Creating Vintage Signs For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding signs are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day and ensure your guests don't miss a beat of the celebration. Making your own vintage signs is a fun DIY project that can save you money and add charm to your wedding decor. From simple quotes to nostalgic retro art, there are endless ways to get creative with sign-making. You can use a variety of materials such as wood, canvas, foam board, or even lucite for a transparent look. Etsy also offers a range of vintage wedding sign options if you're short on time or looking for inspiration. So, whether you're going for a rustic, elegant, or eclectic theme, read on to discover how to make vintage signs that will wow your wedding guests.

Vintage signs using canvas

Creating vintage signs on canvas is a fun and easy DIY project for your wedding. Here are some steps and ideas to guide you through the process:

Choosing the Right Canvas

The first step is to select a blank canvas of your desired size. You can opt for a ready-made canvas, which is lightweight and easier to hang. Consider the dimensions of your sign and whether it will be displayed indoors or outdoors when choosing the size.

Preparing the Canvas

To create a distressed, vintage look, you can decoupage thin sheets of newsprint or old phone book pages onto the canvas using matte medium. Cover the entire surface, including the sides, with overlapping pieces of paper. Use a brayer and wax paper to flatten any large air bubbles before the layers dry.

Creating a Stencil

Decide on the text or graphic you want to include on your sign. Print out your design on regular-sized paper and enlarge it to the desired size using a photocopier. You can then attach the printout to a large piece of contact paper or contact shelving paper. Use spray adhesive to ensure a secure attachment.

Painting the Canvas

Once the paper layers on the canvas are dry, apply a coat of white gesso to create an opaque surface. Then, spray paint the entire canvas with a background colour of your choice. Wipe down the surface to remove any residue before proceeding.

Cut out the letters or design elements from the contact paper stencil using small detail scissors. Carefully peel off the backing and place the stencil on the prepared canvas. Mask off the areas you don't want to paint using paper. Spray paint the exposed areas with your chosen colours. Repeat this process for any additional text or graphics.

Distressing the Sign

After the paint has dried, use a detail sander to distress the sign. Sand down the entire surface, especially the corners and raised areas, to create a random distressed look. The paper will start to sand off, giving a vintage, aged appearance. Wipe down the canvas to remove excess dust.

Additional Aging

For an even more aged look, create a thin glaze by mixing dark brown paint with water. Apply this glaze to the sign, especially in the areas where the paper is showing through. The paper will soak up the glaze and turn brownish. Wipe off any excess paint with a cloth or paper towel as you go.

Final Touches

Once all the layers are completely dry, you can apply a varnish to protect your vintage sign. Now, it's ready to be displayed at your wedding!

Vintage Canvas Sign Ideas

• Welcome sign with the couple's names and wedding date
• "Cards and Gifts" sign with a vintage-inspired font and design
• Rustic wooden wedding sign with painted canvas
• Vintage street sign canvas with the couple's names and wedding date
• Custom canvas banner with the couple's names or a romantic quote

Vintage signs made from foam board

Creating vintage signs from foam boards for your wedding can be a fun and easy DIY project. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choosing a Design

First, decide on the design and wording for your vintage signs. You can go for a simple and elegant look or choose a specific theme, such as a vintage typewriter, light-up letters, or a Scrabble-inspired design. Consider including your names, wedding date, and location on the sign.

Materials and Tools

For this project, you will need foam boards, which you can find at craft stores or online. You can also purchase foam boards that have already been printed with a design, or you can customise them yourself. Other materials you may need include markers, paint, and possibly power tools, depending on the complexity of your design.

Planning and Timing

It's important to start your DIY projects early to avoid last-minute rushes. Creating vintage signs can take longer than expected, especially if you're making multiple signs or have a complex design.

Installation and Display

Think about how you want to display your vintage foam board signs. You can simply lean them against a wall or prop them up on an easel. If you're creating directional signs, you may need to attach them to a wooden signpost.

Customisation and Printing

If you're not artistically inclined, you can find custom printing services online that will print your desired design onto a foam board. You can also find pre-made templates that you can customise with your wedding details.

Cost Considerations

DIY-ing your wedding signs can save you money, especially if you already have some crafting materials. However, it's important to factor in the cost of supplies, especially if you're creating multiple signs. Custom-printed foam boards can range in price, but you can find options starting at around $15.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating beautiful and unique vintage signs from foam boards for your wedding. Happy crafting!

Vintage mirror signs

Vintage mirrors can be used as elegant signage at weddings, providing a unique and personalised touch. Here are some ideas and tips for creating your own vintage mirror signs:

Sourcing Vintage Mirrors

Vintage mirrors can be found at thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, and online marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. When searching for mirrors, consider their size, shape, and frame design to fit your wedding theme and signage needs. Don't be afraid to hunt for mirrors with interesting shapes, such as arches or ovals, as they can add a unique touch to your decor.

Customisation and Design

When customising your vintage mirror signs, you can either apply vinyl lettering or use markers with calligraphy skills to write your desired messages. Consider elegant fonts and simple, clean designs that align with your wedding theme and colour palette. You can also decorate the mirrors with flowers, lights, or other decorative elements that complement your wedding style.

Mirror Care and Display

When working with vintage mirrors, handle them with care to avoid breakage or damage. Ensure the mirrors are cleaned and polished before use, and package and transport them safely to your wedding venue. To enhance the visual appeal of your mirror signs, consider placing them in well-lit areas or near decorative elements such as flowers or candles.

Examples of Vintage Mirror Signs

• Welcome Sign: Greet your guests with a large gold mirror sign featuring a custom message such as "Welcome to Our Wedding."
• Seating Chart: Use a vintage mirror to display seating arrangements, adding a unique twist to a traditional seating chart.
• Menu Board: Display the wedding menu on a vintage mirror, combining functionality and style.
• Quote Sign: Choose a romantic quote or a meaningful saying to inscribe on the mirror, creating a memorable keepsake.
• Directional Signage: Use smaller vintage mirrors to provide directions to different areas of your wedding venue, such as the cocktail hour or photo booth.

Vintage signs with pressed flowers

Ideas for Vintage Signs with Pressed Flowers:

• Welcome Sign: Create a warm and inviting welcome sign for your guests, using pressed flowers and a simple vintage-style font. You can use acrylic or wooden frames to showcase the flowers and add a personal touch.
• Table Numbers: Pressed flowers can be used to decorate table numbers, adding a touch of elegance to your wedding reception. Consider using acrylic frames to protect the flowers and ensure they last throughout the event.
• Menu Cards: Delight your guests with menu cards adorned with pressed flowers. This idea adds a unique and elegant touch to your tablescape, especially when paired with a simple colour scheme or elegant calligraphy.
• Directional Signs: If your wedding has multiple areas, vintage signs with pressed flowers can be used to direct guests. These signs can be placed on a wooden post or hung from a decorative stand, adding a charming and functional element to your wedding decor.

Instructions for Creating Vintage Signs with Pressed Flowers:

• Collect or purchase a variety of pressed flowers in your chosen colour scheme. You can press the flowers yourself or buy them from craft stores or online platforms like Etsy.
• Decide on the wording and design for your signs. You can use a simple font or try something more intricate, like calligraphy.
• Choose your sign material. Acrylic, wood, or canvas are all great options for creating a vintage look. You can also use frames to protect and enhance the appearance of your signs.
• Assemble your signs. Use a glue suitable for your chosen material, such as Mod Podge, to attach the flowers to your signs. You can arrange the flowers however you like, creating a unique design for each sign.
• Add your wording. Depending on the material, you can use paint, markers, or print out your chosen font and attach it to the sign.

Creating vintage signs with pressed flowers can be a fun and rewarding project for your wedding. These signs will not only add a touch of elegance and charm to your decor but also provide a wonderful keepsake to cherish long after the big day.

Vintage signs with a wooden base

Creating vintage signs with a wooden base for your wedding is a fun and easy project that can add a unique and personalized touch to your special day. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

Choosing a Design

First, decide on the design and style of your vintage wooden signs. Consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding, and choose a design that complements your decor. For a rustic or vintage-themed wedding, incorporate elements such as wood, greenery, and wildflowers into your sign design. You can also add a personal touch by including your favourite quotes or nostalgic retro art.

Materials and Tools

The materials and tools you will need will depend on the specific design of your signs. However, for wooden base signs, you will likely need:

• Wood planks or boards for the base
• Paint or stain in your chosen colours
• Paintbrushes or sponges for application
• Sandpaper for distressing the wood (optional)
• Vinyl letters or stencils for wording
• Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
• Decorative elements such as twine, lace, or ribbons

Preparing the Wood

Start by cutting the wood to your desired size and shape. You can use a handsaw or power tools for this step, depending on your expertise and the equipment available. Sand the wood to smooth out any rough edges and create a distressed or aged look if desired. Stain or paint the wood in your chosen colour, and allow it to dry completely.

Adding the Design

If you're using vinyl letters or a stencil, carefully apply them to the wood, ensuring they are straight and securely adhered. If you're painting the design by hand, use a small brush or sponge to carefully paint your wording or design. You can also use a projector to trace more intricate designs. Once the paint is dry, you may want to apply a clear coat to protect the design.

Embellishments and Final Touches

Add any decorative elements, such as twine, lace, or ribbons, to give your signs a vintage or rustic charm. You can also distress the signs further by lightly sanding the edges or using a wood-aging technique. Finally, attach a sturdy backing to your sign, such as a wire or rope, to make it easy to hang or display.

Examples

• A "Welcome to Our Wedding" sign with a floral wreath design
• A simple "Mr & Mrs" sign with a rustic wood base
• A vintage-style "Bar" sign with an arrow pointing towards the drinks area
• A "Here Comes the Bride" sign carried by a flower girl or ring bearer
• A directional sign with arrows pointing towards different areas of your wedding venue

Frequently asked questions