DIY is not always a dirty word. There is something so lovely about creating some character to display at you wedding that you know was all you. From coming up with the concept, to putting it together with your (and maybe your bridesmaids, mum, future mother-in-law etc) bare hands and having the compliments flooding in is a feeling of elation that can only be matched by the emotions that swell when saying your vows…. Ok ok, that was pushing it a little. But there really is something so thoughtful and endearing about DIY. Whether you are doing alot or a little, the element of Do it Yourself can be something you decide to do a few weeks out or from the onset of planning your wedding. And one way in which it can be included last minute is through your place cards.

I hear you sister, you are telling me you are not creative. You don’t have a stylists bone in your body. And maybe even the last time you tried to use glue you stuck your fingers together for 5 days. But that’s ok, for those of you who are ‘creatively challenged’ I have the answer!

Start here. 

Think about your current overall look or theme | Is it all white err-thang? Are you going for a certain jewel toned colour scheme? Are you having an eco-wedding? You want to make sure this component keeps in line with your overall look and theme.

Tablescape | What is already being featured on your table settings? Are you including floral? Are you having interesting looking glassware? Where would it be best to fit in and what would be surrounding your place cards? Based on your current setting, what colour, size and style would work? For placement, usually the card is positioned at the top edge of the plate. But it doesn’t have to. Consider using mini pegs to attach a one-piece place card to each guests wine glass. Or even under the plate – if you have a glass plate a lace paper doily with simple calligraphy is fun way to include your guests name (pictured).

Print or 3D | Now decide if you want something printed or 3D. With printing, this could mean getting a great graphic designer involved and include professional printing costs, but would take out having to get your hands dirty. So really work out if you want to tie everything in through an ‘object’ or simply through clever design. For example – the rocks with simple calligraphy (pictured below) is all about the object, whereas the first image with the pop up lettering (above) is all about the design.

Font | Are you going to get these printed? Use a calligrapher? Or does someone in your family have beautiful writing that would happily write these? Also consider if you are going to do first and last name, just first name or first and initial, to determine how big these need to be. *FYI – if you are using a calligrapher you will pay more for first and last name.

Gifting | Will this be something guests can take home? As I have said many times before, your wedding your way – you do not need to gift guests if you don’t want to. However this is a fun way to include their gift as part of the place setting. Like the ornamental pears pictured – simply purchase small ceramic pears, paint the top 3/4’s white and attach a simple home printed name tag.

How creative do you want to get | The simplicity of a plain white card, beautiful font with a sprig of greenery (pictured) will add something a little different to your setting, so you don’t have to introduce paper aeroplane place cards or a moose (both pictured above) to get people talking! Just roll with what is most suitable to your style.

It’s not you, it’s me | Just remember to include a bit of both of your personalities into the wedding. Don’t have a ‘my little pony’ with each guests name spray painted in to the horses mane (unless your future Husbandido is into that, no judgement). Keep it matching with the setting and BOTH of your personalities.

So get a little creative, these talking points can be so simple to create and are really what you and your guests will remember and talk about for years to come. It’s those personal touches that really resonate with your loved ones.