Successful wedding receptions, when planned creatively and finely orchestrated, appear effortless, yet turn out effective, memorable and fun. One of the often overlooked small details that contribute to this success, are those little miniature signs known as placecards. Placecards literally direct people to a pre-planned seating arrangement, arranged by the bride and groom, so as to create a comfortable surrounding. This powerful little detail can make all the difference between a good wedding and a great wedding.
People prefer being given a little direction at most events, especially wedding receptions, because it reduces the stress of making potentially awkward seating decisions. Most people would rather be surrounded by others with whom they feel comfortable.
An integrated and well thought out seating arrangement can also result in a table where the various personalities generate interest, humor and fun. Placecards also help the guests to remember the greater-than-usual amount of names. Want your special day to go off without a hitch? Start with your placecards and guide your guests to the perfect table.
So, now that I've made my case for placecards, consider these creative twists on what could easily be an uncreative detail;
- A personalized bottle of Jones Soda with your engagement photo and wedding information on the commemorative label*
- Shot glass car favors with adjacent appropriate place card*
- A small seasonal plant in a terra cotta pot makes a wonderful placecard holder, as well as a favor. Or have the guests' names hand lettered directly onto the pot using color coordinated paint markers
- Insert the name and table number in miniature picture frames which can double as favors
- Apples or pears make for a uniquely edible placecard when a hang tag, tied to the stem with decorative ribbon, includes the guest's name and a fun saying such as "The Perfect Pair", or the "The Apple of My Eye"
- Try simply adding creative tags or labels onto the wedding favors

Seating Arrangements:
Each placecard is preset at the table the guest is assigned to, directly in front of that guest's seat. Seating options to consider:

1. Husbands and wives (or couples that come together) are seated at the same table, but not next to one another. In this case guests should alternate, male and female. The person seated to the right of another is considered in the position of honor.

2. Couples that come together are seated next to one another.

3. Couples that come together are seated at different tables.

Placecard Styles:
The placecard itself can vary from the most formal; an ivory or white, gold or silver, bevel-edged, flat card placed on a formal folded napkin; to a theme-related novelty item. The only requirement is that the name appear somewhere on it.

Identification Styles:
Formal approach-- Mr. Jones.
If there are two Mr. Jones at the table, then the first name is used, i.e:
Mr. Mark Jones.

Informal approach-- Mark, or Mark Jones.
(use the last name only when there is a duplicate first name at the table.)
*For more detailed information and creative ideas visit http://www.magicwandweddings.com/placecards.html