Signage as the Guiding Light

Groups of people need many reminders and touchpoints telling them where to go. How a wedding is signaled changes the whole feel of a wedding. There are three printed signals that we advise brides to include: RSVP cards, ceremony programs, and welcome signs.

RSVPs: RSVP cards are essential to your day. There are so many pieces to a traditional invitation but the RSVP card is most essential. RSVPs give you a final headcount and your guests' dinner options (if applicable). They guide you on final table counts, seating, and travel plans. The traditional way to send RSVP cards is by mail within your invite, including a return envelope and stamp. In recent years digital responses have become a cost-effective and easy way to collect your guests' responses—it is money-conscious, fast in response time, and limits miscounts or lost cards.

Ceremony Programs: The purpose of a ceremony program is to give the order of events and the names of who is walking down the aisle. Though helpful in theory, many guests don't even look at their programs—most are used as fans to cool guests off if the ceremony is outside. They are a tradition most people have stepped away from, unless the bride has a ceremony combining religious traditions in a new way.

Welcome Signs: This is the first thing your guests will see for your day. The welcome sign should say your names, the date, and display your wedding's aesthetic. Whichever way your vibe directs your choices, think about how much effort and money it will cost—rather than DIYing it the night before, rent a mirror or order a print off Etsy or Vistaprint well in advance.