How to Put Guests' Names on a Wedding Table

Write each guest's name on her place card.

After hours of making your guest seating chart for your wedding, you now need to direct guests to their appropriate tables. Escort cards inform each guest which table to sit at and place cards allow guests to know exactly where to sit at the table. Make your own place cards to save money and personalize your stationery. Guests will appreciate the personalization and recognition of their presence during your celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Cards
• Guest list

Instructions

1. Make escort cards or display a seating chart on a wall. Print each guest's name and table name or number on the escort card. A guest will need to know which table to go to before she can look for her specific seat.

2. Use simple white cards or card stock for the place card. Print or hand write each guest's name on the card. Add embellishments as desired, such as ribbon, raffia, stickers, a personal note or personalized quote.

3. Place the cards in a place card holder. Many options are available, including placing the card in a picture frame, atop a small potted flower or plant, on top of an ornament, or wrapped around a linen napkin. Wrap a label with the guest's name around a decorative candle. Take a small canvas, paint it, add a picture of each guest, paint the name, and add embellishments for a personalized place card for an intimate wedding.

4. Incorporate the season of your wedding into the place card design. Swirl gauge wire on the tip of a pine cone. Put the place card inside the curled area of the wire for a winter place card holder. Download a tree template from Martha Stewart Weddings and print on card stock. Make a slit at the top of the tree. Fold the paper at the creases. Write each guest's name on a star. Insert the star into the slit. Write the guest's name on a colorful leaf set on his plate for an autumn wedding. Write the guest's name on a gourd or mini pumpkin.

5. Tie the place card to each guest's favor. Make edible favors, place in a decorative pouch, tie with pretty ribbon, and hand write the guest's name on a tag on the outside packaging.

6. Place the cards and card holders on the appropriate tables. Be sure that each card is clearly visible from the direction the guest will approach. Move other table items around to avoid obstructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Coordinate couple's cards by making the cards different colors for each couple at the table.

• Wait until you receive responses from your guests before you make the place cards to save money on supplies.

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Tree Place Card
• "Better Homes and Gardens": Easy-to-Make Place Cards for a Thanksgiving Table
• Re-nest: 5 Eco-Friendly Place Card Ideas
• The Knot: Winter Weddings: Top 9 Winter Wedding Favors
• A Wedding Reception: Ideas for Place Cards
• HGTV: How to Make a Personalized Place Card

Resources

• HGTV: Pine Cone Place Card Holders