Wedding Day Signage & Stationary Guide
Signage & Stationary considerations
The following is a comprehensive list of wedding signage and stationary that you may want to consider for your wedding day.
Welcome sign
Recommended
Greets guests and sets the tone. Often includes the couple’s names and wedding date.
Directional or parking signage
It may be helpful to create signage to guide guests to the correct location. This can include parking, ceremony location, reception location, restrooms, etc. **Alternatively you can post this information on your website, or wedding programs.
Ceremony signage or programs
To ensure that your guests know what is expected prior to the ceremony, the ceremony signage can provide them with some key information. It may include the start time of the ceremony, the outline of the order of events, names of the wedding party, any special readings or traditions, or the request for an unplugged ceremony. **Ceremony programs are not common however, they may be important if you are planning a long or traditional wedding ceremony, the ceremony or parts of the ceremony are in a language that some of the guests don’t understand, or if you are planning to include traditions that not all guests are familiar with.
reserved ceremony seating
Recommended for the first or second row of the ceremony
If you're looking to reserve front row seating for your immediate family or wedding party, consider using small name cards on the ceremony seats or general reserved signs at the aisle seat of the first and second rows.
A wedding program offers a comprehensive guide to the entire wedding day and/or wedding weekend activities, providing guests with valuable information. Typically, it includes the couple's names, event dates, times, and locations, details of the wedding party and family, as well as fun facts about the couple or the big day. **Wedding programs are not common however, they may be important if you are hosting multiple events at different locations. It is common for couples to use their website as their wedding program to provide guidance to the wedding guests, inform them of all weekend activities, and answer common questions.
Wedding Programs
Guest Book Sign
Recommended if you are including a guest book
The guest book sign can be as simple as a small sign on the guest book table letting guests know to sign your guest book. If you are choosing to do something alternative to a classic guest book you may want to consider a sign with more detailed instructions.
If you are expecting gifts or cards on your wedding day, it may be helpful to add signage to your welcome table letting guests know where to deliver their gifts and cards.
Gifts & Cards Sign
Table Assignments / Escort Cards
Recommended
For a smooth and organized dining experience, consider assigning your guests to specific tables. Post a large sign at the entrance to your dining room to guide guests to their designated tables.
Hint: We recommend organizing your guests’ names alphabetically by last name. Alternatively, you can organize names by table numbers, but for large weddings, it may take your guests time to find their table.
Place Cards / Escort Cards
Recommended for a plated dinner service
If you choose to assign your guests to specific seats, you will want to print escort cards for each guest to place at their seats.
Hint: For a plated meal service this is typically required. For an optimal dining experience, many caterers will recommend or require that you include the name, table number and meal choice on your escort cards.
Bar Signage
Recommended for signature drinks
Typically bar signs include the details of your signature cocktail, but you may consider including all the bar/beverage details and/or any specific bar instructions.
Table Numbers
Recommended
Create table numbers for all your reception tables. These should correspond to your seat assignments and escort cards.
Hint: Some couples choose to name their tables instead of numbering their tables. If you do choose to name your tables, we recommend also including a number on the table name signs as well for optimal dinner service and clarity for the catering staff.
Create menu signs for seats, tables, or stations. **Menu signs can also be an aesthetic touch to the table decor, especially if you have minimal decor at the tables, or if you are offering a plated service and plates are not on the table when the guests sit down.
Hint: If there are allergy or dietary considerations for some of your guests it is important to notate those on your menus.
Menus
Create dessert menu signs for the dessert station.
Dessert Menus
When to Design & Order wedding signage
Determine if you want to design your own signage or if you want to work with a designer. If you decide you want to work with a graphic designer you will want to begin working on the design details at this point (colors, fonts, etc.).
4-Months
3-Months
Determine what signage & stationary is important for your wedding.
Begin working on wording and your designs.
2-Months
Finalize your designs, review details, spelling and sizing.
Order samples if needed.
6-Weeks
Finalize guest list and table assignments and finalize all signage pieces that specify guests names.
4-Weeks
Review and order your wedding day signage.
Pack and organize your wedding day signage.
Hint: If you have assigned seating - organize your escort cards by table number.