Chalk it up

You don’t need me to tell you that blackboards/chalkboards are a hot trend in weddings right now, but I have a feeling this one is going to run and run. It’s partly the fact that they’re simple and cheap to make yourself (perfect for a DIY project then) and the versatility factor, since blackboard paint can be used on just about any smooth surface and can be made up in a variety of colours. The creative possibilities are endless, from simple accents to something much more quirky. In fact, some of our own Cap Classique brides have already rocked this trend, so here’s a roundup of their ideas and others I’ve loved from around the web.

Menus
Chalkboards make great (green) menu alternatives, since they save you the cost, trouble and paper of printing menus for each table or guest. They’re also a good way to create a relaxed, cafe-style vibe or to extend your theme, as with the super fun surfboard menu below. Probably my all-time favourite is the blackboard serving trays used at Jeannine & Liam’s wedding (and they were 100% DIY!)

Credits: Vintage Italian menu board via Ruffled; Surfboard menu via Avant Bride; Rustic white framed menu; Cocktail menu via Style Me Pretty; Serving platter.

Seating charts
Another popular option, although make sure whichever surface you use is large enough for everyone’s names and table numbers. You could do it as a list, menu style, or as a set of table diagrams. Make sure that the frame (or other surface) fits well into your overall look and feel.

Credits: Framed seating chart via Wedding Chicks; Menu-style seating chart via Joy de Vivre; Large vertical seating chart via Wedding Obsession

Labels
I love the current trend for signposting little details, from signature drinks and cocktails to cake, dancing shoes, favours… whatever you have to show off to your guests, really! Chalkboard really allows a personal touch, especially if it’s all written in the bride or groom’s handwriting.

Credits: Chalk hearts by Wedding Concepts, images by Gavin Casey via Wedding Chicks

Table numbers
A great chance to be creative. You can chalk table names/numbers on anything from children’s mini-blackboards, jars, tags, votives, tea tins, vases – even the plant pots on the table. The pretty green faux-chalkboard table numbers below are a great DIY project – find the fabulous freebie download here.

Credits: Small table name sign via Joy de Vivre; Mini blackboard table number via Wedding Chicks; Faux chalkboard table numbers found via Dog n’ Bird; Planting pots via Design Sponge; Table number jars via Wedding Chicks; Simple table number via Grey Likes Weddings

Name tags
The blackboard hearts tied to the back of guests’ chairs were an iconic detail from Ankia & Philip’s wedding, and so easy to DIY. I also love this table mat concept and these pretty zinc tabs attached to guests’ napkins.

Credits: Heart tags; Place setting by Green Wedding Shoes; Zinc name tags from Cox and Cox

Other fun ideas
I thought Hayley & Paul’s board welcoming guests to their wedding was such a charming detail, and chalkboards are also a brilliant way of injecting extra personality to your decor, with favourite quotes, your love story, etc.

And how fab is this guest book wall idea – just make sure you get lots of pictures before it disappears forever!

Credits: ‘One sweet day in June’ via Style Me Pretty; La Boheme lyrics via Style Me Pretty; Welcome board; ‘One fine day there was this girl’ via Wedding Chicks; Love Supreme guestbook wall via Once Wed

DIY
If you like these ideas, why not make your own custom coloured chalk and then follow this tutorial (or one of the many others you can find online) to create your own masterpiece!