Wedding signs are one of those sneaky details that can seriously add up. Between a welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, bar menus, and all the little “extras,” you could easily spend hundreds of dollars renting or ordering custom signage. But here’s the good news: you absolutely don’t need to. ✨Because I’ll show you how to make your own wedding signs for under $100!
Must Know Hacks to Make Your Own Wedding Signs for $100
As a former DIY bride on a budget, I’m showing you how to make your own wedding signs that look chic, but won’t cost you more than $100.
These are tried-and-true hacks I’ve used for my own backyard wedding and for weddings I’ve planned, so trust me, they’ll help you create Pinterest-worthy signage while saving major cash.
How to Make Your Own Wedding Welcome Sign & Seating Chart
Your welcome sign and seating chart are usually the biggest signs of the day—and the biggest budget-busters. Here’s how to keep them chic on the cheap:
Hack #1: Use a thrifted mirror or vintage window
👉 Head to your local thrift store, garage sales, or even your attic. Large mirrors often cost under $10 each—and they instantly look luxe once styled.
Hack #2: Hand-letter with paint markers
👉 Skip vinyl decals (pricey!) and grab Posca paint markers instead. They’re beginner-friendly, long-lasting, and about $10 on Amazon. Use these to write your wedding welcome sign text and your seating chart header. (Keep reading for hacks to get it right!)
Hack #3: Seating chart shortcut
👉 Use Canva to design 4×6 cards with each table’s list. Print on cardstock, cut them out, and attach them to the mirror with double-sided tape or these adorable faux wax seal stickers (under $9!).
Get the full tutorial on transforming a window into a gorgeous seating chart!
✨ Pro Tips:
- Large ruler and painter’s tape from the Dollar Tree = perfectly straight lines. Or, instead of tape, create lines using your ruler and paint markers and wipe away the lines once you’re done lettering.
- Practice lettering on a piece of glass or a Dollar Tree mirror before going in on the big one. (Trust me, it’ll help you get the feel of the motion)
- Not great at lettering and want to skip it altogether? Use the pencil transfer hack (trace, transfer, then go over it with paint marker).
💸 Total Cost: $40
How to Make All Your Other Wedding Signs
Once you’ve nailed the two biggies, the rest of your DIY wedding signs (table numbers, bar menus, guestbook, favors, etc.) can be handled with some cardstock, Canva templates, and creative framing.
Hack #1: DIY Table Numbers
👉 Use a simple template (like this free one I made!) and print two numbers per page on white cardstock. Cut, fold, and pop them into sleek metal holders (Amazon has a pack for under $10).
Hack #2: Wedding Table Signs (Cards + Gifts, Guestbook, Bar, Favors)
👉 Create your signs in Canva, print, and slip into these freestanding 8.5×11 frames (about $23 for a 4-pack on Amazon). OR go the thrift route like I did—gold vintage frames are easy to find for $2–3 each at thrift shops, and they give the perfect “collected” look.
Hack #3: Buffet & Menu Cards
👉 Steal my Buffet sign Canva template, print on the same cardstock you’re already using, then trim and fold. For menus, tuck them into napkins at each place setting for an effortlessly chic look.
✨ Pro Tips:
- Stick to black ink designs for the cheapest at-home printing.
- If you don’t have a printer, FedEx Office or Staples is a great option—watch for discount codes!
- Don’t overthink it: clean fonts, good paper, and a cohesive style will look professional no matter what.
💸 Total Cost: $25–$40
Budget Breakdown: All Wedding Signs for Under $100
- Thrifted mirror/window: $10
- Paint markers: $10
- Faux wax seals: $9
- Cardstock: $5
- Metal table number holders: $10
- Frames for small signs: $8–$23 (depending on thrift vs. Amazon)
- Extra ink or FedEx printing: $15
✅ Grand Total: $67–$95
Even on the higher end, you’ll stay under $100 and have every single sign you need.
Bonus Hack: Flip a Kids’ Easel into a Directional Sign 🎨
If your venue has multiple spaces (ceremony site, cocktail hour, reception area), directional signs can help guests find their way—but custom ones can be surprisingly expensive.
👉 Enter: the kids’ easel hack.
- Pick up an inexpensive kids’ chalkboard/whiteboard easel from your local thrift store (You’ll find for under $10 usually)!
- Remove any “extra” toys or gadgets that are affixed to it… we had to do that for ours (here’s my now husband and my niece prepping one I found)
- Paint the colorful plastic or wood base with spray paint, transforming it from a dilapidated kids easel into a neutral freestanding directional sign.
- Use paint markers or chalk pens to add arrows and labels (Ceremony →, Cocktails →, Restrooms →).
- Add a garland, flowers, or a few balloons to dress it up.
Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also sturdy enough to handle outdoor breezes—a win over flimsy foam board signs.
💸 Cost: $15–$20
Styling Ideas That Elevate Your Wedding Signs Without Adding Cost
- Add greenery or florals from your centerpiece leftovers around your signs.
- Use candles or bud vases for instant ambience.
- Display table numbers and small signs on wooden crates or vintage books (both thriftable for a few bucks).
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been stressing about how to make your own wedding signs on a budget—take a deep breath. With a little creativity, $100 is plenty to pull together gorgeous signage that looks custom-made.
And the best part? These hacks aren’t just about saving money—they’re about creating signs that actually reflect your style, not some cookie-cutter Etsy download.
💌 Planning a wedding on a budget? Don’t miss my free DIY Wedding Checklist to keep your planning stress-free and on track.