Lately I have been noticing a lot of tiny bride and groom signs at weddings. They are usually hung on the backs of the chairs the newlyweds will use for dinner, particularly at sweetheart tables,. While not strictly necessary (presumably everyone knows who the bride and groom are), there is something quite charming about the little chair signs. It is the kind of attention to detail that can really make a wedding feel special. Take a look at some of the different ideas for bride and groom signs for receptions.
- I am partial to these signs with the individual letters. Credit: Steve Koo Photography via So Happi Together.
Bride and groom chair signs can be made in a nearly infinite number of ways. I personally enjoy the signs that are made up of individual letters because they swag so gracefully across the back of the chairs. You can make your own signs or order them from a number of companies. The DIY ones tend to have more special character, which is nice. The signs should definitely be made to tie in with the theme or style of your wedding. I have heard of brides hanging them with ropes of crystals or pearls to match their wedding jewelry, making woodsy ones for rustic weddings, or even versions with funny sayings like “First Mate” instead of Bride for a nautical theme wedding.
- Swathes of tulle and ribbon dress up simple bride and groom signs. Credit: Style Me Pretty.
Give some thought to how you will attach the signs to your chairs. In the image above, the fluffy tulle and wide satin ribbon go a long way towards dressing up very simple signs. (I also like the chairs that they used, as they are different than the usual wedding rentals.) So if you are planning a preppy wedding, use pink grosgrain ribbon. If your reception will be earthy, hang your signs with raffia. Couples often use ribbon in their wedding colors, as it is an easy way to bring them into the reception decor.
- Handpainted signs with clusters of daisies are perfect for a rustic wedding. Credit: Lisa Franchot Photography via the Knot.
The lettering style and method you choose will affect the style of your signs. The handpainted signs above are ideal for a rustic wedding. For a formal wedding, an elegant script or gold lettering would be appropriate. It is also nice to think about adding an accent to the signs. In this examples, simple clusters of daisies add a sweet touch to the very informal signage.
- Nostalgic Americana bride and groom chair signs. Credit: Tiny Water Photography.
Bride and groom signs work equally well for indoor or outdoor wedding receptions. The picture above is of a backyard wedding with a nostalgic Americana vibe. I love how the bride’s sign in red and the groom’s is blue. It is also quite sweet that the newlyweds will share a cozy little bench built for two instead of sitting in two separate chairs. Come to think of it, why don’t more couples do that?
- Cute idea: use mini chalkboard signs to designate the chairs. Credit: Style Me Pretty.
DIY bride and groom signs can be very easy to make. The example above is of a chalkboard sign. The pretty frame and elegant ribbon make it look very chic, but really, this project is a piece of cake for any bride who enjoys crafting. You can also consider one of the many variations on the bride and groom signs, such as those that say Mr. and Mrs., signs with your names on them, floral letters, or even one large sign that says “Just Hitched”. What fun!
