Wedding Signs You Need: Ceremony, Bar and More

An unplugged ceremony sign asks guests to put away phones and cameras during the ceremony. It helps everyone stay present and makes sure your photographer can work without phones in the shots. You can place it at the entrance to the ceremony space or on each chair at the end of the aisle.

Write the wording in a friendly, direct way. For example, "We have hired a brilliant photographer. Please switch off your phones and enjoy the moment with us." Some couples add a touch of humour, like "No photos please, our faces are doing the work." Keep it warm, not bossy.

You can print this sign yourself at home, or use a local print shop. A simple A4 or A5 frame on an easel works well. If your ceremony is outdoors, make sure the sign is weighted down or fixed to a stand so it does not blow away.

Bar signs are practical and can save your bar staff from repeating themselves. They can list the drinks on offer, the bar times, or any house rules such as "Cash bar" or "Please use tokens." If you have a signature cocktail, a sign with its name and ingredients adds a personal touch.

For a self-service drinks station, a sign saying "Help yourself to soft drinks and water" is clear and welcoming. If you have a toast drink, a sign near the glasses can say "Please take a glass for the toast at 4pm."

You can print bar signs on card or acrylic. Acrylic signs look smart and wipe clean if they get sticky. A small tent card on the bar is often enough, but a larger board on an easel works if the bar is in a separate area.

A gift sign tells guests where to leave cards and presents. It is especially useful if you have a gift list or a charity collection instead of physical gifts. The sign can say "Please leave cards here" or "Your presence is the present, but if you wish, cards go here."

If you have a card box, a small sign on the box itself is enough. For a larger table, an A5 sign in a frame works well. You can also add a sign saying "No gifts please, but we would love a donation to [charity]" if that is your choice. Keep the wording simple and grateful.

Print your gift sign on the same card or material as your other signs to keep a consistent look. A tent card or a small easel stand are both easy options.

A memorial sign honours loved ones who cannot be with you on the day. It can be placed near a memory table with photos, candles or flowers. The sign might say "In loving memory of those who are with us in spirit" or list names and dates.

You can also have a sign near an empty chair with a flower and a photo. The wording is personal, so write it from the heart. For example, "We remember [name], who we wish could be here today."

Print the sign on paper or card and frame it, or use a fabric banner for a softer look. If you have a memorial table, a small sign on an easel or a tent card is respectful and clear. Make sure the sign is visible but not the main focus, so it feels like a gentle tribute.

Practical signs help your guests find their way and know what is happening. These include signs for the ceremony, the drinks reception, the dining room, the toilets, the cloakroom and the dance floor. You can also have a sign for the order of the day, such as "Ceremony 2pm, Drinks 3pm, Dinner 5pm, Dancing 7pm."

Directional signs are often simple arrows on wooden stakes or card. You can make them yourself with a printer and some card, or buy plain wooden signs and write on them with a marker. For an outdoor wedding, use stakes that push into the ground.

A sign for the table plan is separate from the table plan itself. It can say "Find your table" with an arrow. You might also have a sign for the top table, the cake table, the sweetie table or the photo booth. Keep the wording short and clear, so guests do not have to stop and read a long message.

The stand you choose depends on where the sign will be placed and the style of your wedding. An easel stand is classic and works for welcome signs and table plans. You can buy wooden or acrylic easels, or hire them from a venue or supplier. For outdoor signs, a stake that goes into the ground is sturdy and easy.

A frame with a stand, like a photo frame with a back leg, is perfect for smaller signs on tables. Tent cards fold in half and stand on their own, ideal for bar signs and place cards. If you have a heavy sign, a heavier stand or a weighted base will stop it toppling over.

Think about the height. A welcome sign on an easel should be visible from a distance, so place it at chest height. A table sign should be at eye level when guests are standing. Test the stand before the day to make sure it is stable, especially if the wedding is outside.

You can print wedding signs yourself at home or use a local print shop. Printing at home is cost effective and gives you full control over the design. Use good quality card or paper, and a printer with enough ink. For a polished look, print on A4 or A3 and frame it.

If you want a more durable sign, consider printing on acrylic, wood or metal. Many online printers and local shops offer these materials. You can also buy blank wooden signs and write on them with a paint pen. For a fabric sign, you can print on fabric using a home printer with transfer paper, or order a printed fabric banner.

When printing yourself, check the spelling and layout before you print. Print a test page first. Use a ruler and a craft knife to cut straight edges, or use a guillotine. If you are making many signs, set aside enough time and have spare ink and paper.