When you think of cardboard cutouts, you might picture a funny celebrity stand-in at a birthday party. But there’s a growing trend for using cardboard cutouts in more elegant, heartfelt ways. In particular, they’re more popular than ever at weddings, anniversaries and family celebrations.
If done right, they can be tasteful, stylish, and deeply personal.
Whether you want to add a fun twist to your wedding day or create a tribute that brings everyone to tears (in a good way), here’s how to use cardboard cutouts for parties with meaning and class.
- Welcome Guests in Style
Want to make a memorable first impression? A life-size cutout of the happy couple at the entrance of the venue can do two things at once: set the tone for the event and act as a directional marker for guests.
Whether it’s a glamorous posed photo from your engagement shoot, or a more playful image, this kind of display immediately says, “You’re in the right place — and this is going to be fun!”
For an anniversary party, a throwback cutout from your wedding day can be a lovely contrast to who you are now, and a great conversation starter for guests reminiscing about the past.
- Honour Absent Loved Ones
One of the best uses of a cardboard cutout is to represent someone who couldn’t be there in person, whether due to living on the other side of the world, struggling with an illness, or even having passed away.
For weddings and anniversaries, this is a touching way to include family members or friends who played a big part in your life. A cutout placed respectfully near the ceremony space or photo area can allow guests to ‘include’ them in group pictures or quietly acknowledge their presence.
- Relive the Journey with a Cutout Timeline
Want to showcase your love story in a creative way? Use a series of cardboard cutouts that track your relationship through the years: first dates, holidays, the proposal, and perhaps other seminal moments.
Position them throughout the venue as part of a timeline walk or decorate different corners with a ‘then and now’ feel. Each cutout can feature a caption or short story, encouraging your guests to wander, read and be touched by your story.
This is especially effective at anniversary celebrations, where decades of memories can be distilled into a few powerful visuals.
- Pose for Memorable Photos
Guests love taking photos at parties, especially when there’s something quirky, funny or unexpected to pose with.
Cutouts offer a fun, low-pressure photo opportunity for those who don’t want to be in every group shot. A life-size version of the bride and groom in a dramatic pose or themed costume (perhaps from a shared hobby or film they love) can keep people smiling all night long.
- Celebrate those VIP Guests
Sometimes, it’s not just about the couple. You can use cardboard cutouts to honour parents, grandparents, or long-time friends, especially those celebrating their own milestones.
Imagine a 50th wedding anniversary party where the couple’s wedding photo is brought to life in full-size cardboard form. Or a tribute to a grandparent who’s known for their iconic look or signature smile.
- Bring Back Iconic Moments
Every couple has that one moment: the trip they always talk about, the silly costume party they smashed, the festival where they fell in love. Re-creating these memories with themed cardboard cutouts lets you bring those inside jokes into the room.
Think a cardboard Eiffel Tower for the honeymoon in Paris, life-size palm trees from your proposal on the beach, or even a version of your first flat together (decor included).
These don’t just make the room look great, they make people feel like they’re part of your story.
- Keep It Classy (Yes, Really)
Some people worry that cardboard cutouts might cheapen a carefully styled event. Not so, but they need to be of decent quality.
At The Cardboard Cutout Company, we’ve been crafting high-quality, sturdy, photo-accurate displays for over 30 years. We know how to make a cutout that’s sharp, elegant and durable — one that enhances the atmosphere rather than distracting from it.
Want a cutout that reflects your wedding’s colour scheme? Or one which will or stand discreetly beside the cake table? Easy. Want it mounted on a base, framed with flowers, or printed in black and white for an old-Hollywood feel? No problem.
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or a golden anniversary party, cardboard cutouts can bring a unique mix of humour, nostalgia and emotion to your event. They’re versatile, surprisingly elegant, and above all, personal.
At The Cardboard Cutout Company, we love helping you celebrate the moments that matter. Whether it’s a tribute, a photo prop, or a show-stopping welcome, we’ll make sure your cutout is something special — just like the day itself.
Ready to make your next event unforgettable?
Shop now or get in touch to design your custom cardboard cutout.