What is wedding signage and do I need it?

Photo by Weddings By Sally Rose

When planning your wedding, you're probably thinking about the big things; your venue, outfits, guest list, and of course(!), the stationery that sets the tone. But there’s another element that plays a crucial role in making your day run smoothly whilst looking effortlessly beautiful. Today, we’re talking about wedding signage.

So, what exactly is wedding signage? It’s more than just a few pretty signs scattered around your venue. It’s a way to communicate what’s happening when and where and guide your guests throughout the day. Whether you’re throwing a high-energy festival-style wedding, a cool intimate gathering, or something completely offbeat, wedding signage is your secret weapon to making the day flow seamlessly while reflecting your personal style.

Before we start, I will say that each celebration is different, and so even if you choose to have signage, you might not want or need all of the examples below. Additionally, you might want other signs, too! Working with a stationery designer gives you flexibility to pick and mix the elements that are right for you and ditch the bits that aren’t.

Types of Wedding Signage (That You’ll Actually Want)

Wedding signs don’t have to be stiff, traditional or overly formal. Forget the cliché cursive on whitewashed wood (unless that’s your vibe, of course). Even the wording you choose sets the tone for the day, and you can use humour, fun and personality in both the actual text and the typographic choices.

Here are some examples of signs that can be tailored to your aesthetic, whether that's neon, bold typography, or quirky hand-painted designs:

1. Welcome Sign

Your welcome sign is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make it count. It’s a great opportunity to set the tone, whether that’s fun and playful, sleek and modern, or a little rock ‘n’ roll. Think oversized banners, acrylic boards with punchy lettering and large A1 mounted prints that grab your guests’ attention (and make for great keepsakes to adorn your home with afterwards).

2. Order of Events

You can help your guests know what’s happening when and to navigate the space and timings of the day. An order of events sign makes sure no one’s left wondering what’s next, and alleviates you or your wedding party having to answer questions or shuffle people around the venue.

This can be a poster, a digital screen or something more unconventional like a giant board with vinyl lettering. In addition to adding to your aesthetic, it really does help elevate the experience of your guests, especially those with sensory difficulties or disabilities who ned to plan their day around chill-out time out of the main events or taking medication.

3. Directional Signs

If your venue is sprawling (think warehouses, barns, breweries or festival fields), directional signs keep guests from getting lost. Use bold, eye-catching arrows or playful messages, like “This way to the booze” or “Follow the music.” They’re a great idea if you want to spruce up a bathroom door (or make all gendered toilets become gender-neutral), direct guests to a certain room for the ceremony or to eat and if you’d like to label the layers of a cake with flavours and allergy notes. 

Your venue might inspire you to come up with other ideas depending on the layout and plans for the day, but in any event you have have distinguishable branding that not only matches your vibe but is a common aesthetic that guests can seek out when navigating the space. 

4. Bar and Menu Signs

Whether you’re serving signature cocktails, craft beer or creating an epic grazing table, having a bar or menu sign shows guests what’s on offer. You could have a retro letter board, hand-written signs or you can use the styling from the rest of your wedding day stationery to have paper or self-standing signs.

5. Unplugged Ceremony Sign

If you want guests to be present (and not watching through their phone screens), an unplugged ceremony sign is key. Make it fun rather than preachy with something like “Put down the phone, pick up the vibe” or “Live in the moment, not on Instagram.” 

Speaking with my wedding photographer friends, their number one gripe is often that the professional photos they have of your aisle and ceremony can be completely ruined with arms and smartphones waving around. A sign at the entrance to the ceremony space sets the expectations and means your celebrant or ceremony leader doesn’t have to remember to explain this at the start. 

6. Table and Seating Signs

If you’re having assigned seating, a creative table plan sign is a must. This can be laid out in whichever format works for you, the vibe and the way you want guests to interact. The most typical way is using the same design style as the rest of your stationery and laying out guests’ names underneath table names or table numbers to show them which table they’re sitting at. You can also go for something more unique, like a vinyl record wall, Polaroid photos or even a hanging installation of name tags.

Photo by From The Smiths

7. Neon or Statement Signs

Want a serious wow factor? Custom neon signs, giant LED letters or hand-painted murals with bold typography make incredible backdrops for photos. Whether it’s your names, a favourite lyric or a punchy phrase like “‘Til Death” or “Drunk in Love,” this kind of signage doubles as décor and a keepsake.

by Neon Now

Photo by Honey Stills

So, do you really need wedding signage?

The short answer: It depends on your wedding style, but in most cases, I’d say a big ol’ yes! Wedding signage isn’t just about aesthetics; it serves a functional purpose too. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Wedding signage keeps things flowing: No one likes being confused at a wedding. Signs prevent guests from constantly asking where to go or what’s happening next. They know timings and where to be and can plan for necessary sensory breaks if needed.

• It adds personality and style: Signage is another way to inject your unique style into your day. Whether it's through witty wording, bold colours or unexpected materials, it helps make your wedding feel yours.

• Signage sets expectations: If you're doing things a little differently (which, let’s be honest, you probably are), signage is an easy way to clue guests in. Whether that’s a non-traditional ceremony, a self-serve bar or an after-party that kicks off at midnight - signage helps direct the crowd.

• It creates photo-worthy moments: A killer sign makes for a great photo backdrop, giving your wedding an extra layer of personality and a little built-in branding.

How to Make Your Wedding Signage Stand Out

If you’re going for alternative, bold and non-traditional wedding vibes, your signage should reflect that. Here’s how to make it unique:

• Play with typography and layout: Big, bold fonts, handwritten elements or graphic prints can make a statement.

• Think beyond the board: Who says a sign has to be on paper? Use unexpected materials like fabric banners, mirrors, skateboards or up-cycled wood.

• Get interactive: QR codes that link to a playlist, a digital guestbook, names on sunglasses or badges that guests can wear immediately or an animated projection sign can add an extra layer of fun.

• Make it personal: Include inside jokes, references to your favourite songs or illustrations of your pets for a custom touch.

The final word

Wedding signage isn’t just a practical add-on; it’s an opportunity to infuse more of you into your day. Whether it’s quirky welcome sign, a a sleek acrylic menu or a neon masterpiece, the right signage can enhance the guest experience while making your wedding look undeniably cool. If you want a day that’s stylish, seamless, makes a guest’s life easier and is unapologetically you, then definitely consider getting some signage.

Ready to design signage that’s as bold and unique as your wedding? I’ve got you covered; just get in touch!