When you’re hosting a casual or cocktail-style wedding — especially at a brewery, distillery, restaurant, warehouse, or any venue your guests would normally visit for a night out — one of the best styling decisions you can make is adding an Order of Events sign.

These venues are brilliant for personality-filled weddings, but they can come with a tiny bit of guest uncertainty. When people arrive somewhere they usually go for beers or dinner, there’s often a moment of hesitation:
“Are we in the right place? What’s happening tonight?”

An Order of Events sign instantly shifts the mood. It tells guests, without fuss or formality, “Yes — you’re absolutely at a wedding,” and helps them relax into the celebration.

Why it works so well

Cocktail weddings don’t have the structure of a sit-down reception. There’s no seating plan and no obvious timeline to follow, so guests aren’t always sure when to pay attention. A simple rundown of the night helps them understand the flow without needing to ask.

Your sign might include moments like:

• Welcome drinks

• Speeches

• Cake cutting

• First dance

• Dance floor opens

These little cues reassure your guests that while the vibe is relaxed, there are special moments to tune into and celebrate with you.

Leave the times off

I never recommend adding exact times — wedding days rarely run perfectly to schedule, and a time-free sign keeps everything flexible. It’s a guide, not a rulebook.

A small detail with a big impact

For such a simple piece, an Order of Events sign delivers atmosphere, clarity, and that subtle shift from “casual night out” to “wedding celebration.” It’s one of the easiest ways to make a non-traditional venue feel wedding-ready from the moment your guests walk in.