D-I-Y Seating Cards

Our next segment in our DIY blog series is all about seating cards. Seating cards are extremely important to the reception as they provide each guest with an assigned seat for the evening. Believe it or not, guests actually appreciate seating cards. Often times guests can feel pressure about where they choose to sit if not given an assigned seat. Having seating cards allows you to place your guests at a table where they will feel most comfortable and will likely know most of the guests at their table. On a side note, seating cards are also an excellent way to continue with the theme or color scheme of your wedding.

First, let's discuss the proper etiquette when distributing seating cards:

• It's important that every guest receive their own seating card. Even couples who are married should receive separate cards.
  


• If you have someone that is bringing a date that you are not familiar with yet, writing 'and guest' is never acceptable for a seating or place card. Take the time to find out their name. It will make them feel more comfortable and appreciated.
  
  
• The most common way to distribute seating cards is to arrange them in alphabetical order on a separate table near the entrance of the reception. Often times, at more formal occasions, a host or usher is assigned to guide guests to their seats.
  


• Lastly, be sure to include a table number on each seating card to guide guests to their assigned table. Alternatively, place cards are placed at each guests seat and do NOT include a table number, as they are already "placed" in the assigned seat.

Next, let's discuss what goes into actually making seating cards:

• Once guests have RSVP'd and a seating chart is complete, you are ready to begin creating your seating cards! I recommend using a seating card template that can easily be run through your printer and then cut out afterwards. Or, if you choose to hand write guests names, a template and a ruler will ensure that your seating cards all look similar to one another.
  


• Many craft stores have numerous seating card templates to choose from, or you can do a web search and find them online. DIY Bride has wonderful wedding project templates that are free to download. Login is required for this site.
  
  
• Seating and place cards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Everything from the traditional white seating cards to chocolate boxes to seating card trees, as seen below.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Images courtesy of The Knot.