When you think about wedding details that leave a lasting impression, you might picture the dress, the florals, or the first dance. But there’s one detail that plays a big role in tying your entire wedding experience together—and often gets overlooked – wedding signage.
Wedding signs do more than just guide your guests from point A to point B. They help tell your love story, reinforce your wedding theme, and add personality to every space. From the welcome sign to the bar menu to creative Instagram-worthy moments, signage is a blend of function and style you absolutely do not want to ignore.
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or looking for final details to personalize your big day, here’s everything you need to know about wedding signage—and why it matters.
WHY DOES SIGNAGE MATTER?
Wedding signage isn’t just “pretty paper.” It plays a vital role in creating a seamless guest experience. Here’s why it’s so important:
IT SETS THE TONE. Your welcome sign is often the first thing guests see. It can immediately convey your style—romantic, modern, rustic, whimsical, or glam.
IT PROVIDES DIRECTION. You don’t want lost guests. Or you don’t want your guests to feel lost. From ceremony seating to the bar, signage helps guests navigate the day without confusion or constant questions.
IT ADDS PERSONALITY. Custom signs let your sense of humor, love story, or shared interests shine through.
IT ELEVATES YOUR DECOR. With the right design, signage becomes a decorative element that pulls your entire aesthetic together.
In simple terms, signage is almost like your wedding’s “branding”. It is a visual thread that carries your guests from one moment to the next.
LET’S BREAK DOWN THE SIGNAGE YOU’LL ACTUALLY NEED
There are endless ways to incorporate signage into your wedding, but here are the most common—and useful—types you’ll want to consider.
There are endless ways to incorporate signage into your wedding, but here are the most common—and useful—types you’ll want to consider.
01: THE WELCOME SIGN
This is the first impression. Usually displayed at the entrance to your ceremony or venue, a welcome sign often includes your names, wedding date, and a warm greeting. You can mount it on an easel or hang it with floral accents for a beautiful statement piece.
02: CEREMONY SIGNS
Help direct your guests while they wait for your arrival.
Explain the seating – is it pick a seat, not a side? Or open seating?
Program boards with your wedding party names is a great option for saving on printed paper programs.
Reserved seating signage for family rows
03: UNPLUGGED CEREMONY SIGN
If you’d like guests to be present (and not taking photos during your ceremony), kindly let them know with an “Unplugged Ceremony” sign.
Example:
“Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please turn off your devices and be fully present with us. Thank you!”
04: SEATING CHART/ESCORT CARD DISPLAY
Whether it’s a large printed board, a mirror with calligraphy, or a creative installation (like hanging tags or champagne escort walls), this is one of the most functional and fun signage opportunities.
05: TABLE NUMBERS AND PLACE CARDS
These small signs help guests find their seats and are a great place to add personality or theme-related elements—like naming tables after favorite travel destinations, movies, or shared hobbies.
06: BAR AND DRINK SIGNS
Let your guests know what’s on the menu with a custom bar sign. You can list wine, beer, and cocktails—or feature a signature drink named after your pet, favorite vacation, or inside joke.
Example:
“The Lucy – Spicy Margarita (because she’s a little extra)”
07: MENU SIGNAGE
If you're doing a buffet or food stations, signage is essential to guide guests (and accommodate allergies or preferences). Even with plated meals, a menu board or printed menus at each seat can add a thoughtful touch.
08: HASHTAG OR PHOTO BOOTH SIGN
Encourage guests to share photos with a custom hashtag or tag your wedding account. If you have a photo booth or selfie station, a sign with instructions makes it easy for everyone to join in.
09: FAVORS AND GUESTBOOK SIGNS
Don't let guests forget to sign your guestbook or grab a favor! A well-placed sign will do the trick.
10: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Especially helpful for outdoor or multi-location venues. Use arrows or markers to guide guests to the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, restrooms, or parking.
WEDDING SIGNAGE TIPS
Your signage should match your wedding theme. It should compliment your overall wedding aesthetic. Consider your fonts, colors, materials, and layout. You’ll want to be consistent with your fonts and colors, because just like a brand – it should use similar elements across all signs. This creates a seamless, polished look from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of materials to add texture and dimension. We love mixing wood, acrylic, and even mirrors! At the end of the day, don’t over do it. Yes, signs are helpful, but don’t add to many. It can clutter the space or become overwhelming. Be strategic in your signage execution.
Wedding signage is more than a checklist item—it’s an opportunity to enhance your guest experience, express your personality, and elevate your wedding décor. From the moment guests arrive to the final farewell, thoughtful signs can guide, delight, and inspire.
So whether you're dreaming of minimalist acrylics, rustic wood boards, or playful neon, let your signage do more than just direct—let it speak your love language.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.
