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What Is A Marquee Sign? | Sign Crafters Inc

by Sign Crafters, Inc. • April 23, 2024


Marquee signs have been a staple of advertising and public announcements for decades, standing out due to their prominent features and bright illumination. These signs, characterized by their large, bold letters and often equipped with flashing LED lights, are designed to catch the eye of anyone passing by. Whether it's the flashing entrance of a movie theater or the welcoming sign of a wedding venue, marquee signs have evolved, but their purpose remains the same—to communicate messages effectively to a wide audience.

Marquee Sign In Front Of A Town

The versatility of these signs allows them to be used in a multitude of settings. From the bustling streets of commercial districts to the quiet corners of school campuses, these signs serve as beacons of information. They are particularly popular among small businesses, where visibility can directly influence customer foot traffic and engagement. With options to customize color, font, and lighting, marquees offer businesses a unique opportunity to showcase their brand and messages in a visually appealing way.

Moreover, the practicality of marquees is enhanced by their durability and the ability to withstand outdoor elements. Constructed with weather-resistant materials and designed with vents to prevent overheating, these signs are an investment that continues to perform year after year. Whether shining bright under the sun or glowing softly at night, marquees remain an iconic symbol in advertising.

The Essence of Marquees

Marquees are large, illuminated signs designed to attract attention from afar. They typically feature large letters and can include LED lights for visibility at night. These signs are highly customizable, allowing for the use of various colors, fonts, and flashing lights to convey dynamic messages. Their historic charm combined with modern technology makes them a timeless tool for effective outdoor advertising.

Marquees also offer a range of support features to ensure they meet the specific demands of their environment and the goals of the advertiser. With built-in vents to prevent overheating, the engineering behind these signs combines functionality with durability, ensuring they remain effective even in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the lights used in these signs—often LED for their long lifespan and energy efficiency—help maintain visibility around the clock, proving indispensable for businesses that operate into the evening or early morning hours.

The options for customizing marquee letters are nearly endless, allowing businesses to perfectly align their signage with their branding and messaging needs. Whether opting for bold, striking fonts or more subdued, elegant styles, the letters are the focal point of any marquee and are key in drawing attention. Enhanced by the glow of marquee lights, these signs create a captivating display that can communicate a variety of messages, from promotional information to welcoming greetings. This versatility makes marquees a favorite among establishments ranging from classic movie theaters to modern retail stores, each looking to make a unique statement.

Who Benefits From Custom Marquees?

Custom marquee signs are invaluable tools for a wide range of entities, including small businesses, schools, and event organizers. For small businesses, a vibrant marquee serves not only as a marker of location but also as an effective advertising tool that communicates the brand message directly to potential customers. Schools use these signs to announce dates for crucial meetings and celebrations, directly communicating with the community and enhancing participation.

Marquee Letters

At the heart of every marquee are the letters. These components are critical as they form the messages that captivate and inform the audience. Marquee letters come in various styles and sizes, from bold block styles to more refined script fonts, offering extensive customization options to fit the branding requirements of any business or event. The choice of letter style can significantly influence the readability and impact of the sign, making it a crucial element in the sign's design.

What Are Changeable Letter Boards?

Changeable letter boards are a key feature of many marquees, designed to offer flexibility and ease of updating messages. These boards allow for quick changes in the sign's content, which is especially useful for venues like cinemas or event halls where information changes frequently. The boards typically feature rows of tracks that hold individual letters, which can be easily added, removed, or rearranged.

What Type of Sign Do You Need?

Choosing the right type of marquee sign involves considering the specific needs of your location, the typical viewing distance, and your messaging requirements. For businesses that need to change their promotions frequently, marquee signs with a changeable letter board might be ideal. Alternatively, for those looking to make a more permanent impact with less frequent message changes, a fixed letter marquee could be more appropriate.

Can I Add My Company Logo or Graphics to My Sign?

Customization is one of the great benefits of marquee signs. Adding a company logo or other graphics can help to enhance brand recognition and differentiate your business from competitors. Marquees with digital elements can easily incorporate logos and graphics into their displays, offering a dynamic way to feature your brand alongside promotional messages.

What Are the Common Sizes of Marquee Signs?

Marquee signs come in a variety of sizes tailored to the specific needs of the location and purpose. The size of a sign typically depends on its intended visibility range—larger signs for highways or main avenues and smaller signs for pedestrian-heavy areas or small storefronts. Understanding the main entrance size and the viewing distance helps in determining the appropriate marquee size.

Tips for Designing an Effective Marquee Reader Board Sign

Designing an effective marquee reader board sign involves more than just choosing the right size and color. It requires attention to the readability of letters, the contrast of the background, and the strategic use of flashing lights or colors to draw attention. Additionally, considering the placement of the sign to maximize visibility from different angles can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Maintaining A Marquee Reader Board Sign

Maintaining a marquee sign is crucial for ensuring it continues to function efficiently and remains visually appealing. Regular maintenance tasks include checking and replacing light bulbs, cleaning the sign and its letters, and ensuring that the mechanical parts of changeable letter boards are in good working order. Proper upkeep helps extend the lifespan of the sign and protects the investment.

Are Message Board Signs Good for Outside Use?

Message board signs are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. They are built to withstand various weather conditions, from intense sunlight and heat to rain and snow, ensuring that the messages remain clear and the sign continues to function properly no matter the environment.

What Is a Marquee Light Box?

Lightboxes are a type of illuminated sign that uses backlighting to highlight translucent letters or graphics. This style of sign is particularly effective for nighttime visibility and can create a high-impact visual presence. The light box adds depth to the letters, enhancing their visibility and making the sign stand out.

What Is a Reader Board Display Case?

A reader board display case is an enclosed structure that houses the marquee letters and protects them from the elements. These cases are typically made from durable materials like aluminum and feature a front panel that can be opened to change the letters. They are an essential component for outdoor marquees, ensuring that the letters are secure and the display remains clear and readable.

Finding Portable Marquee Sign Replacement Parts

Maintaining a marquee often involves replacing parts such as letters, tracks, or light bulbs. Finding reliable sources for these parts is essential for keeping the sign in optimal condition. Many sign manufacturers offer replacement parts specifically designed for their models, ensuring that you can get the exact components needed for your sign.

Why Choose Sign Crafters?

Choosing Sign Crafters for your marquee sign needs means opting for quality, reliability, and excellent customer service. With years of experience in the industry, as a custom sign manufacturer, we understand the nuances of effective sign-making and offer a wide range of options to meet the specific needs of your business or event. From design through installation to maintenance, Sign Crafters is dedicated to providing top-notch service and durable, attractive signs that meet all your requirements. For questions or more information about getting your own marquee sign, don't hesitate to contact our Sales Department at 1-800-742-3655 or click here to contact us. Quotes are available within 24 hours.