Well Placed
Ivette Manners
Everyone loves special attention paid to tiny details – especially for a wedding. Witty escort and place cards, table numbers, and favors enhance your décor, as well as make great conversational pieces. What was once a last minute particular is now something that couples are putting a lot of thought and sentiment into.Here, we offer ideas to help you add a subtle touch to your wedding that won’t be overlooked or forgotten.
Escort Cards
These cards display each guest’s name along with their table number to direct them to their assigned seat. Escort cards are usually arranged on a table
near the entrance of the reception. Traditionally, they are printed on ecru colored stationary featuring delicate black script and placed in small envelopes, or made as tented cards often embossed or edged in silver or gold for a formal look.
The trend has moved towards something more unique. Printed seashells, stones, and die-cut paper leaves (which are tied to tree branches) are fun for outdoor weddings. Personalized sugar cookies offer guests a treat on their way to their tables, and small picture frames displaying the invitees’ names can do
double duty as wedding favors.
Another great idea is to have a miniature version of your wedding invitation personalized with a love quote from you and your fiancé on the inside and the guest’s name and table number on the outside, suggests Michelle Iadarola-Cruz, owner of Fancy That and who recently created the stationery for Donald Trump Jr.’s marriage to model Vanessa Haydon.
Place Cards
Here’s where more modern brides are getting the most creative. Place cards, also known as seating cards, tell your guests where to sit at the table; and are a great way to continue your wedding theme throughout the décor. Try a woven palm-sized paddle fan with a nametag tied to t to refresh guests during an outdoor summer wedding. Fortune cookies holding the guest’s name or personalized chopsticks are fun for an Asian-inspired reception. And tiny bouquets of flowers wrapped in pretty paper printed with the guests’ names will fit in beautifully at a garden wedding. Swarovski-crystal encrusted cardholders are a luxe way to display place cards at table seatings.
Table Numbers
Forget the boring numerals displayed in drab metal holders. Since table numbers are used to draw attention, why not use them as stylish accents? Consider a funky number card that lists the names of each guest sitting at the table. A silk swatch embroidered with the table number then stitched to a paper card is an unexpected touch. Cute cards strung with decorative ribbon to hang on the back of chairs are also adorable. Or, you can stray away from the paper medium and choose ornate hand-twisted wire table numbers.
“For something different, naming tables instead of using numbers, or placing personal black and white photos of the couple along with table names has become very popular,” says Iadarola-Cruz.
Table Favors
Wedding favors show appreciation to your guests for their participation in your special day and support of your new married life. That said, you shouldn’t skimp on the gifts you give. However, you don’t have to blow your budget on the favors. There are dozens of choices, and the only rule is: Keep it tasteful.
Some great gift ideas include miniature silver salt and pepper shakers, silver-plated ice cream scoopers, and even custom printed CDs of you and your fiancé’s favorite songs that guests can take home and be reminded of the special day, suggests David Tutera celebrity event planner and author of The Party Planner (Bulfinch). “These make practical, yet stylish gifts,” says Tutera. “And you can easily make the CDs and labels on your computer at home.”
Flower bulbs and tree saplings are symbolic and unique gift ideas. And edible gifts are always a hit, such as bottles of sparkling wine with personalized labels; or personalized boxes of fancy chocolates or mints. Custom printed tins or bags of M&Ms are very popular. You can have your names, initials, wedding date, or cute words stamped right on the candies in colors that match your wedding’s color scheme.
Another table card idea that many couples are leaning towards is the all-in-one. This is usually a custom-made embroidered silk duponi folder that holds the ceremony program, table assignment, and menu card. These stylish folders are completely functional because guests can use them for the evening then take them home as a souvenir.
Be sure to place the wedding favor on each guest’s plate or at each place setting for a big impression. These little details add a memorable touch that your guests will really enjoy.