Once all of the wedding invitation response cards have been sent back it’s up to the bride and groom to decide where each confirmed guest should be seated. This may look like an easy task, but it usually isn’t. After looking at the names the bride is remembering that Aunt Lucy won’t speak to Aunt Mary, and hockey buddies have recently had a fight over a girl. Then there’s the group of ten co-workers that you want to have sitting together, but your reception tables only seat eight people. You certainly can’t let guests drift into the reception area and pick where they want to sit, so the joyous task begins of sorting everyone into fairly friendly groups where preferably no one’s feelings will be hurt.

Place card holders can come in handy at weddings, especially for larger groups of people. They can be used in several different ways, depending on your preferences. Place card holders can be set at the door to the reception hall where guests can find them as they enter. In this instance, the cards should show the guest’s name and their table name or number. The guest can then bring their place card holder to their table and use the holder to save their place.

Another option is to already have each place card holder set at each place setting. This does not allow the guests an option of selecting their seat at their assigned table, but it does allow you the opportunity to more easily keep some distance between guests who may may have a conflict. One con to this option is that earlier guests who want a different seat may start to rearrange the place card holders to suit their own preference. If you’re worried this may happen, ask a member of the bridal party to be watching as guests enter the hall.

If you have a smaller wedding and aren’t as worried about where your guests are sitting, or if you have a table guide showing each guest and their table number, you can still incorporate place card holders as whimsical favors for your guests to take home. Instead of using them for names, you can write a thank-you note on the cards, or even a line or two of your favorite poem. By using them in an unexpected way, you can a bit of whimsy and fun to your reception decor.

The fabulous thing about place card holders is that they are available in a huge variety of themes, shapes and colors. You can opt for the more traditional looking miniature frame, or you can opt for coasters, luggage tags, tealights or keychains just to mention a few. Whatever your theme, you’re guaranteed to find the ideal place card holders for your wedding.

Just a friendly tip - once you have the seating arrangements figured out, be sure to add an additional place or two for guests who attend even though they said they wouldn’t be. You can be sure of a surprise or two, and it’s helpful to be prepared.

For more related posts regarding wedding seating:

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