A wedding shadow box is a perfect way to commemorate your special day by filling it with nostalgic mementos, gorgeous photographs, and beautiful decals. It’s easy to craft, and the process will fill you with all those happy, loving memories.
We all have wedding keepsakes—yes, even those of us who have been married for over twenty years.
Mine were put away in a box in my closet, out of sight, out of mind. I have been meaning to do this project for a long time and finally set aside some time to get it done.
I created shadow boxes with all of our wedding mementos inside. This is a great way to get them out of the box and into a location where we can see them daily and experience all the loving feels.
This is a much better way to display our memories. I love being able to look at these things anytime I want versus digging in the closet for that lonely box. If you have wedding keepsakes that you are still holding onto, why not create a fun way to display them in your home? I think you will love the results.
I added these to our foyer for now, and they look great hanging next to our other family pictures. Now, I can also reminisce about just how young I look! Boy, time sure does fly!
So gather your favorite wedding memorabilia, and let’s get crafting!
How to Make a Wedding Shadow Box
The beauty of a shadow box craft is that most of the work is already done for you. With a pre-bought structure like a shadow box, all you need to worry about is choosing the perfect mementos to fill it with!
Supplies Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need for this wedding keepsake…
- 12×12 shadow box
- Perforated sheet metal (design of your choice)
- Wedding mementos
- Scrapbooking adhesive
DIY Wedding Shadow Box Instructions
Ready to get crafting? Y’all can whip this project up in just two easy steps and get really pretty results!
Step 1: Add a backing
I started with a couple of 12-inch by 12-inch shadow boxes and some copies of our wedding pictures.
The shadow boxes had a plain linen backing, but I wanted something a little more. So, I started by adding a cut of perforated sheet metal. You can find that at your local craft store in various patterns.
Tip: Purchase your perforated sheet metal to size (12×12) to avoid any necessary trimming.
Step 2: Add mementos
I then dug through those boxes in the closet and pulled out things like our invitation, a napkin from the reception, and my bouquet.
Basically, anything that you still have and want to display. I started adding those items into the shadow boxes.
Tip: Use an adhesive meant for scrapbooking so that it does not discolor any of your precious memories over time.
I secured everything into place including bits and pieces I pulled from my bouquet.
What to Put in a Wedding Shadow Box
What you put in your wedding shadow box is completely up to you – and also based on what you thought to save.
Here are a few keepsake ideas to adorn this project:
- Dried flowers or flower petals from your bouquet
- Favorite photographs
- Wedding veil, or garter
- Name place cards
- Love notes written to your spouse
- Written vows
- A lipstick swatch or kiss
- Wedding invitation
- Jewelry worn on your special day
- A cut of lace from your dress
FAQs
Have more questions about making a wedding shadow box? I’m here to help! If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments below.
How can I put my wedding dress in a shadow box?
To preserve your wedding dress in a shadow box, first, you’re going to need a much larger box! A good, standard size is 40″x 84.″
Choose a box with enough depth so that your dress doesn’t press against the glass. Also, choose glass with UV protection to help preserve your dress for generations to come!
Have your dress professionally cleaned and steamed before storing it. Then, secure it to a dress form or the shadow box backing using fabric-safe pins.
Do I need to dry flowers before I put them in a shadow box?
You MUST dry your flowers before adding them to your wedding shadow box. If you don’t, the flowers will mold and discolor; they may even ruin some of your precious mementos!
To dry your gorgeous blooms, hang them upside down in a dark, well-circulated room for 2-4 weeks. To test if your flowers are dry, check for a papery petal texture and a stem that snaps when folded.
What’s the best way to hang a shadow box?
A shadow box filled with memories can get pretty heavy. Avoid a disaster by properly hanging your shadow box.
To do so, use a stud finder, then mark and drill at a stud. Drill pilot holes, then screw directly into the stud. If you can’t find a stud, use wall anchors for extra security.
More Craft Ideas
Love this way to display keepsakes and looking for more? If so, try these links!
- Wedding Frame with Song Lyrics
- Photo Candles for an Anniversary
- Framed Heart Maps
- DIY Memory Box: Preserve Those Vacation Memories
- Beach in a Bottle Keepsake — Beach Bash Day 10
Supplies
- 12×12 shadow box
- 12×12 perforated metal sheet
- scrapbooking adhesive
- wedding mementos
Instructions
- Add your perforated metal sheet to the back of your shadow box.
- Use scrapbooking adhesive to secure all of your wedding mementos.
