Creating A Wedding Card Box: Diy Guide

Wedding card boxes are a great way to add a personal touch to your big day. They can be used to hold greeting cards, money, and gift cards from your guests. With a bit of creativity and some basic supplies, you can easily make your own wedding card box that reflects your style and personality. In this article, we will explore different DIY wedding card box ideas, from rustic to modern, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make your own. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a unique and beautiful wedding card box that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Choosing a theme: Rustic, vintage, boho, beach, or modern? Pick a theme to guide your design choices

When making your own wedding card box, choosing a theme is an important step in the design process. Here are some popular wedding themes to consider:

Rustic

A rustic theme is perfect for couples who want a relaxed and cozy atmosphere for their wedding. This theme often incorporates natural elements such as wood, burlap, and florals. For a rustic wedding card box, you can use a wooden storage box, a vintage suitcase, or even a repurposed old milk can. Burlap and floral accents can be added to create a warm and inviting feel.

Vintage

Vintage-themed weddings are all about elegance and nostalgia. For a vintage wedding card box, consider using an antique-style birdcage, a stack of vintage luggage trunks, or a classic mailbox. You can also wrap a modern card box with vintage-designed contact paper to achieve the desired look.

Boho

Boho weddings embrace a free-spirited and eclectic aesthetic. For a boho wedding card box, you might want to consider a unique option such as a cookie jar, a terrarium, or a stack of vintage suitcases. Incorporating natural elements like wicker, macrame, and dried flowers can also enhance the boho vibe.

Beach

A beach wedding calls for a card box that complements the seaside setting. Consider using a nautical-themed box, such as a wooden lobster trap or a glass box filled with flowers. For a more whimsical option, you could use a mini beach chair or a miniature sailboat as the card box.

Modern

Modern weddings are characterized by sleek and contemporary design elements. For a modern wedding card box, opt for a simple and elegant approach. Acrylic or glass boxes with clean lines and monogrammed details can be a perfect choice. You can also add a touch of modern glamour with metallic accents, such as rose gold or silver.

Remember, your wedding card box should reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Get creative and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Materials: Select materials like wood, acrylic, glass, or wicker to build your box

When making your own wedding card box, the materials you select will depend on the look you are going for. Here are some options to consider:

Wood

Wood is a versatile material that can be used to create a rustic or modern wedding card box. If you opt for a wooden box, you can choose between different types of wood, such as pine, oak, or walnut, which will give your box a unique look and texture. You can also paint, stain, or decorate the wood to match your wedding theme.

Acrylic

Acrylic, also known as Plexiglass, is a popular choice for wedding card boxes due to its modern and elegant appearance. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and highly customizable. Acrylic boxes can be made in various colours, thicknesses, and sizes to suit your preferences. They can also be left transparent, showcasing the cards inside.

Glass

Glass wedding card boxes offer a sophisticated and elegant look. They are often used for terrarium-inspired or greenhouse-themed boxes, filled with flowers or plants that complement the wedding colour scheme. Glass boxes can also be decorated with calligraphy or adorned with other decorative elements.

Wicker

Wicker baskets are a great option for a wedding card box, especially if you are going for a rustic or vintage theme. They are easily accessible and can be decorated with accent pieces to match your wedding decor. Wicker baskets are also versatile and can be used for other purposes after the wedding, serving as a reminder of your special day.

Remember, when selecting your materials, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. You can also mix and match different materials to create a unique and personalised wedding card box.

Size: Determine the size of your box based on your guest list and expected gifts

When making your own wedding card box, it's important to consider the size of your guest list and the number of gifts you expect to receive. If you have a large number of guests, you may want to opt for a larger box to accommodate all the cards and gifts. On the other hand, if you're having a more intimate wedding with a smaller guest list, a smaller box may be sufficient.

It's also a good idea to think about the types of gifts you expect to receive. If you have a wedding registry, some guests may opt to bring cards with gift cards or money instead of physical gifts, especially if they are travelling a long distance to attend your wedding. In this case, you may want to choose a box with a secure lid and a lock to keep these gifts safe.

While the standard box size is about 14 x 9.5 x 5 inches, it's always better to go bigger than smaller to avoid any last-minute scrambling for more space. You can even go for a vintage suitcase or a stack of vintage trunks to offer more space and create an interesting décor piece that doubles as a cardholder.

If you're looking for a more unique option, you could try a DIY project such as a rustic log cardholder or a repurposed mailbox. These options can be customised to fit your desired size and style while adding a creative, personal touch to your special day.

Assembly: Cut and assemble the box frame, cover it with plywood, and add a lid with a card slot

To assemble a wedding card box, you will need the following supplies:

• 3/4" cut square dowels (12' total)
• 1/4" finished plywood (1/4 sheet)
• 3/4" finished plywood (14-1/2" x 12-1/2" section)
• 1-1/4" and 5/8" brads
• Spray paint or flat paint
• Buckle lock latch with matching hinges
• Edge banding and trimmer

First, cut the dowels for the box frame. You will need four 14" sections for the widest parts of the front and back frames, four 9-1/2" sections for the tallest parts, and four 10-1/2" sections to connect the front and back frames.

Next, assemble the box frame. On a flat surface, build two frames (for the front and back) by laying out two 14" sections and separating them with two 9-1/2" sections. Square up the corners with a framing square. Apply wood glue to the ends of the 9-1/2" pieces and secure them between the 14" pieces with clamps. Nail all four corners together with a brad nailer to create two identical frames.

Now, stand the two frames up and separate them with two 10-1/2" pieces, applying wood glue to both ends. Ensure they are square, then nail all four corners. Flip the frame over and repeat with the remaining 10-1/2" pieces. At this point, you should have a finished frame measuring 14" wide by 12" deep by 11" tall.

To cover the box, cut 1/4" finished plywood to the following dimensions: one 14" by 12" piece for the bottom, two 11-1/4" x 12" pieces for the sides, and two 14-1/2" x 11-1/4" pieces for the front and back. Nail the plywood onto the frame in the following order: attach the bottom piece first, then the sides, and finally the front and back. If desired, use spackle to fill in the exposed edges of the plywood, and sand the entire box until smooth.

For the lid, cut a 14-1/2" x 12-1/2" section from the 3/4" plywood. Mark the outline for a card slot, then drill pilot holes inside the outline to accommodate the jigsaw blade. Clamp a straight edge to the board as a guide and cut along the line. Sand the inside edges of the card slot, then apply edge banding to the lid to hide the plywood edge. Sand the lid and edges smooth.

Your wedding card box is now ready to be painted and decorated as you wish!

Decoration: Paint, vinyl, flowers, or latches can be used to decorate and personalise your box

There are many ways to decorate a wedding card box. Paint, vinyl, flowers, and latches are all great options to add a personal touch to your box and make it stand out. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Paint is a versatile option that can be used to decorate your wedding card box in a variety of ways. Consider painting the box in your wedding colours or adding a design that reflects your theme. For a rustic look, try using a distressed paint technique or a vintage-inspired design.
• Vinyl is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding card box. You can use vinyl letters or calligraphy to spell out your names, a meaningful quote, or a special message. Vinyl is also a perfect way to decorate a glass or acrylic card box, adding a touch of shimmer or a custom design.
• Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your wedding card box and can be used in a variety of ways. For a simple approach, place a bouquet of flowers next to the box or surround it with flowers to create a romantic setting. If you're using a glass or terrarium box, you can fill it with flowers or plants that complement your wedding colour scheme.
• Latches and hinges can be decorative and functional additions to your wedding card box. Look for boxes with decorative latches or add your own unique latch to secure the box. Hinged lids can also be embellished with vinyl decals or painted designs to match your theme.

When decorating your wedding card box, consider the overall style or theme of your wedding. Whether you choose paint, vinyl, flowers, or latches, try to incorporate colours, designs, or elements that tie into your wedding vision. Don't be afraid to mix and match different decorative elements to create a unique and personalised box that reflects your style.

Frequently asked questions