Signage is the first thing guests notice when they arrive and the practical thread that holds an event together from entrance to exit. Whether you are planning a wedding reception, a corporate gala, a product launch, or a milestone celebration, a coordinated set of welcome signs, seating charts, directional arrows, and feature displays transforms a venue and removes guesswork for your guests.
This guide covers the core signage types needed at most events, which materials suit each setting, recommended sizes for each sign, and how to bring a full suite together without scrambling for last-minute reprints.
Cheat sheet
- A1 (594 x 841mm) is the standard size for welcome signs and seating charts for up to 100 guests
- Acrylic signs are premium indoor pieces and are not suitable for outdoor installation
- Corflute is the practical choice for temporary outdoor directional signs and wayfinding
- POS standees on foamboard are freestanding and ideal for indoor event wayfinding and photo displays
- Teardrop banners are weather-resistant and visible from a distance, making them effective for outdoor venue entries and car parks
- Acrylic and corflute signs are typically produced in 24-48 hours after artwork approval; foamboard standees and fabric banners take 2-4 working days
- Ordering your full suite together keeps colours, fonts, and finishes consistent across every piece
The Core Sign Types Every Event Needs
Welcome Sign
The welcome sign anchors your event’s visual identity. Positioned at the ceremony or reception entrance, it sets the tone before a single guest takes their seat.
For indoor receptions and formal events, an acrylic reception panel sign is the premium option. The 3mm cast acrylic substrate reads cleanly under venue lighting, and standoff fixings create a floating panel effect against any wall or fabric backdrop. Substrate options include clear, black, white, matte, frosted, and mirror acrylic, with artwork applied via digital print or vinyl foil. Panels are available in A1 (594 x 841mm) and A2 (420 x 594mm), with custom dimensions available on request. Single-unit orders are accepted from $225 AUD inc. GST. Standoff mounting hardware is purchased separately and installed on-site.
For outdoor ceremony entrances or multi-venue sites, corflute plastic signs in 3mm or 5mm TEKflute handle UV and rain without issue. They mount on H-stakes or insert into A-frames, cover sizes from A3 up to 900 x 1200mm, and start from $5.68 AUD inc. GST.
Seating Chart
Seating charts need to be readable from 1-2 metres without guests crowding. For up to 100 guests, an A1 acrylic or foamboard panel with names listed alphabetically and table numbers clearly grouped is the standard approach. Gold or silver vinyl foil lettering on a clear or frosted acrylic panel is the signature look for contemporary weddings and corporate galas. For guest lists over 100, step up to a 900 x 1200mm corflute board or use two side-by-side A1 panels.
Keep name text no smaller than 12-14pt, and ensure table headings are at least 20pt for quick scanning from a standing distance.
Directional and Wayfinding Signs
Rural properties, multi-room venues, and large convention centres all need wayfinding to prevent guest confusion. Mark every decision point where a guest might hesitate: car park entry, the path from ceremony to reception, restroom locations, shuttle pickup points, and photo opportunity areas.
Corflute on H-stakes is the standard outdoor choice. Inside a venue, point-of-sale standees on 5mm TEKfoam provide freestanding directional boards without wall mounting. The 700 x 1800mm size is readable from the width of a corridor, and custom contour cutting is available for more distinctive directional pieces.
Bar, Menu and Table Signs
Bar signs, drinks menus, and dessert table labels are the supporting pieces that add cohesion to a food and beverage display. These typically run A4 to A5 in size, printed on heavy matte stock or displayed in small easels. If you are producing these alongside your welcome sign or seating chart, match the font family and colour palette across every piece for a unified suite.
Photo Backdrops, Selfie Frames and Feature Displays
Photo opportunities have become a standard feature at weddings, corporate events, and brand activations. These are signage pieces in practical terms: they carry branding, direct guest flow, and generate shareable content for social media.
Selfie frames are printed on 5mm TEKpvc foamboard in A1 format (594 x 841mm) and feature a central aperture that guests hold around their faces for photos. Starting from $114.34 AUD inc. GST, they are an accessible branded activation for weddings, school formals, fundraisers, and product launches. Foil and spot UV finishes are available for premium executions. Full specification and ordering options are at selfie frames.
Teardrop banners work as both entry markers and visual framing elements at outdoor events. The tall, narrow silhouette at 2100mm, 3000mm, or 4200mm draws the eye and frames venue entrances, stage zones, and outdoor brand activations. The 145GSM blockout fabric construction is fully weather-resistant and double-sided, so artwork reads from both directions. Teardrop banners start from $131.27 AUD inc. GST and are supplied as a complete kit with pole, base, and carry bag.
Freestanding foamboard standees in custom-cut silhouettes are used indoors as branded photo backdrops, sponsor logo panels, and character or mascot displays. Custom contour cutting suits product launches, themed weddings, and corporate activations where a standard rectangle panel would break the brand aesthetic. Available in 700 x 1800mm and 1200 x 1800mm formats.
Choosing the Right Material
| Material | Best for | Indoor/Outdoor | Starting from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic (3mm cast) | Welcome signs, seating charts, feature plaques | Indoor only | $225 AUD |
| Corflute (3mm or 5mm TEKflute) | Directional signs, outdoor welcome boards, wayfinding | Indoor + outdoor | $5.68 AUD |
| TEKfoam foamboard (5mm) | Freestanding standees, selfie frames, indoor wayfinding | Indoor only | $114.34 AUD |
| Fabric (dye-sublimated) | Teardrop banners, outdoor entrance flags | Outdoor + indoor | $131.27 AUD |
Acrylic Reception Panel Signs are designed for indoor installation only. Direct sunlight, temperature fluctuation, and moisture can affect artwork adhesion over time. Assign corflute or fabric to any outdoor or covered-outdoor position in your plan, and reserve acrylic for interior focal points where its optical clarity and premium finish can be fully appreciated.
Recommended Sizes by Sign Type
| Sign type | Recommended size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome sign (indoor, up to 80 guests) | A2: 420 x 594mm | Acrylic or foamboard |
| Welcome sign (indoor, 80-150+ guests) | A1: 594 x 841mm | Acrylic or foamboard |
| Welcome sign (outdoor) | 600 x 900mm corflute | H-stake or A-frame mount |
| Seating chart (up to 100 guests) | A1: 594 x 841mm | Minimum 12pt type for names |
| Seating chart (100+ guests) | 900 x 1200mm | Or two side-by-side A1 panels |
| Directional / wayfinding | A3 or A2 corflute | Multiple signs reduce per-sign reading load |
| Bar or menu sign | A4 or A5 | Match suite design |
| Selfie frame | A1: 594 x 841mm | Standard TEKpvc foamboard format |
| Teardrop banner | 3000mm or 4200mm height | Pair for symmetry; base kit included |
| Freestanding standee | 700 x 1800mm or 1200 x 1800mm | Custom contour cut available |
How to Plan Your Signage Suite
A coordinated suite comes down to three decisions: what you need, where each sign lives, and when to order.
Map your venue layout and guest flow. Walk through the floor plan from arrival to exit and mark every point where a guest might pause or lose their way. Each pause point is a sign. A modest event typically needs five to eight pieces: welcome sign, seating chart, two or three directional arrows, a bar or menu sign, and one feature display.
Assign materials by location. Outdoor or covered-outdoor positions go to corflute or fabric. Indoor premium focal points go to acrylic. Freestanding indoor pieces go to foamboard standees. Outdoor feature displays go to fabric banners.
Design as a suite. Use one font pairing, one or two accent colours, and a consistent decorative element (florals, monogram, geometric border) across every piece. A seating chart with no visual connection to the welcome sign reads as unplanned regardless of print quality.
Confirm your production timeline. Acrylic and corflute signs are typically produced in 24-48 hours after artwork approval. Foamboard standees and fabric banners take 2-4 working days post-approval. For any event with a hard installation deadline, place your full suite order at least one week out to allow for proof review, production, and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acrylic welcome signs be used outdoors?
Acrylic Reception Panel Signs are designed for indoor installation only. Direct sunlight, wind, and moisture can affect artwork adhesion over time. For outdoor ceremony entrances, corflute on H-stakes or a fabric teardrop banner is the correct choice.
How far in advance should I order event signage?
Allow at least one week before your event date to account for proof review, production, and delivery. Acrylic and corflute signs are typically produced in 24-48 hours after artwork approval. Foamboard standees and fabric teardrop banners take 2-4 working days. Ordering the full suite together ensures consistent colour output across all pieces.
What size seating chart do I need for my wedding?
For up to 100 guests, an A1 (594 x 841mm) panel with names at 12-14pt is the practical standard. For larger guest lists, move to 900 x 1200mm or consider two side-by-side A1 panels. The test is readability from 1-2 metres without guests needing to step forward to find their name.
Can I order a single sign without a minimum quantity requirement?
Yes. Acrylic Reception Panel Signs, corflute signs, selfie frames, and POS standees are available as single-unit orders. Teardrop banners are available as a single kit including the pole, base, and carry bag. Pricing scales for multi-sign suite orders.
What finish options are available on acrylic signs?
Substrate options include clear, black, white, matte, frosted, and mirror acrylic. Artwork is applied via digital print or vinyl foil in gold, silver, or rose gold. A clear or frosted panel with gold vinyl foil lettering is the most popular combination for weddings and formal events.
Can I get my full signage suite printed with a consistent look across all pieces?
Yes. Provide your CMYK or HEX colour values, font files, and design assets and the team applies them consistently across every piece in your suite. A free design review and proof is included with every order before printing begins.
