We’re back at it, this time talking about signs for your ceremony and reception. Signs not only add to the decor of your day but are a functional tool helping your guests understand what is expected of them and what they are interacting with. The right sign in the proper place will make all the difference, and create a smoother flow as well as cut down on confusion for your guests. Then what signs should be at your wedding?
Ceremony Signs
Photos by Alexandria
Welcome Sign Give your guests a warm greeting right as they walk in. This sign can also be moved to the reception room to point guests to the right location, especially if you are in a venue with multiple weddings happening on the same day.
Seating Many couples have done away with making their guests choose which side of the aisle they should sit on. Let guests know with a simple sign at the entrance of the seating that they can sit wherever.
Reserved Seating Remember to place reserved seating signs for the first two rows on either side for family and prominent guests of the couple getting married.
Order of Events This sign serves as a way for guests to look forward to the events for the evening such as when the bar opens, dancing and sending the happy couple off.
Other signs to have at the ceremony could include an
Unplugged Sign Adding this small sign can make the ceremony feel more intentional and cause less distraction. Have it placed at the entrance of the ceremony, but also have your officiant remind guests during the ceremony so that all can fully enjoy it without distraction.
Program Board to cut down on paper programs but still acknowledging the timeline of the ceremony and honoring all those who have chosen to be involved.
Venue and Reception Signs
Directional Signs If you have a large venue, a directional sign is a fun and informative way to help guests understand where the bathrooms, ceremony, reception, and other key locations are during the day.
Hashtag Sign Place this sign with a personalized hashtag on it near your welcome sign or guestbook to make sure you can find all the fun snaps of your day easily on social media. This is a great way to relive your big day in the weeks waiting for your professional photos to come back.
Guest Book Sign If you have a guestbook or an interactive item you’d like your guests to be involved in make sure the directions and the sign are readable and placed nearby a high trafficked area for all to see.
Seating Chart If you are not planning on having personal escort and/or placards, or happy to have guests sit where they like—let them know where to place their items to get the party started as soon as possible!
Table Numbers These can be simple numbers provided by your venue or designed by your stationer to match the other paper goods. Think outside the box by replacing the numbers with a theme you love such as locations you traveled or book titles you both enjoy.
Bar and Food Menus Many couples are opting for a specialty drink they love to add a special touch to the cocktail hour. Have this fun sign displayed on the bar for a splash of decor and for you to have a cute memento of your reception to take home.
Don’t forget to have a table menu or signs at the buffet to make sure guests know what food they are being served. This goes along with any food item you’re serving including dessert, late-night snacks, or food trucks.
Reception Extras Some couples opt to help their guest feel a little more comfortable on their day by providing a specialty item such as a fan, water bottle for the ceremony, or flip-flops for dancing. Make sure a sign is provided to ensure guests know they can take one for themselves.
Favors If you are planning to do a favor—and it is not placed on the guest’s place setting at their table—make sure a sign is placed next to the favors to encourage guests to take one on their way out at the end of the event.
Overall, you understand your guests and the important information you would like to communicate to them during your day. All the above signs are not needed for a beautiful and fun filled event but will help cut the stress down when placed in the right areas. Ask me how I can help you with any one of these signs here.