Creating Wedding Placards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding placards are an essential part of wedding planning, providing guests with clear seating arrangements and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the event. From elegant acrylic designs to rustic wooden creations, there is a wide range of options to choose from when creating your own wedding placards. Whether you opt for a simple DIY approach or enlist the help of online platforms, such as Etsy, this guide will cover everything you need to know about making wedding placards.

Choosing a design

The design of your wedding placards will depend on several factors, including your wedding theme, colour scheme, and personal style. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Minimalist design: Opt for a simple and elegant look with a minimalist design. This could feature a black-and-white colour scheme, modern calligraphy, or a clean, script font.
• Floral or greenery motifs: Incorporate floral or greenery motifs into your placards, especially if you're having a spring or summer wedding. You can choose printed designs or even real pressed flowers.
• Acrylic or mirror finish: For a modern and luxurious feel, consider acrylic or mirror placards. These can be customised with laser-cut names or gold mirror tags.
• Rustic or boho-chic: If you're going for a rustic or boho-chic theme, try wooden place cards with laser-cut names or a handmade, rustic finish. You could also use vegan leather or driftwood for a unique, natural look.
• Colour schemes: Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours. This could be a single colour, such as gold, rose gold, or navy, or a combination like dusty blue and copper.
• Personalisation: Add a personal touch with customised designs. Include meal choices, table names, or even a unique message for each guest.
• Shapes and sizes: Experiment with different shapes and sizes to make your placards stand out. For example, try agate slices, heart-shaped cards, or deckle-edge paper for a unique, handmade feel.
• Place card holders: Consider using place card holders to display your placards. This could be as simple as gold metal holders or a more natural option like a small stand made from wood or acrylic.

Remember, your wedding placards should reflect your style and the overall theme of your wedding. Whether you choose elegant simplicity or bold, colourful designs, make sure they add a special touch to your big day.

Selecting materials

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will set the tone and style for your wedding placards. Some popular options include:

• Cardstock: This is a good choice if you're looking for something sturdy that will stand on its own. It comes in various colours and textures, including elegant options like pearl or metallic finishes.
• Textured Paper: Adding a subtle texture, such as a linen or cotton finish, can elevate the look and feel of your placards.
• Handmade Paper: For a unique, artisanal feel, consider handmade paper with deckled edges or flower petals embedded in the fibres.

Printing or Calligraphy

Decide whether you want to print your placards or use calligraphy. Printing is a more affordable and efficient option, especially if you have a large number of guests. It also allows for more complex designs. On the other hand, calligraphy adds a personal and luxurious touch to your placards.

Embellishments

Embellishments can take your wedding placards to the next level. Consider adding:

• Ribbons or Twine: Attach a small ribbon or twine bow to the corner of your placards for a charming, rustic look.
• Gems or Rhinestones: For a touch of sparkle, adhere small gems or rhinestones. This is perfect for a glamorous or fairy-tale-themed wedding.
• Dried Flowers: Pressed or dried flowers, such as baby's breath or lavender, can be glued to the corner of your placards for a romantic, botanical feel.

Extras

Don't forget to consider any extra materials you may need, such as:

• Place Card Holders: If your placards don't stand up on their own, you may want to invest in some place card holders. These can be simple stands or more decorative, like small picture frames.
• Envelopes: If you're using your placards as part of a larger invitation suite, you may want to include envelopes.

Adding personal touches

There are many ways to add a personal touch to your wedding placards. You could include a personalised message or quote that reflects your style as a couple. Perhaps choose a design that includes your names and wedding date, or a meaningful quote or lyric. You could even include a fun fact about each guest, a personalised message, or a thank you note. Adding a photo of each guest is another unique way to customise your placards.

Consider incorporating your wedding theme or colour scheme into the design of your placards. This could be through the use of specific fonts, colours, or even materials. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you could use wooden placards, or if your wedding has a beach theme, you could incorporate seashells or starfish into the design.

You can also add personal touches by choosing unique shapes or designs for your placards. Perhaps you want something classic and elegant, or maybe you prefer a more modern, minimalist look. You could even opt for a creative design, such as a puzzle piece or a laser-cut design in the shape of your initials.

Don't forget about the placement of your placards. You can personalise the way they are displayed by using stands, frames, or even hanging them from a decorative backdrop. You could also add extra decorations to the table, such as flowers, candles, or other themed items, to enhance the overall look.

By incorporating these personal touches, you can create wedding placards that truly reflect your style and add a unique, memorable element to your special day.

Printing or writing names

There are a few options to consider when it comes to printing or writing names on your wedding placards. You can choose to have them handwritten, which adds a personal touch, or you can opt for a printed option. Here are some details to keep in mind:

Handwritten Names

If you choose to handwrite the names, you can use a variety of writing instruments, such as calligraphy pens, brush pens, or even regular markers or pens. Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when choosing the writing instrument. For example, if you're going for a rustic or bohemian theme, a brush pen with flowing script might complement the aesthetic. On the other hand, if your wedding has a more modern or minimalist vibe, you might opt for a sleek black marker with clean lines. Play around with different options and choose the one that best represents your style.

Printed Names

If you prefer a more uniform and polished look, you can opt for printed names. This can be done by using a printer at home or by utilising a printing service. Etsy, for instance, offers a wide range of customisable printed wedding placards. You can choose from various materials, such as card stock, acrylic, wood, or even vegan leather. Decide on the material that aligns with your wedding theme and budget. Additionally, consider the shape and design of the placards, as Etsy offers a plethora of options, including folded cards, laser-cut names, and tent cards.

Combination of Handwritten and Printed

You can also combine handwritten and printed elements. For instance, you could print the names of your guests on the placards but add a handwritten message or design element to each one, adding a unique and personalised touch. This option allows you to ensure uniformity while still incorporating your personal style.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to proofread the names carefully to avoid any last-minute corrections. It's also a good idea to order a few extra placards in case of any last-minute additions to your guest list.

Placing them on tables

Wedding place cards are a great way to guide guests to their seats and ensure your guest list is fully accounted for. They can be made from paper, cardstock, acrylic, chalkboard, glass, or other materials, and can be placed in holders or displayed on their own as tent cards.

Placement and Display:

• Place cards can be put at every seat with a guest's name and table number, or displayed together on a table, allowing guests to pick them up and place them by their chosen spot.
• If using holders, consider purchasing or renting place card holders that match your wedding theme and decor. For example, you could use small, elegant stands, or for a rustic wedding, you might opt for mini wooden easels.
• For a more natural look, fresh magnolia leaves can be used as place card holders. Their deep green colour and sturdy structure will last throughout the event.
• For a sophisticated touch, consider using coasters as place cards, with the guest's name written on one side and "cheers" on the other.

Design and Customisation:

• When designing your place cards, consider the theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You can browse online templates for inspiration or design them from scratch.
• Add a personal touch by uploading your own images, artwork, or photos to include on the cards.
• Choose a unique background, colour scheme, and font style combination to make the cards stand out.
• For a rustic wedding, consider place cards with botanical themes, raw edges, or those written on small slabs of terracotta or stone.
• For a unique and creative approach, use acrylic cards with pressed flowers or gold mirror acrylic with guests' names.
• If your wedding is more light-hearted and fun, try place cards in the shape of a moon, a cassette tape, or even small engraved tambourines for guests to take to the dance floor!

Writing and Formatting:

• The guest's name is the most important aspect of the place card, so ensure it is written clearly and legibly.
• Match the font style to your wedding theme—for a rustic wedding, you might choose a script font, while a formal wedding might call for a serif font.
• Depending on the formality of your wedding, you may include titles like Mr., Dr., Mx., Ms., or Mrs. before guests' names.
• You can also add a sweet message like "welcome" or the table number for additional information.
• When writing on the place cards, consider using calligraphy for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you may want to hire a professional calligrapher to handle the writing for you.

Remember to have fun with the design process and choose options that reflect your style and wedding theme!

Frequently asked questions