Trend Alert: The Acrylic Craze

by Elizabeth Friedel

The use of acrylic and laser-cut signs and design elements is one of the top new wedding trends. The variety of classic clear or frosted acrylic to fancy glitter or mirror acrylic can transform basic wedding signage into a high-end statement piece. Acrylic elements are also a way to bring in that much desired event personalization.

IMAGE BY FARAH MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS ACRYLIC?

Clear acrylic is a durable material that has a similar look to glass. Acrylic is also available in a variety of colors and specialty finishes like mirror, glitter and pearl. Acrylic can be laser-cut or engraved using a variety of fonts and layered looks for signs.

Many couples are choosing a welcome sign or seating chart with their names and wedding date that can be repurposed as a welcome sign in their home. Signs are usually a large acrylic sheet typically with either laser cut lettering like the couple’s names cut from gold mirror acrylic or vinyl lettering. Hand calligraphy can also be added to the signs. Popular ways to display large acrylic signs are on an easel, placed into a wood base or hanging from a copper pipe frame.

TABLETOP SIGNS

Acrylic tabletop signs are also popular to mark table numbers, guest book, menus and bar signs. These also bring a cohesive feel to the entire event.

PLACE SETTING MARKERS

Using name cutouts or engraved acrylic or wood place setting markers are becoming very popular. This trend is especially popular in many of the pre-wedding activities like bridal showers, bridal brunches and engagement parties. Each guest’s name can be laser cut in a script font and then placed over a napkin and/or charger. Guests can take their cutout home and reuse how they choose.

FAVORS

Favors are another place acrylic items have become a treasured keepsake for guests. Name keychains are especially popular for showers and pre-wedding parties as they double as thoughtful wedding favors and/or seat markers for your guests.

ACRYLIC CAKE TOPPERS

Acrylic cake toppers continue to be a popular trend but now we’re seeing

even more personalization with names, date, silhouettes, monograms, special sayings, etc. Utilize more acrylic touches by using custom monogrammed cocktail stirrers. Or use engraved acrylic wine glass markers as a unique display to greet guests. There’s no limit to the ways you can incorporate acrylic signs and décor into your wedding celebrations.

ACRYLIC AND NEON SIGNS

Neons are super trendy in home décor, events and company branding so there’s no better way to brighten up your wedding than with a custom neon sign! Adding a unique sign personalization such as your name or a favorite saying in neon lights, is the perfect way to add a playful and fun pop to your décor. These signs create a trendy ambiance against greenery or other statement backdrops paired with photo booths, behind the head table, or incorporated into the bar or dessert area.

When purchasing a neon sign, we recommend buying one with a dimmer switch as photos turn out much better when the light is at 50-70% brightness. There are many sites to purchase a custom neon but do some research before ordering. American-Made neon signs will have less of a challenge in shipping, ensure compatible electric plugs and offer a quicker turn around.

Neon signs can be a costly investment but couples are loving they can be repurposed as home décor after the wedding.

IMAGE BY KELLY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY

Written by Elizabeth Friedel, Creative Director for Eye Candy Confetti— a, party and gift company based in St. Louis offering laser cut acrylic and wood items, as well as, neon signs made in the USA. Find out more at www. eyecandyconfetti.com and Instagram @eyecandyconfetti