Wedding DIY: Hand-Painted Table Numbers

Another wedding DIY choice we made was for Kurt to hand-paint all of the table numbers we used during the reception. Now, before I talk about just how wonderful Kurt is, let me say how little I knew about his skills as an artist when it was decided he was going to take on this project. A musician, yes... but a painter, no way! It wasn't really something that came up much during our time together before we were engaged and planning our wedding, so to be able to watch him enjoy pouring so much of himself into each individual design was really inspiring. 

The final set - each number different and unique!

As we considered the overall aesthetic, we often found ourselves drawn to the floral designs from Rifle Paper Co. That soft, whimsical, hand-drawn aesthetic really resonated with us and as we considered options for table numbers we were, at one point, close to purchasing their Botanical Number set. But the desire for a decidedly unique solution won out, and Kurt ended up designing and painting two sets of 14 table number canvases instead!

The painter at work!

You can imagine what the final image might look like.

For this project, Kurt used 4x4 inch square flat canvases we purchased from Michael's. I stenciled the numbers on each canvas in basic black acrylic paint, and then he took charge of the process from there, sketching each design by hand before beginning to paint them one by one. Little details were included that connected back to our paper elements: the metallic gold brushstroke fine art paper was included on some of the numbers to add texture, while a gold paint pen that had also been used to address our invitations was used to add small details. Each table received two numbers, one placed on either side of the centerpieces, displayed on small wooden easels. 

All remaining photos taken by Josh DeHonney for George Street Photo & Video.

While a time consuming project - Kurt spent most of the summer before our wedding working on these little canvases - it really gave him the opportunity to put his distinct stamp on our wedding decor. There were many decisions throughout the wedding planning process that he very much left up to me. But these table numbers were his chance to share his talents and express the excitement he had for the wedding celebration. 

What I didn't know about Kurt before he began this project was that one of the ways he shows his love is through making things with his hands. I really believe painting these table numbers were one of the biggest expressions of love he's made since we've been together. Kurt's attention to detail and ability to follow through on something he's excited about are two of the things I admire most about him. And throughout our wedding reception I was so happy to be able to brag about my talented husband and the beautiful table numbers he had painted for our celebration! 

Thankfully, we were able to save all but two of these canvases from the reception; Kurt is eventually going to repaint those missing numbers so the sets are complete again. There were so many guests who enjoyed them, we've had some relatively serious requests for him to paint completely new sets as well to have available for purchase! We've thought about what to do with them next, but are still deciding. What I do know is that because they are one of those small details that meant so much to us during the planning process and the reception, they will definitely receive a place of honor someday in our home!