Wedding card boxes are an essential part of any wedding reception decor. This decorative box provides guests a place to deposit greeting cards and monetary gifts for the newlyweds. Selecting the right card box to match your wedding theme and style is an important detail that deserves attention. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, designing, and incorporating a beautiful wedding card box into your reception.
What Is a Wedding Card Box?
A wedding card box, sometimes called a wishing well, is a receptacle provided at the wedding reception where guests can place greeting cards and monetary gifts for the bride and groom. It serves as a centralized location for guests to deliver their cards and gifts on the wedding day.
The box is usually placed in a prominent area near the guestbook signing table or gift table at the reception venue. Some couples opt to place small slit openings on the top of the box for discreet gift-giving. Others choose wide, open-top boxes for transparency.
Choosing a coordinating box that fits with your wedding theme sets the visual tone. The design possibilities are endless – from elegant accessories to DIY masterpieces. A beautifully-designed card box adds a special decorative touch to the event while serving an important functional purpose.
Why Have a Wedding Card Box?
Couples choose to provide a wedding card box for their reception for several practical reasons:
Keep Gifts Safe and Secure
A dedicated card box safely stows away monetary gifts and heartfelt cards until the reception ends. This prevents envelopes from getting lost in the shuffle on busy wedding days. The box keeps the gifts secure and provides peace of mind.
Create a Focal Point
The card box naturally becomes a focal point, attracting attention as guests arrive and mingle. A creatively-designed or personalized box adds visual interest to the reception décor.
Offer Guest Convenience
Guests appreciate the simplicity of having an obvious place to deliver their envelopes. Easy gift-giving keeps the reception festivities flowing smoothly.
Express Style & Theme
Customizing the card box allows couples to showcase their unique taste and wedding style. It serves as a meaningful decorative element that completes the event vision.
Make Gift Inventory Easier
Having one centralized location to collect envelopes makes it easier to inventory gifts after the hectic wedding day winds down. Couples can tally up gifts and send thank you notes more efficiently.
Popular Wedding Card Boxes Styles & Designs
Wedding card boxes come in many beautiful forms to complement diverse wedding aesthetics. Here are some of the most popular styles and designs for modern weddings:
Simple & Chic Boxes
A classic rectangular card box in a neutral color or soft hue exudes refined, simplistic style. Adorn with a bow, flowers, or signage to customize. This versatile design suits casual backyard weddings to black-tie affairs.
Vintage Suitcases
For a retro vibe, place gifts in a vintage-inspired suitcase propped open. Look for antique replicas in colors like seafoam green or metallic copper. Add flair with ribbon, fabric, or fresh blooms.
Wooden Chests
An antique-looking wooden chest offers a timeless, romantic feel. Ornate carved details give a formal allure. Choose medium oak, deep mahogany or whitewashed pine finishes to complement your palette.
Birdcages
For bohemian, rustic or shabby chic weddings, a birdcage card holder provides visual intrigue. Adorn with flowers, greenery, feathers or fabric for a playful statement. Suspend from a stand or tree branch.
Concrete Planters
Modern minimalist weddings call for a simple concrete planter box in white or gray. The clean lines offer an unfussy place for cards that focuses on form and function.
Display Tables
Create a card box display on a vintage table or bar cart. This adds dimension and flexibility in placement. Decorate the surface with bud vases, votives or ribbon for a styled look.
Post Boxes
British-inspired weddings can opt for a classic red post box for cards. This iconic mail box design provides a cohesive theme. Add custom vinyl lettering with the couple’s surname or wedding date.
Wishing Wells
A miniature wooden well serves as a charming card holder, especially for garden weddings. The symbolism of making a wish on the big day adds sentimental meaning. Adorn with fresh flowers or an watering can accessory.
The options are limitless when selecting a wedding card box design. Choose a style that aligns with your overall vision to create a cohesive look.
Where to Place Wedding Card Boxes
Determine the ideal spot to position your card box by considering your venue layout and traffic flow. Typically, the box is placed in a prominent area that guests will pass by upon arrival or when mingling and dining.
Here are some ideal wedding card box placement ideas to consider:
Entryway Table
Situate your card box on the entryway table alongside your guestbook or welcome signage. This provides an obvious gifting destination as guests arrive.
Gift Table
Place the box on the gift/present table alongside stacked wedding presents. The gifts table is a common location that guests will seek out.
Buffet Table
Position the card box on one end of the buffet table or cake table. Guests will naturally pass these areas multiple times throughout the reception.
Bar Area
Set up the box on or near the bar, especially if you have an open bar. In between cocktail rounds, the bar provides a convenient spot for guests to drop envelopes.
Seating Chart Kiosk
Place the box alongside your seating chart display or escort card table near the reception entrance. Guests tend to linger here upon arrival.
Cake/Dessert Table
Situate your card holder prominently on one side of the dessert or cake table. The sweet treats draw a crowd which ensures ample opportunity for gifting.
Mailbox Stand
Use a freestanding mailbox holder or stand to allow flexible placement. This way you can move the box to wherever guest traffic flows.
Take venue layout, guest circulation patterns, and your décor into account when deciding on card box placement. The goal is visibility and ease of access.
How to Decorate Wedding Card Boxes
A thoughtfully-decorated wedding card box adds a special handcrafted touch to your reception aesthetics. Tailor the decor to your unique wedding style. Here are some ideas:
Signage
Add a chalkboard, wooden or acrylic sign marked “Cards” or with a customized name like “The Jones’ Jamboree”. This clearly labels the box purpose.
Flowers/Greenery
Adorn with fresh florals, flowering vines, eucalyptus sprigs or floral wires that coordinate with your arrangements. This brings life and color.
Ribbon/Fabric
Wrap the box with ribbon, tulle, burlap or other fabric that complements your palette. This is an easy way to infuse color and texture.
Photos
Attach photos of you together using mini clothespins. Choose engagement shots, wedding portraits or candids. This adds personalized flair.
Paper Goods
Use pieces of your paper suite like escort cards, junked book page scraps or origami to create a collage effect. Repeat your stationery style.
Christmas Lights
For evening receptions, wrap the box with mini string lights or fairy lights. This creates a magical glow.
Keep decor simple and focused. You want the box to complement your décor without overpowering. Add 1-2 decorative accents for the best aesthetic impact.
How to Make Your Own Wedding Card Box
With a little DIY creativity, you can construct a custom card box to align perfectly with your vision. Here are some ideas and tutorials:
Wooden Crate
Stencil or paint an unfinished wooden crate in your wedding hues. Nail an opening sign or side handle to finish.
Planter Box
Spray paint a galvanized metal planter box in a trendy color like gold, rose gold or gunmetal. Use as-is or decorate further with ribbon.
Shadow Box
Assemble a shadow box frame. Cover the back with patterned paper or fabric. Display photos of you two on the inside.
Paper Box
Fold and glue decorative paper or scrapbook paper to form a box structure. Decorate the exterior withcoordinating trimmings.
File Box
Spray paint a plain file storage box in your accent color. Glue on ribbon, fabric or photos. Add box feet for elevated style.
Shipping Crate
Sand and restain a wooden shipping crate for a rustic chic look. Use clothespins to display engagement photos.
With a blank box and decor trimmings like ribbon, vinyl, fabric glue and spray paint, you can construct a custom creation to suit your perfectly style. Not crafty? Buy a budget box and embellish.
Alternative Wedding Card Box Ideas
If a traditional box design does not appeal to you, get creative with gift receptacle alternatives. Here are some unique ideas:
Vintage Purse
Let guests deposit cards in a beautiful vintage handbag propped open. It looks elegant and saves the wrapping effort.
Garden Basket
Use a pretty wicker picnic basket to collect gifts in a casual, organic style. Include a floral liner.
Beverage Dispenser
For foodie couples, allow guests to insert cards through a glass drink dispenser slot. Place it near the bar display.
Hollowed Book
Cut a hole in the pages of a vintage book. Let friends fill the carved out space with well wishes and monetary gifts.
Glass Jar or Vase
Substitute a clear glass jar, vase or apothecary jar for the traditional box. Layer coordinating fabric inside.
Chalkboard Ledger
Designate a small chalkboard ledger book opened to a blank page where guests can slide in envelopes. Use mini clothes pins to clip cards.
Wall Mounted Box
For ultra-minimalists, mount a tiny wall box to collect envelopes. Keep décor and surfaces clear.
Suitcase or Trunk
Use stickers and decals to personalize a retro suitcase, hatbox or trunk placed open to receive gifts in fun travel style.
Repurposing everyday containers and vintage items provides endless possibilities for one-of-a-kind wedding card holders. Think outside the box! Pun intended.
When to Put Out the Wedding Card Box
Proper wedding card box etiquette calls for placing the box out after the ceremony concludes. This prevents early gifting before you are officially wed. Here are recommended timelines:
Ceremony to Cocktail Hour
During the gap between the ceremony ending and cocktail hour beginning, quickly add the card box to the reception space. Guests can then begin gifting when cocktail hour starts.
After Cocktail Hour
If guests will linger for cocktails, hold off on debuting the card box until after cocktail hour when reception activities commence.
Grand Introduction
For a big reveal, set up your card box right before your grand entrance and first dance. When you finish, it will be waiting.
Ideally, the card box should be available on display for a majority of the reception. Avoid placing too early or you may receive premature gifts.
Wedding Card Box Etiquette for Guests
Guests want to know proper card box etiquette to avoid any faux pas. Share these tips:
- Place greeting cards and monetary gifts inside the wedding card box at the reception. This keeps envelopes secure and organized rather than leaving them unattended on tables.
- Write the bride’s title and groom’s full name on the card envelope along with your own name or family name so they know who gave which gift.
- Cash gifts are perfectly acceptable. The current standard recommendation is $100-200 from family and $50-100 from friends. Include any checks or cash inside a greeting card.
- Avoid overly-large gift envelopes that do not fit nicely into the card slot. Place any oversized monetary gifts in a greeting card that fits within box limitations.
- Look for small gift box slits or openings in the card holder that allow discreet gifting without exposing envelope contents to the public.
- If no slits or slots exist, simply place your greeting card or envelope inside the open card box receptacle as you are comfortable. There is no need to conceal.
- Never take back or retrieve a card or gift once placed inside the wedding card box. This is considered highly rude.
Simply informing guests of the gift box purpose and design in advance alleviates any confusion. This ensures proper wedding gift-giving etiquette.
Who Removes the Wedding Card Box?
At the end of the wedding reception, designated individuals should discreetly remove the card box to protect guests’ gifts and cards. Here are the best options:
Wedding Planner
A day-of coordinator or wedding planner is an ideal choice, as they can quickly stash the box away safely without drawing attention. This also keeps the burden off the couple.
Close Family or Friend
Appoint a trusted relative or member of the wedding party to take the card box at the end of the night. They should deliver it directly to the getaway car or your home.
Venue Manager
See if the reception site manager can take possession of the box and lock it away until you pick it up with other items. This secures it on site.
Officer Provider
If you used a card box rental service, schedule pick-up at the end of the night. They can collect their box while keeping all card contents protected for you.
Never leave the wedding card box unattended at the reception site after the event ends. Discreetly assign someone you trust to take and secure gifts properly.
Wedding Card Box Rental Companies
Renting a customized wedding card box can save time and effort while providing a chic box perfectly suited to your theme. National rental companies include:
Something Borrowed Card Box
This company offers ornate beaded, mirrored and crystal card boxes with bridal flair for rent. Prices start around $25.
Beau-coup Card Box Rental
Beau-coup rents modern acrylic, gold, glass and blinged-out wishing well card boxes. Rentals begin around $30.
Card Boxes Etc. Rental
Card Boxes Etc. supplies themed card boxes like wine barrels, snow globes, vintage suitcases and more. Rental costs start around $35.
Crate & Canopy
At Crate & Canopy, you can rent customizable galvanized tin buckets, wooden crates and planter box card holders. Prices start around $10.
Research rental delivery fees, pick-up policies, damage waiver costs and decorating restrictions when selecting a card box provider. Order at least 2-3 months in advance.
Wedding Card Box Alternatives To Consider
While most couples opt for a traditional wedding card box, you may prefer a unique alternative. Here are some ideas:
Charity Donations
In lieu of monetary gifts, set up a donation station benefiting your favorite charity. Provide cards explaining the cause.
Honeymoon Fund
Register for honeymoon experiences, excursions and restaurants. Guests can contribute directly online in your name.
Gift Cards
Suggest gift cards to help set up your new home. Provide a small box to collect gift cards for popular retailers.
Nothing
It is acceptable not to designate any formal area for gifts. Guests will find creative places to leave envelopes discreetly.
Do what feels right for you as a couple. Your loved ones will find a way to deliver their well wishes and generosity, regardless.
Wedding Card Boxes Gift Inventory Tips
Once the chaos and excitement of your wedding day winds down, remember to inventory your card box contents and thank guests. Here are some helpful suggestions:
- Carefully open each card and record names, gift amounts, and any check numbers into a spreadsheet or notebook. This prevents duplicate gifts getting lost in the shuffle.
- Keep cash envelopes sealed until you have a chance to deposit money into your bank account for security.
- Set up a simple system for tracking gifts, like alphabetizing cards, color coding amounts, or numbering entries. Do whatever keeps the process organized.
- Purchase a small safe or lockbox to store monetary gifts until deposits can be made to prevent theft or misplacement in your new home.
- Deposit any checks right away to avoid expiration. Make copies of checks for your records in case any get lost by the bank.
- Send thank you notes within 2-3 months of returning home from the honeymoon. Handwritten notes are always preferred over digital messages.
Staying on top of inventorying and acknowledging gifts quickly reduces stress in newlywed life. Start the task together during a relaxing evening at home with a bottle of bubbly to make gift inventorying fun.
Now that you are armed with all the essential knowledge about wedding card boxes, it’s time to find or create the perfect one to complement your theme. Planning a country wedding? Incorporate a personalized card box where guests can leave their well-wishes; this special piece becomes a keepsake from your beautiful day, filled with heartfelt cards and gifts from loved ones celebrating your marriage.
FAQs
- Should you include registry info with the card box?
It’s best not to place any registry details, as this may appear gift-grabby. Guests will seek registry info on your wedding website if needed. Focus solely on the card box gifting purpose.
- What size card box opening is best?
Look for an opening about 5-6 inches wide to comfortably fit most standard card sizes and gift envelopes. Slits around 2 inches wide offer subtle gifting.
- Can you decorate a rented wedding card box?
Most rental companies do not allow permanent alterations. But removable decor like ribbon or signs can customize without damaging. Check the rental terms.
- Where should children place cards at weddings?
Provide a separate, lower kids card box or designate part of the main box for young guests. Bending to reach may be difficult. Make their gifting process fun and easy.
- Can I donate my wedding card box after the reception?
Absolutely! Donate a gently used wedding card box to a charity, thrift store, or another engaged couple to continue spreading the love. What a thoughtful gift to pay forward.