Creating Wedding Place Cards With Picture Frames: A Simple Guide

Wedding place cards are an important part of any wedding reception, helping to create an elegant and organised event. They are not just table assignments, but personal touches that set the tone for the entire evening. Making your own wedding place cards is a great way to save money on your wedding budget without compromising on quality or style. You can choose from a variety of styles, including tent cards, tags, flat cards, and labels, and add your own creative decorations. In this article, we will discuss the different types of place cards, design ideas, and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own wedding place cards with picture frames.

Choosing the right paper

Type of Paper:

The two common types of paper for place cards are regular cardstock and cotton or linen-based paper (also known as vellum). Regular cardstock is more cost-effective, while cotton or linen-based paper offers a unique texture but can be more expensive and challenging to work with, especially for home printing.

Thickness:

For place cards, it is recommended to use cardstock with a thickness of around 80 lb. Heavier cardstock may crack when folded, while lighter paper may not be sturdy enough to stand on its own.

Color:

White cardstock is a versatile option, allowing you to print any design or color you desire. However, you can also choose colored cardstock to match your wedding theme. Keep in mind that darker paper may be more challenging to print on, especially if you want to use white ink. A natural "kraft" color, similar to a grocery bag, can be a great choice for a rustic wedding theme.

Finish:

The two most common finishes for paper are matte and gloss. A matte finish gives a natural and versatile look, while gloss provides a shiny and elegant appearance. Matte finish is generally easier to work with and less likely to bleed, especially on lower-quality printers.

Size:

The standard size for place cards is similar to a business card, approximately 2 inches by 3.5 inches. However, you can also opt for larger tent cards, such as the Avery 5305 embossed tent cards, for bigger tables or more legible text. For smaller, intimate settings, consider smaller options like the Avery 80511 2-1/2″ scallop round tags, which can double as charming place card tags attached to favors.

Testing and Printing:

Always test your design and paper choice before printing a large batch. Print on standard paper first to check the layout and sizing, and then test print on your chosen cardstock to ensure the best results. If you're printing at home, use the highest quality settings and consider using color mode for better print quality.

Selecting a template

Choose a Style that Suits Your Wedding Theme

First, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, modern, or bohemian vibe? Select a template that complements your wedding style. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, opt for a template with natural colours and elements. If your wedding is more on the elegant side, choose a template with embossed paper and intricate designs.

Decide on the Type of Place Card

There are several types of place cards to choose from, each with its own unique advantages:

• Tent cards are a classic choice, with a folded design that allows for easy visibility. They can be customized with intricate designs, elegant fonts, or calligraphy.
• Tags offer a whimsical touch and can be hung from glasses or placed on napkins, adding a rustic or vintage feel.
• Business cards or flat place cards are sleek and modern, perfect for minimalist or contemporary-themed weddings.
• Labels are versatile and can be adhered to various surfaces, making them excellent keepsakes for guests.

Consider the Size of the Place Cards

Place cards come in various sizes, but the standard dimensions are similar to a business card, around 2" x 3.5". However, you can also opt for larger or smaller place cards depending on your table layout and wedding decor. Just ensure that the font size is still readable and that the cards don't overwhelm the table setting.

Pay Attention to Legibility

When selecting a template, make sure the font style and size are easy to read. Your guests should be able to glance at the place cards from a few feet away and clearly see their names. Avoid intricate fonts that may be difficult to decipher. Also, choose colours that have good contrast with the background for better readability.

Customization Options

When browsing templates, look for those that offer customization options. This will allow you to change text sizes, fonts, colours, and even add pictures or graphics. Some templates, like those offered by Avery Design & Print Online, have user-friendly features that make it easy to personalize your place cards. You can also find templates that allow you to import guest names from a spreadsheet, saving you time and effort.

Try Before You Buy

Before committing to a template, look for options that offer a free demo or trial version. This will give you a chance to test out the template and ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Unmeasured Events, for example, offers a free demo link for each of their templates, so you can try before you buy.

Remember, selecting a template for your wedding place cards is a fun and creative process. Take your time, explore different options, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect design that reflects your style and sets the tone for your special day.

Printing the cards

Printing your wedding place cards is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose a Printer

You can opt for a professional printing service or print your place cards at home. If you're looking for a professional printer, the Canon PIXMA MegaTank G3259 is a great option, allowing you to print all your wedding stationery. However, any colour printer you have at home will work just fine.

Select the Right Paper

For place cards, it is recommended to use card stock paper with a thickness of around 80 lb. This thickness will ensure your cards are sturdy but not too heavy, preventing them from cracking when folded. For invitations, a thicker card stock of 120 lb is suggested.

Prepare Your Design

There are many free templates available online, or you can design your own. When creating your design, consider the style and theme of your wedding. You can choose a minimalist, art deco, bohemian, or glam style, and edit the colours and fonts to match your vision. Don't forget to include the guest's name and table number, and consider adding small icons or images to indicate meal choices.

Import Guest List

To save time, create a spreadsheet with all your wedding guests' names and import it into your design. This way, you won't have to add each name individually.

Print

When printing, select the 'save paper', 'show trim marks', and 'show bleed' options. Remember to change the paper size in your printer settings to match your chosen card size. If you're printing tented cards, select 1 per page, and for flat cards, choose 2 per page.

Trim and Fold

After printing, trim the cards along the trim lines. For tented cards, fold them in half. And that's it! Your DIY wedding place cards are now ready to be displayed.

Trimming the cards

Before you begin trimming, it's essential to have the right tools. Invest in a good-quality paper trimmer that is large enough to handle the size of your place cards. A trimmer that can handle at least an 8x10" sign is ideal, and it should be sturdy enough to cut through multiple sheets of cardstock at once. You can find a suitable trimmer for $40 or less, and it will come in handy for other DIY projects as well.

Now, let's get into the trimming process:

• Start by printing your place card design on cardstock paper. It's recommended to use cardstock that is around 80 lb in thickness for place cards. This thickness will ensure that your cards are sturdy but not too heavy, preventing creases and cracks.
• Once you have your printed cardstock, align the paper in your trimmer. Make sure the cutting blade is straight and lined up with the marks you want to cut.
• Cut your cardstock along the trim lines provided in your template. If you're using a template with bleed marks, make sure to include those in your cut as well.
• For tent-style place cards, you will need to fold your cards after trimming. Before folding, it's a good idea to score the cardstock along the fold line to create a crisp, clean fold. You can use a scoring tool or a blunt object like a butter knife to create a slight indentation along the fold line.
• After scoring, carefully fold your place cards. If you're making tent cards, fold them in half. For other styles, such as flat cards or labels, you may not need to fold them.
• Once your cards are folded, double-check that they are the correct size and shape. Place them on a table to ensure they stand or lay flat as intended.
• If you have any uneven edges or mistakes, use a craft knife or scissors to carefully trim any stray pieces.

Remember, taking your time and being precise with your measurements will ensure that your place cards look neat and elegant. It's always a good idea to do a test cut on scrap cardstock before cutting your final printed cards. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your trimmer settings or cutting technique.

Folding the cards

Folding your wedding place cards is a simple process. After printing your design on card stock paper, you'll want to trim the cards to the desired size. Standard place cards are about the size of a business card, which is around 2 inches by 3.5 inches. However, you can also opt for a slightly larger size, such as 3.5 inches by 4 inches, or a smaller size of 3.78 inches by 1.48 inches. Once you've trimmed your cards, you can proceed to fold them.

For tent cards, a classic choice for place cards, you'll want to fold the card in half. This creates a stable base that allows the card to stand on its own. The folded design also provides easy visibility for your guests. If you're creating flat place cards or business card-style place cards, there's no need to fold the cards, as they are meant to lay flat on the table.

When folding your cards, it's important to ensure a clean, crisp fold. Use a bone folder or a scoring tool to create a sharp crease. You can also use a ruler's edge to guide your fold and ensure a straight line. Take your time with this step to avoid any mishaps or uneven folds.

If you're crafting tags or escort cards, you may want to consider adding a hole punch at the top of the card. This will allow you to easily hang the cards from glasses, napkins, or displays at the entrance of your reception area. Remember to choose a hole size that accommodates your desired string, twine, or ribbon.

With these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating elegant and functional wedding place cards that impress your guests and elevate your table settings.

Frequently asked questions