How many place cards do we need?+
One per seated guest, counted from the seating plan rather than the guest list — children at the table need one, a plus-one who is not staying for the meal does not. A handful of spares is worth having for last-minute seating changes and for names that get spelled wrong.
What size are place cards?+
Ours are 85 x 55mm, the same footprint as a business card. That is large enough to read from across a place setting and small enough to sit on a napkin or against a glass without crowding the table.
Should place cards be flat or folded?+
A folded card stands up by itself and can be read from across the table, which suits a long or round table where guests are looking for their seat. A flat card lies on the napkin or plate and suits a more pared-back setting. Both are offered; the folded one uses twice the paper and is priced accordingly.
What should be written on a place card?+
First name and surname reads as more formal and helps where two guests share a first name. First name alone is warmer and suits a relaxed day. What matters more than either is being consistent across every card — a table with some full names and some first names looks like an oversight.
When should place cards be ordered?+
Whenever suits you. Because the name is written in by hand, a card is not wasted if the seating changes — so place cards can be ordered with the rest of your stationery rather than waiting on the final plan. Allow a week or two before the day for printing and delivery.
Can place cards match the rest of the table stationery?+
Yes. Place cards, menus and the table plan are usually printed in the same typeface, colours and paper so the table reads as one set. Foiling and rounded corners are available on place cards if the rest of the stationery carries them.
