Crafting Wedding Table Number Luminaries: A Guide

Wedding table number luminaries are a great way to elevate the overall style of your wedding. They are both functional and pretty, and can be customised according to the theme of your party. You can use luminaries to display table numbers, creating a romantic ambiance for an evening or winter wedding reception. Luminaries are available in a variety of materials, such as cardstock, vellum, acrylic, and wood, and can be customised with different shapes, colours, and designs. They can also be paired with battery-operated tea lights to create a soft, romantic glow. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of options for customisable wedding table number luminaries, with prices ranging from $2.25 to $128.

Choosing the right paper

When making wedding table number luminaries, the type of paper you choose will depend on the effect you want to create. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right paper:

Type of Paper

The two main types of paper you can use for luminaries are regular bond paper and cardstock. Cardstock is thicker and sturdier, making it a good choice if you want your luminaries to be more durable. Regular bond paper is thinner, allowing more light to pass through and creating a softer glow. If you want the best of both worlds, you can also opt for Cricut Vellum, which will give you the durability of cardstock while still allowing a soft glow of light to shine through.

Colour and Texture

If you're using paper cardstock, you'll have a wide range of colours and textures to choose from. You can opt for a coloured core or a metallic finish for an elegant touch. If you're using regular paper, you can add a layer of vellum to the inside of your luminary for a more opaque look. This will also help to diffuse the light and create a softer glow.

Weight and Thickness

When choosing paper, consider the weight and thickness, especially if you're using a cutting machine. A heavier cardstock may be more difficult to cut and may require a stronger blade. Thicker paper may also be more difficult to work with if you're creating intricate designs. On the other hand, a thinner paper may be more delicate and prone to tearing.

Brand

There are several brands of cardstock that are popular for paper luminaries, including Assorted Starter Pack, Cricut Joy Insert Card Packs, Cardstock Warehouse, Poptone Assorted Variety Pack, and Stardream Metallics Line. These brands offer a range of colours, textures, and weights to choose from.

Other Considerations

When choosing your paper, keep in mind the overall design of your luminaries. If you want to create a clean, modern look, opt for a non-textured cardstock. If you're going for a more rustic or vintage feel, a textured paper may be a better choice. Also, consider the colour of your lighting. LED lights tend to consume less power and dissipate less heat, so they won't be as much of a fire hazard. However, you may want to avoid using real candles with paper luminaries, as they can be a fire hazard.

Using a Cricut Weeding Tool

The Cricut Weeding Tool is an essential instrument for any DIY wedding table number project. It allows you to remove excess material from your cutouts with precision and ease, ensuring a neat and professional finish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the Cricut Weeding Tool effectively:

Step 1: Cut Out Your Designs

Using your Cricut machine, cut out your chosen designs from the desired material. This could be vinyl, cardstock, or any other suitable material. Ensure that your designs are sized appropriately for your table numbers and that you have included any necessary copies in case of errors during the weeding process.

Step 2: Prepare for Weeding

Before you begin weeding, gather all the necessary tools, including your Cricut Weeding Tool. Ensure your work area is well-lit and that you have enough space to work comfortably. If needed, refer back to the previous steps in your chosen DIY project for specific instructions on how to set up your design for weeding.

Step 3: Start Weeding

Using your Cricut Weeding Tool, carefully remove the excess material from your cutouts. Take your time and work with precision to avoid accidentally removing any parts of the design. The weeding process may vary depending on the complexity of your design and the material you are using.

Step 4: Peel Off the Mat

Once you have finished weeding, carefully peel off the mat from the paper or cardstock. Be gentle and ensure that all the cutouts are fully released from the mat. If needed, use the Cricut Weeding Tool to help lift any stubborn pieces.

Step 5: Assemble Your Table Numbers

After weeding and peeling off the mat, it's time to assemble your table numbers. This may involve attaching the numbers to a base, such as small chalkboards or acrylic sheets. Use the Cricut Weeding Tool for minor adjustments to ensure correct alignment and placement.

Step 6: Finalize Your Design

With your table numbers assembled, take a moment to review your work. Ensure that all elements are securely attached and that your design matches your desired outcome. If needed, use the Cricut Weeding Tool to make any final adjustments or corrections.

Remember, the Cricut Weeding Tool is designed for precision work, so take your time and be gentle during the weeding process. With its help, you can create beautifully crafted table numbers that will add a unique and personal touch to your wedding décor.

Uploading images to Design Space

After you have attached all the images together, click the "make it now" button, which will bring you to the canvas mat. Here, you can check and ensure that the paper measurements are correct. After making sure everything is in place, hit the "continue" button.

Depending on the material you will use, this is where you can select the paper settings. If you are using regular bond paper, cardstock, or Cricut Vellum, you can choose 'Paper' on the custom dial on the machine.

After this, you can load your cutting mat and hit the blinking button. Once the machine has cut the paper, take the mat out and weed away. Finally, carefully peel off the mat from the paper and assemble as needed.

Selecting the right paper settings

Choose the Right Paper Type

Decide between using regular bond paper or cardstock for your luminaries. Cardstock, which is thicker and sturdier, is ideal if you want your luminaries to be more durable and stand out. Regular bond paper, on the other hand, is thinner and allows light to pass through, creating a softer glow. If you want an even softer effect, consider using Cricut Vellum, which will cast a gentle luminescence on your tables.

Consider the Light Source

If you plan to use battery-operated tea lights inside your luminaries, take this into account when selecting your paper. Thinner papers like regular bond or Cricut Vellum will allow more light to shine through, enhancing the overall lighting effect. Cardstock will diffuse the light more, resulting in a subtler illumination. Choose the option that best suits the ambiance you wish to create.

Machine Settings

When using a cutting machine, such as a Cricut, pay attention to the custom dial settings. For most paper types, select the 'Paper' setting on the custom dial. This will ensure precise cuts without damaging the material. However, if you're using thicker cardstock, you may need to adjust the settings accordingly for a clean cut. Always do a test cut on a small piece of paper first to ensure you have the right settings before proceeding with your final material.

Paper Size and Design

Ensure that your paper measurements are correct for the bag shape you've chosen. Consider the size of your tables and the overall design of your luminaries. You want the luminaries to be proportionate to the tables and not too large or too small. Play around with different designs and arrangements until you find the perfect layout. Once you're satisfied, attach all the images together to fix your layout and prevent any unwanted rearranging by the design software.

Assembly

After cutting, carefully peel the paper from the mat and assemble your luminaries. This is where your chosen paper type will come into play again. If using cardstock, you may need to score or fold the paper for a neat finish. With regular bond paper or Cricut Vellum, a simple assembly should suffice. Ensure that your luminaries are sturdy and secure, especially if you plan to place them on tables where they might be accidentally knocked over.

Using tea lights

Tea lights are a great way to add a soft, romantic glow to your wedding table luminaries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make wedding table number luminaries using tea lights:

Materials:

• Regular bond paper or cardstock in your preferred colour. Cardstock is sturdier but thicker, while regular paper is thin enough for the light to shine through.
• Battery-operated tea lights
• Cricut Weeding Tool
• Cricut Scoring Stylus

Steps:

• Choose a bag shape that you like. You can download images or designs online and upload them to a design space.
• Arrange the images until you are satisfied and attach them together.
• Click the "make it now" button, which will bring you to the canvas mat. Check that the paper measurements are correct and hit "continue."
• Select the paper settings based on the material you are using.
• Load your cutting mat and start cutting.
• After cutting, carefully weed away the excess material and peel off the mat from the paper.
• Assemble the paper into your chosen bag shape.
• Place the battery-operated tea light inside the luminary.

Tips:

• Using Cricut Vellum is a nice option as it will cast a soft glow on the table.
• Ensure that you do not use real candles with cardstock as it is flammable.
• Consider the colour of the tea lights to create different atmospheres. For example, warm white or amber tea lights can create a softer, more romantic atmosphere, while cool white tea lights can give a brighter, more modern look.
• You can also decorate the luminaries with additional wedding decorations such as greenery, flowers, or ribbons.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and functional wedding table number luminaries using tea lights, adding a special touch to your wedding reception décor.

Frequently asked questions