Crafting Wedding Table Tents: A Guide To Making Yours

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but there are plenty of ways to make the process easier. One way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding is to make your own table tents. Etsy, Avery, VistaPrint, and Amazon all offer customizable and affordable options for printing your own table tents.

Printing your own

Choose the Right Paper

Select a sturdy cardstock that is compatible with your printer. Most home printers cannot handle paper thicker than standard copy paper, so be sure to test your cardstock before purchasing large quantities. You can find cardstock at craft stores or online. Amazon offers a variety of cardstock options, including packs of 50 or 100 blank place cards.

Find a Template

There are many free and affordable templates available online. Etsy, for example, offers a range of downloadable templates for as little as $1.35. These templates are easy to use and can be customised with your guest's names. Alternatively, you can create your own template using programs such as Microsoft Publisher, which allows you to adjust printer settings for thicker paper.

Get Creative

If you want to add a unique touch to your table tents, consider incorporating decorative elements such as stamps, as suggested by Barbara on WeddingWire. You can also get creative with your paper choices, as some Etsy templates offer options for kraft paper or white cards with gold borders.

Test and Print

Before printing your final copies, be sure to test your design and paper to ensure that it works with your printer and that you are happy with the layout and text. Once you are satisfied with your test print, go ahead and print the final copies.

Assemble

If you have chosen pre-perforated tent cards, simply fold them along the perforated lines to create the tent shape. If your paper does not have perforations, use a ruler and a craft knife to carefully score a folding line, then fold by hand.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding table tents that will impress your guests and add a special touch to your wedding décor.

Buying pre-made

If you're short on time or would prefer a professional finish, there are plenty of options for buying pre-made wedding table tents. Etsy, VistaPrint, Amazon and Walmart all offer a range of customisable options.

Etsy, for example, has over 5,000 wedding table tent options, including pre-made templates that can be edited and printed at home. VistaPrint offers a similar service, with customisable designs and the option to upload your own.

If you're looking for something simple, Amazon has pre-made "Reserved" signs for wedding tables, which come in packs of 20. These are freestanding, with an interlocking base, and can be used for chairs, pews and other locations as well as tables. They also stock a range of other pre-made table tents, including gluten-free signs and food labels.

For a more luxurious option, VistaPrint offers premium-thickness table tents with glossy or matte paper stock options.

Tent shape and size

When it comes to making wedding table tents, the shape and size you choose will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the amount of space available, and the desired layout and atmosphere. Here are some things to consider when deciding on the shape and size of your wedding table tents:

Tent Shape

The first step is to select the shape of your tent. Common options include square, rectangular, circular, or oval tents. If you need more than one tent for the same purpose, such as a dining area or dance space, it is recommended to order the same shape to create a cohesive look. However, if you need tents for different areas of the wedding venue to serve as dividers, you can opt for a variety of shapes. For example, you can have a dedicated space for a food table, seated dining, and social activities by using different tent shapes.

Square tents are an excellent choice if you are tight on space or need to be economical with your seating plan, as they maximize ground space for guests both inside and outside the tent. Rectangular tents offer flexibility in terms of layout and can accommodate various activities, such as dining, dancing, and buffet tables. Circular and oval tents create a more intimate and unique atmosphere and are perfect for creating a focal point, such as a dance floor or stage.

Tent Size

The size of your wedding tent will depend on the number of guests and the activities you plan to include. As a general guideline, for 100 guests, you will need a tent size of 1,600 square feet; for 150 guests, 2,300 square feet; and for 200 guests, 2,800 square feet. If your guest list exceeds 200, or if you have additional entertainment and logistical areas, allocate an additional 100 square feet for every 10 guests.

It's important to consider not only the number of guests but also the space required for tables, dance floors, entertainment, and food and beverage stations. Additionally, factor in walkways between furniture pieces to ensure smooth traffic flow. If you plan to have a band or other live entertainment, allocate enough space to avoid a cramped setting.

In summary, when choosing the shape and size of your wedding table tents, take into account the number of guests, the activities you wish to include, and the overall layout and atmosphere you want to create. By selecting the appropriate tent shape and size, you can ensure a comfortable and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Table placement

Choose the Right Tent Shape:

Select a tent shape that best suits your wedding size and style. Common options include square, rectangular, circular, or oval tents. If you need more than one tent, it's recommended to choose the same shape for a cohesive look. However, if you have different areas with specific purposes, such as a food table or a dance floor, you can opt for a variety of shapes to create distinct spaces. Square tents are ideal for maximizing ground space, especially if you have a large guest list.

Determine Tent Layout and Spacing:

Consider the placement of tables, dance floors, banquet tables, bars, and other decor elements. Allow for adequate spacing between tables and chairs to ensure comfortable movement and conversation. For round or banquet tables, allocate 60 to 80 inches of space between them. Leave at least 52 to 66 inches between chair backs facing each other and square or rectangular tables. If square tables have corners facing each other, aim for a minimum of 24 inches. Use event diagramming tools to create multiple versions of the floor plan and compare them before finalizing the design.

Create a Seating Chart:

A seating chart ensures streamlined instructions for your guests and smoother logistics on the day of the wedding. Upload your guest list, track RSVPs, and include important details such as dietary restrictions or mobility accommodations. This information will be helpful for your catering team and venue staff to provide a better experience for your guests.

Lighting and Decor:

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance for your wedding. Consider a combination of weatherproof outdoor string lights, crisscrossed strands inside the tent, and statement pendant lights or chandeliers to draw attention to specific areas, such as the head table. You can also incorporate dramatic uplighting or strategic lighting within floral installations for a unique design element.

Additional Considerations:

Don't forget to include essential areas and items such as a music stand, speakers, a waiter station, a wedding favor table, and a cake stand. Mark the locations of electrical outlets and plan cable routes accordingly, ensuring they are away from high-traffic areas. Additionally, consider the placement of activities that involve conversation, such as a bar or album table, by locating them away from speakers and music for better acoustics.

Decorations

• Floral installations: Hang floral and greenery installations inside your tent. This can create a sprawling effect, bringing the outdoors in and adding a magical vibe to your wedding. You can also add hanging tea lights or taper candles in glass holders to complement the floral theme.
• Dramatic lighting: Use a variety of light fixtures and strategic lighting to create unique patterns and elevate the atmosphere. Consider crisscrossing at least six strands of lights inside the roof of the tent and wrapping them around poles. You can also add a statement pendant light or a disco ball for a playful touch.
• Colour schemes: Amplify your colour scheme by incorporating subtle hints of colour towards the top of your tent. This can help create a cohesive theme throughout your wedding decorations.
• Draping: Soft draping can add a special touch to an outdoor tent. It creates depth and ambiance, making your event elegant and intimate.
• Centrepieces: If you're using a sailcloth tent, create height with tall centrepieces and multiple levels of arrangements to ensure your design stands out.
• Clear tops: Consider a clear-top tent to tie in aspects of the outdoors. This allows you to feel connected to the landscape while still being protected from the elements. At dusk, you can enjoy the silhouettes created by the surrounding trees and landscape.
• Custom dance floors: A custom dance floor can add a unique touch to your wedding. Consider a classic colour combination or a custom design requested by the bride and groom.
• Table cards: Place cards can be used as decorations as well as for seating arrangements. You can find a variety of designs, including gold borders, kraft paper, and white blank cards, to match your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions