Day-Of Wedding Stationery & Signs You May Need

YOU know every little detail about your wedding day down to the minute, but your guests only know the time and place when they arrive. It’s up to you to let them know how the event will unfold, and that’s where day-of stationery comes in!

Have you ever been to a party where you’re not quite sure what you’re supposed to be doing? Yeah, me too. It’s weird, isn’t it?

Don’t let that be your wedding!

I know it sounds contradictory, but letting your guests know things like the order of events, where cards go, and what dinner is going to be *actually* sets them at ease. Knowing what is to come allows them to stop worrying if they’re doing something wrong. It helps them relax, and they can focus on what they’re really there for — to celebrate your marriage!

But you don’t want to stand around and tell your guests what to do, do you?

Enter: Day-Of Wedding Stationery.

A commonly overlooked part of wedding planning, the day-of stationery is what helps your wedding run smoothly by communicating the events to your many guests. The more guests you have, likely the more day-of stationery you’ll need to show them the ropes.

We’ve assembled a list of the most helpful day-of stationery pieces. Not every wedding will need every item on this list. It’s more of a checklist and a mental walk-through of your wedding. Ask yourself this question: “How will my guests know what to do or where to go at every point of your wedding?”

13 Wedding Day Signs & Stationery You Might Need

1. Directions Signs

Are the directions to your venue clear? Is it easily visible from the main road? Consider placing signs at turns that guests might miss. When they arrive is it clear where they should park their car? P.S. You can also solve this problem with a directions card

NEED: if your venue is difficult to find.

2. Welcome Sign

Let your guests know they made it to the right place! The welcome sign sets the tone for the wedding and lets guests know you’re glad they’re here.

Pro tip: word this sign so that you can use it to welcome people to the ceremony, the reception, and even into your home! 

NEED: all weddings should have some sort of welcome sign!

3. Guest Book & Card Table Signs

Without a sign or a person ushering guests to sign in, most people would simply miss the guest book and maybe even the gift table. With a unique guest book it is even more important to let guests know what they’re supposed to sign or do!

NEED: if your guest book is unique and people may not understand what to do, if it could be easily overlooked, or if you don’t have an attendant for it.

4. Reserved Signs

You’ll want to save the first couple rows or pews for special guests like granny and papa. Make sure your other guests don’t sit there, leaving grandma stuck in the back row.

NEED: if you want to be clear about where people can sit

5. Ceremony Programs or Signs

Ceremonies aren’t the cut and dried order of events that they used to be. With brides bucking tradition, it’s even more important to have a program or a sign that shows what’s going on during the ceremony. They’re also a great place to highlight the bridal party, note important people, share a meaningful passage, or relay a message of gratitude to your guests.

NEED: if you have a unique ceremony or want to relay information

6. Wedding Timeline

People want to know when things happen, and a sign or timeline will put their minds at ease. Knowing the sparkler send-off is at 9pm may be the difference between a guest staying for it instead of leaving at 8:30pm because they think the wedding will be an all-night rager.

NEED: if your wedding is on a work/school night or you have specific events you’d like guests to be aware of

7. Seating Chart or Escort Cards

Maybe you want to keep a certain someone away from their political adversary for the night, or maybe you just want guests to be seated with people they’d enjoy getting to know. Whatever your reason for assigned seating, a seating chart or escort cards help guests find their reception seats quickly and easily.

Just to clarify: a seating chart is one large display that has guests’ names sorted out either alphabetically or by table numbers. Escort cards have each guests name on an individual card with their table number listed. Escort cards are different than place cards (see #8).

NEED: if you have a specific seating arrangement

8. Place Cards

If you have a specific place for each guest, let them know with place cards. These are at each place setting and just has the guest’s name to indicate they found the right chair.

NEED: if you have a specific seating arrangement

9. Table Numbers

Use large, easy to read table numbers to help guests find their table quickly during the reception.

NEED: if you have a specific seating arrangement

10. Head or Sweetheart Table Sign

The head or sweetheart table should stand out among the rest! Set it apart with a sign showcasing your new union. Our favorites include “The (insert last name here) family” or your first names with the wedding date.

NEED: if you want the head table to stand out

11. Drink & Food Menus

There’s bound to be picky eaters who want to know what the food is (quite possibly for allergy reasons too) so give the people what they want – a menu! Whether you have a menu at each place setting or one large sign at the beginning of a buffet, guests will appreciate knowing their options.

NEED: at any wedding (especially for allergies)

12. Activities Signs

Do you have any fun activities planned for your wedding? Maybe lawn games, date night ideas, or a photobooth? Point guests to the various things to do during the night!

NEED: if you want guests to know about other activities they can do throughout the wedding

13. Wedding Favor Gift Tags

If you’re giving away favors, you may want to include a little note of thanks or your names and the wedding date to remember the night. You could also combine the favor tags with the escort or place cards to knock out two in one.

NEED: if you’re giving out favors

Again, this list is neither exhaustive nor is every item a requirement for every wedding, but something to get you thinking about what you will need at your wedding. The best practice is to think through the whole day and ask yourself “how will people know what to do?” at every point in the night. 

Wedding day-of stationery can prevent a lot of headaches by informing guests of where to go and what to do. With these signs and stationery items, you and your guests will be free to enjoy the night without worry! Get in touch to plan your wedding day-of stationery needs!