Couples often ask where to get wedding signs printed when planning their ceremony and reception décor. Wedding signs welcome guests, provide directions, and add personal touches to your celebration. After designing your sign using an AI wedding sign generator or template, you need to choose the right printing method for quality and budget. This guide covers professional printing services, local print shops, chain stores, and DIY options. You'll learn about materials, sizes, timelines, and expert tips to decide where to print wedding signs for your big day.
Why Professional Printing Matters
First Impressions and Photography
High-quality signs make lasting impressions. Professional signage sets your wedding's tone and looks polished in photographs. 1801 & Co. reports that professional printing on acrylic or foam board creates bright colors and durable signs that become keepsakes. Poor-quality prints look dull or warp, which weakens your décor.
Long-term Value
You can resell signs without personal details. 1801 & Co. recommends using general wording and neutral designs so others can reuse your signs. Quality printing and sturdy materials preserve signs for resale or home display.
Factors to Consider When Printing Wedding Signs
Print Size
Most couples select 20 × 30-inch signs because guests can read them easily without overwhelming the space. Smaller events work with 12 × 18 inches, while larger venues accommodate 24 × 36 inches. Consider your display space and match the size to your easel or stand.
Paper and Material
Different materials create different effects and price points:
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Acrylic: Creates a high-end, durable look for welcome signs and seating charts. Acrylic costs more but photographs beautifully.
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Foam board: Provides budget-friendly, lightweight, and rigid support. Foam board suits seating charts and directional signs but can dent or crease with rough handling.
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Poster paper: Offers affordable versatility. Works well for welcome signs and table signage when framed or mounted.
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Cardstock: Works best for DIY home printing or small table numbers and guest book signs. Cardstock costs less but lacks durability for large displays.
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Matte paper: AI Wedding Sign recommends thick matte poster paper (around 32 lb) because it looks premium and reduces photo glare. Order this from print shops or chain stores.
Lead Time
Printing requires planning. Prints of Love needs 2-3 business days to print plus 2-5 days for shipping. AI Wedding Sign suggests ordering prints 2-3 weeks before your wedding to check quality and make adjustments. Local print shops or chain stores like FedEx Office often provide same-day or next-day pickup.
Budget
Your budget determines your printing method. Professional acrylic printing costs more but produces luxury signs you keep. Foam board and poster prints cost less while maintaining attractiveness. DIY printing saves money on small signs but becomes expensive when factoring ink, paper, and reprints.
Where to Get Wedding Signs Printed: Top Options
Specialized Online Printers (Prints of Love & Similar)
Online print services focus on wedding stationery and signage. Upload your design and select paper type, size, and finish. Prints of Love leads this category. AI Wedding Sign ranks Prints of Love first for couples because it focuses on wedding printing with fast 2-3 day shipping. Reviews show Prints of Love provides fast printing, free shipping, personalized support, and free premium envelopes. They plant a tree with every order.
Pros:
- High quality: Wedding printers use professional equipment and offer matte, gloss, and linen paper stocks. Products feature crisp colors and smooth finishes.
- Convenience: Upload files for home delivery. Select standard wedding sign sizes (20 × 30 inches, 18 × 24 inches).
- Extras: Prints of Love includes design reviews by experts, free envelopes, and eco-friendly practices.
Cons:
- Cost: Online specialty printers charge more than DIY or chain stores.
- Shipping time: Fast printing still requires 2-5 days for delivery.
Tips: Order samples when possible to check paper and finish quality. Export files as high-resolution PDFs with bleed settings.
Local Print Shops
Community businesses provide personalized service. AI Wedding Sign notes local shops go beyond expectations to perfect prints. Meet with printers, discuss paper options, and view physical samples. Many local shops print on foam board, acrylic, or thick poster paper.
Pros:
- Personal service: Discuss designs with experts and receive immediate feedback.
- Quick turnaround: Local shops often provide same-day or next-day printing for urgent orders.
- Support community: Purchases support local economies and build relationships.
Cons:
- Price differences: Costs vary between shops. Request quotes and check reviews.
- Limited hours: Small shops may restrict weekend or evening hours.
Tip: Bring designs on USB drives and specify "poster print on thick matte paper at 20 × 30 inches" for correct size and finish.
Chain Store Printing (FedEx Office, Staples, Office Depot)
Office-supply chains provide fast printing. AI Wedding Sign lists FedEx Office, Office Depot, and Staples for last-minute needs. Upload files online and collect finished signs at nearby stores, often same-day.
Pros:
- Widespread locations: Find stores nearby for quick print pickup.
- Same-day service: Chain stores handle urgent orders with poster sizes like 18 × 24 or 24 × 36 inches. Many mount posters on foam board.
- Competitive prices: Stores offer sales or coupons for large prints.
Cons:
- Fewer paper options: Chain stores stock fewer specialty papers than online printers.
- Self-service model: Online portals provide less personal guidance.
Tip: Upload high-resolution PDFs with bleed and crop marks. Select "mounted poster" or "foam core board" for stability.
DIY Printing at Home
Home printing works for small signs on a budget. 1801 & Co. suggests buying digital templates from Etsy or 1801andco.com and printing on cardstock. This method suits table numbers, guest-book signs, and favor labels but not large welcome signs due to printer limitations.
Pros:
- Cost savings: Home printing reduces costs for smaller signs.
- Control: Print when convenient and experiment with colors and layouts.
Cons:
- Equipment restrictions: Home printers can't handle large sizes or thick boards. Ink expenses accumulate quickly.
- Quality limits: Colors appear less bright or consistent than professional prints.
Tip: Use quality cardstock and test single signs before printing multiples. Mount prints on foam board for polish.
Step-by-Step Process to Print Wedding Signs
Follow these steps with any printing method:
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Design your sign. Create designs using wedding sign generators, Canva, or Etsy templates. Save as high-resolution PDFs or PNGs with bleed settings to prevent white edges. For AI-powered design solutions, explore our custom wedding signs online generator guide or the wedding sign generator for beginners.
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Choose your size. 20 × 30 inches remains popular, but 18 × 24 and 24 × 36 inches work too. Confirm sizes with printers.
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Select material. Choose acrylic, foam board, poster paper, or cardstock based on budget and display requirements.
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Submit order. Send files to chosen printers. Prints of Love processes orders in 2-3 days. Local shops and chain stores may offer same-day pickup.
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Review and display. Check prints for color or text problems. Large signs need easels or frames; smaller signs use stands or picture frames.
Display Tips for Wedding Signs
Proper display increases sign impact:
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Use easels or frames: Easels add height and elegance. AI Wedding Sign suggests simple, reusable Amazon easels.
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Plan for outdoors: Ask printers about wind-resistant mounting for outdoor ceremonies.
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Match your theme: Select frame colors and styles matching wedding themes. Wood frames suit rustic weddings; acrylic or metal stands fit modern celebrations.
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Add florals: Place greenery or flowers around signs for cohesion.
Additional Wedding Signage
Wedding signage extends beyond welcome signs. FedEx Office suggests designing bar menus, photo-booth backdrops, directional signage, table numbers, and seating charts for consistent looks. Apply themed fonts, colors, and motifs across signs. Seat charts help guests find tables quickly while bar signs feature signature cocktails. For comprehensive guidance on planning your complete signage suite, consult our wedding signage planning checklist which ensures you don't miss any important signs.
Eco-Friendly Printing
Prints of Love plants trees with orders. Choose recycled paper or reuse frames and easels to reduce waste. Ask local shops about eco-friendly inks or paper recycling.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to print wedding signs means balancing quality, convenience, budget, and timeline. Prints of Love delivers quality, support, and eco-friendly benefits but needs advance planning. Local shops provide hands-on service and quick turnaround. Chain stores offer speed and accessibility with fewer custom options. DIY printing saves money on small signs but doesn't suit large displays. Use your priorities and these guidelines to find printing that matches your vision and creates memorable impressions on your special day.
Sources
- Wedding Sign Printing Guide, 1801 & Co., 2024, 1801andco.com
- AI Wedding Sign FAQ, AI Wedding Sign, 2024, aiweddingsign.com
- Prints of Love Review, Inviting Invites, 2024, invitinginvites.com
- Wedding Stationery Guide, FedEx Office, 2024, office.fedex.com
- Prints of Love, Prints of Love, 2024, printsoflove.com