Wedding Signage + Printed Goods
Photo Credit: Sarah Jual Photo
Whenever our team designs an event, we tackle the design components in layers. First we start with rentals, then flowers and finally we add signage and printed elements. This final layer is our favorite way to personalize an event’s design while also tying everything together to make an event cohesive.
Over the years, I’ve come to learn that wedding day printed elements or graphic design is rarely thought about outside of the save the dates + wedding invitations. However, once you really start to think through the details of the wedding decor, it quickly becomes apparent that a few elements here and there can fill in a lot of design gaps.
Not only does graphic design make an event look more polished, but there are a variety of routes you can go when you are trying to source each piece. Some of the options we frequently consider are professional graphic designers and artists, editable downloadable templates from sites like Etsy and if you are creative - going the DIY route by creating designs on Canva. What is great about this is that you can incorporate signage and printed goods into your decor no matter your budget. Continue reading, if you would like some insight into what elements I consider incorporating for each of our client’s events.
Welcome
Photo Credit: Sarah Jual Photo
Welcome Bags + Itinerary
Nothing feels more legit as a wedding designer than giving your guests a taste of what is to come with thoughtfully designed welcome goodies! Whether you opt for a custom printed canvas tote or an adorable basket with a custom tag, the vessel in which you assemble the welcome goodies is a great place to start incorporating an aesthetic that is cohesive with the rest of your wedding. In addition to the vessel, you might also consider including a printed itinerary that ties in with the look.
Welcome Sign
One of our favorite wedding day elements to incorporate into the design is a welcome sign. This is something that we usually commission from an artist, but you can also attempt hand lettering or designing and printing your own.
Guest Book Directions
Shortly after the guests arrive for your celebration, they will likely come across your sign in table. A trend that has been all the rage the past few years are interactive or creative guest books. If you are opting to do something a little different from the norm, I suggest creating a decorative directions sign to be placed next to the guest book.
Ceremony
Photo Credit: Sarah Jual Photo
Programs
The most obvious printed item for the wedding ceremony is a program. With that being said, there are many ways to do ceremony programs these days. In the past we’ve had clients do traditional folded programs, double sided cardstock programs and program fans (to name a few).
Toss Petals + Bubbles
A little less considered, but always lovely is a custom printed bag or label for toss petals or bubbles.
Reserved Seat Signs
Since ushers have become far less popular, you may also want to consider custom reserved seat signs for special guests. That way no will steal grandma’s prime front row seat.
Unplugged Sign
Last but not least for ceremonies would be a cute and thoughtfully worded “unplugged” wedding sign to remind your guests to keep their cameras in their bags.
Photo Credit: Stephen Ludwig
Cocktail Hour
Escort Cards or Seating Chart
This is one of our favorite ways to get creative with signage and printed elements. A classic (best for indoors with no breeze) would be table tent cards. A display wall with cards or creative elements is a fun alternative. Regardless of what you choose, this is a great opportunity to add some personality to your event design. I recommend reading our seating chart blog post for more creative ideas.
Bar Menu
One of my biggest pet peeves is a cluttered bar top. One of the easiest and classiest ways to make your bar look fantastic is to have a decorative bar menu. Not only does this embellish the bar aesthetically, but it removes the need to display liquor bottles and mixers on the bar top.
Custom Cocktail Napkins
A touch that I always adore is custom cocktail napkins. Etsy has a ton of fantastic options for colors, designs and even complete customization.
Reception
Dinner Menus
A dinner menu on each place setting is one of my go-tos for almost every event. It is a lovely way to fill out the place setting that is actually pretty cost effective. Not only that, but you can easily tie in the colors of the flowers with the rest of the table top.
Place Cards
If you are serving a plated meal, you will definitely need to incorporate place cards at each guest’s place setting so the serving staff will be able to pair the correct entree with each guest. We’ve seen place cards done numerous ways. Some of my favorites are calligraphy adorned paperweights (perfect for outdoor celebrations) like agates or customized dinner menus with the guest’s name on the top.
Photo Credit: Stephen Ludwig
Table Numbers
If you are planning any sort of seating arrangement, you are going to need a way to label each table. A small sign or printed cardstock piece in a holder is always a great idea. Make sure whatever you choose, the size of the table number doesn’t engulf the centerpiece.
Buffet or Food Station Signs
If you have a large variety of options and/ or a crowd with plenty of food restrictions, creating signs or food labels is a good idea. Similar to the table numbers, make sure that they aren’t too big and don’t get in the way of food service.
Favor Tags
One of the final elements you may consider is a custom package or label for your wedding favors. Regardless of if you have them displayed at each place setting or at the guest exit, having the favors tie in with the rest of the event is a nice final touch.
Each event we design typically incorporates a handful of these elements, not necessarily all of them. The key to choosing the right pieces is to consider functionality, areas that might benefit from a little more decor, and budget. Regardless of what elements you decide to choose, selecting coordinating colors, fonts and art go a long way in making your wedding design cohesive and polished.