Junior Rasmussen
Wedding place cards are an essential part of any wedding reception. They are small but mighty, helping to create order and elegance at your event. Place cards are not just table assignments; they are personal touches that set the tone for the evening and make your guests feel valued and comfortable.
There are many different styles and options available, from tent cards, tags, flat cards, and labels, to name a few. You can also choose between place cards and escort cards, which serve different purposes. Place cards go at each guest's seat, indicating their spot at a specific table, while escort cards act as guides to the tables, displayed at the entrance of the reception area.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of place cards, the pros and cons of place cards vs. escort cards, basic place card etiquette, and tips for designing and crafting your own DIY wedding place cards. We will also provide a step-by-step guide to printing your own place cards at home. So, whether you're looking to add a thoughtful touch to your event or simply keep things organized, creating wedding place cards on your computer is a great way to achieve your desired outcome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Help guests feel at ease, direct them to their seats, and help vendors with food/beverage service and traffic |
| When to Make | After creating a seating chart and receiving RSVPs, about a month or two before the wedding |
| Where to Order | Etsy, DIY options, Zola, local shops (Staples/Office Depot), or professional printers |
| Materials | Cardstock, shells, tiles, rocks, potted plants, candles, mirrors, wooden name plates, etc. |
| Design | Formal/informal, modern/vintage, elegant/whimsical, etc. |
| Size | Typically 2" x 3.5", but can vary depending on printer and table layout |
| Printing Options | Home printer, professional printer, or local shop |
| Font | Legible, elegant script, or formal serif |
| Colors | Match wedding color palette or indicate food options for catering |
| Etiquette | Include first and last name, use formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.), individual or couple cards |
| Display | Place card holders, creative displays that complement wedding decor |
What You'll Learn
Choosing a template and customising it
When it comes to choosing a template for your wedding place cards, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a template that aligns with the theme and style of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic or vintage-style wedding, you might opt for a template with natural colours and elements, while for a more elegant affair, you could choose something with embossed paper and intricate designs.
Another factor to keep in mind is the type of place card you prefer. Classic tent cards, whimsical tags, sleek business cards, and versatile labels are all options to consider. The right choice will depend on your wedding theme and desired aesthetic. For instance, if you want a rustic feel, tags can be hung from glasses or placed on napkins, while business cards are perfect for a minimalist or contemporary wedding.
Once you've decided on the type and style of your place cards, it's time to browse through the thousands of templates available online. Websites like Canva, Unmeasured Events, and Avery offer a wide range of professionally designed templates that you can customise. You can filter your search by colour, layout, industry, or style to find the perfect template for your needs. Play around with different templates and don't be afraid to mix and match elements to create something unique.
When customising your template, 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're feeling creative, you can even design your place cards from scratch. However, remember that the most important aspect of your place card design is the legibility of your guests' names. Choose a font that is clear and easy to read, and ensure that the font size is large enough to be read from a few feet away.
Finally, don't forget to proofread your place cards carefully before printing. Check for any errors or typos to ensure your guests are directed to the right tables and seats.
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Adding a background to match the wedding's theme
Adding a background to your wedding place cards is one of the easiest and quickest ways to match your event's theme, look and feel.
Canva, for example, offers a range of images to use as your background, including abstract patterns, textures and flat lay images. You can also use the search bar to find specific photos or graphics. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can upload your own images and use them in your design for free.
If you're looking for a more rustic or vintage feel, you could use pressed flowers or the pages of old books for your background. For a garden celebration, you could use pressed flowers, and for a literary-themed wedding, you could use pages from old books.
If you're having a flashy event, you could consider gold or glitter for your background. For an outdoor wedding, you could use sand dollars, starfish or large tropical leaves.
If you're having a modern wedding, think about using clean lines and a marble background. For a formal wedding, you could use fancy calligraphy, jewel tones and glamour.
You can also add a pop of your wedding colours to your place cards' backgrounds. Your caterers might prefer that you use different coloured ink or borders for different food options to make catering seamless.
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Selecting the right paper and printing the cards
Selecting the right paper for your wedding place cards is crucial. You want something that looks and feels elegant, but is also durable enough to withstand being handled by your guests. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper and print your cards:
Selecting the Right Paper
Cardstock: Cardstock, or thick paper
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Adding personal touches, like meal choices
Adding personal touches to your wedding place cards, such as meal choices, is a great way to make your guests feel special and ensure a well-organised event. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:
Choose a Design that Matches Your Wedding Theme
Before adding personal touches, consider the overall design of your place cards. This includes choosing a style, colour scheme, and font that complement your wedding theme and decor. You can browse through various templates offered by online design platforms or get creative and design your own from scratch.
Add a Personal Touch with Unique Backgrounds, Colours, and Fonts
To make your place cards stand out, you can add unique backgrounds, textures, or colours that capture the theme and atmosphere of your wedding. Play around with different font styles to match the tone of your celebration. Elegant script fonts or formal serif fonts are great options for place cards.
Include Meal Choice Indicators
If you're offering multiple meal choices, you can creatively indicate each guest's selection on their place card. Here are some ideas:
- Use different colours for the same design, with each colour representing a specific meal choice.
- Incorporate small icons or images related to the meal options, such as pictures of chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Use meal choice stickers, which can be added to any place card design and allow for last-minute changes.
- Opt for unique place card designs for each meal choice, customising the quantity for each option.
- Work with a stationer to create place cards with meal choices, providing them with your guest list, table assignments, and meal selections.
- Use different coloured designs or add small icons to indicate the guest's meal choice, helping servers identify and serve the correct dish to each guest.
Other Tips for a Personalised Touch
- Include formal titles like "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Dr." on the place cards for a traditional, elegant feel.
- Consider using individual place cards for each guest, especially for larger weddings, to create a tailored and intimate experience.
- Display your place cards creatively. Use place card holders or display them in a way that complements your wedding decor.
- Order your place cards well in advance to allow for any necessary assembly and to avoid last-minute rush.
By incorporating these ideas, you can add a unique and thoughtful touch to your wedding place cards, making your guests feel valued and ensuring a well-organised celebration.
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Wedding place cards are an important part of your wedding reception. They are not just table assignments; they are personal touches that set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Place cards can be used to streamline the event, ensuring guests feel valued and comfortable. They can also add a touch of thoughtfulness to your celebration, acting as a personalised gesture.
Step 1: Choose your design software
You can use software such as Microsoft Word, Canva or Avery Design & Print Online (ADPO) to design your place cards. These programs offer templates and customisation tools that make it easy to create professional-looking place cards.
Step 2: Select a template
Once you have chosen your software, browse through the available templates to find one that fits your wedding theme and style. You can also create your own template from scratch if you prefer. Consider the formality of your venue when selecting a template, as well as your wedding colours and any design elements that you would like to include.
Step 3: Customise your template
Customise your template to match your wedding colours and theme. You can add a personal touch by uploading your own images, photos or artwork. Choose a unique background, colour scheme and font style combination. You can also mix and match elements from different templates to create something truly unique.
Step 4: Add guest names
The most important aspect of your place card design is the guest's name. Ensure that the names are written clearly and legibly, and that they match the tone of your wedding. Use formal addresses such as "Mr" and "Ms" if appropriate. Traditionally, wedding place cards include each guest's first and last name, but for more casual or intimate settings, using only first names can create a friendly sense of warmth.
Step 5: Finalise and print
Before printing, proofread your place cards carefully to avoid any errors. Check that the font size is readable and that the place cards are large enough for guests to see from a distance. Use high-quality cardstock to ensure that your place cards look polished and professional. You can then print your place cards at home or send them to a professional printer.
Step 6: Assemble and display
If you have chosen tent-style place cards, you will need to fold them along the pre-scored lines. You can then place them in a holder or display them in a creative way that complements your wedding décor.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and functional wedding place cards that will impress your guests and add a special touch to your big day.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding place cards typically measure 2 inches by 3.5 inches, but sizes can vary depending on your printer's paper size and margins.
Wedding place cards should include the guest's first and last name, and sometimes their title (e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.). If you're having a more casual wedding, you may choose to use only first names to create a friendly atmosphere.
Place cards are placed at each guest's seat, indicating their assigned spot at a specific table. Escort cards are usually displayed at the entrance of the reception, indicating which table each guest or group is assigned to, but not their exact seat.
While traditional paper or cardstock is a popular choice, you can also get creative and use items such as shells, tiles, rocks, potted plants, candles, or mirrors as place cards. Consider your wedding theme and colour palette when choosing a design. You can add personal touches, such as pressed flowers for a garden wedding or gold and glitter for a flashy event.
