Make it about the name
A celebration sign needs the name, the occasion and, for a birthday, the age as a huge number. That is the whole sign. The birthday templates run from "happy birthday, balloons" through cheers to 21, look who's 30, over the hill at 40, honk she's 50, sixty and fabulous, and every milestone to happy 100th. Keep the jokes kind; the sign is for the whole street.
Babies, homecomings and milestones
- New babies: it's a girl, it's a boy, welcome baby, with a line for the date, weight and length.
- Coming home: welcome home, and a military welcome home in red, white and blue with generic stars; official branch seals only if you have permission.
- Milestones: happy retirement with the years of service, happy anniversary with the years, she said yes, just married, family reunion.
- Get well and thank you: get well soon, thank you nurses, congrats.
Photos and timing
Several designs have a photo space; the tall 24" × 36" gives a photo the most room. Upload the original from your phone rather than a screenshot. Celebration signs are usually needed by a date, so order at least two weeks ahead: the designer shows the printing days after you approve the proof, and pickup in Hopewell Junction is free. Short on time? Rush printing prints most signs the next business day, with no separate proof.
From the shop: For a surprise, pick the signs up the day before and keep them in the trunk. A birthday sign in the yard at sunrise is half the fun.