How big does a welcome sign need to be?

The size of your welcome sign depends on where it will be placed and how far away guests will first see it. If the sign sits on an easel just inside the venue door, guests will be within a metre or two, so A3 can work well. If it stands at the entrance to a driveway or a field, guests may see it from ten metres away, and you will need A1 or larger.

Think about the message. A simple "Welcome to our wedding" with the couple's names can be fairly small. But if you add a schedule, directions or a short note, you need more space. A good rule is to keep the text short and the lettering bold. The sign should be a greeting, not a noticeboard.

Also consider the height and position. A sign on a stand at chest height is easier to read than one on the ground. If the sign is outdoors, check that it is weighted or secured so it does not blow over. And remember that lighting matters. An evening wedding may need a sign in a well-lit spot or with its own light.

If you are torn between two sizes, choose the larger one. A welcome sign that is too big rarely looks wrong, but one that is too small can be missed entirely.