Creating Beach Wedding Signs: A Guide For Couples

Beach weddings are a popular choice for couples, and signs are an important part of the decor. They can be used to provide information or directions, add a personal touch, or simply enhance the overall aesthetic of the event. When it comes to making signs for a beach wedding, there are several options and techniques to consider. From DIY projects to purchasing ready-made signs online, the options are endless.

Beach wedding sign materials and tools

Beach wedding signs can be made from a variety of materials and tools, depending on the desired look and level of customization. Here are some options for materials and tools to create beautiful and unique beach wedding signs:

Wood or Plywood:

• For a rustic or classic look, wood or plywood can be used as the base for the sign. This option is also lightweight and easy to transport, especially if using a thinner plywood sheet.
• Pressure-treated wood is a good option for the stake that holds the sign in place.
• When using wood or plywood, consider sealing it with a clear coat to protect it from the elements, especially if the wedding is on the beach with potential exposure to sand or water.
• Paint or stain the wood to match the wedding theme or colors. Chalk paint, in particular mineral chalk paint, can be used to create a coastal patina effect.
• To add text or designs, consider using stencils, vinyl decals, or hand painting with a script liner art brush.
• An alternative to wood is using a driftwood base for a more natural and rustic look.

Acrylic:

• Acrylic signs are a modern and elegant option for beach wedding signs. They can be clear, frosted, or colored, and customized with text and designs.
• Acrylic signs can be purchased or laser-cut to the desired shape and size.
• Hanging acrylic signs can be created by drilling holes and adding ribbon or string.
• Acrylic signs can also be mounted on a wooden base or stake for stability.

Canvas:

• Canvas signs offer a more casual and rustic look for beach weddings.
• They can be customized with paint, markers, or vinyl decals.
• Consider using a canvas with a wooden frame for a more polished look.

Other Materials:

• Cardstock or cardboard can be used for simple and cost-effective signs. These can be decorated with paint, markers, or printed designs.
• Metal signs are a durable and long-lasting option, especially for outdoor beach weddings.
• PVC signs are lightweight and waterproof, making them a good choice for beach weddings.

Tools:

• Basic tools such as a saw, drill, and sandpaper may be needed for cutting and smoothing the sign base and stake.
• Paintbrushes, rollers, or spray paint equipment may be needed for applying paint or stain.
• For vinyl decals or stencils, a cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette may be used to create custom designs.
• Hot glue guns or strong adhesives are useful for attaching embellishments or mounting signs to stakes.
• Graphic design software or online tools can be used to create custom text and designs that can be printed or transferred onto the sign.

Beach wedding sign colour schemes

When it comes to colour schemes for beach wedding signs, there are several options to choose from, depending on the theme and aesthetic you're aiming for. Here are some ideas to consider:

Blue and White

A classic combination that evokes the colours of the ocean and sky, blue and white can be a crisp and refreshing choice for beach wedding signs. This colour scheme can be seen in flowers, dresses, and other decorative elements, with pops of green adding a touch of vibrancy.

Teal and White

For a rustic or vintage-inspired beach wedding, teal and white make a gorgeous duo. This colour scheme reflects both the land and the ocean, creating a harmonious and elegant look.

Muted Peach, Teal, Green, and Grey

If you're looking for a boho-themed beach wedding, consider a combination of muted peach, teal, green, and grey. These colours work well together, especially when tied together with flower arrangements and tabletop décor. The muted tones add a subtle elegance to the overall beach setting.

Purple, Pink, and White

This bright and cheerful colour palette is perfect for a beachside wedding. Purple and pink tones, accented with grey and white, create a vibrant and festive atmosphere. To tie the colours together, use multicoloured objects such as napkins, fans, flowers, and signboards.

Red and Blue

Although not a traditional wedding colour combination, red and blue can work beautifully for a beach wedding. Use blue as a muted foundation and add pops of bright red for a vintage-inspired look.

Coral and Yellow

Coral and yellow are vivid, fresh colours that pair exceptionally well together. Varying shades of these colours can be used, with green as an accent, to create a tropical-themed beach wedding. This combination is perfect for a bright and cheerful ceremony.

Pale Peach and Gold

For a subtle and feminine aesthetic, consider a pale peach and gold colour scheme. To add a touch of drama, incorporate accents of navy blue, emerald, or grey. This combination is ideal for a beach wedding with a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Rich Purple and Turquoise

Rich purple and turquoise are a bold and dramatic choice, perfect for an evening beach wedding. This royal combination is especially suitable for brides who want to make a statement. Silver and pink accent shades can be added to enhance the feminine appeal of this palette.

Peach, Coral, and Navy

This colour scheme combines the radiance of peach with the serenity of coral and navy, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. It's a perfect choice for a beach wedding that embraces femininity and pleasure.

When designing beach wedding signs, consider using colours that complement the natural surroundings and reflect the theme of your wedding. You can also add accents or incorporate multiple colours to create a unique and personalised look.

Beach wedding sign graphics

Beach wedding signs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, and canvas. When designing your beach wedding sign graphics, consider the following:

• Theme and Colour Scheme: Beach weddings often evoke a sense of relaxation and fun, so consider using light and airy colours, such as shades of blue, teal, and white, to create a calming atmosphere. You can also incorporate coastal elements like seashells, starfish, and anchors into your design.
• Typography: Choose fonts that align with your beach wedding theme. For a more casual and relaxed look, consider using script or handwritten-style fonts. If you prefer a modern or minimalist approach, opt for clean and simple fonts like sans-serifs.
• Personalisation: Beach weddings are often intimate affairs, so adding personal touches to your sign graphics can make the event even more special. Include the couple's names, wedding date, and a meaningful quote or message. You can also incorporate the wedding colours or a motif that ties in with the overall theme.
• Size and Placement: Consider the placement of your sign and choose a size that is easily visible from a distance. If you're creating a welcome sign, make sure it's large enough to be spotted by guests as they arrive. For directional signs, use arrows and clear wording to guide guests to the ceremony or reception area.
• Transportation and Assembly: If you're travelling to your beach wedding destination, opt for lightweight and portable sign options. Consider signs that can be easily assembled and disassembled, and don't forget to pack the necessary hardware for setup.
• "Welcome to Our Wedding" or "Welcome to the Wedding of [Couple's Names]"
• "Mr and Mrs [Last Name]" or "Almost Mr and Mrs [Future Last Name]"
• "With Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses, We're Now Mr and Mrs"
• "Shoes Here, Vows There, Love Everywhere"
• "Please Take One [or Help Yourself]" for a sign indicating wedding favours or a sunglasses station
• "The Drinks Are on Us" for an open bar sign
• "Pick a Seat, Not a Side" for an unplugged ceremony sign
• "Love is Sweet" for a dessert table sign
• "In Loving Memory" or "We Know You Would Be Here Today if Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" for a memorial table sign
• "Please Sign Our Guestbook"

Beach wedding sign assembly

Creating a beach wedding sign is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor. Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling a beach wedding sign:

Prepare the necessary materials:

• 1/4" plywood cut to the desired size (e.g., 15 x 25 inches) for the sign base.
• 1" x 1" pressure-treated wood nailing strip cut to 24 inches long for the stake.
• Paints and glazes in coastal colors (e.g., turquoise, teal, brown, and white).
• Paintbrushes, including a chip brush and a script liner art brush.
• Graphite paper, red pen, and an oil-based Sharpie marker for lettering.
• Liquid Nails Glue or strong adhesive to attach the stake to the sign.

Paint the base color:

Use a turquoise or peacock blue mineral chalk paint as the base color for the sign. Apply one coat to the entire plywood base.

Dry brush additional paint colors:

• Dip the tips of a chip brush into a teal or hurricane gray mineral chalk paint. Offload the excess paint onto a paper towel.
• With light pressure, apply long swipes of paint from one end of the sign to the other, allowing the base color to peek through. Repeat this process for any additional paint colors, such as brown or white. Let the paint dry for about an hour between each layer.

Apply coastal glaze colors:

Using a brush dampened with water, apply brown and then white glaze over the painted layers. Dip the brush in water and spread the color if the glaze goes on too thick in spots. Alternatively, you can dry brush the brown and white paint layers instead of using glaze.

Add graphics and lettering:

• Create a graphic or choose a font for your text. Print out the design and use graphite paper to transfer it onto the sign.
• Hand paint over the traced graphic or lettering using a script liner art brush and chalk paint, or use an oil-based Sharpie marker.

Attach the stake:

No later than 24 hours before the wedding, attach the stake to the back of the sign with a strong glue. This will ensure the sign is portable and can be easily assembled on-site.

Your beach wedding sign is now ready to be displayed! After the wedding, the stake can be easily removed, and the sign can be hung as a keepsake or memento.

Beach wedding sign transport

Transporting beach wedding signs can be a tricky affair, especially if you're planning a destination wedding. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your signs arrive safely and in style.

Planning and Design:

• When designing your beach wedding signs, opt for lightweight materials such as plywood, acrylic, or high-density hardboard. This makes transportation easier and reduces the risk of damage during travel.
• Consider the dimensions of your sign. A smaller, more compact sign will be easier to transport and can fit in a large suitcase or carry-on bag.
• If you're crafting your own sign, cut the plywood to a convenient size, such as 15 x 25 inches. This ensures portability without compromising on visibility.
• For added convenience, you can create a sign with a detachable stake. This way, you can easily disassemble and pack the sign for travel and reassemble it at your destination.

Packing and Protection:

• When packing your beach wedding sign, use a sturdy and protective case or box. Consider the overall weight and dimensions of the package to ensure it complies with airline baggage restrictions if you're flying to your destination.
• Wrap the sign in bubble wrap or foam to protect it from scratches or damage during transport.
• If your sign has detachable components, such as the stake, wrap them separately and secure them with strong glue upon arrival.
• For added protection, especially during long-distance travel, consider using a hard-shell case with custom-cut foam inserts to keep your sign secure and protected from impact.

Shipping and Logistics:

• If you're ordering a custom-made sign, discuss shipping options with the vendor. Some companies offer expedited shipping to ensure your sign arrives on time.
• When travelling with your sign, keep it with your carry-on luggage or in your car, if possible. This reduces the risk of loss or damage during transit.
• If you're transporting multiple signs or have limited luggage space, consider sharing the load with your wedding party or family members.

On-Site Assembly:

• If your sign requires assembly, such as attaching the stake, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies on-site. This includes items like strong glue, nails, or a hammer.
• Test the stability of the sign after assembly, especially if it's windy at your beach location. You may need to reinforce the sign or use heavier materials to ensure it stays put.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your beach wedding signs arrive safely and are ready to welcome your guests and add a personal touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions