Creating Wedding Table Name Cards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding table name cards are a great way to add a personalised touch to your reception tables. They are both practical and pretty, helping guests find their seats and adding an extra special touch to the table setting. There are many different styles to choose from, including calligraphy, vellum with a wax seal, and laser-cut wood. You can also add unique touches such as pressed flowers, gold leaf, or a wax seal. When it comes to what names to include on the cards, it's up to you! You can use full names for a more formal vibe or just use first names for a more relaxed feel.

Choosing a design: from calligraphy to laser-cut, there are many styles to choose from

When it comes to choosing a design for your wedding table name cards, there are a variety of styles to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Calligraphy

Calligraphy place cards offer a timeless and elegant look that will suit any wedding style. If you're looking for something simple yet chic, consider hiring a calligrapher to add a touch of sophistication to your table settings. This style is a beautiful way to showcase your guests' names, and it can also be used for other wedding stationery such as invitations and envelopes.

Laser-cut

Laser-cut place cards are a unique and contemporary option that can add a rustic or stylish touch to your wedding. These cards are usually made from wood or acrylic and can be personalised with your guests' names. They also double as lovely favours that your guests can take home as a memento.

Wax seal

Wax seals add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding stationery. You can choose a personalised seal to tie all your stationery together, from invitations to place cards. Combine it with vellum or paper in a colour that complements your wedding palette for a stylish finish.

Illustrated

Illustrated place cards are a wonderful way to showcase your venue or theme. Consider commissioning a bespoke sketch of your wedding venue to use across your stationery, from invitations to place settings. This adds a unique and personal touch that your guests will surely appreciate.

Rustic

If you're going for a rustic theme, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider log slice place cards, dried flower or pressed flower clay tags, or even mini succulent place cards. These natural elements will add a charming and earthy vibe to your table settings.

Modern

For a modern look, acrylic place cards in various shapes, such as circles or hexagons, can be a stylish choice. You can also opt for a sleek and minimalist design, such as mountain-themed or agate slice place cards, which will let your other table decorations shine.

Remember, your wedding table name cards should reflect your personal style and wedding theme. Whether you choose to go classic or creative, these cards will add a special touch to your big day and make your guests feel extra special.

Printing options: print at home, or get them printed by a professional

Wedding table name cards can be printed at home or by a professional printer.

Printing at Home

If you decide to print your wedding table name cards at home, you will need a printer, card stock, and a place card template. You can create your own template if you're good with design, or you can download a template online. When downloading a design, be sure to get permission from the designer to use it, and consider donating to them if they are offering their work for free. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even learn modern calligraphy for a stylish DIY finish.

Printing with a Professional

If you'd rather leave the printing to a professional, there are many companies that offer design services and printing for wedding table name cards. VistaPrint, for example, offers a wide range of design options and assorted paper stocks to choose from. You can also work with a designer to create a completely custom design. Minted is another option, offering free guest name printing and a range of card designs.

Paper type: select from various paper stocks, such as acrylic, agate slices, or eucalyptus

When it comes to paper type, there are a variety of options to choose from when making wedding table name cards. Here are some ideas to consider:

Acrylic

Acrylic place cards offer a sleek and modern look for your wedding table. They are typically made from high-quality acrylic material that is cut with a laser cutter, resulting in durable, customisable, efficient, and versatile place cards. These cards usually come with a protective film on both sides to prevent scratches and are perfect for adding a personal touch with calligraphy or paint. Acrylic place cards are an elegant choice for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special celebration.

Agate Slices

Agate slices are a unique and natural option for wedding table name cards. These slices are cut from natural stones, resulting in each piece being unique in colour and pattern. Some agate slices may have dyed colours, such as blue or rose, while others have natural colours like white and grey. When using agate slices, it is important to note that they are not typically round, so they may not be suitable for use as coasters. However, they add a touch of luxury and elegance to your table setting.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus-themed place cards are a beautiful option for nature-loving couples. These cards often feature dried eucalyptus attached to the name card, creating a gorgeous array of green hues. You can also find printable eucalyptus-themed place card templates online, allowing you to print your own cards at home while still enjoying a chic and modern design. This option is perfect for couples who want to add a personalised touch to their wedding table settings.

In addition to these options, there are also various types of paper cardstocks available, such as kraft paper, linen-textured paper, and gold foil-bordered cards. When choosing the paper type for your wedding table name cards, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences.

Adding extras: wax seals, dried flowers, or gold leaf can add a special touch

Adding a few extra details to your wedding table name cards can make them even more special. Wax seals, dried flowers, and gold leaf are all great options for adding a unique touch. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wax Seals

Wax seals are a lovely way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding table name cards. You can find wax seals in various shapes, sizes, and colours to match your wedding theme. Etsy offers a wide range of options, including custom wax seals, wax seal stickers, and wax seal stamps. You can even find sellers who will create a personalised wax seal with your initials or wedding logo. If you want to add a bit of shine, consider a gold wax seal.

Dried Flowers

Incorporating dried flowers into your table name cards is a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in and add a natural, rustic touch to your wedding décor. You can use dried flowers in several ways, such as pressing them into acrylic frames or attaching them to the cards with ribbon. Dried flowers come in various colours, so you can choose ones that complement your wedding colour palette.

Gold Leaf

Gold leaf adds a touch of luxury and opulence to your table name cards. Combine it with seed paper to create plantable place cards that your guests can take home and watch grow. Or, for a more modern look, try gold-mirror acrylic place cards with laser-cut names.

Other Extras

In addition to wax seals, dried flowers, and gold leaf, there are endless possibilities for adding extras to your wedding table name cards. Here are a few more ideas:

• Handwritten notes: Add a personal touch by writing a note on each card or attaching a handwritten note to another item.
• Ribbons: Use ribbons to attach name cards to favours or decorations, like mini loaves of bread or small potted succulents.
• Illustrations: Include a sketch of your wedding venue or a caricature of each guest for a fun and unique touch.
• Calligraphy: Hire a calligrapher or learn calligraphy yourself to add elegant lettering to your name cards.
• Natural elements: Incorporate rocks, shells, or slices of wood or agate to give your name cards a rustic, natural feel.

With so many options to choose from, you can definitely find ways to make your wedding table name cards stand out and reflect your unique style.

Formality: decide whether to use full names, titles, or a more informal approach

When it comes to wedding table name cards, you have the option to go formal or informal with your guests' names. Here are some things to consider when deciding on the formality of your table name cards:

Full Names vs. First Names

Using full names on your table name cards is a more formal approach and can help to alleviate any confusion, especially if you have guests with the same first name. This is also helpful if you have guests who may not know each other well, as it provides a clear indication of who they are. However, using just first names is a great way to keep things casual and relaxed. If you do decide to use first names, you can avoid confusion by making it obvious who is who based on the guests' partners or the other people seated at their table. For example, "Richard & Jo" on table 1 and "Richard & Sarah" on table 2 should be clear enough for your guests to distinguish.

Including Titles

Including titles such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., or Rev. is generally only necessary for a very formal wedding. However, if you have a VIP guest, such as the minister who married you, you may want to include their title to show respect and emphasise their importance. Using titles such as "Aunty" or "Nana" can also be a nice personal touch, especially if this is how you usually address these guests. It's not necessary to use titles for everyone, and you can always use one format on the table plan and something more informal on the place cards.

Married Names

If you've decided to include surnames, don't forget to use your married name! It's your first opportunity to see it in print and will add a special touch to your table name cards.

Guests with No Name

In some cases, you may not know the name of a guest, for example, if a guest brings a plus one and doesn't let you know who they are bringing. In this case, it's perfectly fine to put "Guest of Susan Jones" or "Susan's Guest" on the table plan and place card.

Children

Including children on the table plan can be a nice touch, even for babies. Whether or not they need a place card will depend on whether they will have a place set at the table. It's generally a good idea for children seated in regular chairs, optional for those in high chairs, and unlikely for babies in arms.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding table name cards. The most important thing is to consider what you and your guests will feel comfortable with. You can mix and match different levels of formality, such as using full names and titles on the table plan and just first names on the place cards. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how formal or informal you want your wedding table name cards to be!

Frequently asked questions