A Guide to Placecards

Image courtesy of Fin Fellowes – Bespoke Illustration and Stationery.

It can be the smallest elements that make the Big Day one to remember. Couples are choosing to personalise and make key features bespoke more than ever before. Traditionally tables have been numbered or named after memorable places, however with a growing popularity for less conventional seating plans, placecards have come to the fore as an important aspect of the bespoke seating arrangements. Quirky and unusual items bearing names are as popular as pared-back cards with beautiful calligraphy.

Here is our guide to placecards:

First choose whether to match the wedding stationary or identify the specific theme to the event. Our own design for ikat-bordered placecards has been featured on the US site, Vogue.com

For a hint of nostalgia we like vintage tea cups with luggage tags on saucers to make an interesting talking point for guests. Or for a themed party, we loved using printed record labels for place settings as seen at our Austin Powers themed party.

Tie in with your favours. If you are deciding to use favours or a tipple for the toasts, labels make a wonderful personalised gift and double as place cards. Fill small bottles with vodka or sloe gin for extra special toasts! A satin ribbon in a matching colour can be used to attach the label and adds a hint of glamour. Or engage your guests with the dining experience by printing individual personalised menus instead of placecards.

Typeface matters; decide if you are going to have these handwritten or printed. Handwritten implies a more personal touch and we recommend stylish calligraphy to set the scene for elegant dining. Make sure that the names are clear for quick and easy seating of guests. We love the work of Fin Fellowes for her bespoke wedding crests, monograms and wedding design boards. These timeless and stylish placecards are perfect for chic weddings. http://www.finfellowes.com/

For an individualised and quirky look, brides are often choosing non-paper alternatives to be eco-friendly. The world is your oyster! Make sure your surface is flat and clear. We have seen pebbles from favourite beaches, shells, leaves and ceramics. Try calligraphy on these different surfaces using metallic pens or write directly on mirrored table tops.