Original holders for banquet cards
If you have already prepared standard paper cards for wedding seating, then you can add originality to them with the help of unusual holders. Here are a couple of interesting examples.
Wooden cut
For an eco-style wedding, holders for place cards can be made from wooden saw cuts. Original and environmentally friendly!
Materials and tools:
- wooden cuts with a diameter of about 7 cm;
- wood knife;
- cards with guest names;
- sandpaper.
Time: 15-20 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Take small cuts of wood. If you don't have ready-made cuts, just cut the branch into several pieces.
- Sand the cuts to make their surface smooth.
- Use a knife to cut a hole for the card in the middle of the cut.
- Insert the name card into the recess.
Pumpkins – original holders for name cards
Another interesting idea for an autumn celebration is holders for banquet cards in the shape of cute pumpkins.
Materials and tools:
- small decorative pumpkins;
- white and gold paint;
- brush;
- cards and marker;
- wire;
- pliers.
Time: 30 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Paint the pumpkins with white paint.
- Paint the pumpkin tails gold. You can decorate your pumpkins however you want! For example, you can print them with polka dots or stripes, paint them with a different paint, or create an ombre effect. Whatever your imagination desires!
- Cut the wire and twist it as shown in the picture. To do this, it is very convenient to use two types of pliers.
- Insert the wire into the pumpkin.
- Cut out cards of the size and design you want and write your guests' names on them.
- Insert name tags into the wire. Such original accessories will not only simplify the process of seating guests at a wedding, but will also decorate the festive tables.
Plasticine holders
Everyone in childhood loved to sculpt from plasticine, so why not remember your skills and create unique holders for place cards from this material with your own hands.
Materials and tools:
- plasticine of different colors;
- knife;
- name cards.
Time: 20 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Make thin sausages from white and blue plasticine. Connect them together.
- Make an egg from the resulting sausage.
- Cut the top of the egg.
- Insert the card into the slot. Now you know how easy it is to make your own unique accessories for seating guests at a wedding!
Wedding decor: how to beautifully design a seating plan
Wedding decor is an extravaganza of beautiful ideas that skillful hands can bring to life! We will try to inspire you and offer you the most stylish and fashionable wedding seating plan options for a DIY wedding.
Wooden base
A seating plan with a wooden base offers hundreds of design variations. The board can be solid or several boards nailed together, but this is just a universal background. The spouses choose everything else to their taste. Guest lists can be painted on wood, printed on sheets of paper, cardboard, parchment, and attached to a base. The board can be decorated with additional decor to match the holiday style or with flowers.
Chalk board
We have already written about chalk boards and their imitation as a photo zone. This item is also great for creating a beautiful wedding seating plan. The surnames, names and places of the invitees can actually be written in chalk or you can order a printed copy of a chalk board with beautiful inscriptions. In any case, this design option will look stylish and laconic.
Glass surface
The seating plan printed on glass looks minimalist and elegant. You can choose an unusual shape for the glass surface, place the glass in a frame, but even a rectangular plan will look fashionable and unusual, especially if you decorate it with fresh flowers or other floral decorations.
Mirror
The mirror seating plan for wedding guests is close to glass. But if the trick of glass is the ability to substitute a background, then in the case of mirrors you can get creative with the shape. As a base, you can choose an antique hanging mirror in a massive frame, a beautiful floor mirror, or you can install an entire dressing table or dressing table at a festive location.
Guest lists on bottles
A creative and original approach to wedding decorations is to use wine bottles to write lists. The container can be empty, or it can be filled or painted. You can also use flowers and festive garlands as decoration. Write the names of the guests directly on the glass or prepare special tags or stickers on the bottles with the list of guests. Each table has its own bottle.
Picture in frame
We can say that wedding plan design in the form of a picture in a frame is the most classic and versatile decor option. Unusuality can manifest itself in the design of the canvas: the lists can be printed, or they can be handwritten in calligraphy. Watercolor drawings, an image of the coat of arms of a wedding or a newly created family, thematic decor - bows, ribbons, rhinestones, etc. will add sophistication to such a “picture”.
Small frames
Regardless of the material, small frames look great on a DIY wedding seating plan. Each of them frames the guest list for a separate table. You can use the same frames, you can experiment with color, or you can use color, shape and size at the same time. It will turn out great!
Guest lists on clothespins
The wedding seating plan on strings looks homey. Lists are secured with clothespins - regular and decorative. This option is good for both outdoor celebrations and indoor decoration.
Creative seating plan
And finally, a creative wedding seating plan. What is this? Whatever! You can create a labyrinth on a board with tangled threads that lead from lists with surnames to table numbers, you can use flower pots with numbers, in each of which you can “plant” nameplates. Show your imagination, and you are guaranteed to delight your friends and family!
A wedding seating plan is like a coat rack in a theater or a business card when meeting someone. Create stylish wedding decor and remember: you won't get a second chance to make a first impression!
Photo: Pinterest
Number of views: 3354
Revision date: 2019-07-22
How to apply?
When might you need a beautifully designed guest list for your celebration? If you plan to place it at the entrance to the banquet hall, indicate the table numbers on the list. This way, it will be easier for guests to figure out which table they will sit at.
It could be implemented this way:
Before the decorator creates beautiful plans with numbering of tables and cards for guests, the list can be prepared on a simple piece of paper or in a WORD document on the computer.
To distribute guests between tables, you can sketch the hall , indicating the approximate arrangement of the presidium and guest tables (rectangles or circles).
write the first and last names of the guests in each rectangle / circle by hand . Then, such a scheme and the final list are transferred to the designer, host and restaurant administration.
If you independently prepare a list that will be placed at the entrance to the banquet hall, it is important to consider the following subtleties :
- you should adhere to the color scheme that you chose as the main one for your wedding;
- If you previously used one font option in invitations, signs and cards with guest names, then in the list it is recommended to use the same font to maintain identity ;
- if you find it difficult to choose a design, do everything in a minimalist style (without unnecessary “curls” and frames): a large, easy-to-read table number, and under it a list of names and surnames (centered alignment).
Guest seating
Seating of guests is another important point when choosing a hall. There are several schemes.
Seating at a common table
– Traditional scheme. This method is usually used at weddings with a small number of guests. In the hall there is one long table (several tables standing close together), around which all the guests are seated, alternating women and men. The newlyweds are placed in the middle of the table, with the bride sitting to the right of the groom, then her mother and father of the groom, and to the left of the groom his mother and father of the bride (by the way, few people now follow this rule, and witnesses who will be seated next to the newlyweds are often seated help during the holiday).
– “T” – seating for 20–25 people for small cozy rooms
The newlyweds sit at the head of the table, which allows them to pay special attention to the decoration of this area. This design is perfect for compact banquets.
– “P” – scheme for holidays with the participation of 30–50 people. Guests are seated along the outer edge of the table, the newlyweds occupy the bridge between two long tables, and the space in the center is used for entertainment.
– “Ш” – this scheme is more suitable for large events in which more than 60 people participate.
European seating
For a banquet for 30 people, it is worth considering the European seating option. In this case, the newlyweds sit at a separate table (preferably on a raised platform for a better view), and the guests are seated at large round tables.
Italian seating arrangement
Tables for 4 guests are used, the newlyweds' table is set on a small elevation so that all guests can see them.
English seating arrangement
Round tables for 8 guests are used. Psychologists say that exactly eight people make up the ideal group for comfortable communication.
Seating arrangement "Cabaret"
Guests are not seated across the entire diameter of the table, but only so that they can see the newlyweds. To do this, use fewer chairs, but place them in a semicircle.
Herringbone seating arrangement
Herringbone is a cross between European seating methods, which use separate tables, and traditional seating arrangements. The newlyweds sit at a separate table, and the guests sit at several tables placed diagonally parallel to each other.
American seating arrangement
Buffet table arrangement
Long tables with treats are placed along the perimeter of the hall, and each guest can calmly come up and choose the dishes he likes. Guests are seated on long tables parallel to each other. A separate table is set for the newlyweds. With this method of seating guests, the cost of the banquet will be slightly lower, since a smaller number will be required. But you need to take into account that not all guests like self-service.
Buffet table arrangement
The most economical option. In this case, there may be no chairs at all - that is, in the hall there will only be tables with drinks and snacks. A buffet is suitable if you do not have the funds to hold a large banquet or if you are immediately flying away on your honeymoon.
Characteristics of parents at the wedding
After the newlyweds are introduced, the baton passes to the parents . Agree, these are the most important people at a wedding after the bride and groom.
The presentation of parents should be special - these are guests of honor
Parents can be presented in prose or poetry. The speech should imply gratitude and respect for the older generation for the fact that they were able to raise worthy men and women.
In your presentation, start from your dad or mom’s hobbies character or profession . The style in which you meet your parents depends on what they consider acceptable. This point should be discussed in advance. If, for example, the groom’s mother and father are serious, intelligent people, then a comic performance will not be appropriate.
A dad’s description for a wedding could be like this: “Young at heart, a football fan, courageous and stern due to his profession - he teaches strength materials. I ask you to love and favor me, Georgy Petrovich, the father of the beautiful bride.” The groom's dad also needs an introduction. For example, the following text: “This noble man has always been an example for our groom. He is brave and strong - he serves in the FSB. He loves hockey and knows everything about fishing rods and bait. We present the groom’s father, Vasily Viktorovich.”
Presentation of parents at the wedding
Mothers of newlyweds need to be complimented. This will cheer them up. However, do not allow outright flattery - let it be a couple of succinct and truthful words.
The characteristics of the groom’s mother, for example, could be like this: “ A beautiful and elegant woman who could easily solve the problem near the Tower of Babel, as she is a professional translator. She also taught our groom to talk, walk and hold cutlery. So, the groom’s mother is Valentina Andreevna.”
Characteristics of the mother of the bride: “ Sociable and optimistic , she cannot imagine life without a dacha and a vegetable garden. This woman is also brilliantly versed in raising children, as she is an educational psychologist. We can verify this by looking at the bride. Ladies and gentlemen, the mother of our newlywed is Galina Timofeevna.”
In this way, you can introduce the newlyweds’ most dear people. Watch the video for a version of meeting parents in epigrams:
Unusual template seating plans used in various countries
Until recently, weddings in Russia were celebrated, as a rule, at several tables arranged in the shape of the letter “P”. Today, such accommodation of guests is considered not very convenient.
However, if the wedding is held in a small room, but there are just the opposite - a lot of guests - this method will perhaps be the most profitable in terms of accommodating people. What methods of seating guests at a wedding exist in other countries and can also be used at your celebration?
USA
In America, a wedding, like most other holidays where a large number of people gather, is celebrated in the form of a buffet. Two large tables are set, which are located parallel to each other. They should be placed in such a way that guests can move freely around the room and have the opportunity to communicate with each other. The table for the newlyweds and witnesses should be placed separately.
Italy
At Italian wedding celebrations, the bride and groom sit at a table that is installed on a podium. The rest of the people present at the holiday are located around them at round tables. This seating plan at a wedding is extremely convenient, since guests can clearly see everything that is happening at the newlyweds’ table and can easily take a photo of the bride and groom as a souvenir. In addition, they have the opportunity to calmly move around the room and communicate with each other.
Great Britain
In the UK, the newlyweds' table is located separately. The remaining guests sit eight people at each table. The British consider this method of seating to be the most convenient, since eight people sitting together will have the opportunity to clearly see everything that is happening at the wedding, and will also be able to communicate with each other.
The main thing here is to pay attention to such factors as the age of the guests sitting together, the degree of their relationship and common interests. Thus, the bride’s relatives should not be seated at the same table with the groom’s work colleagues, as they may have problems communicating.. Tables for guests and newlyweds can also be placed in the shape of the letter “T”
Behind the smaller part, naturally, there will be newlyweds and witnesses. The parents of the bride and groom can also sit here. This method of seating is convenient because guests can leave their seats and return without disturbing other event participants. In addition, all guests sitting at the table in the shape of the letter “T” will have a clear view of the newlyweds’ table. This method can be used if the wedding is celebrated in a small room, and many people will be present.
You can also place tables for guests and newlyweds in the shape of the letter “T”. Behind the smaller part, naturally, there will be newlyweds and witnesses. The parents of the bride and groom can also sit here. This method of seating is convenient because guests can leave their seats and return without disturbing other event participants. In addition, all guests sitting at the table in the shape of the letter “T” will have a clear view of the newlyweds’ table. This method can be used if the wedding is celebrated in a small room and many people will be present.
Other guests
The main task of the couple when drawing up a seating chart is to create conditions for comfortable communication for all guests. Therefore, it is very important to take into account many different factors, such as relationship, age and even personal likes/dislikes of the invitees. If among your guests there are people who are in conflict with each other, be sure to seat them at different tables.
Group guests by relationship or interests. Your work colleagues may be people of completely different ages, but most likely they will be comfortable together, because they have known each other for a long time. At the same time, do not be afraid to seat guests from the bride and groom at the same table - on the contrary, let the guests get to know each other, because now all your friends will be common.
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Author of the photo: Andrey Baida | Wedding of Nikolai and Tatiana
DIY cards
Once you've decided on the design of your place cards, it's time to start making them. The easiest option is to order cards printed at a printing house. There they will do it quickly, with any fonts, designs and even embossing on cardboard. However, you can make and sign the cards yourself.
From paper and cardboard
The easiest way to make them is from cardboard or paper. You can print the inscriptions yourself on a printer by preparing a layout in a graphics or text editor. Even the most basic computer programs allow you not only to write text, but also to frame it and select a beautiful font to suit every taste.
In the form of figures
You can make figures from polymer clay - this will be a small gift for guests that will delight them for many years. Or you can make figures from edible materials - then they will become a pleasant dessert. This could be, for example, edible mastic. Its most delicious options are made from gelatin or marshmallows.
Gingerbread
Another edible type of seedling cards, which bears little resemblance to cards as such, is gingerbread. We all know Tula gingerbreads covered with glaze and their varieties. Recently, their various analogues in the form of souvenirs have become increasingly popular.
These gingerbread cookies are easy to make yourself using the oven. And the names of the guests can be written by hand using icing and at the same time some symbolic drawing can be drawn nearby. For example, hearts or wedding rings. And the gingerbread cookies themselves can be made in the shape of a heart. You can also pack these gingerbread cookies in transparent packaging - then the names will be visible, and guests will be able to take the gingerbread home after the holiday.
Wedding seating plan
The card is a stand with the names of the guests, their serial number and a number with a specific table. The layout of the tables in the hall will look great. Cards with the table number and friends' names should be placed on the tables. This method allows you to seat all invitees in their seats in a short time.
To avoid a crowd around the map at one moment, it is advisable to make a copy of it and distribute it around the hall.
A good alternative for quick and fun seating is a special organizer who will manage the list and lead you to the right place.
An alphabetical list is a great idea. Everyone will be able to quickly find themselves and go to their assigned table.
The design can be a small floor plan. Guests, seeing it, can easily figure out where the table with their number is and which chair is intended for them.
Note to future newlyweds
Who should create the seating plan?
Even if the wedding is organized by a hired professional, the bride and groom should seat the guests, because they have an idea of the invited people and can effectively divide them into groups. Otherwise, mistakes cannot be avoided.
It is important that the issue is resolved through joint efforts. Only through discussion is a successful seating plan born. It is also worth listening to the wishes of important guests such as parents, close relatives and friends. In this case, the main thing is not to get confused in other people’s preferences and maintain objectivity.
READ ALSO: Error in marriage certificate - how to correct
The easiest way is to create the first version of the layout yourself using thematic services, rather than relying on an ordinary list. Firstly, during the creation process it is easy to visualize for yourself the arrangement of tables in the hall, and secondly, later this same template can be shown to the designer.
You can also entrust the creation of the poster to witnesses or even make it yourself. It should be located at the entrance to the hall for the convenience of guests arriving at the celebration.
What kind of seating cards can you make?
Cards can be of different sizes, shapes, colors, accordion-shaped, origami, hung like garlands, and so on. Use all kinds of decorations to create the perfect look. The place card can be themed if the wedding has a specific concept. For such ceremonies, use unusual solutions: fallen leaves for an autumn celebration, shells for a nautical-themed wedding, tree bark for an outdoor celebration.
Butterfly
Delicate butterfly cards are perfect for a summer wedding. To create a decoration, you will need white or any other pastel-colored cardboard (or thick paper), scissors, gel pens, pencils. How to do:
- print the stencil;
- trace it with a pencil, cut it out;
- Having stepped back a few millimeters from the edges, trace the outline with a pen, and then write the guest’s first and last name;
- slightly cut the lower area of the beginning of the wings, bend and “plant” the butterfly on the wine glass.
Bantika
For those brides who cannot devote a lot of time to making place cards, this simple option is suitable. To make a banquet accessory, you will need two things - a wide satin ribbon and scissors. The ribbon should be tied with a beautiful bow, and the name and surname of the guest should be written on both edges.
Heart
The heart symbolizes the love of the newlyweds, so this figurative decoration is perfect for the holiday. To create original place cards with your own hands, you will need a heart stencil (size - 10 cm wide), colored red paper, pen or marker, glue, pencil, scissors. Here are the instructions for creating cards:
- Attach the stencil, trace, cut out.
- Sign the card in the upper right corner, then cut the heart from the bottom to the center.
- Let the left side overlap the right, the heart will bend and become voluminous.
- Cut off any protruding paper.
- Instead of an inscription, you can use a sticker, and you can attach the heart, for example, to a glass using a thread threaded in the corner.
Postcards
To create this place card, take construction paper, ribbon, scissors, a hole punch and a marker. The postcard can be of any size. To do it:
- Cut out a square measuring 10 by 10 centimeters.
- Bend it in the middle from top to bottom to make a horizontal rectangle.
- Punch holes at the top and write a name on the card.
- Pull the ribbon through the holes and tie a bow.
Look at the photos of different postcards - a popular holiday table accessory.
Floral
Place cards made with flowers look romantic. This idea can be implemented in several ways:
- Place the flower in a square box, inside of which there will be a small vessel with water so that the plant remains blooming longer, and write an inscription on the box.
- Decorate your card with dried or decorative flowers to create the perfect composition.
It will be good if the plants are the same as those present in the bride’s bouquet.
With applications
Applique involves cutting out shapes and gluing them on top of each other to create the desired image - it can be an animal, a person, plants, or figured patterns. Place cards with handmade appliqués will look interesting. Use your imagination to come up with different variations of the accessory.
Origami figures
Elegant origami place cards with your own hands are ideal for a wedding in a Chinese or Japanese style. Making paper cutouts is a labor-intensive process that requires precision, so ask for help creating the cards. To decorate the entire banquet hall, you will need a large number of them.
Watch the video that describes step by step how to make a paper crane:
Write the name of the invited guest on the wings or use the figurine as a stand for a business card with an inscription.
Original holders for banquet cards
If you have already prepared standard paper cards for wedding seating, then you can add originality to them with the help of unusual holders. Here are a couple of interesting examples.
Wooden cut
For an eco-style wedding, holders for place cards can be made from wooden saw cuts. Original and environmentally friendly!
Materials and tools:
- wooden cuts with a diameter of about 7 cm;
- wood knife;
- cards with guest names;
- sandpaper.
Time: 15-20 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Take small cuts of wood. If you don't have ready-made cuts, just cut the branch into several pieces.
- Sand the cuts to make their surface smooth.
- Use a knife to cut a hole for the card in the middle of the cut.
- Insert the name card into the recess.
Pumpkins – original holders for name cards
Another interesting idea for an autumn celebration is holders for banquet cards in the shape of cute pumpkins.
Materials and tools:
- small decorative pumpkins;
- white and gold paint;
- brush;
- cards and marker;
- wire;
- pliers.
Time: 30 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Paint the pumpkins with white paint.
- Paint the pumpkin tails gold. You can decorate your pumpkins however you want! For example, you can print them with polka dots or stripes, paint them with a different paint, or create an ombre effect. Whatever your imagination desires!
- Cut the wire and twist it as shown in the picture. To do this, it is very convenient to use two types of pliers.
- Insert the wire into the pumpkin.
- Cut out cards of the size and design you want and write your guests' names on them.
- Insert name tags into the wire. Such original accessories will not only simplify the process of seating guests at a wedding, but will also decorate the festive tables.
Plasticine holders
Everyone in childhood loved to sculpt from plasticine, so why not remember your skills and create unique holders for place cards from this material with your own hands.
Materials and tools:
- plasticine of different colors;
- knife;
- name cards.
Time: 20 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Make thin sausages from white and blue plasticine. Connect them together.
- Make an egg from the resulting sausage.
- Cut the top of the egg.
- Insert the card into the slot. Now you know how easy it is to make your own unique accessories for seating guests at a wedding!
How to make it yourself using a template
First, the future newlyweds will need to choose a suitable sketch. To do this, you can find an image of any butterfly you like and transfer it using carbon paper or tracing paper onto a sheet to create a stencil. You can finish this version already or cut out additional patterns in the resulting blank, which will then be made on the main copies.
If this option is not suitable, then you can decorate the butterfly on a stencil with a simple pencil, dividing the wings into segments, so that you can then transfer the drawing onto cards. If you have a printer, the process becomes even faster and easier - the blanks are printed in the required quantity and cut out.
Cardboard or thick paper of the desired shade is suitable as a base. Butterflies can be plain or made from designer sheets with a pattern that matches the style of the wedding. If the butterfly will be attached to a glass, then the belly is trimmed symmetrically in two places so that there is no need to add additional elements.
Modern technologies
Modern technologies will help to stylize the seating plan for guests to match the wedding concept and once again entertain them. For fans of the Game of Thrones series Nikita and Dasha, the WeDoAgency team created a celebration almost at the very location where the cult saga was filmed - in Croatian Dubrovnik, and embodied the love of the newlyweds and their guests for quests in the details. On the seating chart, guests found keys with their name and QR code. By reading it using a smartphone, they found out their table number.
Photographer: Roman Ivanov
Banquet cards for an autumn wedding
If your wedding is planned for the “golden” time of the year, then you can easily emphasize the autumn atmosphere of the holiday with the help of unusual place cards made with your own hands from paper and acorns.
- paper;
- threads;
- acorns;
- glue gun;
- measuring tape.
Time: 20-30 minutes.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Remove the caps from the acorns.
- Cut the thread 60 cm long and insert the thread into the needle.
- Pull the thread through the top of the cap.
- Tie a knot on the inside of the hat.
- Apply some glue to the inside of the acorn cap.
- Glue the “body” of the acorn to the cap. Attach another acorn to the opposite end of the thread.
- Take the card and strings with acorns.
- Tie the card with a thread crosswise.
- Then again. As a result, the acorns should end up on the front side of the card.
- Twist the acorns together. To securely attach them, you can use glue.
- Put the guest's name on the card (you can simply write it in calligraphy with a pen).
Another beautiful idea for an autumn celebration is banquet cards made from leaves. Let's watch and be inspired to get creative!
