Let’s talk function and style with these creative wedding place card ideas! Place cards (also known as escort cards) are found at most weddings to seat guests at the reception. They of course serve a functional purpose of telling your guest where you would like them to sit. But they can also be a very useful styling tool. They provide a real opportunity for creativity and stylisation. Whether you are looking for something sleek and classic, colourful and loud or even boho and rustic… there is something here for you to think about.
It goes without saying that I love the personal touch that handwritten calligraphy can bring to a wedding style. But when you think about these extra layers of styling as well… you are in for a table setting of dreams!
If you would like to discuss ideas for your wedding calligraphy, please feel free to contact me and I’d be happy to set up a call with you. You can also order place cards on my Etsy shop or see more examples of my work either on my portfolio or by following me on Instagram.
Here are 5 ways that you can use place cards to elevate your wedding styling.
- Think about your materials
Yes, card is the traditional material for a place card (the clue is in the name!); but there are so many other materials that can be used to write names on. Think about your wedding style. What are the things you want to use to decorate? Is it possible to write on them?
- Card
- Shells
- Wood
- Slate
- Coasters
- Sea glass
- Leafs
- Plant pot
- Agate
- Christmas bauble!
There is a world of opportunity out there. The main thing to consider is – can that material be written on and will it be legible. Very often your calligrapher (that’s me) will be able to advise further on materials and what will be used to write on these.
If you’re going with card, there are still options to consider. Think about the texture of the card – is it handmade paper, classic smooth card, does it have textured or ripped edges. Would you like any embellishments added to your cards such as wax seals or ribbons?
Okay, this may be too much, and you may be happy with a standard piece of card with some simple but effective calligraphy on it – this is totally great – it’s all just food for thought.
- Colour
This is an easy win to elevate your wedding reception table styling. Card comes in all colours, as does ink. Think about the main colour and also the colour of the writing. Of course you want to make sure that the writing is clear. Whether you’re going for a bright, neutral, celestial or classic wedding style – colour choice will make your place cards pop and elevate your wedding reception table decor.
- Holder
You can get creative with how your placards fit into your reception decor by thinking about holders. Will they be clipped onto a champagne flute, attached to a menu, on a wooden or cork holder or simply placed on a napkin. If you’re having tent style placecards (card folded in half) then they will hold themselves up and no extra work needed!
- Placement
The most important thing is that your guest can see their name clearly on the table, so make sure the placecards are not hidden or hard to read. They can be placed flat, on holder or propped up somehow, ideally in the centre of the guests table setting so it’s clear that’s their spot.
- Favour
Finally, place cards are a great opportunity to incorporate into a personalised wedding favour! You could have the guests name written on the favour, or attach the card (gift tag style) to your favour of choice. A little plant pot with name on could serve as a wedding favour as well or a small pack of seeds for the garden with a name written on.
As with everything when it comes to wedding planning, you may want to get into every extra detail or you may want to keep things super simple. The main thing is that you make your wedding your own and that your style shines through. By thinking carefully about your place cards you can really get an effective decor addition to your wedding reception decor.
Happy wedding planning 🙂
Rebecca