DIY Wedding Signs: How to Design, Print & Display Yours

DIY wedding signs can look professional when you follow a few production principles. Use this step-by-step guide to design, size, print, and display your signage—without stress.

New here? Start with our hub post, The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Signs, then come back to build your DIY plan.

Step 1: Choose Your Material & Size

• Acrylic (clear or frosted): Modern, premium; 18×24 is a safe default, 24×36 for outdoor entries.
• Wood: Warm and rustic; white lettering is highly legible on dark stain.
• PVC/ACM: Rigid and durable; great for travel and outdoor use.

Unsure on dimensions? See How Big Should a Wedding Welcome Sign Be?

Step 2: Set Up Your File

• Canvas: Full-size at 300 DPI (e.g., 18×24 in at 300 DPI).
• Safe margins: 0.25–0.5 in; keep names and date inside.
• Type: Convert fonts to outlines/paths before exporting.
• Export: PDF (preferred) or high-quality PNG with transparent background for acrylic.

Step 3: Typography & Color

Limit to two typefaces (one display, one supporting). Use high contrast: white/cream on walnut wood, black/charcoal on frosted acrylic. Maintain hierarchy—headline → names → date/location.

For inspiration on type pairings, read Best Fonts for Wedding Signs.

Step 4: Print & Production

• Do a letter-size test print to check spacing and legibility.
• For acrylic, consider a painted back layer to boost contrast.
• For wood, seal edges where needed and keep florals from covering key text.

Step 5: Display & Transport

• Easels: Choose sturdy wood/metal; use clear clips outdoors.
• Wind plan: Fishing line tethers or sandbag bases.
• Transport: Corner protectors, microfiber sleeves for acrylic.

DIY Checklist (Week of the Wedding)

• Proofread names, date, and venue (twice).
• Pack easel hardware, zip ties, cleaning wipes, microfiber cloth.
• Assign setup to a trusted person and share a photo mockup.

When to Go Pro

If timelines are tight—or you want perfectly printed, durable materials—our team can produce your design or help you customize a template.

Order Professionally Printed Wedding Signs →

Tip: Many couples DIY smaller signs (cards & gifts, guestbook) and order larger pieces like the welcome sign and seating chart professionally for flawless photos—advice echoed by editors at Brides.