Crafting A Wedding Mirror Sign: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding mirror signs are a popular trend that adds a touch of luxury, elegance, and style to both indoor and outdoor weddings. These signs are often used as decorative pieces and can be easily personalised to elevate the wedding decor. Couples can opt to create their own mirror signs or purchase custom-made ones, choosing from various designs, sizes, and materials like acrylic or glass. With endless possibilities for their usage, from welcome signs to seating charts, wedding mirror signs are a versatile and modern choice for any wedding.

Choose a mirror

Choosing the right mirror is essential for creating a beautiful wedding mirror sign. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect mirror for your special day:

Type of Mirror

Decide on the type of mirror you want to use. You can choose from various options, such as a traditional glass mirror, a modern acrylic mirror, or even a vintage mirror to add a touch of elegance to your wedding decor. Acrylic mirrors are a popular choice due to their durability and modern look, and they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor weddings.

Size and Shape

Consider the size and shape of the mirror that will best suit your needs. Wedding mirror signs can range from small tabletop mirrors to large statement pieces. Choose a size that is easily visible to your guests but also fits well with the overall decor and theme of your wedding venue. You can also add a custom shape to your mirror to create a unique and modern statement piece.

Frame Style

Select a frame style that complements your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can opt for a simple, sleek frame or go for a more ornate, baroque-style frame to add a touch of luxury. The frame can be sprayed with metallic gold paint or any other hue that matches your wedding colours, allowing you to personalise the mirror to your taste.

Mirror Quality

Ensure that the mirror you choose is of good quality and provides a clear and accurate reflection. A high-quality mirror will enhance the overall appearance of your sign and ensure that any calligraphy or decorations are displayed effectively.

Customisation Options

When choosing a mirror, consider the customisation options available. Some mirrors can be customised with your event details, such as the couple's names, the wedding date, or a welcome message. You can also opt for a mirror with a blank space in the middle, allowing guests to take creative selfies, adding a fun and interactive element to your wedding.

Ease of Display

Think about how you plan to display your wedding mirror sign. Mirrors can be propped up on easels, placed on sign stands, or hung from frames. Consider the ease of setup and stability of the display method you choose. If you opt for a hanging mirror, ensure the packaging film is removed carefully to prevent scratches or shattering.

Remember, your wedding mirror sign should reflect your personal style and add a unique touch to your special day. Take the time to browse different options and select a mirror that aligns with your vision and overall wedding theme.

Select your message

The message you choose for your wedding mirror sign will depend on where you plan to display it and what you want it to say to your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Welcome sign

Welcome signs are often placed at the entrance of the wedding venue to greet guests as they arrive. Some message ideas for a welcome sign include:

• "Welcome to our beginning"
• "Happily ever after starts here"
• "Sip, sip, hooray! Welcome to our wedding day!"
• "Welcome to the best day ever"
• "Welcome to our forever"
• "Cheers to the..."

Schedule of events

A mirror sign can also be used to display the schedule of events for the wedding. This can include the time and location of the ceremony, reception, and any other activities planned for the day.

Escort card display

Another popular use for mirror signs is to display escort cards, which guide guests to their assigned seats or tables. This can be done simply by writing the table number and guest name on the mirror, or by using a more creative approach, such as a seating chart or display.

Menu

A mirror sign can be used to display the dinner menu at the reception, as well as any signature cocktails or other drinks that will be served. This adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience and allows guests to know what to expect.

Quotes or sentiments

For a more sentimental touch, you may want to include a favourite quote or sentiment on your mirror sign. This could be something that reflects the theme of your wedding, or simply a message that holds special meaning for you and your partner.

Table numbers

Small tabletop mirrors can be used as unique table numbers, with the number and any other relevant information written on them. This adds a stylish element to the table setting and helps guests find their assigned seats.

When selecting your message, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as any specific information you want to convey to your guests. The message should be clear, concise, and reflect the tone of your special day.

Gather your tools

To make a wedding mirror sign, you will need to gather the following tools:

Mirror

Firstly, you will need to source a mirror. You can buy a new one from a home décor store or try your luck at a local thrift shop. Consider the size of the mirror and whether you want a freestanding or tabletop design. You can also choose between a simple or ornate frame, depending on your wedding theme and style.

Spray Paint

If you want to change the colour of your mirror frame, you will need to buy spray paint. Choose a hue that complements your wedding theme, such as metallic gold.

Decals or Paint Pens

You can either buy customisable decals or use a paint pen to write your message on the mirror. If you opt for a decal, you can personalise it with your wedding schedule, a welcome message, or a favourite quote. If you choose to write directly on the mirror, you will need a white paint pen.

Stabilo All-Surface Pencil

If you want to sketch out a draft of your design before finalising it, a Stabilo All-Surface Pencil will allow you to draw on the mirror and easily remove your draft with a paper towel.

Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker

For the inking process, you can use a Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker, which comes in various sizes, including broad, medium, fine, and extra fine. The medium size is good for thickening downstrokes, while the fine marker is perfect for adding details like floral illustrations.

Nail Polish Remover, Cotton Rounds, Paper Towels, and Q-Tips

You can use nail polish remover on cotton rounds or paper towels to remove any drafts or mistakes. For smaller, more intricate corrections that require finesse, you can use Q-tips.

Easel, Sign Stand, or Frame

To display your wedding mirror sign, you can use an easel, sign stand, or frame. If you choose to hang your mirror, you can add drilled holes to the acrylic sign, usually placed 0.5 to 1.5 inches from the top corners.

With these tools gathered, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful and personalised wedding mirror sign.

Draft your design

Before you start writing on your mirror, it's a good idea to plan out your design. Measure the size of the mirror and divide it into sections using an all-surface pencil or masking tape. Mark the middle point of the mirror as a reference, so you can easily map out your layout.

If you're creating a welcome sign, you can divide your design into five equal sections: a top illustration, the text "Welcome to the wedding of", the wedding date, another illustration, and the couple's names and wedding date. You can adjust this layout to fit your specific message and add any additional details you'd like, such as a quote or a space for a selfie.

Another tip is to sketch out a draft of your design on the mirror using an erasable marker or pencil. This way, you can easily make changes and corrections before finalising your design. You can also use a stabilo all-pencil, which marks on various surfaces and can be easily removed with a paper towel without leaving any traces.

If you're happy with your draft, you can start the inking process using an oil-based marker. Choose between different sizes, such as broad, medium, fine, or extra fine. An oil-based marker will give your lettering a glossier finish and faster drying time. For thicker downstrokes, use a medium-sized marker, and for adding details like floral illustrations, opt for a fine-tipped marker.

To avoid smudges, place a small towel under your wrists as you write. If you make any mistakes, you can use nail polish remover on cotton rounds or paper towels to correct them without ruining your work. For smaller mistakes that require more precision, use cotton swabs to avoid damaging the rest of your design.

Finalise your sign

Now that you have your mirror, it's time to finalise your sign. This is where you can get creative and make your sign unique to your wedding. Here are some tips to help you finalise your wedding mirror sign:

• Decide on the message: What do you want your sign to say? Welcome signs, quotes, the schedule of events, and the dinner menu are all popular options. You could also use it as a seating chart or display your wedding date and names. Think about what information your guests will need and what will fit best with your mirror's size and shape.
• Choose your writing instrument: You can use a paint pen, an oil-based marker, or even nail polish and a small brush to write on your mirror. If you're feeling confident, you can freehand your design, or you can use stencils or decals to help you get perfect lettering.
• Practice your layout: Before you start writing on the mirror, practice your layout on paper. This will help you get an idea of how your design will look and ensure that everything fits within the space you have.
• Clean your mirror: Make sure your mirror is clean and free of any fingerprints or smudges before you start writing. This will help ensure that your design looks neat and professional.
• Take your time: Writing on a mirror can be tricky, so take your time and be careful not to smudge your work. If you make a mistake, don't worry! You can use nail polish remover on a cotton swab to correct any errors.
• Add any final touches: Once your writing is dry, you can add any final touches to your sign. This could include decorations around the edge of the mirror, flowers or other props in front of the mirror, or even drill holes to hang your sign from a frame.

Remember, your wedding mirror sign is a fun way to add a personal touch to your big day. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently asked questions