Signs do a lot of quiet work at a wedding. They welcome guests, point them in the right direction, tell them where to sit and what to drink, and fill in the details you'd otherwise answer a hundred times. Done well, they also tie your whole design together. This wedding signs checklist walks through every sign you might need, from the welcome dinner to the send-off, so you can decide which ones belong at your celebration.
The Essentials
If you only have a few signs, start here. These are the ones guests rely on most.
- Welcome sign. The first thing guests see at the ceremony or reception entrance. It sets the tone and makes a lovely photo. Need wording ideas? See our 50 welcome sign wording ideas.
- Seating chart. Shows guests where to sit at the reception, by table or alphabetically.
- Bar sign. Lists your signature cocktails, wine and beer so the line moves quickly.
- Directional signs. Point guests toward the ceremony, reception, parking or restrooms, especially at large or outdoor venues.
Ceremony Signs
- Unplugged ceremony sign. A gentle request for guests to put phones away so your photographer has a clear view.
- Choose a seat, not a side. Lets guests know they can sit anywhere.
- Reserved signs. Mark seats for parents, grandparents and the wedding party.
- Ceremony program sign. A single large sign in place of paper programs, listing the order of ceremony and wedding party.
- In loving memory sign. A quiet way to honor loved ones who can't be there.
Cocktail Hour and Reception Signs
- Order of events or timeline sign. Shares when dinner, toasts, first dance and cake cutting will happen.
- Guest book sign. Points guests to your guest book, audio guest book or Polaroid station.
- Gifts and cards sign. Marks the table or box for cards.
- Dessert or cake sign. Labels a dessert table or late-night snack station.
- Favors sign. Lets guests know which favors are theirs to take home, like embroidered blankets on a chilly night.
- Hashtag or photo sign. Shares your wedding hashtag or a link to a shared photo album.
- Menus. Not a sign exactly, but a place-setting menu tells guests what's being served. Our linen wedding menus coordinate beautifully with fabric signage.
Signs for the Events Around Your Wedding
- Welcome dinner or rehearsal dinner sign. A beautiful way to kick off the weekend.
- Bridal shower and engagement party signs. A welcome sign for the celebrations leading up to the day.
- Getting-ready suite sign. A pretty touch for the bridal suite that shows up in getting-ready photos.
- Farewell brunch sign. A last welcome for guests before they head home.
The Printable Checklist
Copy this list into your planning notes and check off what you need:
- Welcome sign
- Seating chart
- Bar sign
- Directional signs
- Unplugged ceremony sign
- Choose a seat, not a side
- Reserved signs
- Ceremony program sign
- In loving memory sign
- Order of events sign
- Guest book sign
- Gifts and cards sign
- Dessert or cake sign
- Favors sign
- Hashtag or photo sign
- Menus
- Welcome dinner sign
- Shower or engagement party sign
- Farewell brunch sign
How to Make Your Signs Feel Cohesive
- Use the same material. When your welcome sign, bar sign and seating chart share a fabric, the whole event looks intentional.
- Repeat two lettering styles. A script for headings and a serif or sans serif for details keeps every sign consistent.
- Carry one accent color. Ribbon, lettering or florals in the same shade link everything together.
- Prioritize what guests need. If budget is tight, invest in the welcome sign and seating chart and keep the rest simple.
- Think about display. Freestanding signs look best on a stand. Our gold metal stands are made to hold fabric banners. Bar signs can hang directly from the front of the bar.
At Brian and Liana's Sunstone Villa wedding, the welcome sign, bar sign and menus were all made in fabric with black ribbon accents, so every detail felt connected. See their wedding here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many signs do I need for my wedding?
Most weddings use somewhere between three and ten. A welcome sign, seating chart and bar sign cover the basics, and you can add more depending on your venue and events.
When should I order wedding signs?
Order once your names, date, venue and colors are final. Seating charts come last, after RSVPs are in. Every piece is made to order, so allow time for proofing and production: 2-4 weeks.
Can I reuse signs from my welcome dinner on the wedding day?
Yes. A welcome sign with simple wording can work for both. Many couples move their sign from the welcome dinner to the ceremony.
Do you make custom signs beyond welcome signs?
Yes. We create bar signs, timelines and other custom fabric signage. Tell us what you need and we'll help.
Ready to Plan Your Signs?
Start with a custom fabric welcome sign, then reach out to design matching signs for the rest of your day.