Creating Wedding Signs: A Microsoft Word Guide

Wedding signs are a great way to add a personalised touch to your big day. Whether you're looking to create a warm welcome for your guests, provide practical information, or simply add to the decor, making your own wedding signs in Microsoft Word is a fun and easy way to get crafty. From choosing the right font to picking a frame, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make DIY wedding signs that are truly unique to you and your partner.

Choosing the right fonts for your wedding signs

• Consider your wedding theme and aesthetic: Choose a font that complements the style of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, fonts like old typewriter, Times New Roman, or Garamond can add a rustic charm. For a modern wedding, fonts like Century Gothic or Avant Garde can create a sleek and contemporary look.
• Legibility is key: While some fonts may look great, always consider if they are easy to read. Highly scripted or thin fonts may be difficult for your guests to read, especially on smaller signs or from a distance. Opt for clear and legible fonts to ensure your guests can easily access the information on your signs.
• Create contrast: Combining different font styles can make your signs more engaging and memorable. Try pairing a script font with a sans serif font to add visual interest. However, be intentional about the contrast and avoid mixing too many fonts, as it can look haphazard.
• Emphasize important information: Use fonts strategically to highlight important details such as the names of the couple, the date, or the location. You can use larger font sizes, accent fonts, or capitalization to draw attention to key information.
• Keep it consistent: Use the same font throughout your wedding signage and stationery to create a cohesive look. This helps to tie together the different elements of your wedding, from the invitations to the programs, escort cards, and decor.
• Personalize your signs: If you want to add a unique touch, consider using fonts that reflect your personality or the theme of your wedding. For example, if you love calligraphy, incorporate handwritten-style fonts. You can also find inspiration from your favourite TV shows or movies, or even use a font that resembles your own handwriting.
• Script fonts: These fonts mirror cursive writing and often feature long, loopy characters with flourishes. They are traditional and formal, adding elegance to your signs. Examples include Wedding Script Font, Marrie Dream, Daysha, and Amarithe.
• Serif fonts: Serif fonts have decorative lines at the ends of each character, either in a traditional or modern style. They are easy to read and work well for smaller text sizes. Examples include Didot, Adelio Darmanto, and Elsie.
• Sans serif fonts: These fonts have clean, simple letters without the decorative tails of serif fonts. They bring a modern and minimalist feel to your signs. Examples include Groce, Deluce, and Qualey.

Using floating frames with two panes of glass

To make wedding signs using Microsoft Word, you can start by picking your frame. If you can find floating frames with two panes of glass, these are the easiest to work with. Plan out what you want your sign to say and choose a font that suits your style and is legible. You can then open Microsoft Word and type out your text to the desired size. For big words that are easy to read from a distance, fill each page with one word.

Once you have your text, print it out and tape it to the back of the glass. You can then start painting by grabbing a chalk marker and tracing over your text. Once you're done, remove the paper and let the paint dry. You can then paint the back of the glass with the colour of your choice.

Floating frames with two panes of glass are a great option for wedding signs as they are easy to work with. To use these frames, you will need to first plan out what you want your sign to say and choose a font that you like. You can then open Microsoft Word and type out your text, sizing it appropriately. Once you're happy with the layout, print it out and tape it to the back of one of the panes of glass.

You can then grab a chalk marker and start tracing over your text. If you're using a chalk paint marker, be sure to shake it before opening and press the tip down onto some scrap paper a few times to ensure a smooth line. Once you've finished tracing, remove the paper and let the paint dry. You can then paint the back of the glass with the colour of your choice.

To assemble the frame, sandwich your text between the two panes of glass. You may need something to hold the glass in place, such as push pin glazier points or picture turn buttons. Finally, reassemble the frame and hang it up.

Adding natural elements to your signs

Adding natural elements to your wedding signs is a great way to bring a rustic theme to life. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Greenery and Flowers

Greenery and flowers can add a natural and elegant touch to your wedding signs. Eucalyptus and willow leaf garlands are a popular choice, as they provide a lush and colourful trim to any signage. You can also try using other types of greenery, such as tree branches, wildflowers, or floral arrangements to create a rustic and whimsical look.

Wood and Nature-Inspired Materials

Wooden wedding signs are perfect for a rustic theme, and you can combine them with natural elements for a unique look. Consider using tree branches as a base for your signs, or opt for recycled wood slices for a more sustainable option. If you want to add a pop of colour, paint the wood with earthy tones like burgundy, emerald green, or navy blue. You can also incorporate natural textures and colours by using materials such as leather, twine, or bark.

Directional Signs with a Twist

If your wedding is outdoors, you can use nature to your advantage by creating directional signs that blend in with the surroundings. For example, you can mount calligraphed words on tree branches or use rugged leather signs with hand-painted lettering. These signs can guide your guests to different areas of the wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, or entertainment areas.

Simple and Elegant Designs

When adding natural elements to your wedding signs, it's important to keep the design simple and elegant. Too many elements can make the sign look cluttered and overwhelming. Focus on a few key features, such as a beautiful font, delicate calligraphy, or a simple illustration. This will ensure that your natural elements stand out and create a memorable impact.

Personalised Touches

Adding natural elements to your wedding signs provides a great opportunity to incorporate personalised touches. You can include your favourite sentimental quotes, poems, or phrases. Consider using a combination of natural materials, such as wood, leather, and greenery, to create a unique and meaningful sign that reflects your style and personality.

By incorporating natural elements into your wedding signs, you can achieve a rustic and elegant look that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. So get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and designs to make your special day truly yours!

Including your wedding hashtag on signs

Choosing the Right Font

The font you choose for your wedding hashtag sign is important. You'll want to select a font that is legible and fits the style of your wedding. If you're going for a rustic look, consider fonts like old typewriter, Times New Roman, Garamond, or Scriptina. For a more modern feel, try Century Gothic or Avant Garde. You can also download free fonts from sites like Dafont.com and fontsquirrel.com.

Sign Placement

To ensure your guests see your wedding hashtag, place signs in multiple locations throughout your venue. Consider putting a sign at the entrance or on a welcome sign, near the guest book or card table, at the bar, in the photo booth area, and on tables. You can also include your hashtag on cocktail napkins or other decor items.

Sign Design

When designing your wedding hashtag sign, consider using a simple and elegant design that aligns with your wedding theme. You can use a chalkboard, mirror, acrylic, wood, or even a neon sign. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own sign by printing out your text, tracing it onto a piece of glass or chalkboard, and then painting it. This adds a personal touch to your decor.

Timing

Start planning your wedding signs early to give yourself enough time to create them. If you're making your own, it's a good idea to test out the design and layout beforehand. This will help you avoid any last-minute rushes or mistakes.

Other Ways to Share Your Hashtag

In addition to signs, there are other ways to share your wedding hashtag with your guests. You can include it on your wedding invitations, announce it at pre-wedding events, or even display it on a neon sign or illuminated marquee board. The more places your guests see your hashtag, the more likely they are to use it!

DIY acrylic signs for weddings

Acrylic signs are a great way to add an elegant touch to your wedding decor. They are also a fun DIY project that you can do yourself or with your wedding party. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to create your own acrylic signs, with or without a cutting machine.

Materials

First, you will need to gather your materials. The main component you will need is an acrylic sheet. Acrylic sheets can be found at hardware stores, such as Home Depot, in the Plexiglass section. They come in various sizes, thicknesses, and colours, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that thicker acrylic sheets tend to be more expensive. You can also purchase smaller sheets for projects like escort cards or table numbers from online shops, such as Etsy.

In addition to the acrylic sheet, you will need:

• A home printer
• Tape
• Paint markers (oil-based paint markers with thicker paint consistency work best, such as Uni POSCA)
• A cutting machine (optional)
• Vinyl
• Transfer tape
• A stencil paintbrush
• Acrylic paint

Methods

There are three main methods you can use to create your acrylic signs: the trace method, the stencil method, and the vinyl method.

The Trace Method

• Prepare your acrylic sheet by removing the protective backing from one side.
• Using your home computer, print out the design you want on your sign. Make sure to trim the excess paper from the design.
• Attach the design to the back of the acrylic sheet using tape, ensuring it is properly aligned.
• Outline the design with your paint marker and then fill in the space.
• Allow the paint to dry, and then remove the design and backing from the acrylic sheet. You can add paint to the back of the sheet to make the design stand out even more!

The Stencil Method

• Cut out your design using an electronic cutting machine.
• Weed the vinyl by removing the letters to create a stencil.
• Apply transfer tape to the top of the vinyl stencil and secure it with a vinyl scraper tool.
• Turn it over and scrape the back of the vinyl design, then trim the excess transfer tape.
• Apply the stencil to the acrylic sheet using the hinge method.
• Paint the acrylic sheet using acrylic paint and a stencil paintbrush.
• Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the vinyl stencil and any small vinyl pieces.
• Remove the acrylic sheet backing.

The Vinyl Method

• Cut out your design using an electronic cutting machine.
• Weed the vinyl by removing the excess and leaving only your design.
• Apply transfer tape to the top of the vinyl and secure it with the vinyl scraper tool.
• Turn it over, scrape the back of the vinyl design, and trim any excess transfer tape.
• Apply the vinyl to the acrylic sheet using the hinge method and remove the transfer tape.
• Remove the acrylic sheet backing.

Tips

• When using paint markers on acrylic, it is important to use a thicker paint consistency to avoid smudging.
• If you are using a stencil or vinyl method, ensure that you have a smooth surface for painting to avoid paint bleeding through.
• Start your DIY projects early to avoid any last-minute rushes and give yourself time to correct any mistakes.
• Mix and match your materials by combining acrylic with wood or glass for a unique and personalized touch.

Fonts

When creating your design, choose a font that is legible and suits the style of your wedding. Some font options to consider include:

• Foxglow
• Aquarelle
• Narkisim
• Scriptina
• Brock Script
• Isadora ITC
• Gabriola
• Century Gothic
• Avant Garde

You can also find a variety of free fonts to download from sites like Dafont.com and fontsquirrel.com.

Frames

Consider using floating frames with two panes of glass to display your acrylic signs. This will protect your sign and make it easier to handle.

With these tips and instructions, you can create beautiful and elegant DIY acrylic signs for your wedding!

Frequently asked questions