Crafting Stunning Tall Letters For Your Dream Wedding

Giant letters are a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding. Whether you're looking for a fun photo backdrop or a romantic way to light up the dance floor, making your own letters is a budget-friendly option. You can create 3D letters using materials like plywood, MDF, and aluminium, and add lights to make them shine. With some time, creativity, and basic tools, you can craft beautiful wedding letters that will wow your guests.

Design and cut out the letters

The first step in creating your giant wedding letters is to design the letters on a computer. Use a program like Microsoft Excel or Inkscape to create a letter in the size and font of your choice. For example, in Inkscape, you can open a new page, draw a grid, and then add text letters in a large point size. Remember to consider the width of your material when sizing your letters.

Once you're happy with the design, print out your letters onto multiple sheets of paper, making sure there is some overlap to help with alignment. Tape these sheets together and cut out your paper pattern.

Now it's time to transfer the design onto your material. Lay the paper pattern on your plywood or MDF sheet and mark the outline. If you're using MDF, you can also use spray mount glue to attach the pattern to the sheet.

Before cutting, you may want to mark the locations of the light bulbs if you're creating illuminated letters. You can use poker chips or other bright markers to find a pleasing placement for the lights. Drill the bulb holes using a bit that lets the lamp base protrude slightly above the surface.

Finally, use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the letters. For straight edges, consider clamping a straight piece of timber to your workbench as a guide. For more intricate shapes, you may need to drill a small hole and work your way out from there.

Paint the letters

Painting your wedding letters is a fun and creative task that will give your letters a unique, personalised touch. You can choose any colour you like to match your wedding theme, and even distress the paint for a rustic look or add a glossy finish for some extra shine.

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface of your letters. If you've cut your letters from plywood or MDF, you'll need to sand down any rough edges or splinters to create a smooth base for the paint. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and gently sand the surfaces and edges of the letters, wiping away any dust with a damp cloth afterwards.

If you're planning to add lights to your letters, now is the time to drill any necessary holes for the bulbs. Mark the locations for the bulbs with a pencil, and use a drill bit that allows the lamp base to protrude slightly above the surface. This will ensure that your lights fit securely and can be inserted easily.

Once your letters are smooth and ready, it's time to start painting! Choose a paint that is suitable for the material you are using. For example, if you are painting wood, select a paint designed for wooden surfaces. Acrylic paint is a good option as it is available in a wide range of colours and finishes. You can use a paintbrush or a small roller to apply the paint, depending on the size and shape of your letters.

Start with a thin coat of paint, and allow it to dry completely before adding additional coats. This will help you achieve an even finish and avoid drips or brush strokes. If you're using a light colour, you may need several coats to achieve full coverage.

After the paint has dried, you can add any additional details, such as distressing the paint with sandpaper for a vintage look or applying a gloss finish for extra shine. You can also decorate your letters with glitter, stickers, or other embellishments to make them truly unique.

Finally, if your letters will be displayed outdoors, consider sealing them with a clear coat or varnish to protect them from the elements. This will ensure that your letters look great and withstand any weather conditions on your wedding day.

Add lighting

There are several ways to add lighting to your tall wedding letters. You can opt for simple fairy lights or go for a more complex electrical setup.

If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, fairy lights are a great option. You can buy large light-up letters that are pre-lit, or you can make your own by drawing and cutting out letters from foam board and then adding fairy lights. This method is inexpensive and perfect if you're on a tight budget. Simply draw your desired letters onto foam board, cut them out with a utility knife, and then add some edges to your letters to trap the light inward. Next, glue the foam board strips to your letters, spray paint them, and finally, add the fairy lights.

For a more complex setup, you can create your own giant light-up letters using materials such as MDF, dowel rods, lamp holders, light bulbs, flex and a plug, and aluminium sheets. First, create a template of your desired letter on Microsoft Excel, and then print it out. Attach the printout to your MDF sheet and cut around it with a jigsaw. You'll then need to drill holes for the lights and attach the electrical components. This method is more time-consuming and requires more specialized tools and knowledge, but it will create a stunning, professional-looking result.

Another option is to use garden string lights from a local store. You can lay out the lights on your cut-out letterforms and then drill holes to secure the light sockets in place. This method provides a good balance between cost and the time required for setup.

Finally, if you're short on time but still want a personalized touch, you can order custom large letter lights online. These letters are typically freestanding and can be customized to your desired color, size, and font. They are a convenient option if you don't have the time or tools to create your own illuminated letters.

Assemble the letters

Now that you have all the materials and have cut out your letters, it's time to assemble them!

First, stiffen each letter by gluing the 1x2 pine strips to the back. These strips will also be what the aluminium flashing nails into. Cut the pine strips around the perimeter of each letter so that they overlap at each junction, ensuring there is at least one strip running from base to top or side to side for added rigidity. Use a half-lap cut to ensure the strips lie flat, and consider using a table saw with a dado cutter or a handsaw and chisel for this step. Clamp the strips to the back of the letters and let them dry.

Next, you'll want to add some edge flashing to the letters for a full 3D effect. Start by folding the front edge of the flashing 180 degrees for safe handling, then bend it around the outside of the letter. Nail it in place and pop rivet any seams. Practice this technique on a short piece of flashing first to refine your technique, then measure around the perimeter of your letter/heart and find a nice seam point that uses 8' to 10' sections. Any longer and the flashing will be very hard to handle.

Now it's time to attach the flashing to the letters. Place a letter flat, face up, on a wide, smooth surface and find an inconspicuous location for the first overlap. The sharp, non-rolled edge of the flashing should sit right against the table all the way around. Use a carpenter's square to help you bend the flashing at the right angles, holding it tightly against the sharp bottom edge and bending it towards you with the palm of your hand. Work it over to the desired angle, testing it against the letter as you go. If you need a greater angle than 90 degrees, you can bend it further by hand. You can also lightly tap it with a hammer to get a nice sharp line. Tack the flashing around the perimeter every 6" or so and 1" from each corner. If you are using a new piece of flashing, bend it completely with a couple of inches of overlap. Trim the overlap to 1.5" before tacking it in place.

Once the flashing is in place, it's time to add the base. Cut a piece of plywood that is 12" x 18-24" and round the corners, screwing it to the 1x2 bases from underneath, 1" back from the front edge of the flashing. Add 45-degree braces to a 1x2 screwed to the back top of the plywood for added stability.

Finally, it's time to add the lights! String your lights and hot glue the cords to keep them in check. You can notch the 1x2s for the cords to mount flat against the wall if desired. Cut small wood brackets and glue them to the letter backs, then tie-wrap each light to the bracket to hold it in place.

And that's it! You now have beautiful, giant light-up letters to decorate your wedding!

Decorate the letters

Now that the structure of your letters is complete, it's time to decorate them to match your wedding theme and colour palette. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Paint the letters: Choose a paint colour that complements your wedding colour palette. You can use a single colour or get creative with multiple colours. Consider distressing the paint finish by using coarse sandpaper for a rustic or vintage effect. Alternatively, use gloss paint for a sleek and shiny finish.
• Add lights: If you want your letters to light up, you can add string lights or incandescent light bulbs. Drill holes in the letters for the bulbs to protrude slightly, and consider adding a dimmer for a soft, romantic glow.
• Use aluminium flashing: For a full 3D effect, wrap the edges of the letters with aluminium flashing. This will reflect the light and create a beautiful, elegant look. First, bend the flashing around the outside of the letter, then nail it in place and pop rivet any seams.
• Embellish with flowers: Attach artificial or fresh flowers to your letters for a romantic and whimsical touch. You can use floral wire or hot glue to secure the flowers in place.
• Personalise with initials: Make the letters extra special by personalising them with the couple's initials. You can use wooden or acrylic letters as a base and decorate them with flowers, lights, or paint to match your wedding theme.
• Add a decorative border: Create a decorative border around the edges of the letters using materials such as rope, ribbon, or lace. This will give the letters a finished look and add a touch of elegance or rustic charm, depending on the material you choose.
• Combine with greenery: For a natural and organic touch, combine the letters with greenery such as eucalyptus or ivy. You can weave the greenery around the letters or attach small bunches at various points for a beautiful, rustic effect.
• Hang with ribbon or string: If you plan to hang the letters, use decorative ribbon or string that complements your wedding colour scheme. This will add a stylish touch to your display and make it easy to hang the letters at your desired location.
• Embellish with crystals or gems: For a touch of sparkle and glamour, embellish the letters with crystals or gems. You can attach them using hot glue or a strong adhesive. This is perfect for adding a bit of bling to your wedding decor.
• Combine with balloons: Balloons are a fun and festive addition to any wedding decor. Combine the letters with helium-filled balloons in your wedding colours or choose clear balloons with confetti for a stylish and modern look.

Frequently asked questions