You've been scrolling Pinterest for weeks, and now you're convinced you need 47 different signs for your wedding.
A welcome sign. A seating chart. Menu boards. Timeline displays. Hashtag signs. Bar menu signs. Dessert table signs. Bathroom signs. Signs telling people there are signs.
But here's the truth: most New Jersey couples only need 3 to 5 essential signs.
Everything else? Completely optional.
By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which signs you actually need, which ones you can skip without guilt, when to order them, and how much to budget. No more Pinterest overwhelm, no more guessing, and no more wasting money on signs that end up in storage after your wedding.
Let's break it all down.
Wedding signage is any sign or display at your wedding that communicates information to your guests or adds to your decor.
It serves three main purposes:
1. Functional (helps guests navigate your wedding) Examples: seating charts, directional signs, table numbers
2. Informational (tells guests what's happening or what's available) Examples: menu boards, timeline displays, bar menus
3. Decorative (sets the aesthetic and tone of your celebration) Examples: welcome signs, hashtag signs, quote signs
Wedding signage has become a staple at New Jersey weddings over the past decade. What used to be just table numbers and a guest book sign has evolved into complete signage suites that match your color palette, design style, and wedding vibe.
But here's what matters most: your signage should help your guests, not confuse them. And it should enhance your wedding, not overcomplicate your planning.
Let's start with what you really, truly need. These are the signs that serve a functional purpose and make your guests' experience better.
What it does: Greets guests and confirms they're in the right place
When you need it: Every wedding (seriously, this is the one sign everyone should have)
Where it goes: Entrance to the ceremony or reception venue
Average cost in NJ: $125 to $200
Why it matters: This is your guests' first impression. It sets the tone for your entire celebration and makes people feel welcomed.
What it should say: Your names, wedding date, a welcome message ("Welcome to our wedding!" or "Welcome to the celebration!")
At Little Lulu's Designs, welcome signs are our most popular request. They're the foundation of any signage package because they work at every type of wedding, every venue, and every style.
What it does: Helps guests find their assigned table
When you need it: If you have assigned seating (most weddings do)
Where it goes: Entrance to reception, usually near the cocktail hour area
Average cost in NJ: $175 to $300 (depends on guest count)
Why it matters: Without a seating chart, your guests wander around awkwardly trying to find their table. With one, they quickly find their spot and start enjoying themselves.
Materials recommended: Mirror or acrylic for elegant weddings, wood or chalkboard for rustic vibes
Pro tip: If you're doing open seating (no assigned tables), you can skip this entirely. Just make sure your venue has enough seats for everyone.
What it does: Identifies each table so guests can find theirs
When you need it: If you have 8 or more tables with assigned seating
Where it goes: Center of each reception table
Average cost in NJ: $5 to $20 per number
Why it matters: Your seating chart says, "You're at Table 5." But if Table 5 isn't labeled, that information is useless.
Materials recommended: Match your seating chart material for a cohesive look
Pro tip: If you have under 6 tables, you can sometimes skip numbers and just use table names (family names, meaningful locations, etc.)
What it does: Displays your dinner menu so guests know what's being served
When you need it: If you're doing a plated dinner with multiple courses OR a buffet with lots of options
When you can skip it: If you're doing a simple buffet or family-style meal where everything is obvious
Where it goes: Near the entrance to the reception or by the bar during cocktail hour
Average cost in NJ: $55 to $150
Why it matters: Guests appreciate knowing what they're eating, especially if they have dietary restrictions or allergies. Plus, it builds anticipation for the meal.
What it does: Shows the flow of your reception (cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, cake cutting, dancing)
When you need it: If you want guests to know what's happening when
When you can skip it: If you prefer a more relaxed, go with the flow vibe, or if your DJ/MC will announce everything
Where it goes: Near the entrance to reception or by the bar
Average cost in NJ: $125 to $200
Why it matters: It helps guests plan their night. They know when to grab a drink, when to find their seat, when to expect toasts, etc.
Real example: At a recent Princeton wedding we designed for, the couple only used these 5 signs (welcome, seating chart, menu, timeline, and table numbers). It was perfect. Their guests knew exactly where to go and what was happening, and the couple didn't spend money on signs they didn't need.
Everything else falls into the "nice to have but not necessary" category.
Here's the full list of optional signs we get asked about:
Are these signs beautiful? Yes. Can they add to your decor? Absolutely. Do you NEED them? Not really.
If you're on a budget, skip them guilt-free. If you have room in your budget and love the idea of a fully coordinated signage suite, go for it! But don't feel pressured to have every single sign you see on Pinterest.
Let's break down what you need for each part of your wedding.
If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, you might only need:
If your ceremony is at a separate location:
Reality check: Most couples use minimal signage for the ceremony. Your guests know why they're there and where to sit. Don't overthink it.
This is where most of your signage lives:
The rule: If it helps your guests navigate or understand what's happening, keep it. If it's purely decorative, ask yourself if it's worth the cost.
This is one of the most common questions we get: wood, chalkboard, mirror, or acrylic?
Here's the breakdown of each material so you can choose what works for YOUR wedding.
Best for: Rustic weddings, barn venues, outdoor celebrations, farmhouse aesthetics
Pros:
Cons:
Average cost in NJ: $125 to $250 per sign
Popular at NJ venues: Perona Farms, The Barn at Perona Farms, rustic outdoor spaces
Little Lulu's take: Wood is our most versatile material. It works for casual, rustic, and even semi-formal weddings. If you're unsure, wood is a safe bet.
Best for: Classic weddings, vintage themes, farmhouse venues, traditional aesthetics
Pros:
Cons:
Average cost in NJ: $100 to $200 per sign
Popular at NJ venues: Liberty House Jersey City, The Ryland Inn, classic venues
Little Lulu's take: Chalkboard is perfect if you want that classic, hand-lettered look without spending a fortune. It's elegant without being too formal.
Best for: Modern weddings, elegant ballrooms, glam aesthetics, sophisticated vibes
Pros:
Cons:
Average cost in NJ: $175 to $350 per sign
Popular at NJ venues: The Ashford Estate, Mallard Island Yacht Club, upscale ballrooms
Little Lulu's take: If you want that "wow" factor and modern elegance, mirror signs deliver. They photograph incredibly well and feel luxurious.
Best for: Contemporary weddings, minimalist themes, modern venues, industrial spaces
Pros:
Cons:
Average cost in NJ: $200 to $400 per sign
Popular at NJ venues: Liberty Warehouse, The Foundry, contemporary loft spaces
Little Lulu's take: Acrylic is for couples who love clean lines and modern design. It's the most "now" material but might not age as timelessly as wood or chalkboard.
Consider these questions:
What's your venue style?
What's your wedding vibe?
What's your budget?
Not sure? Book a free consultation with Little Lulu's Designs and we'll help you choose the perfect material for your venue, style, and budget.
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is waiting too long to order signage. Then they end up paying rush fees or settling for something they don't love.
Here's the realistic timeline for New Jersey brides:
What to do:
Don't: Book anything yet unless you find someone you absolutely love and want to lock in
What to do:
Why this timeline matters: Most New Jersey signage vendors (including us!) need 4 to 6 weeks from design approval to delivery. Booking 4 to 6 months out gives you plenty of time without any rush.
What to do:
This is when: You'll see digital mockups of your signs and request any changes before they're made
What to do:
Pro tip: If signage arrives early and you're storing it at home, keep it in a safe, dry place away from pets and kids!
What to do:
You should NOT be: Frantically making last minute signs or worrying about whether things will arrive on time
The bottom line: Don't wait until the last minute. Most vendors need at least 4 to 6 weeks, and popular vendors book up months in advance. Give yourself time to get exactly what you want without stress or rush fees.
Let's talk real numbers. Wedding signage pricing in New Jersey varies based on materials, size, complexity, and whether you buy individual signs or a package.
Here's what you can expect to pay:
If you're buying signs individually:
Total for essentials (welcome, seating chart, menu, timeline, table numbers for 10 tables): Approximately $700 to $1,400, depending on materials
At Little Lulu's Designs, we offer 4 packages to fit different budgets and needs:
Essential Celebration Package (starting at $875) Includes: Welcome sign, seating chart, menu board, timeline display
Best for: Couples who want the must-haves without extras
Signature Experience Package (starting at $1,250) Includes: Everything in Essential + table numbers, directional signs, personalized favors
Best for: Couples who want complete signage flow plus guest favors
Live Art & Details Package (starting at $2,500) Includes: Live whimsical watercolor painting + complete signage suite + personalized favors
Best for: Couples who want something truly unique and memorable
Build Your Own Package (starting at $525) Includes: Only the signs YOU choose
Best for: Budget-conscious couples or minimalist weddings
View our complete packages and pricing here.
Material: Chalkboard is typically the least expensive, acrylic is the most expensive
Size: Larger signs cost more (a 36-inch welcome sign costs more than a 24-inch sign)
Complexity: Intricate hand lettering, detailed illustrations, and custom designs increase cost
Guest count: Seating charts for 200 guests cost more than seating charts for 50 guests
Rush fees: Need it in under 4 weeks? Expect to pay 20% to 50% more
Quantity: Buying a package is almost always cheaper than buying signs individually
Here's our honest take: if you can afford it, yes. Professional signage makes your wedding feel more polished, helps your guests navigate your celebration, and gives you beautiful decor that photographs well.
But if your budget is tight, you have options:
At the end of the day, your guests care about good food, good music, and celebrating with you. Signage enhances the experience, but it's not make-or-break.
Should you DIY your wedding signs or hire a professional?
Let's break down the real pros and cons so you can make the right choice for YOU.
You should DIY if:
What DIY actually costs:
You should hire a pro if:
What hiring a pro gets you:
Real-life application:
"As a professional in the wedding industry, a client of mine once needed custom signage for her wedding to place on the row ends featuring Bible texts about love. The client had intended to create these herself. At the last minute she realized she bit off more than she could chew. I reached out to Dilcia of Little Lulu's Designs, who was able to create the exact design the client needed in less than a 48 hr turn around time. The client loved the design and signs." - Brittany, Wedding Florist
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200 to $400 | $875+ for packages |
| Time | 40 to 60+ hours | 0 hours (vendor does it) |
| Quality | Depends on your skills | Consistently professional |
| Stress | High if you're not crafty | Low (vendor handles it) |
| Customization | Total control | Collaborative design process |
| Delivery | You transport it | Vendor delivers to venue |
If you're crafty, have time, and genuinely enjoy DIY projects, go for it! You'll save money and have the satisfaction of creating something yourself.
If you're not super crafty, don't have time, or want guaranteed professional results, hire a vendor. The peace of mind is worth it, and you'll get signage that looks polished and cohesive.
Still not sure? Start with the essentials (welcome sign and seating chart) from a professional, and DIY the optional stuff (bar menu, hashtag sign) if you want to save some money.
Ready to plan your wedding signage without the overwhelm?
Download our free printable Wedding Signage Checklist! It includes:
✓ Complete list of all ceremony and reception signage options
✓ Essential vs. optional signs clearly marked
✓ Budget planning worksheet to estimate costs
✓ Ordering timeline so you stay on track
[DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHECKLIST]
Here's what I want you to remember from this guide:
You don't need 47 signs. Most couples only need 3 to 5 essentials: welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, and maybe a menu board and timeline display.
Choose materials based on your venue and budget. Wood and chalkboard are versatile and affordable. Mirror and acrylic are modern and elegant but pricier.
Order 4 to 6 months before your wedding. This gives you time to design, revise, and receive your signage without rush fees or stress.
Budget $875 to $2,000+, depending on what you want. Packages offer better value than buying signs individually.
Don't let Pinterest overwhelm you. Just because a sign exists doesn't mean you need it.
If you're planning a New Jersey wedding and want custom signage that's beautiful, affordable, and stress-free, we'd love to help.
At Little Lulu's Designs, we've been creating hand-crafted wedding signage for New Jersey couples since 2017. We offer 4 packages (starting at $875), or you can build your own custom collection.
Book a free consultation, and we'll discuss your vision, recommend the right signs for your venue and style, and create a custom quote. No pressure, just honest advice from a family-owned business that actually cares.
Happy planning!
Dil & The Little Lulu's Family
About Little Lulu's Designs
We're a family-owned business in New Jersey specializing in custom wedding signage, whimsical live watercolor painting, and personalized wedding favors. Since 2017, we've worked with myriads of couples throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. We believe wedding planning should be joyful, not stressful, and we're here to make at least one part of it easier for you.
📧 littlelulusdesignsnj@gmail.com
📷 Instagram: @little_lulus_designs