Creating Customized Wooden Wedding Signs: A Diy Guide

Wooden signs are a popular feature at weddings, used to display everything from romantic greetings and witty lines to practical information for guests. They can be costly to have custom-made, but there are plenty of ways to make your own. This might involve salvaging and repurposing old wood, using a Cricut Maker or similar to cut out vinyl letters, or simply painting your chosen design by hand.

Choosing the right wood

When making wedding signs on wood, it's important to choose the right type of wood to ensure your signs are durable, easy to work with, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the wood for your wedding signs:

Type of Wood

The type of wood you choose will depend on the look you want to achieve and the availability of materials. Plywood, such as birch plywood, is a popular choice for wedding signs because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to transport. It also has a smooth surface that is suitable for painting. However, plywood may not have the most attractive colour, so you may want to consider staining or painting it to achieve your desired look.

Alternatively, you can use other types of wood with a grain, ensuring the surface is smooth enough for painting details. If you're looking for a more rustic or weathered look, you can salvage old pieces of wood from junk piles or buy pre-weathered wood. These pieces may require some extra preparation, such as sanding, to create a smooth surface for painting.

Thickness of Wood

The thickness of the wood will depend on the size and purpose of your sign. For smaller signs, you can use thin pieces of wood, such as 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch plywood. For larger signs or those that need to stand on their own, you may need thicker wood or additional support structures.

Stain or Paint

If you want to change the colour or tone of your wood, you can use wood stain, paint, or natural dyes. Apple cider vinegar, tea, and steel wool can be used to create a natural stain that gives the wood an aged look. Alternatively, you can purchase outdoor wood stain in various colours to achieve your desired aesthetic.

Ease of Workability

Consider choosing a type of wood that is easy to work with and cut to size. Plywood is often chosen for its lightweight and workable nature, allowing for easy transportation and customisation. If you're salvaging wood, look for pieces that are relatively smooth and free of splinters or rough edges, reducing the amount of preparation needed.

Availability and Cost

The availability and cost of the wood will also play a role in your decision. Plywood is widely available and inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option. If you're looking to salvage wood, consider asking at DIY stores for any off-cuts or searching through your own junk piles for suitable pieces.

In summary, when choosing the right wood for your wedding signs, consider the type, thickness, desired finish, workability, and cost. By selecting the appropriate wood for your project, you can create beautiful and durable wedding signs that align with your wedding theme and budget.

Painting the sign

Once you've cut your wood to size and sanded it down to remove any splinters or rough edges, it's time to paint your wedding sign.

If you're a skilled calligrapher, you may want to freehand your design. Otherwise, you can use a font on a program like Photoshop to create your design, which you can then print out and trace onto your wood.

If you're hand-painting your sign, use small paintbrushes to carefully fill in the letters with paint. Practice painting thin lines on a piece of scrap wood first to get a feel for the right brush and paint combination. Leave the paint to dry, and your sign is complete!

Alternatively, you can use vinyl lettering for your design. You can cut this out yourself using a vinyl machine, or you can hire someone to do it for you.

Adding a stand

Materials and Preparation:

Firstly, gather the necessary materials. You will need thin pieces of wood for the sign, preferably 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch plywood or other wood planks cut to your desired size. You will also need 2x4 wood pieces for the posts and stands. If you're using paint for your design, make sure to have paintbrushes in various sizes, including small ones for fine lines and a heavier brush for staining the wood. If you plan to use vinyl letters or designs, you may want to use a Cricut Maker or a similar tool.

Cutting and Sanding:

Cut your pieces of wood to the desired size using a table saw. If you're using salvaged or repurposed wood, you might find that the pieces are already cut to a suitable size. Sand the wood to get rid of any splinters or rough edges, especially if you're working with old plywood or salvaged wood.

Designing and Painting:

Before adding the stand, you'll want to finalise the design of your sign. If you're painting your design, use a pencil to sketch out the words or images you want on the wood. You can then hand-paint your design with the chosen paint colour. If you're using vinyl letters or a stencil, apply them carefully to the wood.

Attaching the Stand:

Now it's time to attach the stand to your sign. Cut the 2x4 lumber pieces to the desired length, ensuring they are tall enough to make the sign visible. You'll want to cut them at around 4 feet long. Screw the 2x4 piece to the back of your sign, creating the stand.

Final Touches and Display:

Your wooden wedding sign with a stand is almost ready! Consider adding some decorative elements, such as greenery or flowers, to enhance its elegance. If you're placing the sign outdoors, you can pound the stand into the ground to secure it. Alternatively, you can add a base to the sign with extra 2x4s to ensure stability. Now, find the perfect spot to display your sign, whether it's at the entrance, near the gift table, or anywhere else that suits your wedding setup.

Using a stencil

First, you'll need to create your stencil. You can do this by hand, drawing or writing out the words you want to stencil onto your sign in pencil. If you don't trust your freehand skills, you can print out your chosen words in your chosen font and then cut around the letters with a craft knife. Alternatively, you could use a die-cutting machine to cut out your letters.

Once you have your stencil, place it on your wooden panel and secure it with masking tape. You can then use a pencil to trace the letters, or paint directly onto the wood using a small paintbrush. If you're using paint, be sure to practise on a test piece of wood first to ensure you're happy with the thickness of your brushstrokes.

If you want to add a decorative element to your sign, you could consider using a vinyl application. This will give you the ability to design something unique without worrying about making mistakes.

Decorating with flowers/greenery

Decorating with flowers and greenery is a great way to add a natural, elegant touch to your wooden wedding signs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choosing the Right Flowers and Greenery

Select flowers and greenery that complement your wedding theme and colour palette. If you're having an outdoor wedding, choose flowers that can withstand the elements, such as eucalyptus, roses, and lilies. You can also use other natural elements like pine cones or fake flowers if fresh flowers are not available or if you want a longer-lasting option.

Greenery Welcome Sign

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by incorporating greenery into your welcome sign. A simple yet effective idea is to pair a wooden sign with a greenery backdrop, such as eucalyptus, to create a rustic and elegant look. This combination works well with white lanterns, adding a touch of charm to your wedding decor.

Statement Greenery Sign

If you're a lover of all things green, make a bold statement with a large graphic greenery sign. This idea works especially well as a backdrop for photos, either indoors or outdoors in a garden setting. Bring the outdoors in by adding some potted plants to your indoor venue to ensure your sign remains visible and vibrant.

Whiskey Barrel Sign

For a rustic twist, use a wooden whiskey barrel as your wedding sign. You can place it at the entrance to your venue or use it to welcome guests as they arrive. Customise the barrel with your names or even let guests sign their names on it as a unique keepsake.

Floral and Greenery Details

Add delicate floral and greenery details to your wooden signs for a whimsical touch. You can attach small flowers or greenery sprigs to the corners of your sign, or wrap a garland of greenery around the frame for a more romantic and lush look. This is a great way to bring colour and life to your signage.

Combining with Other Elements

Don't be afraid to mix and match your wooden signs with other materials such as metal, paper mache, or cloth. For example, you could have a wooden base with a paper flower backdrop or a cloth banner with a wooden frame. Combining different elements adds texture and interest to your wedding decor.

Frequently asked questions