14 of the Best Wedding Chalkboard Messages

Chalkboard signage is so perfect for any wedding. They’re black, white, elegant, playful, with a bit of whimsy and magic. Chalkboard wedding decor is amazing both outdoors and in. And with new smudge-proof chalkboard markers (they come off with a damp cloth), you can’t go wrong. The best part? Those last-minute changes to seating charts or arrow directions can be made easily and quickly, versus printed signage that can take days to reprint.

After completing dozens of wedding chalkboards, we’ve taken the top 14 requests and put them all here to inspire you. Custom chalkboard art is great because you can get a few done (or more) and have them all look like a complete, matching your exact style. What a way to tell your guests something important while still maintaining a beautiful wedding.


1. Choose a seat, not a side

1. Choose a seat, not a side

1. Choose a seat, not a side

Even though it’s the 20-teens, some people still think that they have to sit on a certain side of the ceremony. The best thing to do is to cover your bases with a “Choose a seat, not a side” chalkboard. This has been our most popular chalkboard request to date. There have been clever ways to express this, and very simple ones too. Even if your guests know they don’t have to sit anywhere specific, this chalkboard can create a comfortable welcome for those who are arriving to your ceremony.


2. Please find your seat (the seating chart)

2. Please find your seat (the seating chart)

2. Please find your seat (the seating chart)

Pretty simple. Where are you sitting? Find your name on the seating chart and mosey your buns over to your table. For most weddings, it’s recommended that you include only the first name and last initial (but of course this can get sticky with 150+ people). Chalkboards make the best seating charts too because you can make late changes to the game – like when Uncle Bruce decides he’s bringing another new girlfriend with him ;)


3. Welcome to our unplugged wedding

3. Welcome to our unplugged wedding

3. Welcome to our unplugged wedding

Ok, so everyone is bringing their phone to your wedding. That’s a given. And hopefully most guests will be courteous enough to know this: keep your heads up and phones in your pockets for the duration of the ceremony. “Unplugged ceremony” chalkboard signs are a perfect friendly reminder that the bride and groom have the photography covered. Guests don’t need to pull out their phones for photos (and be tempted to text while you’re saying your vows!)


4. Instagram hashtag chalkboard

4. Instagram hashtag chalkboard

4. Instagram hashtag board

Once the bar opens, let the photos fly! Make sure you get your hands on each and every one of those gems by letting your guests know your hashtag. Last minute hashtag change? So easy! Just wipe off the old one and write in the updated hashtag – no sweat!


5. Thank you (photo op board)

5. Thank you (photo op board)

5. Thank you (for photo ops and thank you cards)

Classy and elegant thank-you chalkboards go with any colour scheme! These are popular for the photo or cards that are sent out to thank the guests for sharing the day.


6. Names and date

6. Names and date

6. The bride and groom’s name and wedding date (Welcome to our wedding!)

Having your names and date in all big and beautiful can really complete your whole day. Place it somewhere for the guests when they first arrive or put it in front of the head table! Also – consider matching the fonts/script for this chalkboard to your invitation so that everything ties in well together.


7. Favours / Candy bar

7. Favours / Candy bar

7. Favours / Candy bar

Hey everyone! Don’t forget to take something home – from us to you. Simple and wonderful (and super popular right now!)


8. Photo booth sign

8. Photo booth sign

8. Grab a prop and strike a pose (the photo booth sign)

Quirky and funny, these chalkboards are great for photo booths that are on or off the beaten path. Inspire your guests to be silly and make some memories!


9. Sign our guestbook

9. Sign our guestbook

9. Sign our guestbook

There are a ton of clever ways for guests to write you a special note - let them know how with some bold white-on-black! Other ideas are “write a message in a bottle” or suggest other things guests can write to you.


10. Coming down the aisle

10. Coming down the aisle

10. Coming down the aisle (Here comes your girl)

Imagine a niece, nephew, son, or daughter carrying this chalkboard down the aisle. Such a fun and adorable way to speak to your guests (not to mention the cuteness factor of your photo ops!)


11. "This way" signs

11. "This way" signs

11. "This way" chalkboard

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, a wedding in a hotel, or have any other need to tell guests which way to the reception, chalkboard signage is a beautiful and rustic way to draw up arrows without looking messy. Make sure to use smudge-proof chalkboard ink instead of dry chalk in the high-traffic areas (because who likes chalk dust on their expensive tux?). Arrows can be changed last minute too if you decide to put your signage somewhere other than where you planned. Can’t do that with a painted sign or print-out!


12. Drink menu or specialty cocktail

12. Drink menu or specialty cocktail

12. Drink menu or specialty cocktail

What’s stocked behind the bar? Is there a signature cocktail? Tell your guests what’s going to help them get on the dance floor! Another tip: name your signature drink something clever - but easy to remember. Tie it in to the big day with a spin on a last name, hobby, or where the bride and groom first met!


13. In Memoriam

13. In Memoriam

13. In Memoriam

It’s terribly sad when we can’t spend our wedding day with someone we love. Lots of couples are dedicating a table or small area to those they’ve lost. With photos and special messages, the dear departed can still have a special place to remember them.


14. Thank you message

14. Thank you message

14. Thank you message

For something a little more personal, a chalkboard thank you message is perfect for guests to read coming into the ceremony, reception, or before they leave. We’ve only had a few of these requested, but love the sentiment.


TIP: What to do with the chalkboards after your wedding?

  • Hang them up in your home. Simple welcome messages or name signage can be a great addition on a wall or mantle next to your framed wedding photographs

  • Pass them along to the next person getting married. Generic guestbook signs or “Pick a seat, not a side” chalkboards can be handed down from friend to neighbour to daughter etc. Chalkboards go with everyone’s colours!

  • Wash off the board and use it for weekly menus, to-do lists, or for a child’s play room.