Custom Party Welcome Signs - Party Decoration Ideas by a Pro

the idea

Help guests find the entrance, reassure them they’re at the right place, and invite them in without having to stand at the door

custom photo 40th birthday party welcome sign on an easel

illustrated custom 30th birthday party welcome sign on an easel

the how

Choose from acrylic, poster paper, foam board, or an editable template to print yourself
Customize text and colors
Display on an easel at the entrance

couple standing next to a custom photo 50th wedding anniversary party welcome sign

the why

welcome area décor & activities

Welcoming; you can’t always greet everyone on arrival, but you can still give them a warm welcome
Efficient; free’s up the host to mingle and enjoy the party rather than monitor the door
Informative; time saving way to communicates practical information regarding cloakrooms, bathrooms, table plan, guest book, gift/card table, and the event’s social media hashtag
Flow; diffuses crowds, prevents bottlenecks, and helps manage flow when multiple guests arrive at once by giving them multiple things to engage with
Service; gets a first drink into guests’ hands without them having to wade through to the bar
Ice breaker; allow guests to ease in with a few activities before walking into a room full of people
Introductions; allows guests who don’t know many people or are arriving alone to connect with others before entering
Conversation-starters; funny, creative, or quirky welcome activities give guests things to discuss
Atmosphere; a few initial activities, party favors, or photo ops immediately creates atmosphere

custom photo graduation party welcome sign on an easel

illustrated custom 40 and fabulous birthday party welcome sign on an easel

the why

this idea

Acknowledgement; ensures guests feel acknowledged on arrival
Orientation; helps guests know they’re in the right place (useful in venues)
Special occasions should feel special; generic ‘off the shelf’ decorations are lazy and unimaginative
Personalized; customized decorations are more special and show you made an effort
Custom photo; opportunity to show the guest of honor as a younger man/woman
Entertaining; guests may not have seen funny or embarrassing old photos of the guest of honor
Elegant; lends your decorations an elegant and sophisticated touch
Professional; attention to detail lends an air of professionalism
Inexpensive; a cost-effective party idea that won’t blow your budget

custom gold sequin 50th birthday party welcome sign on an easel

custom photo retirement party welcome sign on an easel

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“These look best if you add a little dressing to the easel, such as a balloon garland, flowers, or foliage (see image below).

Not only does it add a more decorative look, but it makes for a larger display that will stand out more.

You can pick up a cheap black metal easel for around $15 (see link below).

If you’re using a custom photo sign, I always think it’s more fun for guests if you use an older photo of the guest of honor as a young man/woman, child, or baby.”