George Boyle
Wedding signs are an important part of your wedding decor and can be used to welcome guests, tell them where to place their gifts, or even introduce your signature drinks. They are also useful for providing directions to guests, especially if your venue layout is unclear or there are multiple events going on. A welcome sign is often the first thing your guests will see, setting the tone for the entire wedding. Other popular signs include those for seating charts, bar menus, dessert tables, and guest books. If you're having a buffet, a large sign can help guests decide what they want while they wait in line. You can even add a fun touch with a sign for your cocktail hour to help break the ice and get guests mingling.
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Welcome signs
There are many ways to design a welcome sign, from using natural materials such as wood, slate rock, and dried flowers to adding personal touches like hand-lettered calligraphy, illustrations, or "Our Story" excerpts. Welcome signs can also be customised with your wedding colours, shapes, sizes, and wording. For instance, you could include a sweet message like "We're so glad you're here" or stamp your sign with your names, wedding date, and location.
If you're feeling crafty, you could even make your own DIY welcome sign. This allows for even more customisation and adds a personal touch to your wedding. You could use pressed flowers as the base of your sign, or include paper cranes, your family motto, or a quote to make it unique to you.
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Seating charts
A seating chart is an essential detail of your wedding reception. It informs your guests where they will sit and who they will be sitting with. It also acts as crowd control and provides key information to guests about where their reception "home base" is.
There are a few things to consider when creating your seating chart. Firstly, decide whether you will be assigning seats or just tables to your guests. If you plan on having a formal sit-down meal, your venue may require place cards to indicate which guests will be receiving which meal. However, if you are opting for a buffet or cocktail-style dinner service, assigned seats may not be necessary. Secondly, consider the size and shape of your tables. Rectangular tables can fit more guests, while round tables provide more legroom. Thirdly, think about the dynamics between your guests. Group people who know each other together and avoid seating family members who don't get along at the same table. Seat younger guests who will be dancing all night near the band or DJ, and consider seating divorced parents at opposite ends of the same table or at two separate tables that are equally close to the head table.
When creating your seating chart, you can organize it electronically or by hand. Many websites offer drag-and-drop seating tools that allow you to easily switch up your arrangements. If you prefer a hands-on approach, sketch your tables on a piece of poster board and write each guest's name on an individual sticky note or index card. You can then move the cards around like a puzzle until you find an arrangement that works.
Once you have finalized your seating chart, it's time to think about how you will display it. You can order a custom seating chart sign that reflects your wedding colours and design. These signs can be customized with your choice of colours, fonts, and styles. You may also want to include a diagram with numbered seats and an alphabetical list of guests' names and seat numbers. Ensure that the sign is big enough and the font is clear so that your guests can locate their seats quickly and easily.
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Directional signs
Venue Entrance
A sign at the entrance of the venue is a good idea, especially if your wedding is in a remote location or if there are multiple events happening nearby. This sign will let guests know they are in the right place and can be as simple as "Wedding This Way" with an arrow pointing in the right direction. You could also include your names and wedding date to add a personal touch.
Ceremony and Reception Areas
If your ceremony and reception are in different areas of the venue, or if the ceremony site is not immediately visible, a directional sign will be helpful. Something like "Ceremony This Way" with an arrow will guide your guests to their destination. This can be especially useful if there are multiple pathways or decision points that might cause confusion.
Cocktail Hour and Bar Areas
After the ceremony, your guests will likely be moving towards the cocktail hour or bar area. A sign indicating the direction towards these areas will be appreciated, especially if they are located in a separate part of the venue. You could also include information about beverage options, such as "Cocktails and Beer This Way" or "Open Bar ->".
Seating Charts and Table Allocations
Seating charts or table allocation signs are important, especially if you have a seated dinner. These signs help guests find their assigned tables or seats. You can place these signs at the entrance of the reception area or near the tables. Decorate the signs with florals or other décor items that match your wedding theme.
Gift and Cards Table
It is common for guests to bring gifts or cards to the wedding. A "Cards and Gifts" sign will guide them to the designated table, ensuring that their thoughtful gestures are placed in the correct location. This sign can be creatively designed to match your wedding aesthetic.
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Bar signs
A bar sign is a must-have at your wedding, especially if you are having a food bar or specialty drink satellite bar. It is a great way to let your guests know about their beverage options for the evening. Here are some ideas for bar signs:
Acrylic Sign
Using an acrylic sign is a chic and contemporary way to announce the drinks available at the bar. Opt for ornate calligraphy and bold typography, with a see-through surface that makes the lettering stand out. Lucite is a versatile option that works well with any aesthetic. For instance, elegant gold calligraphy paired with rich navy hues creates a sophisticated look.
Unique Vessel
Present your bar sign in a unique vessel that coordinates with your wedding aesthetic. For example, a custom menu stationed in a decorative bowl of citrus fruits would be perfect for a European or Italy-inspired theme. You can also elevate a white backdrop with a playful border, choosing a bright colour that matches your wedding colour palette.
Custom Crest
Create a custom crest that combines you and your partner's first initials. Your wedding bar sign is a great place to display this monogram, along with a fun drawing of your cocktails. Add this emblem to other paper goods, such as save-the-dates and table numbers, for a recurring motif.
Pet Tribute
If you want to include a meaningful tribute to your pet, consider adding a custom illustration of them to your wedding bar menu. You can even name your drinks after your furry friend. Include the illustration on other items like cocktail napkins and menu cards to seal the tribute.
Directional Bar Signs
If your wedding has a non-traditional layout, directional signs can be helpful for guests to find the bar. For example, a sign at the entrance can let guests know about the bar and cocktail reception area.
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Gifts and cards signs
A wedding welcome sign is a must-have as it sets the tone for the entire event and is usually the first thing that greets your guests. You can place it on an easel or a table, decorated with flowers and other items that match your theme and colour scheme. This can also be a cute photo opportunity for your guests.
A "cards and gifts" sign is also a good idea. This will ensure that people don't mistake the table for somewhere to put their drinks or leftovers. You could also have a "please sign our guest book" sign, and a seating chart.
If you are having a buffet, a large sign at the beginning letting guests know the options will help the line move faster. You could also have a sign for any food bars or specialty drink satellite bars so that guests don't miss out. A sign for the bathroom is also a good idea, and you could also have a cute sign with blankets for guests with wording like "to have and to hold in case you get cold".
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Frequently asked questions
Signs are not a necessity, but they can be helpful for your guests and add a personal touch.
Welcome signs, seating charts, and signs pointing towards gifts/cards tables, the bar, and restrooms are all useful and commonly used.
You can decorate signs with florals and décor to match your theme. For a fun touch, consider a "no ugly crying" sign with a basket of tissues or a punny sign for dessert tables.
Include key information such as the schedule of events, directions to different areas, and food/beverage options.
You can design and create your own signs for a personal and cost-effective approach. Consider using picture frames with printed content, or get creative with materials like mirrors or window panes.
