Crafting Homemade Place Cards For Your Wedding Reception

Homemade place cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding reception. They can be designed to match your wedding theme and are a fun DIY project. With a variety of styles to choose from, such as tent cards, tags, flat cards, or labels, you can create a unique and elegant addition to your table settings. Place cards are also a practical way to guide guests to their assigned spots, making mingling and dining a seamless experience. You can even make them yourself using cardstock paper, a template, and a printer.

Choosing a design: tent cards, tags, flat cards, or labels

Homemade place cards for your wedding reception can be a fun project, and there are several design options to choose from. Tent cards, tags, flat cards, and labels are all great choices, each offering a unique look and feel.

Tent cards are a classic and elegant option. Their folded design makes them stand out, and they can be customised with intricate designs, elegant fonts, or calligraphy. You can also write a personal message or note inside, adding a thoughtful touch. If you're going for a rustic or vintage theme, tent cards are a perfect choice.

Tags offer a whimsical and rustic feel. They can be hung from glasses or placed on napkins, adding a unique touch to your table setting. If you want to incorporate feathers into your wedding decor, attaching a feather to each tag can be a fun way to tie your design together.

Flat cards, or business cards, are sleek and modern. Their compact design is perfect for minimalist or contemporary-themed weddings, providing a chic and elegant accent to the dining setting. Flat cards are a great choice if you want to keep things simple yet stylish.

Labels are versatile and flexible. They can be adhered to various surfaces, including favours, doubling as keepsakes for your guests. If you want to combine place cards with gift tags, labels are a great option. You can also use them as escort cards, guiding guests to their tables.

Each type of place card has its unique advantages and can be customised to match your wedding theme and personal style. Whether you choose tent cards, tags, flat cards, or labels, your homemade place cards will surely add a special touch to your wedding reception.

Using a template

To use a template, start by choosing a design that aligns with your wedding's overall tone and aesthetic. For example, if you're going for a rustic vibe, opt for natural colours and elements. If your wedding is more elegant, consider embossed paper and intricate designs.

Once you've selected your template, get creative with the design. You can add a personal touch by uploading your own images, photos, or artwork. You can also choose a unique background, colour scheme, and font style combination. If you want to include guest names on your place cards, use a clear and legible font that matches the theme of your wedding. Remember to proofread your place cards carefully to avoid any mistakes.

After you've finalised your design, download it as a print-ready PDF and print your place cards on card stock or send them to a professional printer. Using a place card template will make it easier to get your cards print-ready and ensure a smooth process.

• Consider the size of your place cards. Standard dimensions are around 2 inches by 3.5 inches, but you can also find pre-cut card templates in sizes like 1.75 by 3.75 inches.
• Choose the right paper thickness for your project. For place cards, a card stock thickness of around 80 lb is recommended to prevent cracking when folded.
• Use high-quality card stock to ensure your place cards look polished and professional.
• Order your place cards well in advance to allow enough time for assembly and any last-minute adjustments.

Selecting a printer

Printer Type

Firstly, decide if you want to use a home printer or a professional printing service. If you opt for a home printer, you can use any colour printer you have available. Just ensure it's capable of edge-to-edge printing to avoid blank margins on your cards. If you don't own a printer, you can send your place card designs to an online printing service or get them printed at local shops like FedEx, Staples, or Office Depot.

Paper Compatibility

When selecting a printer, ensure it's compatible with the paper you've chosen for your place cards. Some printers may have restrictions on paper weight or thickness. For place cards, cardstock paper weighing around 80 lb is recommended. Also, if you plan to use paper with special finishes, such as foil, check that the printer can handle such materials. For example, some laser printers at shops like Staples cannot print on foil paper.

Printing Costs

Consider the cost of printing when choosing a printer. If you're printing a large number of place cards, the cost per card can add up quickly. Look for printing services that offer discounts or deals. For instance, Vistaprint is often mentioned as a cost-effective option. Additionally, some online services, like Prints of Love, offer free shipping, which can further reduce your overall expenses.

Printing Features

Examine the printing features offered by different printers. For instance, some online services provide easy-to-use design tools that allow you to customise your place cards with names, table numbers, and other details. You can also look for printers that offer double-sided printing if you want to include additional information or a design on the back of your place cards.

Printing Quality

Finally, consider the print quality you desire. If you're aiming for a professional finish, opt for a high-quality printer that can produce sharp text and crisp images. Check reviews and customer testimonials to gauge the printing quality of different services.

Remember, the key is to find a balance between cost, convenience, and quality that suits your specific needs and budget. Happy printing!

Handwriting vs printing

When it comes to homemade place cards for your wedding reception, you may be debating between handwriting and printing. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Handwriting:

Handwriting your place cards can add a personal touch to your wedding reception. Your guests might appreciate the effort and uniqueness of handwritten cards. If you have nice handwriting, this can be a great way to showcase it. You can also get creative and use different coloured pens or paint pens to match your wedding colours or theme. Additionally, handwriting place cards can be more cost-effective, as you may already have the necessary materials, such as paper and pens, at home.

However, handwriting place cards can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of guests. It may be challenging to maintain consistency in the handwriting style and layout across all the place cards, especially if you are not confident in your handwriting skills.

Printing:

Printing your place cards offers a more uniform and neat appearance. With printing, you can ensure that each place card looks identical, with the same font, size, and layout. This option is excellent if you want a more modern or formal look for your wedding reception. Printing is also faster and more convenient, especially if you have a large guest list. You can easily make changes or corrections without starting from scratch.

On the other hand, printing may be more expensive, as you may need to purchase specific software, templates, or printing services. Additionally, if you are printing at home, it can be tricky to get the formatting and paper settings right, and you may waste some paper in the process.

Ultimately, the decision between handwriting and printing depends on your personal preference, budget, and time constraints. Both options have their advantages and can result in beautiful place cards for your wedding reception.

If you decide to handwrite your place cards, you can find blank place cards on Amazon or at craft stores like JoAnn's and Michaels. If printing is more your style, consider using templates from websites like Etsy, and printing services such as Vistaprint, Fedex, or Staples.

Adding decorations: crystals, feathers, stamps, etc

Adding decorations to your place cards is a great way to elevate your wedding reception. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Crystals

Add a touch of sparkle to your place cards by gluing a small crystal to the centre of the card. Clear or coloured crystals will both work well, and you can use tweezers to help you place them neatly. If you're feeling extra creative, you could even make your own crystal place card holders by gluing crystals to a base such as a small dish or slab of stone.

Feathers

If you're incorporating feathers into your centrepieces or wedding décor, why not add a feather to each place card to tie the whole design together? You could glue the feather to the card, or use it as a decorative accent when displaying the place cards.

Stamps

Rubber stamps are a great way to add a rustic, Victorian, or elegant touch to your place cards. Look for a pretty design or a simple monogram that fits your wedding theme. You can also find stamp sets that create designs or letters in shimmery silver or gold, adding a bit of glamour to your place settings.

Dried flowers

For a natural and rustic look, add a small bundle of dried flowers to each place card. This will add a pop of colour and texture that your guests will surely admire.

Calligraphy

While simple handwriting is charming, you could take your place cards to the next level by using calligraphy. Consider hiring a calligrapher or, if you're feeling creative, buy a calligraphy pen and practice your own style.

Frequently asked questions