The Must-Have Wedding Signs for Your Calgary Wedding
Wedding signs serve two main purposes: they enhance the overall décor while keeping guests informed and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re planning a rustic outdoor ceremony or a modern downtown wedding in Calgary, certain signs are essential to guide your guests and add personal touches to your big day. Here's a breakdown of the must-have wedding signs and tips for making them both functional and visually appealing.
1. Welcome Sign
A welcome sign is typically the first piece of décor your guests will see, setting the tone for your wedding. It provides a warm greeting and can introduce your wedding theme or style.
Content: The welcome sign usually features the couple’s names, wedding date, and a short greeting like “Welcome to our Wedding” or “Welcome to the Celebration.”
Design Tips: Personalize the welcome sign to match your wedding style. For a rustic wedding, consider a wooden sign with hand-lettered calligraphy. For a modern wedding, a sleek acrylic or mirrored sign can add a touch of elegance.
2. Seating Chart
A seating chart helps guests find their tables quickly and efficiently, especially for larger weddings. It also serves as an important piece of décor.
Content: The seating chart typically lists guests’ names alphabetically with corresponding table numbers. You can also organize it by table with the guests’ names listed underneath.
Design Tips: For a minimalist or contemporary look, use a clear acrylic sheet with printed names. For a more romantic vibe, display the seating chart on a vintage mirror or window pane with handwritten calligraphy. Add florals or greenery for a soft, natural look.
3. Bar Menu
A bar menu lets your guests know what drinks are available, especially if you’re serving signature cocktails or have limited drink options.
Content: Include a list of available beverages, any signature cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. You can also personalize it with fun names for your signature drinks, such as "Bride’s Bellini" or "Groom’s Old Fashioned."
Design Tips: Match the bar menu design with the overall wedding theme. For a boho wedding, use a wooden chalkboard with whimsical fonts. For a modern wedding, a sleek, monochromatic menu with bold typography adds sophistication.
4. Directional Signs
Directional signs are essential, especially for outdoor weddings or venues with multiple areas. These signs guide guests to key locations such as the ceremony, reception, restrooms, or parking.
Content: Use short, simple directions like "Ceremony This Way," "Restrooms," or "Reception Here." You can add arrows or symbols to make the directions clear.
Design Tips: For an outdoor, rustic wedding, wooden directional signs with painted arrows are a charming choice. If your wedding has a modern or industrial vibe, consider using metal or acrylic for a sleek, clean look.
5. Unplugged Ceremony Sign
An unplugged ceremony sign asks guests to refrain from using their phones or cameras during the ceremony, allowing the couple and guests to be more present in the moment.
Content: The message can be straightforward or playful, such as “Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please turn off all devices and enjoy this moment with us.”
Design Tips: Keep the style consistent with your wedding theme, whether it’s a classic framed sign with elegant fonts or a rustic chalkboard with playful lettering.
6. Guestbook Sign
A guestbook sign invites guests to leave a note for the couple, which is a fun way to collect memories and well-wishes.
Content: The message can be simple, like “Please sign our guestbook,” or more creative, such as “Leave us a note, a wish, or advice for a happy marriage.”
Design Tips: If your guestbook is non-traditional, such as a guestbook globe or a Polaroid photo station, ensure that the signage explains how to participate clearly.
7. Table Numbers and Escort Cards
Table numbers and escort cards help guests find their assigned table at the reception.
Content: Include the table number or name (some couples name tables after meaningful locations) and the guest names for escort cards.
Design Tips: For an elegant touch, consider metallic or mirror table numbers. For a rustic or boho theme, opt for wooden numbers or handmade escort cards with dried flowers.
8. Order of Events Sign
An order of events sign outlines the schedule for the day, helping guests know what to expect next. It’s especially helpful for weddings with multiple locations or breaks between events.
Content: Include key events like the ceremony time, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. You can also add light-hearted descriptions for each part of the day.
Design Tips: This sign can be displayed on a large easel or framed in a central location where guests can easily refer to it.
Tips for Making Functional Signage Visually Appealing
Coordinate with Your Theme: Your signage should reflect the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Whether it’s rustic, boho, or modern, the colors, materials, and fonts should align with the rest of your décor.
Incorporate Florals and Greenery: Add fresh or faux florals to frame your signs and tie them into your overall décor. Greenery garlands or flowers that match your bouquets can add a cohesive, polished touch.
Mix Materials: Don’t feel limited to one material. You can mix wood, acrylic, mirrors, and even fabric to create a diverse and eye-catching display of signs.
Wedding signage is essential for keeping your big day organized and enhancing your décor. From welcome signs to seating charts, the right signage can reflect your personality and wedding theme while ensuring your guests feel comfortable and informed. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a small, intimate gathering in Calgary, these must-have signs will help make your wedding day beautiful and functional.
