When Place Cards Meet Wedding Favors…

As you have probably already figured out from Pinterest and your collection of bridal magazines, place cards aren’t necessarily a wedding requirement (especially if your reception will be fairly informal) but the possibilities are so limitless that many brides choose to use them anyway as a fun excuse to get crafty. Formal folded place cards decorated with calligraphy do still exist, but trendier alternatives have come onto the scene. These days, place cards can be nearly anything--bars of soap, bottles of beer, boxes of cookies or candies, and more. As long as a guest’s name can appear on it, then you can probably use it as a place card.
Wedding favors can also be just as creative. Jordan almonds are no longer a necessity—you can give your guests nearly anything that you want. Whatever they are, family and friends really do appreciate those “tokens of appreciation,” so why not make them do double-duty? Combining your place cards with your wedding favors is not only a great way to show off your creative side, it’s a good way to help trim your wedding budget.

Flowers to Go

Miniature apothecary bottles, which can be ordered online or found at many craft stores, can serve as small vases. Attach labels with your guests’ names or tie name tags to each bottle and fill them with water the evening before your wedding to save time. Insert one or two blooms into each, and voila! Your guests will all have adorable vases—which will also decorate your reception tables—to take home and know where they are supposed to sit.

Personalized Candy Jars

Cellophane bags of candy are fine, but miniature glass jars are relatively inexpensive and a lot classier. Fill with butter mints, M&Ms, starlight mints, or whatever candies you prefer. Place labels bearing each guest’s name on the front and sit at every place sitting.

Mini Bottles of Wine

If you are not opposed to having alcohol at your wedding reception, consider using miniature bottles of wine as your place cards/wedding favors. Generally available in four to six ounce bottles, they are the perfect size to place at each seat. Cover the existing labels by wrapping cardstock that contains guests’ names around each bottle and simply tape down the back to secure. If children will be present, make similar kid-friendly favors using root beer or other bottled sodas! And gently remind your guests to enjoy their wine at home—they should never drink and drive!

Take-Out Boxes

Take-out boxes that resemble the ones from Chinese restaurants can be used for a variety of purposes. They are available in multiple colors and can hold nearly anything you can imagine. Fill them with wrapped candies, cookies, soaps or other small toiletries, a candle or two, or whatever your heart desires. Attach a name tag with a number to each box handle and display them at the reception entryway. Guests can find their box, read their number, and know which table they should sit at.

Specialty Items

If you aren’t quite sure what to use as your place cards and wedding favors, consider contacting B In The Center BITC’s Barbara Alexander for suggestions. Her custom-designed, hand-made centerpieces and décor items can serve many purposes—such as adding a touch of class to your wedding reception tables.