The Ultimate Wedding Signage Checklist
Planning a wedding is a labor of love, filled with countless decisions. With the seemingly endless list of things to plan for, it’s easy for wedding signage to become an afterthought.
But, these often-overlooked details are essential for guiding your guests, adding personality to your decor, and helping your big day run smoothly.
This comprehensive wedding signage checklist breaks everything down into categories, so you can make sure nothing is missed. From the moment your guests arrive to the final toast at your wedding reception, we’ll cover it all.
Before we dive in, keep in mind that this comprehensive list is only a compilation of all of the possible options. Whether or not each sign is essential for you is totally up to you and your unique situation and preferences. Take only what you need and let the rest go.
Okay, now we’re ready:
Table of contents
Before the Wedding
1. Welcome Signs
Your wedding welcome sign is the first thing your guests will see, and it sets the tone for the entire day. A thoughtfully designed welcome sign gives guests a warm introduction to your celebration.
Repurposing a wedding welcome sign for multiple events is a great way to save on costs while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. By making slight adjustments to the verbiage, you can seamlessly transition the same sign from your rehearsal dinner to the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
For example, instead of using specific phrases like "welcome to our wedding ceremony," try something more general such as "welcome to our forever" or "we're so glad you're here." This way, the sign feels appropriate for multiple events.
2. Directional Signs
A wedding venue can be a maze, especially if it’s large or has multiple spaces for different events. Directional signs make it easy for guests to navigate, so no one feels lost or confused.
Use these signs to direct guests to the ceremony area, restrooms, parking, and the cocktail hour location. While guests may not notice these signs when they're present, their absence will definitely be felt. This small detail adds a polished touch and helps avoid guests constantly asking for directions, keeping everything running smoothly.
3. Rehearsal Dinner Signs
If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, signage is a thoughtful way to make the evening feel cohesive with your wedding theme. A sign can indicate the location, outline the schedule, or even welcome guests with a playful message.
Consider placing this at the entrance of the venue or near the dining area. It’s a small detail that creates a sense of occasion and helps set the tone for the events to come.
4. Order of Events Sign
Want to keep your day stress-free for everyone? An order of events sign displaying the schedule for the day will save you from getting at least a dozen “what time is the cocktail hour, again?” messages.
Display key times and locations—like when the wedding ceremony starts or where the cocktail hour will take place—to help guests feel informed and included.
This sign can be as simple or detailed as you’d like, but it’s always a good idea to include major events, such as:
3 PM: Ceremony in the Garden
4 PM: Cocktail Hour by the Pool
6 PM: Wedding Reception in the Grand Hall
By giving your guests this roadmap, you’ll create a sense of ease and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time.
Wedding Signs for the Ceremony:
5. Unplugged Ceremony Signs
Encourage your guests to be fully present during your vows with an unplugged ceremony sign. This serves as a gentle reminder to put phones and cameras away, so everyone can focus on the moment.
Not sure what to say? Keep it light but clear: “We’ve Got the Photos Covered! Please Keep Phones and Cameras Away During the Ceremony” This sign doesn’t just prevent distractions; it creates a more intimate, meaningful experience for everyone.
6. Reserved Seating Signs
Your closest family members and VIP guests deserve special recognition. Reserved seating signs ensure their spots are saved, making them feel honored and included in your day.
These signs can be as formal or casual as you’d like. Examples include:
“Reserved for Parents of the Bride”
“Reserved for the Groom’s Grandparents”
Pair them with floral arrangements or ribbons to make the reserved rows stand out even more.
7. Wedding Programs
A wedding program displayed as a separate card or on a large sign is a wonderful way to keep guests informed. Include the order of events, names of the bridal party, and even a short thank-you message to your guests.
8. Ring Bearer and Flower Girl Signs
Add a playful and memorable touch with signs carried by your ring bearer or flower girl. These can be sweet, like “Here Comes the Bride,” or funny, like “Don’t Worry, I’m Just Here for Cake!” Either way, they’re sure to earn smiles and become a favorite photo moment.
9. In Memoriam Sign
An "In Memory Of" sign is a thoughtful way to honor loved ones who are no longer with you on your wedding day. This sign can be placed in a visible area during your ceremony, often near the altar or at the entrance, where guests can easily see it as they enter.
It serves as a beautiful tribute, acknowledging the presence of those who have passed, while also adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
Wedding Signs for Cocktail Hour
10. Bar Signs
Highlight your bar options and signature drinks on an easy-to-find sign for your guests. If you’re having a cash bar, clearly indicate pricing or upcharges for your guests.
11. Food and Drink Signs
Labeling your food stations is both practical and polished. These signs let guests know what each dish is and can highlight any potential allergens.
12. Photo Booth Signs
A photo booth is a crowd favorite at weddings, and a sign invites guests to join in on the fun. Encourage them to grab a prop and pose for the camera with a lighthearted message like, “Strike a Pose!”
Wedding Signs for the Reception
13. Escort Cards and Wedding Seating Charts
Ensure your guests find their seats without confusion by incorporating escort cards and/or a wedding seating chart into your decor.
Escort Cards: Individual cards with guest names and table numbers, often placed near the entrance.
Seating Chart: A large display listing all seating assignments by table.
Both options are practical but can also double as decor when styled with florals, lights, or frames.
14. Table Number Signs
Once guests find their table, table number signs guide them to their spot. This is another opportunity to infuse your personality into your decor, whether you opt for classic numbers or creative themes
15. Guest Book Signs
Guest books are easily missed with everything else going on throughout the wedding day. Use a well-placed sign to highlight your guestbook and encourage guests to leave a heartfelt message.
If you’re using a non-traditional guest book, like a photo album or puzzle, make sure your sign provides clear instructions.
16. Bathroom Signs
Bathroom signs can do double duty at your wedding. Use one to point guests in the right direction, or place it inside the bathroom to highlight a basket of essentials like feminine care products, lotion, or mints. Whether it’s a playful message or a more elegant design, it’s a small detail that adds charm and convenience, and it’s sure to make your guests smile.
17. Favors Table Signs
Send guests home with a thoughtful token of appreciation and use a sign to draw attention to the favors table.
Example Text: “Take One With Love, From Us to You.”
Wedding Signs for the End of the Night
18. After-Party Signs
Let guests know the celebration isn’t over with a stylish after-party sign. This small detail ensures no one misses out on the fun.
Example Text: “The Party Continues at 11 PM—Join Us at the Lounge!”
19. Sparkler Send-Off Signs
For a grand finale, a sparkler send-off sign keeps things organized and builds excitement.
Example Text: “Sparkler Send-Off at 10 PM—Let’s Light Up the Night!”
20. Late-Night Snack Signs
If you’re planning to surprise your guests with a late-night treat, a sign is the perfect way to let them know what’s in store! A sign is a simple yet effective way to point them in the right direction, whether it’s a snack station, food truck, or sweet treats.
After hours of dancing, your guests will appreciate the reminder, and it ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy the delicious surprise you’ve planned. Don’t let those tasty goodies be a hidden gem—make sure your guests know where to find them!
21. Thank You Signs
Close the evening with gratitude by displaying a heartfelt thank you sign at the exit.
Example Text: “Thank You for Celebrating With Us. You Made Our Day So Special”
Your Complete Wedding Signage Checklist
Here’s the final rundown:
Pre-Ceremony: Wedding welcome signs, directional signs, rehearsal dinner signs, order of events signs.
Ceremony: Unplugged ceremony, reserved seating, wedding programs, ring bearer/flower girl signs, in memoriam signs.
Cocktail Hour: Bar signs, food and drink signs, photo booth signs
Reception: Escort cards, seating charts, table number signs, menu cards, guest book signs, bathroom signs, favors table signs.
End of the Evening: After-party, sparkler send-off, late-night snack, and thank you signs.
With this checklist, your wedding day will flow seamlessly, look stunning, and leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests. From the big moments to the small details, each sign helps create a celebration that’s uniquely yours.
Check out this post for ideas on other little details you might be forgetting to make a plan for and click here to steal our ultimate wedding day packing list.