Waiting Too Long to Plan Your Signage & Stationery
Many couples focus on invitations early on but leave day-of signage until the last minute. Yes, invitations lead the way on the impression you want to make for your overall day but the day of signage seals the deal. The details that go into making these items is just as important. I like to start designing day of signage no later than 3 months before the wedding date. This gives enough time to go back and forth for any edits needed as well as print and actual creation. This timeline helps avoid rushed decisions, limited options, and increased costs. Plan ahead to ensure your signage complements your overall aesthetic and is ready in time.
Not Considering the Venue Layout
You picked your venue for a reason; most likely because you fell absolutely in love with it! Your signage should compliment the space so placing it in the right areas will be best. Your signage should guide guests seamlessly through your event. When you are going through your venue walk-through be sure to considering placement; think about high-traffic areas, entry points, and where guests may need directions or important information. If you have a seating chart, placing it near the dinner area will be best rather than a far distance from where everyone will actually be seated.
Choosing Fonts That Are Difficult to Read
This may be a tough one because there seems to be an unlimited number of fonts available out there. While script fonts are beautiful, (clearly they are my favorite!) sometimes they can be hard to read from a distance. You will want to ensure all fonts are the correct sizes, ensure that essential signs (welcome signs, seating charts, bar menus, etc.) use clear, legible typography so guests can read them easily.
Ignoring the Overall Wedding Aesthetic
When you envision your wedding day, I am sure you see something very specific. Your signage and stationery should reflect that vision. Mismatched fonts, colors, or materials can feel disjointed. Consider your color palette, florals, and décor when designing signage to ensure everything flows seamlessly.
Forgetting About Material & Weather Conditions
Outdoor weddings require a bit more thought than indoor when it comes to choosing the materials for your signage. If your wedding is going to be outdoors, you’ll want to think ‘chances of’ high winds or maybe even rain! If you’re choosing paper escort cards for your seating chart you are also going to want some sort of stand or weighted option ensure they do not blow away. If you have a mirror seating chart, think about where the sun will be so a big glare isn’t prohibiting the guests from being able to read it when the time comes.
Overloading Signs with Too Much Information
While you want to be as informative as possible in order to avoid confusion, too much text can be overwhelming and make signs difficult to read. It is best to keep your messaging concise and clear. For longer details, consider a website for your guests to visit QR code linking to additional information (like a digital menu or schedule).
Not Ordering Extra Invitations & Stationery
Unfortunately when it comes to planning weddings, the guest list can be somewhat unpredictable even if you think you have it set it stone. There is a high chance that someone will RSVP last minute or someone you thought would be shoe-in can unexpectedly not make it. Ordering the exact number of invitations or place cards may leave you scrambling if you need more due to these last-minute changes. Always order extras to accommodate mistakes, keepsakes, or additional guests.
Pro-Tip: if you plan to have your photographer photograph a flat lay of your stationery details, ensure you ask for a full extra suite for that!
Skipping a Seating Chart for Larger Weddings
If you have a guest list of over 50 people, a seating chart is highly recommended. Without one, guests may take longer to find seats, causing delays in the reception timeline. Whether you choose a large installment seating chart or a more traditional set of escort cards; I always suggest arranging the names in alphabetical order making it easier for guests to find their names.
DIY-ing Everything to Save Money
There is always a point or item on the wedding design list that you may think you can DIY to save some time or some money. For some items, that may be true. But from my professional experience, it usually ends up being the smarter and easier choice to not DIY. While DIY projects can add a personal touch, they often take more time and effort than expected. If signage is important to your aesthetic, invest in a professional to ensure a polished and custom look is achieved.
Overlooking Small but Important Signage
Couples often focus on large signage like welcome signs and seating charts but forget about smaller details, such as reserved seating signs, guestbook instructions, or bar menu descriptions. While you may think they aren’t necessary, these small signs enhance the guest experience and keep everything running smoothly so you don’t have to worry about it. For example - having a bar sign may help eliminate a line building up at the bar since people can choose their drink ahead before they get to the front of the line or a reserved sign for seating helps eliminate your partners co-worker sitting in your grandmothers spot.
