Function

• Place cards provide a sense of ease for guests, instructing them on where to sit. They generally assist in setting the tone for a formal event and also bring a sense of order to the event by giving direction. The presence of place cards also suggests that the hosts took time in considering where guests should sit. It is a gesture of thoughtfulness on behalf of the hosts.
  
  

Considerations

• Planned seating allows for families, friends and couples to be seated together and also allows the hosts to seat people who do not get along at separate tables. A good host should also consider his guests' interests and seat a guest near others who may share such interests. Couples and families should always be seated at the same table, or adjacent tables for large groups. At weddings, it is considered appropriate for the wedding party to sit together with the bride and groom; the attendants' dates are typically seated at a table together.
  
  

Types

• As a place card helps to set the tone for an event, there are as many types as you can imagine. Formal events should include place cards with calligraphy or nicely computer printed labels. For fun events, such as a large birthday party for a child, hosts can make place tags using clip art (such as balloons or something to match the theme). Place cards should reflect the event in style, color and font.
  
  

Features

• Place cards display the full name of the guest and the table at which they are seated. Use of titles depends upon the formality of the event. Examples include:
  John Smith, Table 7
  Dr. John L. Smith, Table Seven
  J. Smith, 7
  
  

Geography

• There is usually a specific table set aside at which guests can retrieve cards to find their own table, however some events may have place cards already set at tables. This is especially true for smaller events, such as a family dinner. In this instance, guests find their table by searching for their name.
  
  

Size

• You may select the size of your place cards. The standard place card is a 5-by-4-inch piece of paper, folded lengthwise. Place cards set in holders can be any shape or size, but no place card should detract from the ambiance of the event or the centerpiece on the table. Place cards must be small enough for a place setting to sit between the card and the guest and should not block guests' views when speaking to one another.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Place cards with calligraphy are most dignified, but the most cost-effective and professional method of place card making involves ordering or making your own place cards. Please consult the below resources for those options.