For this post, I am chatting about all things wedding day signage. As a wedding planner, I see wedding signage as super important. Yes, it can be an added expense, but for me, it plays a vital role in your wedding day. Here are some questions you probably have when it comes to wedding day signs and my thoughts.
Before we start, what is wedding signage?
Wedding signage refers to decorative information and signs dotted around your wedding venue, ceremony or reception. They often include directions to help navigate your guests, as well as pointing out key highlights of your day such as photo booths, games, order of the day and where the toilets are! They're extremely practical but are also a great way to add additional decorations to your wedding theme.
Is wedding day signage necessary?
Maybe not always necessary, but I always think it is a good idea and here is why:
- Wedding signs guide guests in the right direction (literally). A welcome sign at the ceremony door lets them know they are in the right place, arrows pointing to toilets tell them where they need to go, and so on.
- Order of the day signs make people feel like they're involved with what's going on and understand what's next. Sometimes people can feel like they are just hanging around, especially during a longer drinks reception. So, if you have an order of the day it can help give guests an idea of what to expect and when.
- Similarly to the above point, it means fewer questions from guests. If they know what's happening, they won't disturb your wedding day with questions like, 'Where are the toilets?' or 'When are we eating? '. It also stops them from needing to track down someone from the venue to ask (although I am always on hand and welcome questions from guests). If they can see the information clearly in front of them, it'll help minimise questions.
- They can serve as polite reminders of what not to do (e.g. don't take photos during the ceremony), or encourage them to do something (for example, get involved with garden games or write in your guest book).
- Finally, they add an extra element to your wedding decor and styling; enhancing your overall theme. This might be a rustic, elegant or stylish design, but wedding signage can complement them all.
Where and when to use wedding signage? And what about the wording?
- I always advise starting at the beginning of your wedding day: walk through your day at the venue so you can see what will be needed and at which points signage will be useful. Your venue may have signs for the toilets etc, so you won't need those. But make sure you talk to your venue coordinator about wedding signs before ordering things too.
- Remember, when it comes to making wedding signs fit your wedding theme, this also means using the right wording. Would playful, fun wording sit nicely or would traditional phrases be more suitable?
- If you choose printed signage, I recommend using the same stationer or printer throughout your wedding stationery, to create a cohesive feel. As mentioned, this will also enhance your theme, so avoid using lots of mismatched signage throughout the day.
What wedding signage should I use?
So here is a list of wedding signage ideas to consider. It may not all be relevant for you and your day, so pick and choose what is best for you.
- Welcome sign
- Order of the day
- Unplugged ceremony
- Ceremony decor (e.g. 'pick a seat, not a side')
- Directional signs (arrows may be needed)
- Fun ideas (e.g. games or pictures)
- Table/seating plan
- Bar or cocktail menu
- Dessert or food stations
- Guest book sign
- Social media hashtag
- Photo-booth sign
- Extra decor or gifts (e.g. 'flip flops for dancing feet' or 'blankets to get cosy')
I hope that has helped give you a good idea of wedding signage: when and where to use it. If you are planning your wedding and in need of extra support, then do check out my services here.
Photo credit: D and J wedding photography