Crafting A Wedding Reception Post Box: Creative Diy Ideas

Wedding post boxes are a great way to collect guests' cards and well-wishes at your wedding reception. They can be used as a decorative centrepiece and can be personalised to match your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can hire or buy a pre-made post box, or you can make your own DIY wedding post box. Here are some ideas for how to make your own wedding reception post box:

- Use a wicker hamper or picnic basket – perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding, decorate with bunting and flower garlands.

- Hire or buy a life-size or miniature Royal Mail-style post box – you can paint it or leave it as it is.

- Use a candle lantern with a latch and glass sides – decorate with paint pens or decals.

- Use an old barrel – polish or varnish, cut a slot in the top and paint 'Cards' on the side.

- Use a glass container such as a clear glass vase or jar.

- Use a wooden crate or box – paint it to match your wedding colour scheme.

- Use a vintage suitcase – fill with second-hand books and flowers, or string up paper planes inside.

Choosing a box

Size

First, consider the size of the box. If you are expecting a large number of cards and well-wishes, opt for a larger box. On the other hand, if you are having a more intimate wedding with fewer guests, a smaller box will do the trick.

Style and Theme

You'll want to choose a box that fits the style and theme of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic look? A wooden crate, wicker hamper, or vintage suitcase might be perfect. Is your wedding more modern or elegant? Consider an acrylic box, decorative frame, or glass container. For a fairytale wedding, a wishing well post box adds a whimsical touch.

Colour

Think about the colour scheme of your wedding and choose a box that complements it. You can opt for a classic white or ivory box, or go for something more bold and colourful. If you're feeling crafty, you can even paint or decorate a plain box to match your wedding colours.

Personalisation

Personalising your wedding post box adds a special touch. Many online sellers offer customisation options, such as engraving or painting your names and wedding date on the box. You could also add decorative elements like flowers, bunting, or decals to make it unique.

Security

If you want to ensure the safety of your cards and gifts, consider choosing a box with a lock and key. This is especially useful if you plan to leave the box unattended during your wedding reception.

DIY or Pre-made

Whether you decide to make your own wedding post box or purchase a pre-made one is entirely up to you. DIY boxes can be a fun project and allow you to customise every detail. On the other hand, pre-made boxes offer convenience and can still be personalised to match your wedding theme.

Adding a lock

• Wooden Card Box with Lock: Etsy offers a variety of wooden card boxes with locks, such as the "Classic Wedding Card Box with Slot and Lock" or the "Wooden Card Box with Slot, Bridal Shower Card Holder." These boxes often feature a rustic or vintage look and can be personalized with your names and wedding date.
• Acrylic Card Box with Lock: Another option is to choose an acrylic card box with a lock. These boxes allow guests to display their well-wishes, creating a beautiful decoration. You can find them on Etsy or Amazon, and some even include a picture frame for a personalized touch.
• Suitcase Card Box with Lock: For a chic and vintage look, consider a suitcase-style card box with a lock. These can be easily found on Etsy and often include a decorative lock-and-key feature.
• Mailbox-Style Card Box with Lock: If you're going for a classic or vintage theme, a mailbox-style card box with a lock is a perfect choice. You can find these on Amazon or Etsy, and they come in a variety of colors and styles, such as the "Vintage Wedding Mailbox Post Box" or the "Royal Mail-Style Post Box."
• Customizable Lock Options: When selecting a card box with a lock, consider the type of lock you prefer. Some boxes offer a simple lock-and-key mechanism, while others feature a heart-shaped lock for a more romantic touch. You can also opt for a card box with a rubber band or clasp closure if you want a more subtle security feature.
• Security and Assembly: Ensure that your chosen lock provides adequate security for your cards and gifts. Some boxes come with upgraded lock designs or rubber bands to hold the box tightly closed. Additionally, pay attention to the assembly instructions for your chosen box. While some boxes might be straightforward to assemble, others might require more careful instructions to ensure proper locking functionality.

Remember, your wedding post box can be customized to fit your theme and color scheme, and adding a lock will give you peace of mind while celebrating your special day.

Decorating the box

There are many ways to decorate a wedding reception post box. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Classic post box: Go for a charming red, cylindrical Royal Mail post box or a more squared box like the "Special Delivery" Letter Box.
• Mini tin mailboxes: These are very sweet and can be given to each guest as a favour, with their own card to fill in and display.
• Vintage style: For a vintage or rustic theme, opt for a wicker hamper or picnic basket, or a vintage suitcase. Decorate with bunting, flower garlands, or second-hand books and flowers.
• Modern twist: For a modern or minimalist wedding, a simple wire or wooden basket can be effective. Alternatively, a clear glass vase or jar is a great way to display cards.
• Creative flair: Get creative with a decorative book box, a wooden crate, an acrylic "phantom" box, or even a birdcage!
• Personal touch: Add your own twist by painting the box, wrapping it in fabric, or adding glitter, stamps, or stickers.
• DIY: For a unique post box, you can make your own from cardboard and decorate it however you like.
• Themed: Match your post box to your wedding theme. For example, a beach wedding could have a beach hut post box, or a travel-themed wedding could feature a globe card box.

Making it stand out

There are many ways to make your wedding post box stand out. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Choose a unique design: Instead of a traditional post box, opt for something more unusual such as a vintage suitcase, a bird cage, a glass container, or even a Lego card box!
• Add personal touches: Decorate your post box with items that reflect your personality and interests. For example, if you love music, add some of your favourite tracks to the design. Or, if you're a bookworm, create a box in the shape of a vintage book.
• Get creative with materials: Think outside the box (pun intended!) when it comes to materials. For a rustic wedding, consider using a wooden crate or wicker hamper. For something more modern, try an acrylic "phantom" box that puts the cards on display.
• Make it interactive: Instead of a traditional box, why not try something like a decorative frame that guests can peg their cards to, or a Jenga set or puzzle that they can add their cards to?
• Customise it: Many post boxes can be personalised with your names, photos, or wedding colours. You can also add special designs or symbols that hold meaning for you and your partner.
• Go big: Make sure your post box is big enough to accommodate all the cards you expect to receive. It's always better to go too big than too small!
• Add some bling: If you want your post box to really stand out, consider adding some glitter, gold or silver accents, or even a working light (like on a lighthouse card box!)!
• Think about the little details: Small touches like a heart-shaped lock or a silk ribbon can make your post box extra special.

Where to buy

Wedding post boxes are a great way to collect your guests' well-wishes and can serve as a beautiful decoration at your wedding reception. If you're looking to buy a wedding post box, here are some options to explore:

Online Marketplaces

Etsy and eBay are excellent sources for unique and personalised wedding post boxes. You can find a variety of options, including vintage suitcases, wooden crates, acrylic boxes, and more. These platforms offer a wide range of styles and designs to match your wedding theme, and many sellers provide customisation options.

Retailers

• Hobbycraft: Offers a variety of pre-made cardboard post boxes that you can decorate with paint, fabric, glitter, or stickers.
• IKEA: For a budget-friendly option, IKEA's Socker greenhouse for £12 can be transformed into a charming post box with a simple decal.
• Not On The High Street: Features a range of wooden post boxes, including a beach hut design, as well as gift sacks and glass jars.
• Confetti: Showcases creative wedding post box ideas, such as decorative book boxes, wooden crates, acrylic boxes, and birdcages.
• Make Memento: Specialises in hand-painted wooden post boxes with customisation options for colour, size, and text.

Rental Services

If you're looking to hire a post box rather than purchase one, consider checking local rental companies or event planning services. They may offer life-size or miniature Royal Mail-style post boxes in various colours and themes, such as red glittery or white and gold designs.

Whether you decide to buy or rent a wedding post box, there are plenty of options available to suit your style and budget.

Frequently asked questions