Wedding Signs Checklist: Every Sign, Ceremony to Reception
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Quick answer
Two signs are essential: a welcome sign and, if tables are assigned, a seating chart. Paperlust says most couples need 8 to 12 signs in total, Junebug lists seven, and Paperlust's own print shop says five to eight. Add table numbers, cards and gifts, and wayfinding signs as your venue requires.
A sign saves you from answering the same question fifty times on the day: where to sit, where the gifts go, where the next event is. This checklist lists 30 signs from the ceremony to the send-off, shows which ones sources call essential, then covers how many to make, sizes, materials, display and when to order.
Lists come from Paperlust, Shutterfly, Junebug Weddings and Vistaprint, plus the Paperlust Printshop. Paperlust and its Printshop are one brand (Paperlust says its signs are printed in Melbourne), so their figures are one seller's two pages. The Printshop is a large-format printer that also serves corporate events. All are overseas; we found no Philippine source with sign counts, sizes or prices, so none are given. The short labels in the tables are our own functional suggestions, not set wording.
How many signs you need
Counts differ by source, and none is a rule. Shutterfly gives no number and says you do not need every sign it lists. Pick by guest count and venue layout.
| Source | Count it gives |
|---|---|
| Paperlust | 8 to 12: 3 to 4 ceremony, 4 to 6 reception, 1 to 2 informational |
| Junebug Weddings | 7 signs, from welcome to favors |
| Paperlust Printshop (same company as Paperlust) | 5 to 8 pieces for a modest event |
| Vistaprint | 9 types: 4 must-have, 5 nice-to-have |
Paperlust also ties the number to guest count: 3 to 4 signs under 30 guests, 5 to 7 for 30 to 80, 8 to 10 for 80 to 150, and 10 to 15 or more beyond that. For small weddings it names welcome, unplugged and bar menu as the priorities.
Ceremony signs
| Sign | Where it goes | Short label | What sources say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | Main entrance | Welcome | Paperlust: essential · Shutterfly: core · Vistaprint: must-have |
| Seating display | Near the entrance | Please be seated | Paperlust: essential if assigned |
| Unplugged | Ceremony entrance | Phones away, please | Paperlust: recommended · Shutterfly: optional |
| Sit anywhere | By the seating area | Sit anywhere | Shutterfly: optional |
| Reserved seating | Front rows | Reserved | Shutterfly: situational |
| Order of events | Near the aisle entrance | Program | Paperlust: optional · Shutterfly: optional · Vistaprint: must-have |
| Love quote or poem | Ceremony space | Your choice | Junebug: ceremony decor idea |
| Ring security | Held or by the aisle | Ring security | Paperlust: optional |
Paperlust says a ceremony order sign suits ceremonies over 20 minutes or rituals guests may not know. For the unplugged sign, our unplugged ceremony guide ranks the officiant's spoken request above a sign, so treat the sign as backup.
What a welcome sign shows
| Element | Who says so |
|---|---|
| Couple's names and wedding date | Shutterfly, Paperlust, Junebug |
| Venue, sometimes | Junebug |
| A greeting word | Paperlust |
| A schedule on the same board | Vistaprint |
Vistaprint says a welcome sign should be visible from the parking area or drop-off point.
Reception signs
| Sign | Where it goes | Short label | What sources say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating chart | Reception entrance | Find your table | Paperlust: essential if assigned · Shutterfly: core · Vistaprint: must-have |
| Table numbers | On each table | 1, 2, 3 | Paperlust: essential if assigned · Shutterfly: core |
| Cards and gifts | Gift table | Cards & gifts | Paperlust: essential · Shutterfly: core · Vistaprint: nice |
| Bar menu | At the bar | Bar menu | Paperlust: recommended · Shutterfly: core · Vistaprint: nice |
| Signature drinks | At the bar | Signature drinks | Shutterfly: optional |
| Menu | Entrance or tables | Menu | Shutterfly: optional · Vistaprint: nice |
| Food labels | At each dish | Dish names | Paperlust: buffet only · Shutterfly: situational |
| Guest book | Entry table | Guest book | Paperlust: optional · Shutterfly: core |
| Favors | With the favors | Favors | Paperlust: optional · Junebug: want one |
Paperlust says a seating chart saves the coordinator time, and for 100 or more guests suggests two charts at separate entrances. Our seat plan guide covers table count and assigning guests to tables, which comes before the chart is designed.
Wayfinding, fun and personal signs
| Sign | Where it goes | Short label | What sources say |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfinding | Venue decision points | Arrows only | Shutterfly: core · Vistaprint: must-have |
| Parking | Gate or street entrance | Parking | Paperlust: situational |
| Timeline | Reception area | Schedule | Shutterfly: optional · Junebug: with directions |
| Shuttle | Pickup point | Shuttle | Shutterfly: situational |
| Photo booth | At the booth | Photo booth | Paperlust: optional · Shutterfly: optional |
| Hashtag | Entrance, bar or booth | Hashtag only | Paperlust: optional · Shutterfly: optional |
| QR code | Entrance or booth | Scan here | Vistaprint: nice · Paperlust: booth idea |
| Neon sign | Bar or photo backdrop | Your choice | Junebug and Vistaprint: decor option |
| In loving memory | Quiet corner | In memory | Shutterfly: optional |
| Send-off | Near the exit | Send-off | Shutterfly: optional |
| Kids' table | At the table | Kids | Shutterfly: if applicable |
| Late-night snack | Serving area | Late snacks | Shutterfly: optional |
| Photo displays | Photo area | Our story | Shutterfly: optional |
Paperlust says a hashtag sign needs high contrast to read in a dim room. Our hashtag ideas guide covers choosing one and checking that it is unique.
Sizes
Sources suggest different sizes, so the table shows where. Paperlust gives inch equivalents for A-sizes (A1 23 x 33 in, A0 33 x 47 in, A2 16 x 23 in).
| Sign | Paperlust | Printshop (same company) | Vistaprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome, indoor | A1 to A0; A2 for intimate | A2 (420 x 594 mm) up to 80 guests; A1 (594 x 841 mm) for 80 to 150+ | At least 18 x 24 in |
| Seating chart | Not given | A1 up to 100 guests; 900 x 1200 mm or two A1 beyond | 24 x 36 in minimum for 100+ |
| Wayfinding | Not given | A3 or A2 corflute | 11 x 14 in minimum |
| Bar or menu | Not given | A4 or A5 | Bar 16 x 20 in or larger; table menu 5 x 7 or 4 x 6 in |
The Printshop adds that names on a seating chart should be no smaller than 12 to 14 pt, with table headings at least 20 pt.
Materials
Paperlust says it prints on fabric and PVC board and does not offer acrylic or glass. The Printshop's range, with one example item and price each, is below. Prices are Australian dollars from an Australian printer, shown only to compare materials.
| Material | Use | Indoor or outdoor | Example item and price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast acrylic, 3 mm | Welcome sign, seating chart | Indoor only | Reception panel, from AUD 225 |
| Corflute | Directions, outdoor welcome | Both | One 600 x 450 mm sign, from AUD 30 |
| Foamboard, 5 mm | Standees, selfie frames | Indoor only | One A1 selfie frame, from AUD 114.34 |
| Fabric | Teardrop banners | Both | One banner kit, from AUD 131.27 |
Vistaprint lists a wider range and disagrees on acrylic: it calls acrylic weather-resistant for indoor or outdoor use, while the Printshop says indoor only.
Vistaprint's range, in its words:
- Wood: rustic or outdoor, but heavy and not ideal in all weather.
- Chalkboard: vintage look, reusable.
- Foam board: lightweight and budget-friendly, indoor or temporary outdoor.
- Banners: affordable, suit large signs such as seating charts.
- Mirror: vintage look, needs secure mounting.
- Illuminated or neon: neon for evening receptions, or lanterns and LED-lit signs.
We found no source on tarpaulin, so we do not rate it.
How to display signs
From Paperlust:
| Display | Suits |
|---|---|
| Easel | Welcome signs, seating charts, bar menus at standing height |
| Standing frame | Reception seating charts and smaller A3 or A2 displays |
| Hanging | Fabric signs from a rod, beam, arbor or arch; boho and garden styles |
| Table-top | Favor signs, food labels, guest book prompts |
For outdoor venues Paperlust prefers PVC board to paper, and says fabric needs anchoring in heavy wind.
When to order
| Source | Order how early | Production time |
|---|---|---|
| Paperlust | At least 3 to 4 weeks before | Proofs in 1 to 2 business days; two edit rounds |
| Printshop (same company) | About 1 week before for PVC, corflute, foamboard; 2 to 3 weeks with acrylic | PVC 1 to 2 days; corflute 24 hours to 3 days; foamboard 2 to 4; acrylic 5 to 7 working days |
The sources cover proof review, production and delivery, not Philippine courier times, so ask your local printer. The longer window protects you if a proof needs a second round.
Digital alternatives
Vistaprint lists a QR sign as a way to share a digital guest book, schedule, menu, venue map or playlist. Paperlust says a photo booth sign can carry a QR code to a digital photo album, and that a tricky venue can pair a parking sign with a digital version on your wedding website.
Imbitasyon Ko does not make a QR code for your invitation link, so use any static generator and paste your published link, as our QR code guide explains, with print size and testing. On the Premium plan, each guest's personal invitation also shows a QR ticket that your reception team scans for check-in.
Plan your set
Vistaprint's DIY steps, in order:
- Decide the purpose: sign type, location, job and audience.
- Collect ideas into a mood board.
- Choose the material to match location, indoor or outdoor.
- Choose the size, by reading distance and space.
- Design it: clear text, legible from a distance.
- Print or craft it. For print, Vistaprint suggests high-resolution files, 0.125 in bleed and CMYK colour.
- Assemble: frame or easel it, and secure it outdoors.
Finish the guest list and table plan first, because the seating chart cannot be printed until they are fixed.
Frequently asked questions
What wedding signs do I actually need?
A welcome sign and a seating chart if you assign tables. Paperlust calls these the two non-negotiables. Table numbers and a cards and gifts sign follow when tables are assigned, and everything else is optional or depends on the venue.
How many signs do I need for a wedding?
It varies by source. Paperlust says 8 to 12 in total, Junebug lists 7, and Paperlust's own print shop says a modest event needs five to eight pieces. Guest count and venue layout move the number.
What signs do you need at a wedding ceremony?
A welcome sign is the one every source lists. Shutterfly adds unplugged, sit-anywhere, program and reserved-seating signs, all optional or situational. Paperlust calls the unplugged sign highly recommended.
Do I need table numbers at a wedding?
If tables are assigned, yes. Paperlust lists table number signs as essential for assigned tables, and Shutterfly says numbers or names help guests find their seats once they enter the reception.
How far ahead should I order wedding signs?
Paperlust says at least 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Its own print shop says about one week for PVC, corflute and foamboard, and two to three weeks once acrylic is in the order. Use the longer window.
What size should a wedding welcome sign be?
Paperlust suggests A1 (23 x 33 in) to A0 for most venues and A2 (16 x 23 in) for intimate ones. Vistaprint says at least 18 x 24 in. For a 100-plus guest seating chart it says 24 x 36 in minimum.
Can I put a QR code on a wedding sign?
Yes. Paperlust mentions a QR code on a photo booth sign, and Vistaprint lists a digital guest book, schedule, menu and venue map as uses. Our QR guide advises a static code, a large print and a test scan.