Creating A Wedding Table Plan: A Diy Guide

Creating a table plan for your wedding can be fun and creative. You can either purchase a kit to be assembled and customised or make it from scratch using commonly available stationery supplies. A table planner kit typically includes a board and pre-cut templates for the top table, guest tables, and a header. You can print or write the guest names and table names onto the cards and then assemble them onto the board. To make it unique, you can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, photos, rhinestones, glitter, crystals, or fabrics that match your wedding theme.

For a completely DIY option, you can create a base using a sheet of good-quality poster board or a mirror in a frame. You can then arrange your table cards in various shapes, such as square, rectangular, round, or heart-shaped, and personalise them with pictures of the couple. Instead of gluing the cards to the base, you can hang them with ribbons, pearl wire, or other creative fasteners.

There are many ways to customise your table plan to reflect your style and theme, whether it's a vintage-themed wedding or a modern celebration.

Using a table planner kit

Step 1: Get a Binder

Choose a binder that matches your wedding colours and/or theme. Go for something thick and sturdy – a skinny binder might not be able to hold all your planning materials. Consider the ring placement as well; binders with rings attached to the back cover rather than the spine will prevent your papers from getting squished and bent out of shape.

Step 2: Get Dividers

Use dividers or page protectors to separate your binder into different sections. You can arrange the sections chronologically or by topic – whatever works best for you. Here are some ideas for sections you could include:

• Planning Guide, Customs & Traditions
• Vendor and Details Info
• Day-Of Checklist and Emergency Kit List
• Guest List/Gift Trackers
• Escort Cards, Table Numbers, Place Cards
• Other Décor
• Inspiration
• Planning Details/To-Do List

Step 3: Find Checklists and Worksheets

The internet is your best friend when it comes to wedding planning worksheets and checklists. Try searching on sites like Real Simple, Martha Stewart Wedding Workbook, and Frugal Bride, or check out books from your local bookstore or library. You can also find free wedding planning binder PDFs online. Use these resources to guide your planning and help you stay organised.

Step 4: Customise Your Binder

Add and remove items from your binder as needed. As you work through the checklists and planning guides, combine and adapt them to suit your own needs and create your own customised versions. Don't forget to include final details like the ceremony script, and print out copies of things like your seating plan and guest list. You can also add in inspirational items like magazine cut-outs, tissue paper that matches your colour scheme, or sketches of your venue and décor.

Tips:

• Keep your binder up-to-date and well-organised.
• Make sure your maid of honour or another trusted person is aware of everything in the binder, so they can help out if needed.
• Don't stress too much about the little details – focus on enjoying your special day!

Making a plan from scratch

First, decide on the number of tables and guests per table. This will depend on the size of your wedding and the layout of the room. You can choose round tables or long ones, and whether or not to have a top table.

Next, decide on your guest list. This will determine the number of tables you need and vice versa. You can use an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your guest list and RSVPs.

Then, decide on a theme or colour scheme for your table plan. This could be something that matches the rest of your wedding decor and stationery, or it could be something unique and creative. For example, you could have a themed chest table plan, a mirrored table plan, or a transparent acrylic design.

After that, create your seating plan. Seat guests together who will clearly get on/should be seated together (families with children, couples, groups of friends, etc.). The tables closest to the top table should be for your family and close friends, with other guests radiating outwards in order of closeness to the couple.

Finally, create your table plan display. You can use an online tool or app to design and print your table plan, or you can make it yourself. Some ideas for DIY table plans include using a mirror, dried flowers, or a chest to display the table plan.

Choosing a base

The base of your table plan is important as it will be the background to your table cards and set the tone for the rest of your table plan design. There are a few options to consider when choosing a base for your DIY wedding table plan.

Firstly, you could use a sheet of good-quality poster board. If you lay a smaller sheet over a larger sheet, you instantly create a border. You can then put this on a stand or in a frame. You could also use two poster boards, one as a base and one as a backing board. Another option is to use a mirror as your base, which will create an elegant look. You can then put the mirror inside a frame.

If you're going for a vintage theme, you could use a grand old-fashioned gold picture frame to hold your base. Charity shops, auctions, and your relatives might be good places to find one of these.

If you want to get really creative, you could use a multi-frame collage, such as the Live, Love, Laugh Collage from Next, which fits 14 images. If you have fewer tables, you can fill the remaining frames with photos of the happy couple or your names.

Finally, if you're feeling extra adventurous, you could create a 3D table plan. For a rustic or vintage theme, you could use keys as a quirky option. Simply collect one for each table or guest and attach names with a tag. Alternatively, you could use a large vintage-style birdcage decorated with real or artificial flowers. Attach your guests' names with pretty bird or butterfly-shaped pegs.

Arranging table cards

Choosing a Design

The design of your table cards is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and incorporate your wedding theme. Consider using unique materials such as acrylic, chalkboard, glass, or even resin with pressed flowers. You can also add personal touches like gold or silver frames, or 3D elements such as keys or birdcages. If you're crafty, you can DIY your table cards, or you can buy them from stationery companies that offer customisation options.

Information to Include

The most important information to include on your table cards is the guests' names and their assigned table numbers. You can also include titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) if you prefer a more formal approach. Additionally, you might want to add a warm greeting or message to welcome your guests, such as "welcome" or "at last."

Displaying the Table Cards

You can choose to display the table cards in a variety of ways. One option is to have one card at each seat with the guest's name and table assignment. Alternatively, you can group the cards together on an escort card display, allowing guests to pick them up and find their spots. Consider using place card holders or choosing tent cards that stand on their own.

Writing and Calligraphy

To achieve a sophisticated look, consider brushing up on your calligraphy skills or hiring a professional calligrapher. If you decide to write the cards yourself, be sure to order extra cards to test out different inks and writing styles.

Unique Ideas

If you're looking for something truly unique, there are endless possibilities. You can incorporate your hobbies and interests, inside jokes, or even your love for your pet! For instance, you can have cards with pop-up dog cutouts or use vintage oars as a creative display for a camp-inspired wedding.

Remember, your table cards are a reflection of your personality and wedding theme, so feel free to get creative and have fun with them!

Adding decorations

Frames

Using ornate frames is a classic way to add a decorative touch to your table plan. You can use larger gold or silver frames for an A2 or A1 chart, or opt for smaller frames for each individual table. Old photo frames from charity shops or car boot sales can be a great budget-friendly option.

3D Elements

Incorporating 3D elements, such as keys or birdcages, can make your table plan quirky and unique. For a country garden or rustic vintage wedding, collect keys (one for each table or guest) and attach name tags. Alternatively, decorate a large vintage-style birdcage with flowers and attach guests' names with pretty bird or butterfly-shaped pegs.

Flowers

Flowers are always a popular choice for wedding decorations. For a simple yet effective idea, use single flower vases to hang your table seating plan cards. Once guests have taken their seats, the vases can double up as table centrepieces. Dried flowers, such as pampas grass, can also add a bohemian touch to your table plan, especially when paired with wax stamps and matching seals on your wedding invitations.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a versatile option for wedding table plans, as they can be tailored to almost any theme. Modern weddings can opt for simple mirrors, while antique mirrors suit luxury venues. You can either display your seating plan cards on a mirror or, for a romantic touch, write your seating plan directly onto an antique mirror.

Calligraphy

For a timeless and elegant look, consider using calligraphy in your table plan. Acrylic calligraphy on a transparent board is a luxurious choice, especially for small wedding venues, as it doesn't break up the room with a large, clunky sign. Frosted acrylic with white fonts is another stylish option.

Frequently asked questions