Unique Place Card Ideas That Aren’t Paper

Place cards or escort cards are a classic and typical item to have at a wedding, birthday, gala, or other large event where guests will be seated for a dinner. They help direct guests to their seat or table, as well as add to the table decor and give each guest that spark of feeling special since something was made ahead of time just for them, with their name on it.

Because place cards are endlessly customizable, they can be created to match or enhance the feel and vibe of the event. While tented paper place cards are classic and beautiful, there is a whole world of possibilities out there to choose from, and so much creativity to be called upon.

Here are some alternative place card ideas for your wedding or other event that think outside of the paper box.

Tiles

Modern and sleek, these come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors to match your tablescape.

Seaglass

A beautiful option for nautical or beach themed events. Pieces of seaglass can’t help but add uniqueness since each piece is just a little different from the next.

Acrylic

Choose from circles, squares, hexagons, or some other shape entirely. Acrylic comes in a variety of colors, or you can paint the back of clear acrylic to match the event color scheme.

Shot glasses or Drinkware

Engrave the name of each guest on a glass and they can keep it to use long after the event is over. As a bonus they’ll think of your special day every time they use it!

Fruit or Vegetables

A unique and more eco-friendly place card option that can be composted, or maybe even used in a drink! Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, even apples or pears could be used. Vegetables like small pumpkins or gourds are perfect for fall, or you could think outside the box and use zucchini, potatoes, or peppers!

Agates

Slices of agate are amazingly beautiful and come in all different colors and sizes. Match them to your event color scheme, or mix it up and go colorful.

Leaves

Leaves come in many different shapes and colors and are another more eco-friendly option. Some types of leaves are more durable than you’d imagine and stay looking great for at least several days.

Miniature Spirits Bottles

Personalize the bottle itself with engraving, or write each guest’s name on a tag to attach to the bottle.

Other ideas could include wooden blocks, seashells, Christmas ornaments, ribbons, spoons, small books, jewelry, glassware, small toys, river rocks, the list goes on! As you can see, place cards are only limited by your imagination. With a little inventiveness, calligraphy can be written on almost anything you might want to use at your event, or you can choose to write guest names on paper tags that are then attached to an item.

Keep in mind that pricing for calligraphy on non-paper materials is usually a little bit more than traditional paper. Budget for $1-2 more per card, but remember that the end result will be worth it!

Love any of the ideas in this blog post? Get in touch with me and let’s work together to make sure your guests remember their placecards for a long time!

Cheers! Kim

*Seaglass place cards and photo by Jess of Write This Way Calligraphy