Reception place card etiquette

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Wedding receptions typically host a variety of guests, and seating arrangements may offer the bride and groom an opportunity to arrange their reception in a way that promotes comfort, enjoyment and coordination for all who are celebrating. Among each table, place cards may help to ensure that specific people may sit together, while also distilling potential conflict or awkwardness.

1. Function

   • A place card is typically used in conjunction with an escort card and table number. The escort card is displayed near the front entrance and tells the guest what table she is sitting at. This can be designated by either a table number or a personalized option such as places traveled or childhood pet names. Once the guest arrives at her assigned table, a place card assigns her a specific seat.

   Tradition

   • Place cards are most often used at the head table. This is a position of honor intended for the bride, the groom and their attendants. Customarily, the bride and groom sit together and are flanked by their maid of honor and best man, respectively. Bridesmaids would sit next to the maid of honor in a designated order, as would groomsmen after the best man. Taking into account any potential speeches or need for exit access, may also help to decide the seating arrangement.

   Considerations

   • The names of a couple may share one place card, but if so, should be placed between their designated table settings. For clarity, it may be helpful to write each individual's name on his own place card and set it directly in front of his seat. This is especially true if they are not assigned to sit directly next to each other. It is still acceptable for a couple to share an escort card that will direct them to the correct table. A single guest should always have his own escort and place card.

   Types

   • Using place cards for every person at the wedding is considered a very formal option. A slightly less black-tie, but still traditionally proper, choice is to provide place cards for the wedding party at the head table, and at the bride's parents' table, while assigning only table numbers for the rest of the guests. Buffets are considered to be more casual and allow for either assigned or open tables. Cocktail formats encourage milling about and often do not provide enough seating for every guest, so an open seating arrangement is necessary.

   Benefits

   • The place card's job is to let the guests know where to sit, but that doesn't mean it can't represent individuality, the theme of the wedding or be multipurpose. Place cards can be a decorative accent to the table as part of a small flower bouquet or customized napkin setup. They may also combine function and a heartfelt keepsake by doubling as a favor for guests to take with them.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: place card, bride groom, escort card, place cards, card etiquette, couple share