by A. Sc.

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2011

Place cards are a wonderful way to avoid confusion, fighting and other potential problems when it comes to your wedding reception. By designating a seat for everyone, you make sure each and every guest is taken care of. By making sure fighting relatives don't sit at the same table, you also make sure your big day doesn't get spoiled by silly bickering.

1. PHOTOGRAPH

If you have the time and money, think about making personal place cards for each guest. You and your intended will need some white paper and a black marking pen. Right the guests name in big letters on the paper. Take a picture of the two of you holding that guest's name. Use the picture as the actual place card. This can take awhile to do, especially if you're throwing a big wedding, but guests always love this technique. Remind the guests to take the photo with them as part of their gift.

2. CHARACTERS

If you know someone with a little artistic and cartoon-styled talent, you may be able to pull off the perfect, humorous placement card idea. You'll need a photo of each guest so that the artist can make a small and quick cartoon portrait from it. Write the guest's name under the picture, just in case they don't recognize themselves. Now just sit back and watch everyone giggle at their very personal, cartoon inspired place card.

3. EARTH FRIENDLY

If you having a green, earth-friendly wedding, think about creating your own place cards from your own, hand-crafted paper. This rough paper looks earthy and interesting no matter what, but especially fun as place cards. If you have a little knowledge about making your own paper, try adding flower seeds to the pulp. This way each guest can take their place card when they leave, plant it, and rejoice in the flowers that will grow.

4. SHAPES

A great way to carry your wedding theme into your place cards is to use shaped cards. Buy some flower shaped paper and write the guest's names in pastel ink for a spring wedding. Try some sparkling, snowflake shaped cards for a winter wedding. A fall wedding looks fantastic with autumn leaf place cards and a summer wedding can use bright and cheery sun shaped cards.

If you love sports, use a basketball shaped place card. If you love animals, use cards with pictures of your favorite creature. Try to find those donation cards you can buy from an animal charity. If your wedding is all about love, think about using heart shaped, swan shaped, dove shaped, or ringing bell shaped cards.

5. STAMPS

If you have to use basic, rectangle

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