Creating Rustic Wedding Signs: A Guide For Beginners

Wedding signage is an important part of any wedding, helping to guide guests and communicate important information. Rustic wedding signs, in particular, can add a unique and creative touch to your special day. Whether you're having an indoor or outdoor celebration, rustic signs can be a great way to incorporate nature-inspired elements, such as wood, greenery, and wildflowers, into your wedding decor. In this article, we will explore different techniques for making rustic wedding signs, as well as offer ideas and tips for creating signs that are both functional and stylish.

Using chalkboards, wood, glass, acrylic, and other materials

Chalkboards, wood, glass, acrylic, and other materials can be used in a variety of ways to create rustic wedding signs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Chalkboards:

Chalkboards offer a blank slate for your wedding signage and can be easily customised with creative and fun messages. You can hire a calligrapher to design your chalkboard signs or, if you're feeling crafty, you can DIY your own. Chalkboard signs can be used to display a variety of information, such as:

• A welcome message or schedule of the day
• Menu items or a cocktail menu
• A "thank you" message for your guests
• Instructions or a timeline for the wedding party
• A "here comes the bride" or "here comes your girl" sign for the ring bearer or flower girl to carry down the aisle
• A creative guest book sign
• Rules for an unplugged ceremony
• A funny set of dance floor rules

Wood:

Wooden signs are perfect for rustic weddings, especially if you're looking for a casual, conversational tone. You can use elegant touches like custom calligraphy or unexpected materials such as leather or copper to elevate the look for a more formal event. Here are some ideas for wooden wedding signs:

• A simple "cheers" sign at the bar
• A directional sign pointing the way to the ceremony or reception area
• A welcome sign with your names, the date, and a beautiful font
• A display of printed screenshots of your first conversations if you met online
• A sign with a witty line, such as "let's get this party started"
• A seating chart, especially when paired with abundant florals
• Escort cards displayed on rustic shelving
• A "cards" sign to designate a drop-off area for wedding cards and gifts
• A simple dessert banner

Glass:

Glass signs can add a touch of elegance to your rustic wedding. Here are some ideas:

• Recycle an old glass door into a rustic welcome sign, which can also serve as a unique backdrop for photos.
• Use a glass and wood windowpane to display information about the wedding party, allowing for an unobstructed view of the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Acrylic:

Acrylic wedding signs are trendy, easy to create, and inexpensive. You can buy stencils or use your own great handwriting or calligraphy skills to create your sign. Here's how to make your own acrylic sign:

• Use a clear acrylic sheet, available in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses (3mm or thicker is recommended for a sturdier sign).
• Clean the acrylic sheet with window cleaning liquid and a soft cloth to remove any smudges.
• Apply paint to the backside of the sign, using a thin coat and painting with the narrow edge of bristles for less visible brush strokes.
• Build up the layer of paint until it is even and opaque.
• Use stencils or freehand your design onto the front of the sign.
• Place your finished sign in a frame and embellish it with greenery or other accessories that match your wedding colours.

Other Materials:

You can also mix and match different materials like wood, glass, and acrylic to create unique and personalised wedding signs. Here are some more creative ideas for rustic wedding signs:

• Use a vintage typewriter as the base for your paper guest book sign.
• Hunt for mirrors at a second-hand store and use markers or calligraphy to write helpful information for your guests.
• Use scrabble tiles to create a cute sign that says whatever fits your relationship.

Printing designs and transferring them onto signs

Design

First, you'll need to create your design. You can do this yourself using online graphic design software such as Canva, which offers a range of fonts, graphics and illustrations to choose from. Alternatively, you could use editable templates, which are a simple and affordable option. If you're short on time or want a truly professional finish, you could enlist the help of a stationery graphic designer, who will be able to craft beautiful, personalised designs.

Printing

Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print. You could print your design at home, or use an online printing service or local print shop. When choosing a printing company, consider the materials you want to print on. Poster printing is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, while foam board and corrugated plastic are also popular choices for wedding signage.

Transferring

Now for the fun part – transferring your design onto your sign! One simple method is to use the "printed design transfer" technique. Here's how it works:

• Print your design onto regular paper.
• Flip the paper over and colour the back with pencil or chalk.
• Place the paper on your sign, with the design facing up. If you're using transfer paper, put the matte side down underneath your printed design.
• Using a pencil, firmly trace your printed design. This will transfer the chalk or graphite onto the wood.
• Go over your design using a paint pen, gold leaf pen, Sharpie, or paint.

And that's it! You can use this technique on any surface, but remember that dark surfaces work better with chalk, while light surfaces are more suited to pencil or transfer paper.

Other options

If you're looking for an alternative method, you could try using stickers, stencils, or even painting your own chalkboard. Stickers are a fun, backwards stencil method – simply paint your sign, apply stickers in your desired shape, and paint over them. To finish, remove the stickers to reveal your design.

Using a stencil is another straightforward option. Paint your sign, adhere the stencil, and gently dab paint through it. Just be sure to use gentle pressure and not too much paint to avoid bleeding.

Finally, if you want a rustic chalkboard look, you can paint your sign with chalkboard paint. Sand the wood beforehand if necessary, and use a roller for a smooth finish. Prime your chalkboard by rubbing chalk all over it, then wipe away with a rag. Now you're ready to write your design using chalk or a chalk marker.

Painting over stickers

Step 1: Paint Your Sign

Start by painting your sign the colour you want your letters to be. For example, if you're creating a sign saying "Welcome to the Wedding of [Name and Name]", you would first paint the entire sign white.

Step 2: Apply Stickers

Using fun-shaped stickers, arrange your saying, firmly pressing them into the wood. You can use letter and number stickers, as well as other shapes, to create your design. For example, you could use heart-shaped stickers to separate the names of the couple.

Step 3: Paint Over the Stickers

Using spray paint or regular paint, paint over your letters and any other stickers you've applied. You can choose a colour that complements the base colour of your sign or go for a more contrasting look.

Step 4: Remove the Stickers

Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the stickers to reveal your design! You will be left with the base colour of your sign showing through the letters or shapes you've painted over.

Additional Tips:

• You can use a variety of different paints and tools to create your sign, such as spray paint, regular paint, paint pens, or gold leaf pens.
• If you want to add extra elements to your sign, you can use decoupage glue to glue on pretty things like paper, paper ribbon, or glitter.
• If you're not confident in your handwriting, you can use a stencil or a printed design transfer to create your design.
• You can also paint your own chalkboard using chalkboard paint and then use chalk or chalk markers to write on your sign.
• For a truly rustic look, use natural materials like wood, greenery, and wildflowers in your sign design.

With these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful rustic wedding signs that will add a special touch to your big day!

Using a stencil

Step 1: Choose Your Design

First, decide on the design for your sign. You can search online or at your local craft store for stencils with designs that fit your wedding theme and style. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own stencils using stencil paper and a craft knife or a Cricut machine. Consider incorporating elements of nature, such as tree branches, greenery, florals, and wildflowers, to match the rustic theme.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sign Base

The base of your sign is typically a wooden board. You can choose a board that is already stained or painted, or you can stain or paint it yourself to match your wedding colours. Make sure the board is smooth and free of dust or debris before you start stencilling.

Step 3: Adhere the Stencil

Once you have your design and base ready, it's time to adhere the stencil to the wood. Position the stencil carefully, making sure it's centred and straight. Use adhesive stencils or a light adhesive spray to keep the stencil in place while you work.

Step 4: Paint Your Design

Now comes the fun part – painting! Choose a paint colour that complements your wedding palette and the base of your sign. With gentle pressure and a small amount of paint, gently dab the paint through the stencil. It's important to use a small amount of paint to avoid bleeding under the stencil, which can ruin your design.

Step 5: Remove the Stencil

As soon as you've finished painting, carefully remove the stencil by peeling it back slowly. Wash the stencil with warm soapy water immediately unless you plan to discard it. Your design should now be visible on the wooden board.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

To add a personal touch or extra decoration, consider embellishing your sign with greenery, flowers, or ribbons. You can also add a coat of decoupage glue to protect the paint and give it a shiny finish.

Step 7: Display Your Sign

Finally, it's time to display your rustic wedding sign! These signs can be used for a variety of purposes, such as welcome signs, directional signs, seating charts, or even bar and dessert table signs. You can prop them up on an easel, hang them on a wall, or lean them against a decorative backdrop.

Using stencils to create rustic wedding signs is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. With a few simple steps and some creativity, you can make beautiful signs that will guide and delight your wedding guests.

Making your own chalkboard

Materials:

• A 3/16” thick hardboard (you can also use 1/8” hardboard, MDF, or plywood)
• A grey tinted primer
• Chalkboard paint with a writable/erasable finish (available in different colors like black, green, or even clear)
• Paint roller (a small 6” roller is recommended)
• Foam paint roller cover with a fine nap
• 320-grit sandpaper (for sanding by hand or with an orbital sander)
• Paint can opener (optional)
• Tape (optional but useful for framing)

Step 1: Prep Your Board:

Start by cutting your chosen material to the desired size and giving it a good clean with a damp cloth. If you plan on gluing a frame to the edges, it's a good idea to tape off the edges to leave them clean for better glue adhesion. Apply a coat of grey primer to the entire surface and let it dry completely (around 2-4 hours).

Step 2: Sand Before Painting:

Lightly sand the primed surface with 320-grit sandpaper to remove any ridges and create a slight texture. This will help the paint adhere better. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.

Step 3: Paint Your Board:

Apply two coats of chalkboard paint with a clean roller. For the best results, use a small roller and work in straight lines across the entire board without adding more paint. This technique will give you a smoother finish. Allow 8 hours of drying time between coats. If you're framing your board, now is the time to do it. You can use wood glue and screws to attach a simple wooden frame.

Step 4: Season Your Board:

Wait at least 3 days after painting before seasoning your chalkboard. Take a piece of chalk and rub it over the entire surface, ensuring it's fully covered. Then, erase all the chalk with a dry cloth. Wait another 3-4 days before using the chalkboard for the first time. You can also clean the board with a damp cloth to make it even cleaner.

Additional Tips:

Chalkboards are versatile and can be made from various materials, including old mirrors, wood, or even glass jars and vases. If your surface is not flat, chalkboard spray paint is easier to work with than traditional chalkboard paint. For framing options, you can attach picture hangers to the back or screw the chalkboard directly into the wall.

Frequently asked questions