Wedding Day Signage
There are so many directions you can go with wedding day signage - and it can be an overwhelming task. We’ve had a lot of conversations lately about what signage you do or don’t need, how it should look or read, where it should go, and how much of it you should have. We are here to help!
We’ve compiled a list of signage you might consider for your event - with some notes, where applicable. Keep in mind, some of this might not be relevant to you depending on your venue, event details, etc. We also want to say that if you used a local printer for your invitations or save the dates (doesn’t have to be local to your event but not a “big box” store or website) they can likely help design and/or print this signage for you so that it is cohesive to your other collateral. And if you’ve been following along with us at all - you know this makes us giddy!!
And, and….. there are so many options for collateral. We always suggest looking into sustainable options for your printing. Reusable items, recycled paper goods, and more - the sky is the limit here! OK, now for the list…….
WEDDING DAY SIGNAGE
Seating Chart
This could look like a number of different things. Go crazy or keep it simple. But PLEASE, for the love of all things wedding - please sort it alphabetically by last name and NOT by table. If you have 30 people or less, searching for your name under each table isn’t a big deal. But when you have 100 people or more - this becomes a daunting tasks for guests and causes significant delays in getting folks to their seat. I know it looks better to sort by table - but please don’t.
Escort Cards / Name Cards
This is another place where you have so many options. You can go with a traditional “escort card” which tells guests their table and/or seat, and tells servers what entree the guests chose. You can double up here and use this as an opportunity for a fun guest favor. We used small potted succulents once with flags in them for entree choice - guests got to take these home with them post-wedding. The key here is to make sure the entree choice is clear, bold, and easy to see from afar (and in dim lighting). Your markers need to be different from each other - but you can still be in theme!
Bar Menus
This helps bar lines move faster as it tells guests what the bar is offering so every single person doesn’t ask the bartender “what do you have?”. This is a fun area to bring in your colors, monogram/icon, and other aesthetic elements.
Specialty Drink Signs
Same as the above - this tells guests what to expect. Include primary ingredients, but you don’t have to include basics (ice, etc.). This also helps guests self-regulate if it’s not something they would enjoy or if there are allergy/dietary concerns.
Dinner Menus
Seems like a “Duh”., but it needs to be said! Whether you print one large menu for the buffet or you print smaller menus for the tables - having a clear menu for folks to see is SO helpful. Similar to the above, it allows them to self-regulate for preferences, dietaries, and allergies. (Make sure those items are clearly marked!)
Late Night Snack
I’m sure you’re sensing a theme here, but again, this allows folks to self-regulate for preferences, dietaries, and allergies. Make sure your Emcee announces that this is out and available, otherwise this might get missed!
Dessert Table
We love this sign because not all desserts are self-explanatory. You could do one large menu sign, or smaller markers for each item (depending on the setup of your dessert table). And don’t forget markers for the cake flavors - once they are cut, and the lights are a bit low, this helps folks figure out what their options are.
Welcome sign
The welcome sign is great as it….. welcomes your guests, If your venue is harder to find or they have to walk a bit to get there, this is a great way to let them know they have found the right place. You’ll want to plan for a couple of these - depending on your wedding details - for various areas. Or, talk to your planner or coordinator about moving the signs if it’s not something that can easily be duplicated.
Directional/Wayfinding
Similar to the signs above, these are especially important if your venue is hard to find. Signs for parking, entry, walking path, “Ceremony this way”, and more. The arrival is your guests first experience and impression with your event. Challenges getting in and finding it aren’t the first impression we want to give.
Itinerary Signs
Programs are hit or miss these days. If you aren’t planning on printing a program or agenda, we love the substitution of the itinerary sign. You could do one for ceremony and reception, one for the whole day/night, or just opt for one or the other. Either way - this tells guests exactly what to expect for the night. Don’t get TOO specific here….. events are always in flux so we don’t want to lock ourselves in too much. (See example below)
Program Signs
Here we are again! If you don’t plan to print a physical program for all guests - we get it. A great alternative is the program sign. High-level overview of the agenda for the ceremony. You could include another sign (or the same sign) with info on wedding party, family, and special guests. This is a great area for an “unplugged wedding” sign, or something similar - if you like.
Gifts / Cards Signs
We see these 50% of the time. It’s generally obvious (especially once one card has hit that box/bowl/cage) but if you are in a signage mood, you could add one here.
Guest “book” directional signs
This is key! People need direction, and this area is no exception. Believe it or not, it is not a “no brainer” that they are supposed to sign something, add a note, etc. Give specific instructions - so you aren’t disappointed later. Another note - if there’s an area/page/section you DON’T want written on or signed, cover it, block it, and make it very clear this is not for use.
Buffet Markers
Are we sensing a trend here? We mentioned the menu above - but I like to go a step further if you are having a buffet. A menu (even at the end of the buffet) is great - but mark the actual items. Not everyone can spot ratatouille from afar - tell them what it is! AND PLEASE, mark dietaries on your menus and markers. This makes it SO much easier for your guests to regulate their dietary or allergy needs. Your caterer can help you. It’s SO easy!!!!
Appetizer Markers
CC above. Yes, even if it’s a passed app. The server will likely tell guests what the item is, sure. But the key here is dietary markers. Believe it or not, not everyone in the hospitality industry is fully versed in the kitchen and/or cooking and not everyone understands what qualifies as a dietary or not. I’ve seen plates leave the kitchen covered in breading being sold as “gluten free”.
Gift Bag Tags
If you’re planning on a gift bag, a cute tag is always a nice touch. This could include your branding/monogram/icon/aesthetic, it could include a note from the couple, and/or it could include a list of what is inside - and why you picked those items (only relevant if the items are meaningful to you, the area, the wedding, etc.). You could drop an itinerary card in here for the weekend, if there are multiple events. Pro tip: make all of your gift bags the same, if possible. Customized gift bags are wonderful and thoughtful, but very hard to sort and almost always get mixed up. There’s nothing worse than getting a bag that says “Steve”: with a very nice note to Steve…. especially if you are Tiffany. Hotels charge more for bag drop-off when its customized, and it just makes things a little stressful right as the weekend is kicking off. Make them all the same, if possible.
Table Numbers / Markers
You need to mark your tables. Yes, you need to have all guests assigned to a seat or a table. Here are the table rules: If you have a plated entree but everyone gets the same thing, assign them a table. If you’re having a plated meal where the guest chose an entree in advance, assign them a table AND a seat (See escort cards above). If you’re having a buffet, family style meal, or stations, assign them a table. You can do a traditional number, or you can spice it up and make these super personal. Just make sure that your seating chart matches. This a great way to add some decor to your table, as well!
Have questions? Planning on a sign you don’t see listed? Want to chat more? Drop us a line and let’s chat! We’d love to answer your signage questions - free of charge!
