We're of the mindset that your wedding's seating assignments can never be made too clear. That's why we're big fans of having both escort cards (or a seating chart) and place cards. The former are set somewhere away from your reception tables, while the latter mark each person's place setting at the table. Having both makes it nearly impossible for celebrants to struggle with locating their spot. If that's not reason enough, however, consider the design possibilities. Seating cards and place cards provide you with two additional opportunities to impress attendees with your décor or theme.
Here, we've highlighted some of our favorite ideas for unique wedding place cards. While stationery is obviously included, it isn't your only option. As you'll see ahead, paper goods are just one great choice for the items. Alternatives include calligraphed leaves, wooden cutouts, fresh fruit, and plenty of other original goods. Really, you can use anything that you'd like to help your celebrants get seated. All you need to do is write their names on (or stick them to) whatever you opt to use. As long as they're personalized to serve their purpose, the specifics are entirely up to you. We encourage you to get creative and hopefully, this inspiration will fuel your brainstorming session.
Love the look of these calligraphed agate pieces, which were planned by Revel Wedding Co.? They're just one of the many great possibilities for your celebration. Click through to see even more before deciding how you'll guide your own attendees on the big day.
Wooden Names
Wooden laser-cut names are a popular choice, and make for fun keepsakes, too. Laura Hooper Calligraphy provided those pictured here.
Unexpected Mementos
We bet you've never seen doorstop place "cards" before! These bunny versions were a quirky surprise for guests. Written Word provided the calligraphy.
Calligraphed Rocks
Here, glossy rose quartz was used in lieu of place cards. It was styled by Lindsey Zamora Events and calligraphed by Seniman Calligraphy.
Calligraphed Eggs
Egg cups—complete with calligraphed eggs—are another original choice. Heather Belle Ink wrote these names.
Tagged Fruit
At this celebration, attendees found their seats thanks to gilded figs with name tags pinned on. Martha Rasco provided the calligraphy.
Calligraphed Tiles
Geometric tiles are modern and chic, and especially so when calligraphed, like these marble ones by Shiho Oh.
Personalized Desserts
Favors can also double as place "cards." These dessert boxes (featuring Wax Seals branding and Froufrou Chic ribbons) were planned by Lovestruck Events and calligraphed by Miranda Writes.
Calligraphed Seashells
For a beach celebration, write guests' names on seashells. B. Coombes calligraphed these.
Bloom Boxes
How lovely were these keepsake boxes stuffed with fresh flowers? Love Detailed Events worked with A Fine Flourish to put them together.
Calligraphed Napkins
Let your linens double as place "cards," like this couple did. Bustle Events handmade these napkins, while Curlicue Designs Calligraphy wrote the text.
Calligraphed Stone
We love the look of raw stone. The bride calligraphed these slabs herself.
Seasonal Settings
Look to your wedding's season for inspiration. Mini pumpkins like this one (planned by The Elegant Ninja) make great stands for autumn place cards.
Calligraphed Scrolls
These scrolls, which were calligraphed by Neither Snow, transformed standard glassware into place cards.
Tagged Driftwood
Another nautical idea? Driftwood. Laura Hooper Calligraphy crafted these tags.
Calligraphed Leaves
This tropical tablescape featured leaf place "cards" with celebrants' names written on them.
Printed Cards
Use stationery with a fun print to make your place cards stand out. Love Me Do provided these paper goods.
Cultural Trinkets
This bride tapped into her Welsh heritage and paired her Wells Makery place cards with Bespoke Laser UK love spoons.
Lucite Names
Laser-cut lucite is an alternative to wooden cutouts. These examples were from Southern Fried Paper.
Calligraphed Sea Glass
Sea glass place "cards" (calligraphed by the bride) were the finishing touch on this wedding's place settings.