Trend Alert: Neon Signs for Your Wedding Day

This fun addition to your décor isn't going anywhere.

While playful and fun, neon signs also provide an edgy ambience to a reception or after-party, acting as a functional way to add a bit of vibrant light to the soirée.

By Kelcy Christy

wedding-reception-hedge-wall-with-pink-rose-flowers-custom-neon-sign-with-new-last-name-established
Photo: Valorie Darling Photography

Just as fashion is cyclical, décor can be too – and with more and more couples looking for unique ways to personalize their weddings, it's no wonder neon has entered the wedding world after making a major comeback in both fashion and design. The signage is certainly eye-catching and modern couples are using neon signs in their décor. While playful and fun, they also provide an edgy ambience to a reception or after-party, acting as a functional way to add a bit of vibrant light to the soirée.

Personalization is also a key element as to why the neon sign has risen in popularity over the past year or so. With more and more pairs wanting to add their own unique spin on the day, a custom neon sign denoting their new shared last name, a crest or monogram, or even a phrase special to the pair throughout their relationship will certainly make the day feel more like "theirs" – regardless of how timeless the rest of the décor may be.

We've seen couples use neon signs at the ceremony, but we find that they're most popular at the cocktail hour, reception, or after-party. They can be used to direct guests to certain areas, be suspended over the area where the party usually starts – the bar, and they're most often seen as a photo booth backdrop. The best part of a custom neon wedding sign is that it can be used after the big day in your home or for future celebrations. If you love the idea of a neon wedding sign but need some ideas, take a look at the below photos from real weddings for inspiration!

neon sign wedding ideas bride and groom portrait outside with neon sign

This couple’s new shared last name was displayed on a neon sign at the entrance to the celebration where guests also found their seating assignments. Photo by Valorie Darling Photography

neon sign wedding ideas pink neon signage fall in love white flowers

One month after NFL player Levine Toilolo played in Super Bowl LI, he and his beloved exchanged vows in California, which included a lively reception complete with a “Fall in Love” neon sign. Photo by McCune Photography

neon sign wedding ideas bride groom portrait newlyweds the last name

These newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a photo booth in front of a custom neon sign displaying the couple’s names. Photo by Jana Williams Photography

wedding reception neon sign love in cursive and block letters escort card display

For this luxurious Chicago wedding, guests found their seating assignments on escort cards attached to tassels, which were displayed on a wall with two "LOVE" neon signs. Photo by KingenSmith; Floral & Event Design by HMR Designs; Rentals by Nüage Designs

neon sign wedding ideas pink neon sign rose champagne wine bar hers

As an ode to the bride’s drink of choice, one side of the room showcased a rosé bar bedecked with blush blooms and a pink neon sign that read, “Stop and Smell the Rosé." Photo by Karlisch Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; Planning & Design by DFW Events

neon sign wedding ideas groom groomsmen in front of neon signage

The groom and groomsmen posed in front of the couple’s custom neon sign, which was displayed on a rustic wall of wood and greenery throughout the reception. Photo by Carrie King Photographer

neon sign wedding ideas cocktail hour his whiskey bar

During cocktail hour, attendees found their seating assignments for the reception written on marble stationer cards, which were displayed on boxwood walls decorated with Venetian mirrors and another neon sign featuring the duo’s monogram. Photo by Karlisch Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; Planning & Design by DFW Events

neon sign wedding ideas to the moon and back pink sign on hedge wall

A large hedge wall at this wedding was illuminated with a fuchsia neon sign that read, “to the moon and back” – an important phrase for the couple. Photo by Valorie Darling Photography 

neon sign wedding ideas hedge wall monogram place cards

The couple's special cocktail hour featured “his” and “hers” areas – the groom’s side of the space boasted a scotch bar adorned with an arch of succulents and a green “On the Rocks” neon sign. Photo by Karlisch Photography; Floral Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; Planning & Design by DFW Events

neon sign wedding ideas alex wood baseball player wedding decor

Next to the DJ area, a custom neon sign that read "Wood Vibes Only" as a play on the groom's last name was one of professional baseball player Alex Wood's favorite wedding details. Photo by Jordan Voth Photography; Floral Design by Jackson Durham Events; Linens by Nüage Designs

neon sign wedding ideas sweets dessert display table chalkboard sign

The dessert display at this celebration featured an on-trend chalkboard sign as well as a “Sweets” neon pink sign. Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

red flowers greenery purple lighting neon sign wedding ideas reception

Behind the stage for the live band, a custom neon sign that read "You matter to me" provided a modern twist to the luxurious décor that brought the outside in. Photo by KingenSmith; Floral & Event Design by HMR Designs; Rentals by Nüage Designs

Shaun T fitness creator wedding reception neon sign at after party

Guests of Shaun Thompson and Scott Blokker's wedding were invited to enter the "Blokker Lavender Lounge" for karaoke. The entrance featured a neon sign and a table decorated with a black lamp featuring a beaded purple shade, as well as candle votives dipped in fuchsia glitter. Photo by Turn Loose the Art

neon wedding sign ideas the flamingo las vegas style decor

Since the couple had eloped in Las Vegas fifty years earlier, their 50th anniversary party (and surprise vow renewal) featured neon signage in the spirit of Vegas. Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Linda Howard Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers; Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

For more ideas, be inspired by these bride and groom chairs, find out how to elevate your cocktail hour, and get a celebrity event planner's advice on your seating chart.

Wedding news