📋 Table of Contents
- What Are Confirmation Prints?
- The One Print Worth It: The Welcome Sign
- Other Prints Irish Families Use
- Coordinating Prints with Stickers
- DIY vs. Professional Printing
- Where to Buy in Ireland
- Budget Guide
- Design Tips
- Practical Setup
- When to Order
- Do You Actually Need Prints?
- After the Confirmation
- Common Questions
- My Top 3 Recommendations
- Final Thoughts
When my cousin was planning her son's confirmation last April, she asked: "Do I really need a welcome sign? Seems a bit extra?"
Here's what I told her: No, you don't need one. But a personalized welcome sign costs about €15-30 and makes a surprisingly big difference when guests arrive.
She ordered one. At the party, I lost count of how many people took photos in front of it. It became the backdrop for family photos all day. She's so glad she bothered.
What Are Confirmation Prints?
Printed decorative items personalized with your child's name and confirmation details:
- Welcome signs - Greet guests as they arrive
- Table signs - Mark seating or food stations
- Photo backdrops - Create a spot for family photos
- Timeline prints - Show your child's sacramental journey
They're printed on foam board, canvas, cardstock, acrylic, or vinyl banners.
The One Print Worth It: The Welcome Sign
If you're only getting one thing, make it a welcome sign.
Why they work:
Set the tone. Tells guests they're in the right place and this is a special celebration.
Photo magnets. Irish families LOVE taking photos at confirmations. A welcome sign gives a natural gathering spot for pictures with grandparents, godparents, and family.
Coordinate everything. Match your welcome sign to your stickers (already ordering for party favours) and everything looks professionally planned.
Work anywhere. Whether at home, hotel function room, or community center, a welcome sign makes any space feel decorated.
What Should Be On Your Sign?
Essential:
- "Welcome to [Child's Name]'s Confirmation"
- The confirmation date
- One religious symbol (dove, cross, or chalice)
Optional:
- Confirmation venue name
- "Blessed & Confirmed"
- Small decorative elements
Don't include:
- Lengthy prayers or Bible verses
- Multiple competing symbols
- Overly complicated designs
💡 Size Guide:
- Small (A3): Home parties, intimate gatherings
- Medium (A2): Most popular - visible but not overwhelming
- Large (24" x 36"): Big venues or outdoor use
My recommendation: A2 size (18" x 24") on foam board with easel stand. Costs €20-35.
Other Prints Irish Families Use
Table Numbers (€3-5 each)
Only if you have 5+ tables with assigned seating. Skip for casual "sit anywhere" setups.
Photo Backdrop Sign (€50-100)
Larger sign creating a dedicated photo spot. Budget alternative: Use your welcome sign as the photo backdrop instead!
Timeline Print (€15-25)
Shows baptism, communion, confirmation dates. Nice keepsake but not necessary.
Menu Board
Honest opinion: Very American/Pinterest. Not needed for Irish buffets. Save your money.
Directional Signs (€5-8 each)
Only for large, confusing venues. At home or small venues, just tell people where things are!
Coordinating Prints with Stickers
Order prints that match your sticker design.
Why this works:
- Everything looks intentionally coordinated
- Same colors, fonts, symbols throughout
- Creates "professionally planned" look
- Photos look cohesive
How: When ordering stickers, check if supplier offers prints. Order together using the same design.
DIY vs. Professional Printing
Professional (Recommended)
Pros: High quality, proper materials, looks polished
Cons: Costs €20-50, need to order in advance
Best for: Welcome signs that will be photographed
DIY at Home
Pros: Cheaper, can make last-minute
Cons: Limited size, home printers produce poor quality, need backing board
Best for: Small table signs
Reality check: I tried DIY-ing a welcome sign once. Should have just paid €25 for professional. Live and learn!
Where to Buy in Ireland
Online Print Services (Best)
- Fast delivery (3-5 days)
- Euro pricing
- Often have confirmation templates
- Can match to sticker order
Pricing:
- A3 foam board: €15-25
- A2 foam board: €25-40
- Acrylic signs: €40-80 (premium option)
- Easel stand: Add €8-12
Local Print Shops
Pros: See quality in person, same-day pickup
Cons: 20-40% more expensive, limited templates
Etsy / Small Designers
Pros: Unique custom designs
Cons: Takes longer, more expensive
Best for: If you want something unique and have 6-8 weeks
Budget Guide
Minimal (€20-35)
1 welcome sign (A2 foam board). All you really need!
Standard (€50-80)
Welcome sign + 3-5 table signs + directional signs
"Perfect" (€150-250)
Large welcome sign, photo backdrop, multiple prints, timeline print, professional framing
💰 My advice: Spend €25-40 on one nice welcome sign. Put the rest toward food, party favours, or your child's gift. Guests remember hospitality more than decorations.
Design Tips
Keep Text Readable
- Headline text: At least 3-4 inches tall
- Secondary text: 1-2 inches
- If guests can't read from 6 feet away, font is too small
Colors That Work
- White background with gold or navy text
- Cream with forest green
- Soft blue with white text
- Blush pink with gold
Avoid: Yellow text, light grey on white, too many colors, neon
One Symbol Maximum
Don't clutter with multiple doves, crosses, chalices, and flames. Pick ONE. Simple is elegant.
Browse our range of dove designs, chalice designs, and floral designs.
Practical Setup
Where to Position
At home: Near front door, in sitting room, by food table
At venue: Outside function room, just inside door, near gift table
Stability matters: Irish wind! Use weighted easel or position against wall.
For Photos
- Position with good lighting
- Leave 6 feet space in front
- Clear background clutter
- Designate someone to take family photos with it
Weather
Use foam board or vinyl (not cardstock). Secure well. Have backup indoor spot. Most Irish parties are indoors anyway - April weather is unpredictable!
When to Order
6-8 weeks before: Best time for custom designs
4-6 weeks: Standard timeline
2-4 weeks: May need rush fees
1-2 weeks: Last minute, consider local shops
⏰ My recommendation: Order with your stickers (6 weeks out).
Do You Actually Need Prints?
You don't need them if:
- Small, casual gathering
- Tight budget (spend on food/gifts instead)
- Not fussed about decorations
- Very informal party
Worth considering if:
- Want nice family photos
- Large celebration (80+ guests)
- Like coordinated look
- Hiring venue and want it personalized
- Have budget and enjoy planning
Middle ground: One welcome sign, skip everything else.
After the Confirmation
Keep: Frame for child's room, add to memory album, store with keepsakes
Repurpose: Wall art, give to grandparents, use design for thank-you cards
Let go: Take photos of signs for album, then recycle
Do what feels right for you!
Common Questions
"Can I use same design for multiple children?"
Keep symbols/style, but personalize name and date for each child.
"Can I hand-letter signs myself?"
Yes! Just make sure writing is neat and legible.
"Do I need to match church decorations?"
No - church and party are separate.
"What about Irish language?"
Lovely! Add "Cóineartú" or Irish blessing. Check spelling!
My Top 3 Recommendations
1. A4 & A2 Welcome Sign (€12-14 ) - The one print that makes biggest impact. Order with stickers for matching design.
2. Table Signs (€3-5 each) - Only if needed for assigned seating. Otherwise skip.
3. Directional Signs (€5-8 each) - Only for large venues. Unnecessary for home parties.
Skip: Menu boards, timeline prints, multiple decorative prints
Final Thoughts
Confirmation prints - especially a welcome sign - can make your celebration feel special and give lovely photos. But they're not essential.
If you've got €25-35 in budget and like the idea, go for it. Order with your stickers so everything matches.
If budget is tight or you're not bothered, skip entirely. Your confirmation will be just as meaningful, guests will have just as lovely a time, and no one will think anything is missing.
The most important thing is celebrating your child's confirmation with people who love them. Everything else is just nice packaging.
But when my cousin saw her son's face light up seeing that welcome sign with his name on it, she said it was worth every penny.
Sometimes the small details matter more than we think.
Planning your Irish confirmation? We offer personalized confirmation stickers and matching welcome signs with fast delivery across Ireland. Order 4-6 weeks before your confirmation day!
