Place Cards: Setting the tone for your wedding

A key element to the smooth transition from cocktail hour to reception is the place card. In order to direct guests to their assigned table, place cards must be prepared ahead of time. While it is clear that you need a place card, there are an endless number of options for you to choose from.

The first thing you want to think about is the feel mood you are trying to set for this once in a lifetime occasion. Are you looking for an elegant soiree, or perhaps something a bit more whimsical? If elegant is what you’re after, you might want to stick with the simple folded place card printed on card stock. There are numerous different styles available online, allowing you to print them from home. This is one of the most economical options. If you’re budgeting a little more money for this part of your wedding, consider hiring a calligrapher to handwrite your cards. Another elegant option is to purchase picture frames and insert the names and table assignments of your guests inside. You could choose simple silver or gold frames, or a white or black wooden option depending on your chosen décor.

How about trying something different? If you’re looking for place cards that your guests won’t soon forget, think out of the box. Sit down with your fiancé and wedding planner and brainstorm ideas that say something about you. For instance, one couple for who has an affinity for ducks, and were planning a wedding at the beach found some beach themed rubber duckies. They stuck a cocktail umbrella under their wing, and attached a tag to the umbrella with the guest name and wrote the table number on the bottom of the ducky. They then placed each duckie in a bed of sand. This unique approach gave the wedding a distinct, fun feel that kept guests talking for weeks.

For a fall wedding, particularly if you and your fiancée are nature lovers, consider buying some silk leaves and attaching your guests’ names and table numbers to the stem. These multi-colored leaves would look beautiful laying together in rich fall hues. For a winter-themed wedding, purchase votive candleholders. Print your name and table number on strips of paper, and wrap the strips around the candle. Consider purchasing ribbon in your color scheme to tie around these unique place cards. Ask your wedding planner or a close friend to light these candles just before your guests enter the area where these will be displayed. Your guests will surely be wowed by this warm display. These candles can be set on any surface, if your facility has a large piano, the candles would look stunning set on top of the piano.

All of the previous examples were just that: examples. There are a million different options that you can choose from, particularly if you decide to go the “whimsical” route. Just pick something close to your heart, and run with the idea. This can be a creative way to express a common interest between you and your future spouse. Just make sure your photographer gets a photo of your place cards all set up- it will be a great shot to help remember the feel of your special day.