What Wedding Signs Do You Need for Your Big Day?

Planning a wedding involves many details, from selecting the perfect venue to finalising the guest list. While wedding signs are among the last items you'll tackle on your wedding planning checklist, they are important and need adequate time for completion. Well-designed wedding signs enhance your wedding's aesthetic and provide essential guidance for your guests. 

Wedding Signs

Wedding signs are visual aids used throughout a wedding to communicate with your guests. These signs help guide guests, provide essential details, and enhance the wedding’s theme and style. They are a perfect way to add your colours, theme, and personalisation to make them truly represent you as a couple.

When to Order Your Wedding Signs

Order your wedding signs at least 4-6 weeks before your wedding day to ensure you have enough time for design, production, and any necessary revisions. This timeframe is close enough to the big day that your plans are being finalised, but far enough out that allows for unexpected delays and ensures your signs are ready and perfect for your big day. Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures every detail aligns with your wedding vision.

Essential Wedding Signs for Your Big Day

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the signs you need for a seamless wedding day.

1. Welcome Sign

A welcome sign sets the tone for your wedding from the moment guests arrive, greeting your loved ones and hinting at the theme or style of your celebration. It’s an excellent opportunity to make a stylish first impression.

Additionally, a welcome sign provides a cute photo op for guests as they arrive. You can also repurpose it as a guest book, allowing friends and family to leave special messages.

Tip: Include your names, wedding date, and a warm greeting. A welcome sign is particularly important if there are multiple weddings happening at your venue.

2. Directional Signs

Directional signs are essential, especially if your venue is large or has multiple areas. They guide guests to different parts of the venue, such as the ceremony area, cocktail hour, reception, restrooms, and parking.

Tip: To help guests navigate easily, use arrows and clear, legible fonts. Check with your wedding venue first, as they may already have directional signs for common spaces of their venue like the bar, bathrooms, and the parking area. If these aren't available, create your own with large lettering and prominent arrows that can be seen from a distance.

3. Seating Chart

A thoughtfully arranged wedding seating plan is crucial for a successful reception, ensuring your guests have an enjoyable experience. Therefore, a seating chart is one of the most important wedding signs, helping guests find their assigned seats quickly and efficiently.

A seating chart can be displayed on a large board, mirror, or even on individual cards. This is a perfect opportunity to get creative and align the design with your wedding theme.

Tip: Arrange names alphabetically or by table number to make it easier for guests to locate their seats.

4. Table Numbers and Place Cards

Table numbers and place cards guide guests to their specific seats. They can also serve as part of your table decor, adding a personalised touch to the reception.

Tip: Match these with your centrepieces and overall decor theme for a cohesive look.

5. Ceremony Signage

Ceremony signs can feature a program introducing the bridal party and others walking down the aisle. They can include an order of events outlining the evening's schedule. You can also use reserved seating signs or fun messages to entertain guests while they wait for the ceremony to start.

Tip: Ceremony signs are perfect for sharing details about your ceremony, avoiding the need for printed schedules, which are often wasteful.

If you’re having an unplugged ceremony, a sign politely requesting guests to turn off their phones and enjoy the moment can be very effective.

6. Menu Signs

Menu signs inform guests about the food and drink options available. They can be displayed on each table or at food stations and bars. For a wedding buffet, menu signs are essential to guide guests through the various dishes and ensure they know what is available. This will speed up the line, as guests can make their choices while they wait.

Tip: If you have guests with dietary restrictions, make sure to note gluten-free, vegetarian, or other special options clearly.

7. Bar and Drink Signs

Bar and drink signs are perfect for highlighting your signature cocktails or special drink selections. These signs can be playful and add a bit of personality to your bar area.

Tip: Consider adding fun names for your drinks that reflect your relationship or interests.

8. Social Media and Hashtag Signs

Encourage guests to share their photos and experiences on social media by creating a wedding hashtag. A sign with your hashtag can be placed near the entrance, at the reception, or even on each table.

Tip: Make sure your hashtag is unique and easy to remember.

9. Guestbook Sign

Direct guests to your guestbook with a dedicated sign. Whether it’s a traditional guest book, a photo guestbook, or something more unique, a sign will encourage people to sign the guestbook and ensure guests don’t miss it.

Tip: Provide clear instructions if your guestbook requires specific actions, like Polaroid photos or writing on wooden hearts.

10. Favour Signs

If you’re offering wedding favours, a sign can let guests know to take one. It can also include a brief thank-you note for added context.

Tip: Display the sign near the exit or favour table for maximum visibility.

11. Cocktail Activities

If you have wedding lawn games, cocktail hour activities, or kids' wedding entertainment, use signs to let guests know. Without signs, guests might not realise they can participate. Clear instructions help guide guests and enhance their experience. Signs are especially useful for unique activities and add a cute touch to your wedding.

Tip: Place signs near the activities and use clear, inviting language to encourage guests to join in the fun.

12. Special Instructions or Information Signs

For any unique aspects of your wedding, such as a sparkler send-off, photo booth, or any other special activities, signs with instructions are very helpful.

Tip: Keep the wording concise and ensure it’s placed in a spot where guests will see it at the right time.

13. Gifts and Cards

A dedicated area for gifts and cards is a thoughtful touch that simplifies the process for your guests. A clearly marked sign indicating where they should place their gifts and cards will prevent confusion and ensure that everything stays organised. This also helps your guests feel confident that their contributions are secure and properly acknowledged.

Tip: Position the gifts and cards sign near the entrance of the reception or close to the guestbook area. Complement it with a beautifully decorated table or a designated box to keep everything tidy.

14. Quote/Decorative Signs

Quote or decorative signs can add a personal and sentimental touch to your wedding decor. These signs can feature meaningful quotes, lyrics from your favourite song, or a special message to your guests. Placed strategically around the venue, these signs can enhance the ambience of your ceremony and reflect your unique love story.

Tip: Choose quotes that resonate with you as a couple and match the overall theme of your wedding. Whether they’re humorous, romantic, or inspirational, these signs can add a charming and personalised element to your celebration.

Essential Tips for Creating Wedding Signage

Creating effective and beautiful wedding signage is an art that balances design with functionality. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:

Choose the Right Size

Selecting the appropriate size for your signs is crucial. Avoid small signs that guests can't read until they're up close. Choose sizes that suit your venue and the specific purpose of each sign, ensuring they are easily readable from a distance to facilitate smooth navigation for your guests.

Focus on Legibility

Get creative with your sign designs, but always ensure they are easy to read. Highlight your wedding theme and colours, but don't let the design overshadow the clear information your guests need.

Explore Unique Display Options

To make your wedding signs special, try using different materials and styles. Think about vintage frames, chalkboards, or fabric banners for a unique touch. Modern options like LED or neon signs can add a fun, vibrant look. You could also use unique display options like acrylic holders, wooden tripods, or metal stands. Mixing personal touches with creative materials will help your wedding signs stand out and match your theme.

Coordinate with Your Wedding Theme

Ensure your signs blend seamlessly with your wedding theme and colour scheme. Select colours and materials that match your overall decor, creating a harmonious and cohesive look. This integration will make your signage both functional and stylish.

Conclusion

The right wedding signs can enhance your wedding day by providing clarity, adding to the decor, and making sure your guests feel welcomed and well-informed. Take the time to plan and design these signs to match your wedding’s theme and personal style. With thoughtful and well-placed signage, you can ensure that your special day runs smoothly and beautifully.

Happy planning!