Deborah Chan
Wedding place cards are an important part of the planning process. They can be a fun DIY project, especially if you're interested in practising calligraphy. However, creating them can be time-consuming, so it's important to be organised and efficient. This involves creating a template, gathering guest information, and deciding on a style. This could include the guest's title, name, table number, and meal preference. Wedding place cards are a great way to make guests feel welcome and add a personal touch to your celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Card Style | First name and last name in calligraphy with table number underneath in block letters |
| Card Content | Congratulatory messages, personal links or jokes, recounting memories of the couple |
| Card Placement | On the gift table, in a card box, or handed to the wedding planner, venue manager, or fathers of the couple |
| Addressing the Card | Address the card to both individuals in the couple, using "To the newlyweds," "To the Mr. and Mrs.," "To the Mr. and Mr.," or "To the Mrs. and Mrs." |
| Addressing Married Couples | Use the new married style if names have been changed (e.g. Mr. and Mrs. Potter) |
| Addressing Unmarried Couples | Use an unmarried joint form of address (e.g. Mr. H Potter and Ms. G Weasley) |
| Envelope Etiquette | Include the recipient's full mailing address in the centre of the front side of the outer envelope |
| Mailing Advice | Give yourself enough time to collect mailing information from guests and get the address list in order |
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What You'll Learn
Ask the couple what they prefer
When it comes to addressing wedding place cards, one of the best things you can do is ask the couple what they prefer. This is especially important if you are creating the place cards yourself as a favour to the couple or if you are the one getting married and are making your own place cards.
Asking the couple about their preferences will ensure that you get the style, format, and content just right. For example, you can ask if they want the place cards to say "Mrs. Becca Courtice," "Becca Courtice," or just "Becca." Similarly, you can clarify whether they want the table number or a meal preference written on the place card. Asking these questions will ensure that you create place cards that align with the couple's vision for their wedding.
If you are creating the place cards yourself, it is also a good idea to ask for 20% extra blank cards. This will allow for mistakes and last-minute changes. Additionally, creating a template can save you time and ensure consistency across all the place cards. You can make a template by tracing the waistline and baseline of the name on cardstock paper and then cutting out rectangles to mark the centre line. This way, you can ensure that all the names will be written in the same size, accommodating the longest name.
By asking the couple about their preferences and following the tips above, you can confidently create beautiful and consistent place cards that the couple will appreciate.
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Use titles or not
When addressing wedding place cards, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use the correct titles for guests, which can vary depending on their marital status and gender. For example, it is appropriate to address a married couple as "Mr. and Mrs." or "The Newlyweds".
On the other hand, some people prefer to forgo titles and use guests' names only. This can be done by listing the names separately, with the person the couple is closest to listed first, or alphabetically if they are equally close. This approach may be preferred by modern couples as it is more flexible and avoids the potential for any gender bias or assumptions about name changes.
Another option is to use a combination of titles and names, such as "Mrs. Becca Courtice" or simply "Becca". This allows for a more personalised approach, especially if the guest has a unique title or name preference.
When creating place cards, it is also important to consider the format and style requested by the couple. This includes details such as including the table number or meal preference, as well as the overall style and layout of the cards. Calligraphy is a popular choice for place cards, and creating a template can ensure consistency across all cards, especially when dealing with longer names.
In conclusion, when addressing wedding place cards, it is important to consider the couple's preferences and the guests' titles and names. While there are traditional guidelines, modern approaches allow for more flexibility and personalisation. Ultimately, the goal is to make the guests feel welcome and celebrated, so choosing an appropriate and respectful form of address is key.
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Alphabetical order
When it comes to wedding place cards, there are a few different options for arranging them in alphabetical order.
If you are arranging escort cards (which help guests find their assigned table) in alphabetical order, you should do so by the last name of the first person listed on the card. For example, if you have a card for "Mr. John Doe & Ms. Mary Smith", you would place this card in the Ds, as John Doe is the first name on the card. This is the same approach you would take if couples have the same last name.
If you are arranging place cards (which indicate a specific seat at a table) in alphabetical order, you should give each person their own card, as two people cannot occupy one seat. For example, "John Doe" would be listed under D, and "Mary Smith" would be listed under S.
If you are arranging a seating chart in alphabetical order, you can list each guest's name alphabetically by last name or group them by table.
It is important to note that you should wait until your seating chart is set before writing your place cards, and it is recommended to check with your vendors to see if they need any specific information included on each card, such as meal choices or dietary restrictions.
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Cardstock template
Wedding place cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. You can choose from a variety of cardstock templates to match your wedding theme and decor.
When selecting a cardstock template, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Templates can range from rustic to modern, and you can choose from a variety of fonts, colours, and patterns to suit your taste. If you're crafty, you can even add some ribbon or tie the place cards to wedding favours.
The standard dimensions for wedding place cards are around 2 inches by 3.5 inches, similar to a business card. However, you can adjust the size to suit your table layout. For larger tables, consider bigger tent cards, while for intimate settings, smaller options like scallop round tags can add a charming touch.
When designing your template, ensure that the font size is legible, especially if you're handwriting the place cards. You want your guests to be able to read their names easily from a few feet away. Additionally, consider any additional information you want to include, such as table numbers or meal preferences, and leave enough space for it.
To get started, you can find free cardstock templates online, such as those offered by LCI Paper and Avery. These templates are compatible with popular software like Microsoft Word, making it easy to customise and print your place cards at home or through a professional printer.
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Calligraphy
Wedding place cards with calligraphy can add a personalised touch to your wedding. If you plan to do it yourself, there are several tutorials and tips available online. You can also attend a workshop or do an online calligraphy course to learn the basics of modern calligraphy.
Before you begin, it is important to know exactly what the client wants. For example, will the place cards include titles, first names, last names, table numbers, or meal preferences? The most common style is the first and last name in calligraphy, with the table number underneath in block letters.
Once you have this information, you can start practising. Grab a pencil and paper and start writing names in your best cursive, filling in any downstrokes. Write lightly so that you can erase and rewrite until you are happy with the letter shapes and joining strokes. You can then go over it with your brush pen or dip pen and ink, and erase the pencil marks.
If you are creating multiple place cards, it is a good idea to create a template to ensure consistency across all the cards. Cut a piece of cardstock paper to match the size of your place card and use it to trace the waistline and baseline of the name and block letters. Cut out the rectangles and mark the centre line. You can then use this template for all your place cards.
Finally, have a space ready to dry your cards. Lay them flat, and avoid drying them in direct sunlight to prevent the ink from smudging or the cards from curling.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common style and format are the guest's first and last name in calligraphy, with the table number underneath in block letters.
You can include meal preferences or titles, but it is not necessary. If you choose to do so, the meal preference should be written on the place card, and the title should be written before the guest's name, e.g. "Mrs. Becca Courtice".
You can write the cards yourself, but it is recommended that you make a template first to ensure consistency. You should also ask for 20% extra blank cards in case of mistakes.
If you choose to hire a calligrapher, make sure you communicate exactly what you want, including the format and style.
Place any card on the gift table or in a card box. If you don't see one, ask the wedding planner or venue manager where to place the note. If there is no event professional, give your card to one of the fathers of the couple or the best man.
