"The Ultimate Guide: A Comprehensive Explanation of Materials and Instructions for DIY Marquee Lights Essential for Weddings, Even for Beginners!"

Classic Item for Bride DIY, Marquee Light＊

Hello, this is Keiko from the marry editing team＊

When it comes to items to challenge in DIY for a wedding, this glamorous marquee light comes to mind, right? ♡

It's a stylish wedding item that showcases a strong presence whether displayed in the welcome space, at the high table, or in the garden♩

@mmmmx326

For larger marquee lights, aligning two letters and an "&" can cost around 10,000 yen.

However, the materials for making them by hand are very inexpensive, so many brides are trying to create their own through trial and error♩

Therefore, as a bride-to-be preparing for my wedding, I also challenged myself to create a marquee light!!

I’ll report on the materials and process, and I hope you find it helpful.

Tools and Materials for Marquee Light

First, let me introduce the materials for the marquee light＊ This time, I’ll create a larger marquee light with one letter sized A3.

I was able to collect all the materials by visiting Tokyu Hands and 100 yen shops for about 1500 yen＊

The tools can also be found at 100 yen shops♩

◆◆Materials◆◆

☑ 5 sheets of A3 cardstock

☑ 300ml gold spray

☑ 6 LED lights

(Note: This time, I used the six-light LED from Seria.)

◆◆Tools◆◆

Cutter

Cutting board

Ruler, measuring tape

Cellophane tape

Glue gun

Vinyl tape

Now, let's explain the process＊

How to Create a Marquee Light ① Print the Alphabet on A3 Copy Paper

First, print the alphabet and "&" on copy paper the same size as the cardstock.

Since my home printer could only print up to A4 size, I printed it in A4 first and then enlarged it to A3 using a copy machine at a convenience store.

A point to keep in mind when printing at home is to make the letters white outlines! If printed in solid black, it will consume a lot of black ink, so be careful＊

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ② Create Grooves on Cardstock

Stack the printed copy paper with the cardstock, securing them with cellophane tape to prevent slipping.

Trace the outline of the letters on the copy paper with a ballpoint pen or similar. It’s key to apply strong pressure while tracing＊

This method will create grooves on the cardstock beneath. Of course, using transfer sheets or carbon paper is also fine!

@keiko_tk03

Grooves have been created well. However, they were somewhat hard to see, so I traced the outlines again with a pen to make it easier to cut with the cutter.

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ③ Cut Out the Alphabet with a Cutter

Once the alphabet is clearly transferred onto the cardstock, cut it out with a cutter. If you don’t have a cutting board, it’s recommended to work on a stack of cardboard◎

@keiko_tk03

Here are the cut-out alphabets＊ Since there are three pieces, it's recommended to work together with your partner!

I worked on it over several days, but I think if the two of you focus, you could finish it in about two hours.

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ④ Cut Slits for the Lights

Decide where you want to place the lights and mark the spots with a pen.

Make cross cuts at the marked spots with the cutter, and push through with the tip of a pen to create holes.

It’s difficult to make holes after assembling, so I recommend testing at this stage to see if the lights fit properly＊

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ⑤ Create Strips

Separately from the alphabets, cut the remaining two sheets of cardstock into strips. These will form the width of the marquee light♡

The width is flexible, but the thicker it is, the more stable it will be when standing. If it's too thin, it might be hard to hide the LED light cords, so be careful!

This time, I made them 8 cm wide. Make a straight line in the middle (at 4 cm)＊

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ⑥ Encircle the Alphabet with Strips

Bend the strips to fit the shape of the alphabet, and secure them with cellophane tape.

If you make light cuts with a cutter on the bends, it will be easier to fold neatly＊

For curves, make several cuts a few millimeters apart like borders to curve it nicely.

@keiko_tk03

There might be gaps or the cellophane tape might come loose, but don’t worry and keep working. Even if imperfections are noticeable at this stage, they can be somewhat hidden later with spray and lights!

If you want to enhance the quality, it’s recommended to work carefully during this step♡ Use a glue gun to fill in any gaps of concern＊

@keiko_tk03

Cellophane tape can come loose over time, so it's important to press it firmly while working♡

This step took the most time and effort. Depending on the letters, it took nearly two hours for both of us.

How to Create a Marquee Light ⑦ Spray with Gold Spray

Paint with a gold spray and let it dry. I only painted the front and sides, but it’s of course okay to paint the back as well＊

This time, I used a lacquer spray (300 ml) that costs 500 yen each. If you’re using a gold spray from a 100 yen shop, I think it’s safe to buy about three cans.

Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area like a balcony or entrance, wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and rubber gloves♡

After leaving it outside for 2 hours, it was completely dry◎

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ⑧ Insert and Secure the LED Lights

Insert the lights into the slits you made.

To help prevent it from tipping over when standing, ensure that the light closest to the batteries is at the bottom＊

@keiko_tk03

Use a glue gun to secure the lights from the back to ensure they don’t slip out.

@keiko_tk03

How to Create a Marquee Light ⑨ Secure the Cables

Once all the lights are secured, use vinyl tape or masking tape to keep the cables from protruding when looking at it from the side when standing.

The heavy battery section should also be secured well so it doesn’t move＊

@keiko_tk03

Marquee Light Completed♡

And that concludes the marquee light creation＊

Excluding drying time, the actual total working time took about four hours for the two of us.

It may be a bit time-consuming and labor-intensive for bride DIY, but for just 1500 yen, you can create such a striking decoration item, so I think it's worth it♡

@keiko_tk03

There are lots of application DIY ideas, such as star-shaped marquee lights or marquee lights using wood-grained remaking sheets＊

On your next day off, be sure to challenge creating a marquee light with your partner♡

➡ Check out the list of marquee light articles here＊