Turn Your Marriage Keepsakes Into Meaningful Decor For Your Home

Love makes a house into a home, and finding ways to express those emotions through decor only amplifies the comfort of a space. Marriage keepsakes are a perfect example of items you can decorate with to amplify warmth and familial ties. Rather than just looking to repurpose wedding decor into your home, consider using the official documents from your union as well. Transforming these meaningful papers into art takes the legality of your union and illuminates the love at its core.

Hanging proof of your big day isn't a new concept. The Ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract, has been traditionally hung in the home for millennia. They signify a couple's bond and obligations to one another. Historically, Ketubot were decorated, making them more than just a legal promise, but a public announcement of partnership. This same beautiful sentiment can be achieved with any wedding keepsake from any faith or background, including your license or certificate. All you need is a little creativity and a few products to protect the integrity of your document.

There are plenty of ways to make this romantic project a reality, and you aren't the only one doing so. Even big names in the design world are drawn to the emotional side of decor. For example, Joanna Gaines' method of displaying sentimental items is beautiful and functional: She takes things like Polaroid snaps and signed baseballs and puts them into a "memory bowl" to decorate as a reminder of the love in her space. You're doing just that with your new marriage art. To get started, you'll need a few items, including a pretty (or not so pretty) frame at your local thrift store, an acid-free glue like Mod Podge, metallic wax like Rub n Buff, a piece of material, and scissors. With these tools in hand, you're ready to start.

Remove the existing artwork from your thrifted frame, and wrap it in the fabric to use as a background. Use the glue to smooth everything in place and let it dry completely, trimming excess fabric. Place your marriage keepsake on the material and lay the glass pane on top, securing it in place. Brush gold or brass wax on the frame for some highlight color. For a less formal look, use a plain frame instead, creating a whimsical border by cutting a rectangle from foam board and hot gluing faux flowers to it. However you personalize the frame, mat, or background, preserving the integrity of the wedding keepsake itself is key.

As you elevate your home decor with personal touches from your wedding, be sure to retain the integrity of any legal documents used. While hanging your marriage license should absolutely top the ultimate guide to romantic decor, it also serves an important function. This, and other wedding documents, prove the legality of your bond with your spouse, rights involving future estate planning, and even govern things like shared medical benefits. You may need it down the road for legal issues regarding children, name changes, or divorce, so it's best to keep it legible and valid.

The best way to ensure your wedding papers stay true to form is to not tamper with the document. Instead of decorating the item itself, add decorations like faux flowers, lace trim, or paint to a frame. Wait for any glue or ink to dry completely before mounting the contract (nonpermanently) inside. You could even have a copy made and use that for hanging, rather than the original. This is such a beautiful way to personalize your living area and truly transform a house into a home. Just make sure to do it carefully, so you can use your keepsakes again later.