Wedding Welcome Signs: Sizes, Materials, Ideas & Costs
8 min readUpdated September 21, 2026
Quick answer
What size should a wedding welcome sign be?
The most popular wedding welcome sign size is 18×24 inches, which is easy to read on an easel and simple to transport. Larger venues often use 24×36, while intimate ceremonies are fine with 16×20. Acrylic is the most popular material, typically costing $60–$150 personalized.
A welcome sign is the first thing guests see when they arrive at your wedding — and the most-photographed piece of décor after the flowers. It is also one of the most affordable: a personalized welcome sign from a local print shop usually costs less than a centerpiece.
This guide covers the sizes that work, how the common materials compare, what to put on the sign, realistic 2026 pricing for every piece of wedding signage, and how far in advance to order.
Popular wedding welcome sign sizes
Size is the first decision because it drives both price and how the sign reads from a distance. The standard options:
- 18×24 inches — the most popular choice. Reads well on an easel at an entrance, fits standard frames, and travels easily.
- 24×36 inches — for large venues, barns, and outdoor ceremonies where guests arrive from a distance.
- 16×20 inches — intimate ceremonies, bridal showers, and welcome tables indoors.
- 11×17 or smaller — used as accent pieces on guest books, favor tables, and bars rather than as the main welcome sign.
Material comparison: acrylic, foam, wood, and PVC
Acrylic is the current favorite — a clear or frosted sheet with white or gold printed calligraphy that photographs beautifully against greenery and backdrops. It costs more than foam board but looks premium and doubles as a keepsake.
Foam board (gatorboard) is the budget workhorse: lightweight, prints crisply, and looks great for a single day, though edges can ding in transit. PVC (Sintra) is a step up — rigid, wipeable, and reusable. Wood and hand-painted signs are the luxury end, often made by custom sign makers, and work especially well for rustic, barn, and outdoor weddings.
What to put on a welcome sign
The classic formula is simple: 'Welcome to the wedding of' + both names + the date. Many couples add the venue name or a short line such as 'We're so glad you're here.' Keep the guest-facing text large enough to read from 10 feet — decorative script should be limited to the names.
If you want one sign to do more work, add a small secondary block: 'Ceremony at 4pm · Reception to follow · Please sign our guest book.' Local print shops can lay this out for you from your invitation wording so the fonts match your stationery.
The full wedding signage checklist
Most couples order more than the welcome sign. A typical full package, in rough order of importance:
- Welcome sign (entrance or ceremony entrance).
- Seating chart sign or escort card display — usually 24×36 or 30×40.
- Table numbers — a set of 10–20 small signs, stands optional.
- Bar and dessert table signs, plus 'Unplugged ceremony' or hashtag signs.
- Directional signs for outdoor or multi-space venues.
- Mr. & Mrs. chair signs and sweetheart table sign.
How far in advance to order
Order 4–6 weeks before the wedding: one week for design proofs and revisions, one to two weeks for production, and buffer for shipping or pickup. Local sign shops can turn simple foam and PVC pieces around in 3–5 business days, and many offer rush service, but acrylic and hand-painted pieces need more lead time. Finalize guest counts before printing the seating chart — it is always the last piece ordered.
DIY vs. ordering from a print shop
Printing a digital file at a local shop is the middle path most couples take: you keep creative control and save on design fees, and the shop handles materials, sizing, and finishing. Full custom design is worth it when you want the signage to match invitations exactly or when the sign includes layered effects like printed-on-acrylic white ink. Ask shops whether white-ink acrylic printing is done in-house — it is a specialty capability and the most common cause of delays when outsourced.
2026 wedding signage pricing
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome sign — foam board / PVC | $30–$80 | Best value; ideal for one-day use. |
| Welcome sign — acrylic (clear or frosted) | $60–$150 | Most popular premium look; keepsake quality. |
| Welcome sign — wood or hand-painted | $100–$300 | Custom sign maker; rustic and outdoor weddings. |
| Seating chart sign | $50–$150 | 24×36 to 30×40; price scales with guest count edits. |
| Table numbers (set of 10–20) | $25–$75 | Card stock, acrylic, or framed minis. |
| Complete signage package | $150–$500 | Welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, bar and directional signs. |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding welcome sign cost?+
Personalized wedding welcome signs typically cost $30–$80 on foam board or PVC, $60–$150 on acrylic, and $100–$300 for wood or hand-painted versions. A complete wedding signage package — welcome sign, seating chart, and table numbers — usually totals $150–$500.
What size should a wedding welcome sign be?+
18×24 inches is the most popular size — readable on an easel, easy to transport, and inexpensive to frame. Use 24×36 for large venues or outdoor entrances, and 16×20 for intimate ceremonies.
How far in advance should I order wedding signs?+
Order 4–6 weeks before the wedding. That allows a week or two for design proofs, one to two weeks for production, and buffer for pickup or shipping. Seating charts go last, once final guest counts are in — most shops can produce them in 3–5 days.
What material is best for a wedding welcome sign?+
Acrylic is the most popular choice because it photographs well and doubles as a keepsake. Foam board is the best value for one-day use, PVC is durable and reusable, and hand-painted or wood signs suit rustic and outdoor venues.
Do I need an easel for my welcome sign?+
For anything 16×20 or larger, yes — a gold or wooden easel displays the sign at reading height and protects it from ground moisture outdoors. Many print shops rent or sell easels with the sign; confirm when you order.
Where can I get a custom wedding welcome sign near me?+
Local event and printing shops produce personalized welcome signs, seating charts, and table numbers, usually within one to two weeks. Browse the Event, Wedding & Party Signs category in this directory to compare local shops and request quotes with your wording and date.
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