Wedding Signage: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Frames

Wedding signs are an important part of your big day. They help to guide your guests, set the tone, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the event. The size of your wedding signs will depend on the type of sign, the number of guests, and the size of the venue.

Welcome signs, for example, should be large enough to be visible from a distance and set the tone for the event. For outdoor venues, a size of around 24x36 inches (60x90 cm) or larger is recommended. Indoor welcome signs can be slightly smaller, with a recommended size of 18x24 inches (45x60 cm). Seating chart signs should be large enough to display all the guest names and table numbers clearly, with a recommended size of around 24x36 inches (60x90 cm) or larger.

Directional signs, ceremony and reception signs, and table numbers and menus can be smaller, with recommended sizes ranging from A3 to A6 depending on the specific type of sign. It's important to consider the setting of your wedding when choosing sign sizes, as large outdoor spaces may require bigger signs, while smaller, more intimate venues can be overwhelmed by larger signs.

Welcome signs:

Welcome signs are a must-have at weddings. They are functional pieces of decor that help set the tone for the event and ensure guests feel welcomed. The size of your welcome sign will depend on the space you're working with. If your wedding is outdoors, opt for a larger sign that is eye-catching and easy to spot. Common sizes for outdoor welcome signs are 24x36 inches (60x90 cm) or larger. For indoor weddings, a smaller sign will do. A size of 18x24 inches (45x60 cm) is ideal and large enough to be noticed without overwhelming the space.

There are several materials you can choose from for your welcome sign. Acrylic is a popular choice as it is versatile and can be left clear or painted to match your wedding colours. Wood is perfect for a rustic wedding and can be stained, painted, or left natural. Chalkboards are classic and can be propped up on an easel or used as a sandwich board. Mirrors are elegant and can be reused after the wedding by removing the lettering. Mounted posters are great for couples who want their stationery and day-of items to have a cohesive look.

When it comes to what your welcome sign should say, there are many options. At a minimum, include the word "Welcome," the couple's names, and the wedding date. You can also include a love quote or a cute phrase. For example, "Welcome to the wedding of [names]," "The [last name]s, [date]," or "The beginning of our forever, [names], [date]." If you want to get creative, you can include additional details such as a schedule of events, instructions for guests, or a note of thanks.

To decorate your welcome sign, consider placing it on an easel, adding greenery or floral swags, or propping it on a table surrounded by flowers, candles, or tea lights. You can also display photos of the happy couple around the sign. Welcome signs can be reused as decor in your home after the wedding, so choose your wording carefully.

Seating chart signs:

Seating chart signs are an important part of wedding decor, helping guests find their assigned seats with ease. The size of your seating chart sign will depend on the number of guests and how the information is laid out. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating effective seating chart signs:

Size Recommendations:

The size of your seating chart sign should be proportional to the number of guests you have invited. As a general guideline, here are some recommended sizes:

• 12"x18" for up to 4 tables or 40 guests
• 16"x24" for up to 8 tables or 80 guests
• 24"x36" for up to 16 tables or 160 guests

If you have a larger guest list, you may need multiple charts or creative ways to display the seating information.

Layout Considerations:

There are two common ways to organise a seating chart: by table number or alphabetically by guest name. Listing guests alphabetically by last name is recommended, especially for larger weddings, as it helps guests find their names more quickly. If you prefer to organise by table number, consider adding table names in addition to numbers to make it easier for guests to locate their table.

Display Ideas:

Seating chart signs can be displayed in various ways. Here are some options to consider:

• Cute small table signs of about 8"x10"
• Large signs of 60"x16" at the reception entrance
• Multiple charts of about 22"x26" hanging on a photo board
• Using an easel, either with or without a frame
• Mounting on a foam board or canvas and placing it on a wooden easel
• Hanging the sign with ribbon

Material Choices:

The material you choose for your seating chart sign can vary. Popular options include acrylic, wood, mirror, chalkboard, or paper escort cards displayed on a board. Consider the reusability and environmental impact of different materials. For example, a large mirror can be gorgeous and reusable, but acrylic may be more difficult to resell or reuse due to its fragility.

Remember to use clear block letters for guest names to ensure readability, and consider a header such as "Find Your Seat" or something that ties into your wedding theme.

Directional signs:

Directional signs are an important part of your wedding day, helping guests find their way around. The size of these signs will depend on how much information is on them and where they will be placed. For example, a tiny directional sign in a large parking lot will not be helpful.

If you are having an outdoor wedding, you will want to make sure your directional signs are large enough to be seen from a distance. A good size range for outdoor directional signs is 24x36 inches (60x90 cm) or larger. This will ensure that your guests can easily spot the signs and find their way to the correct location.

For indoor directional signs, you can go a bit smaller, depending on the amount of information that needs to be displayed. A good size range for indoor directional signs is 18x24 inches (45x60 cm). If you have a lot of information to convey, you may want to go with a larger size to make sure it is easily readable.

When creating your directional signs, it is important to use clear and legible fonts. You may also want to incorporate decorative elements or your wedding colours to match the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Don't forget to consider the material of your directional signs as well. Popular options include acrylic, wood, mirror, paper, or natural materials like leaves. Acrylic is a versatile option that can be customised in various colours, thicknesses, and sizes. Wood is a cost-effective alternative that can be painted or stained to match your wedding style.

Remember to proofread your directional signs and consider the placement of the signs to ensure they are easily visible to your guests.

Table numbers and menus:

Table numbers and menus are an essential part of your wedding day and can add to the ambience of your celebration. These signs are usually placed on top of a table and don't need to be too big.

Table numbers can be as small as 4x6 inches or 5x7 inches. These signs typically only display the table number, so they don't need to be large. You will need one for each table, so keep this in mind when planning your budget.

Table menus are usually displayed as a single menu per table, rather than giving each guest an individual menu. A standard size for these signs is 8x10 inches, placed next to the table's centrepiece. This allows guests to easily see what they can expect to eat throughout the evening.

When creating your table numbers and menus, consider the following:

• Font and font size – Choose a font that is easy to read and large enough to be seen from a distance. Avoid intricate fonts or excessive calligraphy that may be difficult to interpret.
• Card holders – Use table number holders to ensure the cards remain upright and visible. Don't lean the cards against the floral centrepiece, as they may tip over or block the view of the flowers.
• Card orientation – Position the cards so they face the reception entrance, allowing guests to easily spot their table when they enter the venue.
• Double-sided cards – Consider making your cards double-sided so that they can be spotted from any direction.
• Card material – Choose a sturdy material for your cards, especially if your reception is outdoors. You can also place the cards in a freestanding picture frame to prevent them from being blown over by the wind.
• Table naming ideas – Instead of using basic numerals, you can name each table after something significant in your life or relationship. This could include places you've travelled to, favourite books or authors, bands or musical genres, or even your partner's favourite dishes.
• Table numbers: 4x6 inches or 5x7 inches.
• Table menus: 8x10 inches.

Remember to keep your table numbers and menus consistent with your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can also get creative with the wording on these signs to add a personal touch.

Hashtag signs:

Hashtag signs are a fun way to encourage your guests to take photos and share them on social media. You can place these signs at the sign-in table, guestbook area, bar, dessert table, or any other place where your guests are likely to gather.

The size of the sign will depend on where you plan to place it. Smaller signs that are placed on tables can be around 8x10 inches, while larger signs that are displayed on easels can be 16x20, 18x24, 20x30, or 24x36 inches. If you want to place the sign in a frame, you will need to trim your letter-size paper from 8.5x11 inches to 8x10 inches to fit into a standard 8x10 size frame.

When creating your hashtag, make sure it is easy to type and remember. You can also include props or decorations on your sign to add a personalised touch and encourage your guests to strike a pose.

There are many options for the material of your sign, including acrylic, wood, mirror, paper, or natural materials like leaves. Acrylic is a popular choice as it is versatile and comes in various colours, sizes, and thicknesses. You can also consider using a frame for your sign, with stores like Michael's, Target, and Hobby Lobby offering a range of sizing and style options.

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Frequently asked questions