Question for our AOS judges and show display designers:
 

What is the best color to use for the name tags in a show display?

Is there a color that is supposed to be used, according to the AOS rules?

I'm not a judge or show display designer yet but I would say black is most appropriate. I don't believe there are any set rules on colour

We use a beige card stock, with black lettering. The Judging Chair at our recent show hoped that we didnt use black with white lettering, as had been used in years past, as it was harder to read. he and a few other judges disliked the white on black.

I usually use black card stock with silver or gold lettering. If I'm really organized and I have space in the car for my dymo labeler, I use gold on black labels on black card stock.

I suppose they are harder to read than black on white, but I'd rather let the orchids do the talking than the tags. If the labels are distracting I count that as a fault when judging exhibits.

I'm not an AOS judge but black on white or beige will be more readable, while gold and silver on black will look more posh

Our club has used dark green with silver writing and the vote is split on which would look better: what we have been using -OR- black cards with silver writing. Some people have said they've heard judges say they want black cards so it makes sense to keep the judges happy, right? ;) Others say the dark green blend into the background better.

I just wanted to see what the majority feeeling is on the subject. Your last line, Rob, sums it all up for me :D

Most people use black labels with white or silver writing. The bottom line is they need to be as inobtrusive as possible. I'm sure the dark green work work also, judges don't have any firm rules other than they should blend in with the exhibit as much as possible.
Of course that's difficult when many of the plants are miniature.......

I was on the exhibit judging teams for a few shows in the last several weeks and saw quite a full spectrum of colors in labels. Some of them were green, dark green, beige, and black. Black labels seem to be the standard.

One of the things I think is important is neat and tidy labels...consistent size of labels across the display--not all kinds of sizes. Also, consistent printing is important...sometimes the exhibits look less lovely when labels are all over the place...different printing/writing/color.

I'd just suggest that correct spelling is always adhered to...the purpose of displays is just as much education as beauty. Incorrectly spelled labels are a disservice to the shopper.