Creating Wedding Chair Signs: A Simple Diy Guide

Wedding chair signs are a great way to personalise your special day and ensure your guests feel extra special. Whether you're looking for rustic, wooden signs or elegant, acrylic designs, making your own wedding chair signs can be a fun and creative project. In this discussion, we will explore different ways to create DIY wedding chair signs, from printing editable templates at home to crafting with wood and paint. We will also look at various materials, tools, and customisation options to make your chair signs unique and memorable.

Materials needed for DIY wedding chair signs

The materials you will need depend on the type of chair sign you want to make. Here are some options:

Wood signs:

• 2 pieces of wood, cut to your desired size. For example, 12″x 5.5″ or 7.9" x 4.7" for the "bride" sign and 11.6" x 4.1" for the "groom" sign.
• Fine sandpaper, such as 220 grit.
• Stain, or you can make your own mixture with vinegar, steel wool, and tea.
• A piece of white chalk.
• Paint and a small paintbrush.
• A drill.
• Ribbon, twine, or yarn to hang the signs.

Printed tags:

• A printer, such as the Canon PIXMA iP8720 Crafting Printer, or access to a print shop.
• 12″x12″ Scrapbooking Paper (or 8.5″x11″).
• Yarn, ribbon, or twine.
• A hole punch and eyelet setter.
• Scissors or a paper trimmer.

Hanging signs:

• Wooden boards or plaques.
• Ribbon, twine, or yarn to hang the signs.
• Paint or a marker to write on the signs.

How to make DIY wedding chair signs

There are many ways to make DIY wedding chair signs, and they can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create beautiful and unique chair signs for your special day:

Materials and Tools:

• Wood: You will need two pieces of wood for the bride and groom signs. Cut the wood to your desired size; a standard size is 12" x 5.5" or 12" x 10.5" for a larger sign.
• Fine sandpaper: Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to lightly sand the wood and create a smooth surface.
• Stain or alternative: You can use a traditional wood stain or create a mixture of vinegar, steel wool, and tea to achieve an aged look.
• Chalk: White chalk is useful for writing or drawing your design onto the wood before painting.
• Paint and paintbrushes: Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme. You may need a small paintbrush for more detailed work.
• Drill: A drill is necessary for creating holes to attach ribbons or hanging cords.
• Ribbon or hanging cord: Select a ribbon or cord that matches your wedding colour palette.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Cut and prepare the wood: Decide on the size and shape of your chair signs, then cut and sand the wood to create a smooth finish.
• Stain or age the wood: If you want a more rustic look, you can use a traditional wood stain or create a natural mixture of vinegar, steel wool, and tea to give the wood an aged appearance.
• Write or draw your design: Use chalk to write words like "Mr." and "Mrs." or "Bride" and "Groom." You can also add decorative elements like flowers or other designs.
• Paint over the chalk: Once you are happy with your design, carefully paint over the chalk with your chosen paint colour. You can mix the paint with a small amount of water to make it easier to control and achieve a smoother finish.
• Drill holes: After the paint is dry, use a drill to create two holes in each sign for the ribbon or hanging cord. Measure and mark the holes before drilling to ensure they are evenly spaced.
• Thread the ribbon or cord: Cut the ribbon or cord to your desired length (approximately 20 inches per strap), then thread it through the holes. You can use two straps for a more secure hang or just one piece across the board.
• Test and enjoy: Hang your DIY wedding chair signs on the bride and groom chairs, and adjust as needed. You can also add extra decorations like flowers or greenery to spruce them up!

Additional Tips:

• You can print editable templates online and embellish them with ribbon, twine, or yarn to create "Reserved" signs for special guests.
• If you want to avoid the hassle of making your own signs, there are many affordable options available online, such as wooden Mr. and Mrs. signs or rustic hanging banners.

Design ideas for wedding chair signs

Wedding chair signs are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking for something rustic, modern, or elegant, there are plenty of design ideas to choose from. Here are some inspiration and tips to get you started:

Materials and Design

Start by gathering your materials. Common materials used for wedding chair signs include wood, acrylic, burlap, or cardboard. Decide on the size and shape of your sign—most chair signs are rectangular, but you can also go for a more unique shape like a hoop or a banner. Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme and decide on any additional decorations you may want to add, such as flowers, ribbons, or twine.

Wording and Font

The wording on your chair signs will depend on their purpose. For signs indicating reserved seating for special guests, you can simply write "reserved" or include the guest's name. For bride and groom chair signs, "Mr." and "Mrs." or "bride" and "groom" are popular choices. You can also get creative with your wording, such as "better together" or "the future Mrs.". When it comes to font, choose something that reflects the style of your wedding. Cursive fonts are elegant and romantic, while modern fonts can give a more contemporary feel.

Decoration and Display

Once you have your signs designed and created, it's time to think about how you want to display them. Many chair signs are hung on the back of the chair with ribbons, twine, or jute cords. You can also tie them to the chair legs or place them on the chair seat. If you want to add some extra flair, consider embellishing your signs with flowers, greenery, or other decorations that match your wedding theme.

Personalisation

Wedding chair signs offer a great opportunity to showcase your personality as a couple. You can incorporate your wedding colours, favourite quotes, or inside jokes. If you're feeling creative, you can even try making your own signs using DIY techniques like staining wood with vinegar, steel wool, and tea or writing with chalk and then painting over it.

Pre-made Options

If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, there are many pre-made wedding chair signs available for purchase. These signs come in a variety of designs, from rustic wooden signs to modern acrylic ones. You can often personalise them with your names or wedding date to make them extra special.

How to hang wedding chair signs

There are many ways to hang wedding chair signs, depending on the type of sign and the desired effect. Here are some methods and tips to help you achieve the perfect look for your special day:

Ribbon, Twine, or Yarn:

This is a popular and versatile option. Cut your chosen material to the desired length, allowing for some excess for tying. You can tie the ribbon, twine, or yarn into a bow or a simple knot to secure the sign to the chair. This method is excellent for adding a delicate touch to your wedding decor and can be easily matched to your colour scheme.

Drill Holes:

If you're crafting your own signs, consider drilling holes in the top corners of the sign. This method is ideal for wooden signs and allows you to thread your chosen hanging material, such as ribbon or jute cord, through the holes. Ensure you use a drill bit size that accommodates the thickness of your chosen hanging material.

Hanging with Jute Cord:

Jute cord is a popular choice for hanging wedding chair signs, as it adds a rustic, natural touch. Many pre-made chair signs come with jute cord included, or you can purchase it separately. Simply tie the jute cord to the sign and adjust the length to hang it at the desired height.

Using a Crop-a-Dile Hole Punch:

If you want to add an eyelet to your chair signs, a Crop-a-Dile Hole Punch is a useful tool. This method adds a neat and secure finishing touch to your signs and is ideal for threading ribbon, twine, or yarn through.

Hanging Reserved Signs:

Reserved signs for wedding chairs can be hung using various methods, including hanging them on ribbons, yarn, or rope. You can also use hanging acrylic signs with satin ribbons for a sleek and elegant look. These signs are often placed on the chairs of family members or special guests to reserve their seats.

No matter which method you choose, always ensure that your wedding chair signs are secure and won't easily fall off. Test out the hanging method before the big day to ensure that the signs are sturdy and look exactly how you want them to.

Where to buy wedding chair signs

If you're looking to buy wedding chair signs, there are a few different options to choose from. One popular option is Etsy, which offers a wide variety of wedding chair signs in different styles and materials. You can find wooden signs, acrylic signs, hanging signs, and more on Etsy, and many of the sellers offer customisation options so you can personalise your signs with your names or other details. Another option is Amazon, which also offers a range of wedding chair signs. You can find simple and elegant options, as well as more whimsical and rustic styles to match your wedding theme. Amazon also offers free delivery on many of their wedding chair sign options.

In terms of specific products, Etsy offers a set of two "Better Together" chair signs made of wood, perfect for a rustic-themed wedding. Amazon has a similar product, with a "Better Together" sign made of white maple wood and decorated with white script font. For a more glamorous option, you could try the "Mr and Mrs" acrylic wedding chair signs from Ginger Ray, also available on Amazon. If you're looking for something more unique, Etsy has a wide range of options, including memorial chair signs, elegant printed reserved seating tags, and hanging acrylic signs with ribbon.

So, whether you're looking for a simple and elegant option, or something more personalised and unique, there are plenty of great options available from both Etsy and Amazon.

Frequently asked questions