What kind of signage do you have planned for your big day? One of our favorite aspects of wedding design is planning all of the wedding signage. We’ve been lucky to have members on our staff that are talented. We’ve been able to provide various wedding signs for guests over the years and add a little bit of creative flair to our couples’ wedding day. Signs may seem like a small detail in your overall wedding day, but they play an important role for your guests. They help guide your guests through your day, answer questions they may have, and can definitely impact the overall experience for your guests! So, let’s talk about signage and how to incorporate them into your wedding day!
Ceremony
Ceremony signs can provide important information for what to expect walking in the door. Your ceremony will be the first event of your wedding day and let’s be honest, it’s the biggest event of the day. You want your guests to feel comfortable and knowledgeable when they arrive at your wedding. Here are some of our go-to signs for your ceremony to create a smooth start to your wedding celebration.
#01 Welcome Sign: You want to think of a way to greet your guests upon their arrival. It is vital for your guests to know they are in the right location and feel welcomed. You can easily pair a groomsmen or close family member or friend to accompany a welcome sign or area. Feel free to include a program on your welcome sign or even a timeframe of events. Let’s face it, people like to be informed, so providing a quick timeline of events, such as ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner etc., will help your guests know what to expect.
#02 Photography Expectations: Many couples are choosing to have intimate, technology free, ceremonies. It allows guests to remain in the moment and leaves the photography up to the professionals. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have a sign that includes your expectations for photography or video. Have the sign in a location, near the welcome sign, that all guests are able to clearly see. You definitely don’t want any awkward conversations for your ushers.
#03 Guest Book: If you have your guest book at the ceremony, be sure to leave a sign out with short, but to the point, directions. This is a good way to fill the space prior to the ceremony, especially for guests that like to arrive early. You can also move this table/area to the cocktail ceremony to provide an activity for guests to complete.
Cocktail Hour
Hosting a cocktail hour is a great buffer for your wedding party, guests, and your photographer. It allows you and your significant other time to make it official with signing your wedding license, as well as snapping all of those important pictures. During cocktail hour, your guests will be “solo”. Providing signs with information during the cocktail hour will keep guests occupied and the hour moving smoothly.
#01 Guest Book: This is an opportunity for any guests that missed or didn’t have time prior to the ceremony to fill out the guest book. Be sure to move your guest book station to your cocktail hour.
#02 Interactive Activities: Create and include signs for different interactive activities during cocktail hour. If you haven’t thought about adding interactive activities, think about adding some engaging activities for your guests’ enjoyment. This can include a photo booth, outside games etc. Keep your guests informed with each interactive station with simple signs to guide them!
#03 Seating Chart: This is one of the most important signs you will have at your wedding, especially if you are choosing to create a seating plan for your guests. Guests need ample time to find their seats. Creating a seating chart that guests can use to find their seats is essential to a smooth transition to the reception. Place the sign in an area that is easy to locate and at the entrance of the reception. Of course you can think outside of the box for your seating chart. But, make sure it is accessible and easy to use.
Reception and Dinner Hour
We’ve hit the moment where family and friends can celebrate! Throughout your ceremony, there are various opportunities to provide some signs to help your family and friends out. Signs during your reception add to your decor, but answer questions that your guests may have and allow your vendors to focus on vending.
#01 Bar Menu: Have your drinks clearly labeled, if you are providing a bar. Clearly label your non-alcoholic drinks and your bar menu. Have a bar menu on both sides of your bar, if possible, to keep the line moving quickly. This is also a fun opportunity to get creative with your bar menu! Use visuals and keep it fun!
#02 Dinner Menu: Whether you're having a plated dinner, or a buffet, be sure to give your guests a menu. You can have a large sign near your buffet, or individual signs/visuals for your guests at their table. If you’re having a buffet, clearly labeling your food choices will help guests avoid any allergens and reduce asking vendors questions. You want to keep the line moving quickly, especially if you’re having a buffet!
Signs throughout your wedding provide your guests with essential information. It helps limit questions asked to your wedding planning team and vendors, so they can focus on making your event run smoothly. They are also a fun way to engage with your guests throughout the wedding experience. As you chose your signs, remember to include vital information needed to support your guests. You definitely don’t need to go overboard with your signage, but make it meaningful and incorporate the signs into your overall theme. If you’re feeling lost about your wedding signs, we’d love to help you create unique signs for your wedding. Message us today and let’s chat about how we can support you!
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 18 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.