Wedding Signs Ultimate Guide — Sizing, Types, Wording Ideas, and More
We need to talk about signs.
They’re a super important part of your big day. From welcoming your special guests to assigning seating, signs make sure things run smoothly. And while having all kinds of signage at your wedding is pretty standard these days, sourcing them is still super confusing.
Clear Acrylic (11x14”)
Photo by Danielle Coons Photography
As a calligrapher, I create these signs for my clients all the time and have gathered tons of tips over the years. From best practices on how to send a guest list to your calligrapher, to where to source mirrors — I’m sharing it all with you here.
First — What Kind?
Your first decision. There’s so many options for material — acrylic, wood, mirror, paper, and even natural materials like leaves. Each has their own strengths and I have specific reasons I would recommend one over the other. If you’re my client, I primarily recommend a sign material based on the wedding style or by your inspiration photos. Let’s dive into each type.
Acrylic (aka Lucite, Plexi, or Polycarbonate)
Acrylic is like the goldilocks of wedding signs and one of the most popular materials for my clients. It’s incredibly versatile and suits just about any wedding depending on how you design it.
I can source almost any type of acrylic — from crystal clear to bright colors, to pastels, glitter, and unicorn holographic. Acrylic is available in almost any size and thickness we need, too.
Looking for something uber unique? Go for clear acrylic with a painted background (think: ombre of your wedding colors, a textured background, or maybe add gold leaf). Another favorite add-on is hand-painted drink or pet illustrations. I paint these by hand so they’re always personalized to my client.
One of the environmental downsides is that it’s hard to recycle and reuse in most cases. Once the writing is cured, removing it is a bit tough… and sometimes impossible without ruining the sheet itself. If this is something you would rather avoid, you may want to explore one of the other materials below.
Mirror
Tied with acrylic in popularity, mirrors can either add a sleek touch or that retro-glam-vintage vibe you’re going for. I’ve had many clients use a family heirloom mirror and I don’t know what could be more special than that!
To source mirrors, you can purchase or rent. My favorite places to buy mirrors are Home Goods, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Wayfair. That being said, I must admit my favorite mirrors are from Anthropologie and Perigold, especially if you’re open to using the mirror in your home afterwards.
Frosted Acrylic Welcome Sign (18x32”) // Photo by Gabe McMullen
Renting mirrors locally through a rental company is a less expensive and more sustainable option. If you’re near Scranton, the Chicks at Chippy White Table are phenomenal to work with and have so many amazing rental mirrors (many I which I wish I could “permanently rent” for my house). Check out their mirror catalog here and you’ll see what I mean — Chippy White Table Mirrors.
If you’re outside NEPA, you can do a quick google search for local wedding rentals. Most places that rent out seating and tents will also have mirrors or know someone who might.
Wood
Natural materials like wood have a very special vibe. Whether the wood is left natural, painted, or stained with one of the million stains available, this is likely a less expensive alternative to acrylic or purchasing a mirror. If you’re looking for a more modern look with wood signs, try painting them a solid color before adding lettering (think, flat white with black lettering!)
Paper (Printed)
This option is great if you have graphics you are using throughout your wedding and you want them incorporated on your signs as well (i.e., that floral wreath from your invitation suite on your welcome sign).
Printing your signs with matching graphics will make sure everything looks extra professional and cohesive. Sometimes this requires a little more design knowledge than creating an acrylic or wood sign though. If you want to grab graphics from your invitations, it’s always best to ask a designer or the original company you bought your invites from how to go about doing that. They’ll have the best files to use so you get beautiful, high resolution results.
Fabric
This is a beautiful piece of decor that will totally stand out and is way less common. I love how handlettered vows or quotes look when used as a backdrop for your ceremony or when a ringbearer has an adorable flag to hold. Linen, leather, cotton, and silk are great fabrics to look into for fabric signs. Consider using layered, hanging fabric panels for a seating chart for a stand-out centerpiece in your decor.
Everything Else
Be creative! Almost anything can be used as a sign if you can find a good calligrapher (hint, hint - wink, wink)! Big leaves, real or faux, can be sourced online or through a florist. Printed canvas is another versatile option I love. These are used a lot for guest books (it’s easy to sign) but can also be made at any size for signs, just like acrylic. Canvas is also a great option if you want to use graphics. Lastly, don’t forget about float frames! They can be handlettered in between the glass panes making them resistant to weather and scratching — an excellent option for outdoor events.
Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials! I love using both mirrors and acrylic together. Imagine vintage gold mirrors paired with some pearly white acrylic signs — stunning AND unique! Use what you love because honestly, some of the best creative results come from breaking the rules.
Sign Frames
Along with the ever-popular printed signs come a need for frames! My favorite sources are stores like Michael’s, Target, and Hobby Lobby for their sizing and availability. Target has some of my personal favorite styles and is similar to my other favorites from Artifact Uprising, the company I use to frame client work.
Prepping the Guest List
One of the many tedious and necessary evils of wedding planning is putting together the guest list and seating. I recommend setting this up in Google Sheets. It’s free, accessible anywhere, sortable, sharable, and easy to use. Formatting a list is pretty straight-forward but I also have a free template (linked below) you can use for place cards or a seating chart. This type of formatted list is helpful no matter if you’re having a big seating chart written out or a paper escort card display. As always, check with your calligrapher or stationer if they have a format they prefer.
The most important tip I have overall is to PROOFREAD! Generally speaking, your calligrapher won’t make edits or corrections to your list as we don’t personally know your guests! Send the completed list to your Mom or Maid of Honor to be a second set of eyes.
TEMPLATE LINK — Escort Cards or Seating Chart Template
* To use my template: Go to File > Make a Copy. You’ll find a copy in your Google folder which you can then edit.
Sizing
While sometimes your sizes are pre-determined (hi, Grandma’s mirror), often you’re left to decide. I present my clients with a few standard sizes for each type of sign. Keep in mind the size should go up or down based on how much information will be on them and where they’ll be. Having a tiny directional sign in a big parking lot is not helpful so take your venue into consideration. The sizes below are just a jumping off point.
Welcome Signs: Varies a lot. Make sure it is appropriately sized for the room and the easel it’ll be on. Common sizes are 16x20”, 18x24”, and 24x36”.
This gold mirror is the Jasper rental from Chippy White Table (17.5x25.5” writable area).
Bar/Signature Drinks Signs: 8x10” (one drink) or 11x14” (two drinks and/or bar menu)
Guestbook Sign: 5x7” or 8x10”
Memorial Sign: 8x10”
Table Numbers: 5x7”
Cards Sign: 5x7”
Buffet Menu/Dessert Signs: 4x6 or 5x7” (for one item), 8x10” or 11x14” (for full menus)
Table Menus: 5x7” or 8x10”
Directional Signs: Varies based on how much info/where it will be placed
Send-off and Afterparty Signs: 11x14” or larger
Seating Chart: Sizes are based on guest count. Always ask your calligrapher for what size you will need if you’re going shopping or renting.
Ceremony Signs: 16x20” or larger (similar to Welcome signs)
Schedule of Events: 11x14” or 16x20”
Favors Signs: 5x7” up to 11x14"
Local Tip: If you’re renting from Chippy White Table — they have mirror sizing right on their website.
Wording
Other than “Welcome” and “Please Be Seated,” there’s a million things you can have on your wedding signs — and a perfect opportunity to be cheeky, too.
Welcome Signs:
Most of these are typically followed by the couple’s name, initials, and/or wedding date but I would defer to your calligrapher for design.
“Can I get a Witness?”
Your favorite quote with your names and date underneath
“Welcome to the Celebration of (name and name)”
“Welcome — Get Ready to Party!”
“The Party Starts Here — Welcome to the Wedding of (name and name)”
“We’re So Glad You’re Here — Welcome to the Wedding of (name and name)”
“(Last name) — (first name and first name)”
“It’s a Nice Day for a White Wedding”
“And the Adventure Begins”
“Let’s Do This”
“Welcome to the Best Day Ever”
A Custom Monogram
Seating Charts:
“Your Seat Awaits”
”We Saved You a Seat”
“Be Seated”
“Find Your Seat”
“Your Friends for the Evening”
“Eat, Drink, and Be Married”
“Assigned Seats are Not Our Style — Sit Anywhere That Makes You Smile”
Schedule of Events Signs:
“Let’s Do This”
“Our Wedding Day — How This Thing is Gonna Go Down”
“Best Day Ever”
Bar Signs:
Clear acrylic (11x14”) Seating Chart Display
Photo by Jordan DeNike Photography
“All You Need is Love and an Open Bar”
“Open Bar for Your Enjoyment”
“Tonight’s Drinks are Free — Tomorrow’s Stories are Priceless”
“Bottoms Up”
“Sip, Sip, Hooray”
“Drinks are on Us”
“Our Drinks”
Ceremony Signs:
“No Sides, Just Good Vibes”
“We’re All Family Now — Open Seating”
“Welcome to our Unplugged Ceremony. Please turn off all cell phones and devices and share this moment with us.”
“Please Sit or Stand on Either Side — We’re All Family Once the Knot is Tied”
Bonus Sign Wording:
Song lyrics
Your vows
Funny relationship quotes from your favorite shows or movies
“Then There’s the Afterparty”
Hiring a Calligrapher — What to Expect
Find a pro who has examples of a calligraphy or a lettering style you want and love. Chances are, they’ll be more than thrilled to design something unique but their lettering quality won’t improve or change overnight. Since you don’t usually see a sign proof beforehand, this is my best advice for ensuring you love your signs.
When should you reach out? AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Can I yell that any louder?! Inquiring doesn’t automatically mean you are locked into a contract but it at least puts you on their radar and they can let you know if you have a popular wedding date. Plus, not only do calligraphers need to order in your materials and prep, we also might be at our max for your wedding month. Most calligraphers work solo so make sure you reach out about four months ahead (or more if they seem busy) and confirm your booking no less than two months out.
As for logistics, here’s how my process works:
Proposal
Confirm booking with contract and retainer
Schedule material order and/or rentals to be dropped off (typically 2-4+ weeks out from wedding day)
Set information/wording due date (again, typically 2-4 weeks out)
Create mockup of signs, if applicable
Schedule sign pick-up
Since my paperwork, invoicing, and mockups are done digitally, my clients don’t have to make time for another wedding meeting for sign services. You can always ask your calligrapher if they follow this same workflow, too.
The Accessories: Easels + Holders
What’s a sign without a stand?! Easels and holders can add a lot of style to your signs. Tabletop holders can be made of wood, acrylic, or even the type you use to hold a plate or tabletop picture frame. The latter is readily available at big box stores.
For signs larger than 11x14", I recommend a large table or floor easel. Larger signs need a more substantial holder that will be able to handle the weight and the height you’ll want them positioned in. Tall, standing floor easels are tough to find so Home Goods and wedding rental companies are your best bet to find some pretty ones.
Here’s links to some of the smaller holders you can find at local stores and online:
Metal Sign Holder — place cards, table numbers, dessert and menu signs, cards and guestbook signs
Larger metal table easel — 11x14” and larger signs
Lightweight Sign Holders — paper and lightweight 4x6” to 6x6” signs
Clear acrylic sign with white ink on wood floor easel
After the Wedding
Now that it’s over, how do you get the lettering off? For mirrors, you can usually remove lettering with windex or rubbing alcohol (just let it sit a few minutes if needed) and wipe. You can also remove it with a clean razor blade. Make sure you use a new blade as to not scratch the mirror (I learned this from experience).
For acrylic, you can use windex, alcohol, or acetone (depending on the lettering ink) but you have to be super careful to not let acetone sit too long. Use a light hand and testing it in a small area is your friend. For other materials, sometimes the lettering is permanent but you can always display them like art in your home as memories of the best day ever!
Ready to see some more sign inspiration? Check out my Day-Of Details Portfolio where you can get inspired by some of my favorite past client work. If you’re a Scranton couple looking for signs or Day Of decor, let’s start chatting about your ideas!
So do you still have unanswered sign questions driving you crazy? If you’re wondering, I bet lots of others are, too — ask them below!