Seating Charts, Place Cards and More - A Simple Guide to Reception Seating.

You have heard the phrases…seating cards, place cards, seating charts…but what is really the difference? 

Seating Cards - There are 2 styles - fill-in and custom printed.  With both styles individual cards are placed alphabetically at the entrance to the reception area.

 1.Fill-in Style Seating Cards - This is the most popular style of seating card where you must handwrite your guests’ names and table assignments on each card.  This style of card is convenient in that last minute changes to seating plans are easily correctible.  However, it is best to delegate this task to someone with attractive handwriting and superior patience.  Definitely not something the bride wants to be tackling the week before her wedding! 

 “Watercolor Bouquet” design featuring a fill-in style seating card.  Card is shown
with coordinating table name card.  

 2.Custom Printed Seating Cards - This style of seating card is perhaps the most visually striking option because each card is custom printed with each guest’s name and table assignment.  This option requires advanced planning to compile a list of guests to provide to your printer or calligrapher.  Custom seating cards are surprisingly affordable and if coordinated with your other wedding stationery selections, can make a beautiful impression at your reception!  

Custom printed style seating cards are pictured here.  Notice the extra details that can transform ordinary seating cards into a beautiful welcome to your reception!

Place Cards -   Larger printed cards are placed at the entrance to the reception to guide guests to their table.  Then at each place setting your guests will find a small card with their name. 

- This option is quite formal and does require additional printed cards not needed with seating cards.  However, this option allows for the best opportunity to showcase your theme and color scheme throughout your reception area.

A custom printed seating or place card can also double as a favor tag!

Custom Seating Charts - Years ago seating charts were used at the finest of affairs.  Upon entering the reception area you would find a lovely chart stunningly framed under glass ready to guide you to your table.  Seating charts are now making a comeback, but with a unique and modern flair!  Quite simply a seating chart is an alphabetical listing of your guests’ names and seating assignments.  In contrast to individual seating cards the chart lists the names on one large board that is often displayed on an easel at the entrance to the reception area.  But now comes the fun part! 

Custom seating charts can be embellished in a variety of creative and personal ways:

- Frame the chart with beautiful ribbons and beaded accents to coordinate with your color scheme.

- Coordinate your chart with your table number cards and favor cards.

- Add your photos for a personal touch. 

“Pink Garden” design featuring a Custom Seating Chart with satin ribbon
accents and glass bead details.

 Whatever seating style you choose be sure to make it personal and true to your personality.  Whether you a traditional girl at heart or enjoy the latest fashions simply choose what makes most sense to you and remember to have fun!

  Article and photographs compliments of Momental Designs - Handmade Custom Wedding Stationery by Kristy Rice.  Kristy offers her uniquely handcrafted wedding stationery to brides nationwide. The Momental Designs studio is located in Wyoming, PA.

Do you have questions - have an ideas you would like to discuss? Contact Kristy