Apply additional thin coats of decoupage medium, drying in between coats, for a more durable finish.

Tropical Flower Paper Napkin Wooden Hanger:

• Cut out flower and leaf images from colourful paper napkins, ensuring you cut through both layers.
• Decide on your placement by arranging the cut-out images, then take a photo for reference.
• Wrap the metal hanger portion with light tack or painter's tape.
• Brush a thin coat of decoupage medium onto the hanger.
• Place your centre napkin flower, right side down, on the edge of your palette, and apply medium to the back of the piece, bonding the printed layer with the plain backing layer.
• Quickly pick up the flower with the brush and place it carefully onto the glued section of the hanger, then gently brush on more medium to attach and smooth it out.
• Use a clean fingertip to gently smooth out any wrinkles and wrap the paper around the hanger's contour and edges.
• Repeat this process with additional flower and leaf images, overlapping as desired, until the entire side is covered.
• Turn the hanger over and repeat the process on the other side.
• Hang the hanger to dry completely before use.
• Apply additional thin coats of decoupage medium, drying in between coats, for a more durable finish.

Additional Tips:

• Set up your workspace away from sources of moving air to prevent tissue and paper pieces from flying around.
• Work on one side of the hanger at a time, allowing it to dry completely before flipping it over.
• Once the tissue or napkin piece has started bonding to the hanger, do not lift or remove it.
• When wrapping pieces around the edges, use gentle finger pressure instead of the brush.
• Wipe your fingers with a wet towel between steps to avoid tearing the paper.
• If the paper starts to tear, add a few drops of water to the decoupage medium to correct the consistency.

With these methods, you can create beautiful, personalised hangers for your wedding day!

Adding a cute ribbon in your wedding colours

To make a bow, cut your chosen ribbon into strips and form a bow. You can then slip the bow over the neck of the hanger or affix it at the centre with hot glue. You can also use a glue gun to attach a pre-made bow to the hanger.

If you want to add a ribbon in a different way, you could cut the ribbon into strips and glue them onto the hanger in a pattern of your choice. You could also wrap the hanger with ribbon, securing it with hot glue at intervals.

If you want to add a further embellishment to your ribbon, you could add artificial pearls or gemstones.

Frequently asked questions