Easy, Diy Wedding Signs: A Creative Guide

Wedding signs are a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be used to welcome and guide guests, provide information, and add to the decor. DIY-ing your wedding signs can also be a great way to save money. Here are some simple ideas and techniques to help you create your own wedding signs:

- Printed Design Transfer: Design and print your sign onto regular paper, then use a pencil, chalk, or transfer paper to trace the design onto your chosen surface. You can then colour it in with markers, paint, or gold leaf.

- Paint Over Stickers: Paint your sign, apply letter or number stickers, then paint over them. Remove the stickers to reveal your design.

- Use a Stencil: Paint your surface and use a stencil to apply your design with gentle pressure and a small amount of paint. Remove the stencil immediately and wash it for reuse.

- Paint Your Own Chalkboard: Sand a piece of plywood, then use a roller to apply several coats of chalkboard paint. Sand between coats and again after the final coat. Prime the chalkboard by rubbing chalk over the entire surface and then wiping it away.

- Welcome Sign: Use a large board made of gator board, foam board, or acrylic to print a photo of the couple, a quote, or add natural elements like flowers and plants.

- Gift Table Sign: Use a chalkboard to inform guests where they can leave gifts and cards. You can also add a note about seating arrangements.

- Just Married Sign: Use self-adhesive vinyl letters to spell out just married along with the couple's names and wedding date on the rear window of a car.

- Simple Designs: Focus on simple, elegant designs that align with your skill level and wedding theme. Less is often more, and you can still create an impactful sign without overextending yourself.

- Upcycle: Use items you already have, such as a large picture frame with glass, an old mirror, or a cheeseboard, and add your chosen design.

Using a chalkboard

Finding the Right Chalkboard

First, you'll need to get your hands on a chalkboard. You can buy a ready-made chalkboard from a craft store or home improvement store. Alternatively, you can make your own chalkboard by purchasing a piece of plywood or artist's board and painting it with chalkboard paint. You can also upcycle an old picture frame by removing the glass and replacing it with chalkboard contact paper.

Preparing Your Chalkboard

If you're using a wooden chalkboard, it's a good idea to sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper before painting. This will create a smooth surface for your chalk designs. Once your chalkboard is smooth, use a roller or spray paint to apply an even coat of chalkboard paint. Let the paint dry for about two hours, then gently sand the surface again. Repeat this process up to five times, or until the paint looks thick and even. Finally, let the chalkboard dry for 72 hours in a safe place.

Designing Your Chalkboard

Now comes the fun part – designing your chalkboard! Before you start, gather your materials: chalk, chalk ink markers or pencils, and any decorations you want to add. If you're using regular chalk, wet it before writing, as this will brighten the colour and thicken the lines. You can also use chalk ink markers or pencils, which come in a variety of colours. Create your design directly on the chalkboard, or print out a template and transfer it using graphite transfer paper. Remember to keep your design simple and legible, especially if it's a sign meant to guide your guests.

Placement Ideas for Your Chalkboard Signs

Chalkboard signs are versatile and can be used anywhere at your wedding. Here are some ideas:

• Welcome sign at the entrance
• Food and drink menus
• Bridal party names
• Photo booth directions
• "Sit anywhere" sign
• Memorial table for loved ones
• Dance floor instructions

So, get creative and have fun making your own chalkboard wedding signs!

Printing a design

Step 1: Create Your Design

Open a word processor and choose a classy font in a size that will be easily readable from a distance. Type out the words you want to appear on your sign and flip the page to landscape mode if you need more space. You can also add images to your design if desired.

Step 2: Print Your Design

Print out your design on paper. If your sign is small, you may be able to fit the entire design on a single sheet of paper. For larger signs, you may need to print each word separately to make the font size as large as possible. Leave a few spaces between words if printing them together, as you will need to cut the paper later.

Step 3: Prepare Your Sign Material

Purchase plywood boards from a home improvement store. You can cut the wood to your desired size using a handsaw or circular saw. Sand the wood with medium-grit sandpaper (60 to 80) followed by fine-grit sandpaper (100 to 180) for a smoother finish. You can also stain the wood to give it a unique colour.

Step 4: Transfer Your Design

Tape your printed design onto the sign, making sure the words are centred and the correct size. You can use graphite transfer paper to make the design easier to see. Outline the design with a sharp pencil, pressing firmly so that the lead transfers to the wood. Remove the paper and adjust as needed.

Step 5: Colour Your Design

Use chalk ink markers, paint, or paint markers to colour in your design. You can also add additional decorations, such as flowers or other personal touches, by hand.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to create a more intricate design, consider using stickers, stencils, or adhesive silkscreen stencils.
• For a modern look, try making a DIY acrylic sign by printing your design onto multiple sheets of paper and then tracing it onto an acrylic board.
• If you're short on time or crafting skills, consider using a pre-made chalkboard and simply customising it with floral and leafy accents.

Stencilling

Step 1: Prepare your surface

Start by preparing your surface. If you're using wood, give it a good sanding with medium and then fine-grit sandpaper. If you're using glass, metal or plastic, this step isn't necessary.

Step 2: Paint your surface

Next, paint your surface with your chosen background colour. Spray paint works well, but you can also use a roller or brush. You may need to apply several coats to get an even finish, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.

Step 3: Prepare your stencil

Before you start stencilling, take a step back and confirm that your design looks the way you want it to. Ask a friend to check that they can read everything from a distance. You can buy adhesive stencils from a craft store, or make your own design on a computer or by cutting stencil paper with a craft knife.

Step 4: Stencil your design

Arrange your stencils on the board and firmly adhere them. Use a small amount of paint and gentle pressure to dab the paint through the stencil. As soon as you've finished painting, remove the stencils and wash them with warm soapy water.

Step 5: Finishing touches

Now for the fun part! Once you have the basic design in place, think about ways to personalise your sign. You can add stickers, ribbons, photos and other decorations. Use decoupage glue to hold them in place.

Top tips

• If you use too much paint, or if your stencil isn't completely adhered to the surface, it will bleed under the design and ruin your sign.
• If you're using spray paint, you can use painter's tape to protect the space around the stencils.
• Stencils are reusable, so set them aside in case you need them again.
• If you don't want to use stencils, you can create a similar effect by painting over stickers.

Using a light-up sign

Choose Your Design

Start by deciding on the design for your light-up sign. You can choose a quote, your names, the wedding date, or a fun message like "Let's Dance!". If you want to include your wedding hashtag, that can be a great way to light up your decor and encourage guests to use your hashtag. You can also opt for a simple "BAR" or "YUM" sign to point guests in the right direction.

Select Your Materials

Once you have your design, it's time to choose the materials for your sign. You can opt for a pre-made LED neon sign or create your own using plywood, chalkboard, or acrylic. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use a mirror as your base.

Gather Your Supplies

Depending on your design and materials, you'll need supplies like paint, stickers, chalk, markers, lights, or a pre-made neon sign. If you're using plywood, you might want to sand and stain the wood for a refined look. Don't forget to factor in the cost of supplies, as they can add up, especially if you're creating multiple signs.

Create Your Sign

Now it's time to bring your design to life! If you're using a pre-made neon sign, simply set it up and plug it in. If you're creating your own, you can use techniques like printing and transferring a design, painting over stickers, or using stencils. For a chalkboard sign, sand the surface, apply several coats of chalkboard paint, and prime it with chalk.

Add Lighting

To make your sign light up, you can use fairy lights, string lights, or LED lights. Ensure the lighting is safe and won't pose a fire hazard. You can drape lights around your sign or incorporate them into the design itself.

Display Your Sign

Finally, find the perfect spot to display your light-up sign. These signs are great for photo backdrops, near the dance floor, or to highlight important areas like the bar or gift table. Don't forget to plug in your sign or insert batteries to ensure it stays lit throughout the event!

Using a mirror

Using mirrors as wedding signs is a great way to add a unique and elegant touch to your special day. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating your own DIY wedding mirror signs:

Choosing the Right Mirror:

• Start by selecting a mirror that fits your wedding theme and style. You can opt for a simple or ornate frame, depending on your preference. Consider the size of the mirror, especially if you plan to display it on a table or easel.
• You can find mirrors at local thrift shops, home décor stores, or even online. Some mirrors come with customisable decals, allowing you to personalise your message.

Preparing the Mirror:

• If you want to change the colour of your mirror, spray paint it with a metallic gold or a hue that complements your wedding theme. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area when spray painting.
• Once the paint is dry, use a white paint pen or oil-based paint pen to write your desired message on the mirror. You can also use chalk markers or chalk ink pencils for a temporary design.
• If you're not confident in your handwriting, consider purchasing customisable decals from sites like Etsy. You can personalise them with your wedding schedule, quotes, or a welcome message.

Wedding Mirror Sign Ideas:

• Welcome Sign: A wedding mirror sign is a great way to welcome your guests and set the tone for the celebration. You can place it at the entrance of your ceremony or reception venue.
• Escort Card Display: Use a standing mirror to display escort cards, combining functionality and style.
• Tabletop Signs: Small mirrors can be used on tabletops to provide instructions or reminders, such as signing the guest book.
• Menu Display: Write down the dinner menu on a mirror and prop it up at the reception, giving your guests a sneak peek of the delicious offerings.
• Seating Chart: With a large mirror, you can create a creative seating chart. Write the seating assignments directly on the mirror's surface with a white paint pen or use adhesive vinyl letters.
• Table Numbers: Direct your guests to their tables with tabletop vanity mirrors emblazoned with table numbers.
• Schedule of Events: Keep your guests informed by displaying the schedule of events on a mirror at the front of your venue.
• Quote Display: Use a mirror to showcase one of your favourite quotes, adding a sentimental touch to your wedding décor.

Additional Tips:

• When writing on the mirror, ensure your message is legible from a distance.
• Consider the placement of your mirror sign to ensure it complements the overall wedding décor and doesn't obstruct any important views.
• If you're concerned about the mirror breaking, opt for a shatter-resistant mirror or acrylic alternative.

Frequently asked questions