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How to make a wedding welcome sign

By Bunnings magazine /

A white planter box filled with green plants and pink flowers, with a white welcome sign behind it that reads "Let's Celebrate". [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]

Overview

Build a simple A-frame welcome sign from plywood and pine to create a classic sandwich board with a twist – instead of advertising a business it’s to greet guests attending your next at-home event. The attached planter on the front is designed to hold potted plants you can take out when the party’s over, and the sign folds down for easy storage. Add the words ‘Let’s celebrate’ and you have all special occasions covered - from weddings to milestone birthdays.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cutting list

    From 12mm plywood:

    • Front and back 900mm x 600mm (2)
    • Hinge braces 600mm x 50mm (2)
    • Planter box front 600mm x 192mm
    • Planter box base 576mm x 162mm
    • Planter box back 576mm x 100mm
    • Planter box sides 192mm x 162mm (2)

    Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

  2. 2

    Cut the plywood

    Lay plywood across saw horses. Follow the cutting list (above) to measure, mark, and cut the components using a circular saw. Sand all cut edges, starting with 120-grit and finishing with 240-grit paper. Wipe away dust. Tip: Lay pine offcuts across sawhorses to provide a stable base so the plywood doesn’t bow or pinch the saw blade during the cuts.
    Hands in black gloves holding a piece of plywood next to a circular saw. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  3. 3

    Assemble the box

    Apply a bead of adhesive to the inside top edges of the front and back panels. Predrill the hinge braces with an 8G countersinking bit; secure using 18mm screws. Assemble the planter box using adhesive and clamps. Reinforce the joints by drilling pilot holes using a 6G countersinking bit, then secure with 25mm screws.
    Hands using a drill to drill into a wooden box. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  4. 4

    Add the hinges

    Apply 2-3 coats of self-priming paint to all components with a brush and roller; let dry after each coat. Lay front and back panels with inside faces up, top edges side by side. Position hinges across braces 40mm in from each end, mark holes, predrill with a 3mm bit and secure with 18mm screws.
    A hand using a drill to attach hinges to two white panels. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  5. 5

    Attach the box

    Mark three screw holes on the rear of the front panel, 6mm from the edges, and at 110mm, 200mm and 290mm up from the base. Mark three evenly spaced holes across the panel at 110mm and 200mm; predrill with 6G and 8G countersinking bits respectively. Clamp box to front panel, centred on marks and flush with edges. Secure with 25mm screws at 110mm marks, 18mm screws at the rest.
    A hand using a drill to make screw holes on a clamped white-painted plywood panel. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  6. 6

    Join the panels

    Mark hook placements on the sides of both panels, 15mm in from the edges and 550mm down from the top. Drill pilot holes using a 1.5mm bit. Twist the cup hooks in by hand. Cut two 300mm lengths of chain using bolt cutters, then loop the chains onto cup hooks to join the front and back panels.
    Hands using bolt cutters to cut a chain in front of a white-painted plywood panel. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  7. 7

    Add the wording

    Research calligraphy styles online and practise your chosen script. Use a pencil to lightly sketch wording at the top of the front panel, then trace with an oil-based paint marker pen. Let dry, then erase any visible pencil marks. Insert plant tray into planter box, then add potted plants.
    A hand using a black marker to write "Let's Celebrate" in script on a white-painted plywood panel. [[2609] MAK...me sign_V1 | Word]
  8. 8

    Keep in mind...

    • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • For painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • Paint colours may vary on application.
    • Take care when selecting your plants, as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
  9. 9

    Looking for more hosting ideas?

    Check out our article on outdoor entertaining made easy.


    Photo credit: Adrian Lander, Carly Spooner and Tamara Maynes.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.