Best Material for Wedding Signs

Wedding signs are intended to guide guests to the right places, while drawing the eye in a way that suits and elevates theme of the wedding and venue.

The material you choose needs to suit the aesthetic of the wedding, and last throughout the whole ceremony and celebration.

Quick summary:

• Wood is warm and rustic, great for outdoor celebrations.
• Acrylic is sleek and versatile, excellent for setting a modern tone.
• Metal is sophisticated and can be elegant or industrial.
• Chalkboards are playful and trendy, great for a casual or vintage setting.
• Glass is elegant and sophisticated, great for a wide range of wedding aesthetics.

Acrylic: Modernity and Versatility

Image: Customised Wedding Welcome Sign

Acrylic signs are sleek and modern, and adapt to almost any look or theme.

Available in any colour and in a variety of finishes, these signs can be simple yet striking, and are very effective.

• Pros:
• Sleek and versatile
• Available in various colours and finishes
• Cons:
• May get scratched easily when being moved and installed

Acrylic signs are modern and elegant, great for contemporary weddings – but their versatility of style means that they can also be quite elegant for something more traditional.

Like the idea of an acrylic sign? Shop our full range here.

Wood: Warmth and Rusticity

Wooden signs are great for outdoor and indoorvenues alike, because they hold up well to wind and even rain, while looking great.

They can also be rustic and casual, or elevated into elegance by the right design.

• Pros:
• Adds charm and comfort
• Durable enough for outdoor settings, but work inside too
• Cons:
• May be heavier, needing strong support

Wooden signs evoke rustic comfort and fun, for a casual, cosy attitude even at a formal event.

Metal: Durability and Sophistication

Metal signs can be sophisticated and are obviously very durable too.

They work both indoors and outdoors.

Picture elegant gold lettering on a dark background, or scrolling black letters on silver – and lots of other options.

• Pros:
• Very durable
• Look sophisticated
• Cons:
• Some finishes/materials can be expensive

Metal signs are durable and look great – though they may cost more than other options.

Chalkboard: Playful and Personalizable

Chalkboard signs are a playful, personal way to put your message out there. If done well they look great – and they have some advantages over other options.

For example, they can be changed if there is a change to the information due to weather or some other last-minute alteration.

They are also eco-friendly, and perfect for casual or vintage-themed weddings, they are an excellent option.

• Pros:
• Customizable and easy to change
• Great for a vintage or casual theme
• Cons:
• Needs some skill to change properly at the venue, and can smudge

Chalkboard signs are fun and whimsical, and can be changed if the information changes.

Glass: Timeless Elegance

Glass signs are an elegant way to convey your message.

Whether painted or etched into the glass itself, beautiful lettering is shown to great effect on this smooth, clean surface.

Depending on the message, you may even want to keep them as a keepsake.

• Pros:
• Elegant and timeless
• Can be a keepsake
• Cons:
• Requires more care when moving and installing

Glass signs are a beautiful, timeless way to give information and elevate the style of the wedding decorations. They can even be retained or given out as keepsakes.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our wedding sign ideas post here.

FAQs

How Do I Choose Between Painted or Etched Lettering for Glass Signs?

Painted letting is better for coloured letters and stands out very well on clear backgrounds. Etched lettering is a more subtle and sophisticated look, suitable for well-lit placement.

Consider the location and style of your wedding, and how the signs would look once the other decorations are up and there are people milling about.

Can Metal Signs Be Used for a Rustic Wedding Theme?

Yes! Metal signs are among the most versatile of choices. You could choose form a matte finish, a distressed look, or even rust.

Copper and bronze, especially with a patina, give warm, aged, and luxurious vibes.

How Do I Ensure My Chalkboard Sign Remains Legible Throughout the Event?

One way is to use a weather-resistant chalk marker – yes, that is a real thing!

They are easy to use and produce a sharp line, but errors are a bit more fuss to fix.

Another option is to spray over the finished sign with a clear coat.

This makes the chalk markings permanent, but that means they stand up to weather very well.

Use very light colours on a dark board for maximum contrast and clarity.

You can even use certain markers on a chalk board, allowing you to write in silver on black for a more elegant look.

What's the Best Way to Display Acrylic Signs Without Stands?

Acrylic signs are sometimes hung using clear fishing line.

This can make the sign look as if it is floating in the air, which is a wonderful and elegant effect.

The signs may also be placed on a table with luxurious fabric under them, or else leaned against a backdrop.

How Heavy Are Wood Signs and How Do I Support Them?

The weight of a wood sign weight varies depending on the area, thickness, and type of wood used.

There are lightweight options that can easily hang from small branches or stands, whereas larger ones may need something more substantial for stability and safety.

Wood is a great material for themes though – consider driftwood for a beach wedding, or oak for something in the forest.

Unsure which wedding signs you need? Read this post.