The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Day Signage & Stationery
When it comes to wedding planning, it’s all in the details, and signage and stationery are one of the most fun and functional ways to add personality while keeping your guests informed. From helping loved ones find their seats to showing off your signature cocktails, signs and stationery are must-haves throughout your day.
This guide breaks down all the signage and stationery you’ll want to consider for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. A few of the bullet points below are marked with an *. These indicate the signage/stationery pieces that are essential for your wedding day. Everything else is optional but adds a lovely touch if you choose to include it.
Ceremony Signage
Welcome Sign
Start your day with a beautiful sign that greets your guests and sets the tone. Include your names, wedding date, and a warm message like “We’re so glad you’re here!”
Guestbook Sign
Whether you're doing a traditional guestbook, audio messages, or even Polaroids, guide your guests with a cute sign so they don’t miss it.
Programs
Programs aren’t necessary unless your ceremony and reception are at separate locations. In that case, we highly recommend providing them to highlight key details for guests, like the address of the reception venue or where to find the transportation arranged between the two locations.
Reserved Seating*
Clearly reserve certain rows for immediate family and close friends with signage! Whether it’s small cards or custom drapery over the chairs, labeling these seats ahead of time helps eliminate any confusion.
Unplugged Ceremony Sign
An unplugged ceremony means guests are asked not to use their phones during the ceremony so they can stay present in the moment. While having your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins is helpful, placing a sign at the entrance serves as a nice reminder for guests to keep their phones away.
Memorial Sign
Honoring loved ones who have passed? A heartfelt sign paired with photos, candles, or florals is a meaningful way to include them in your day.
Cards & Gifts
Let guests know where to drop their cards and gifts with a sign near the gift table or card box. It helps keep everything organized and in one spot!
Directional Signs (If Needed)
If your venue is large or outdoors, directional signs with arrows and clear labels will help guests find their way, whether it's the ceremony space, restrooms, or parking.
Photographers: Ashley Blair | Kristen Thomison | Marlee Gentry | M Visuals
Cocktail Hour Signage
Drink Menu*
Keep the bar line moving and your guests in the know! A stylish drink menu lets everyone know what’s being served, whether it’s craft beer, wine, mocktails, or a custom cocktail.
Signature Drink Sign
Show off your personality with a custom sign for your signature drinks! Whether they’re named after you both, your pets, favorite vacation spots, or something else that’s sentimental to you as a couple!
Seating Chart*
Help guests find their tables with a seating chart that matches your wedding style whether it is elegant, minimal, modern, or playful. Pro tip: List guests alphabetically by last name rather than table number to avoid a line at the seating chart and to make it easy for your guests to find their table in time for dinner.
Activities or Games
Have lawn games like cornhole, Jenga, or a custom cigar bar? Use signs to explain how to play or where to grab supplies. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and mingling for more of an interactive cocktail hour.
Photographers: Linden Bloom | Haley Birdsey | Sydney Breland
Reception Signage
Escort Cards or Place Cards
Escort and place cards are a refined way to guide guests to their seats. Whether you go classic or get creative, they add a personal and polished touch to your reception.
Table Numbers*
Tie your table numbers into your overall design with materials and fonts that match your theme. You can keep it simple with numbers or get creative for a more personal touch, like naming each table after destinations you’ve traveled to together if you both love to travel.
Dinner Menus
Elevate your tablescape by adding a stylish touch with individual dinner menus. Placing a menu on each plate not only enhances the overall look but also lets guests know what’s being served, helping to avoid any confusion or questions during dinner.
Dessert Signage
Let guests know what sweet treats await with signage that matches your dessert display. It’s both stylish and practical, especially for showcasing flavors or dietary options.
Bar Signage*
Highlight your bar offerings or signature cocktails with chic signage. It’s a great way to bring personality into the space while keeping everything organized and elegant. You can always repurpose the bar sign from cocktail hour or make a duplicate of them to have at each bar.
Late-Night Snack Sign
A simple sign lets guests know when it’s time for late-night bites, perfect for pizza, sliders, or food trucks.
Photographers: Matlock & Kelly | Megan Kuhn | Taylor Felts
Our Favorite Signage & Stationery Vendors to Consider
Not planning to DIY? Investing in professional signage and stationery ensures every detail looks cohesive and refined. These trusted vendors are known for their quality craftsmanship, timeless design, and thoughtful execution:
Wedding signage doesn’t just keep things organized, it adds so much character and charm to your day. The best part? You can totally customize the look and wording to match your overall wedding design.
Feeling a little overwhelmed? That’s where we come in! At Before the Vows, we help bring your wedding vision to life, right down to the details like signage placement, guest flow, and stationery design. Whether you’re working with a calligrapher, printer, or a DIY bestie, our team makes sure every sign is perfectly placed and totally unforgettable.
Ready to plan your wedding with a team who’s all about the little things that make a big impact? Let’s chat!
