Advice

Typically ordering place cards is not something we do everyday and we often receive many questions from the ordering process to proper place card etiquette. Personalized place cards for weddings and other special events provide that above and beyond touch to your dinner. Our Advice page offers many answers to common place card questions. We try to make everything as simple as possible, if you have any questions that you do not see an answer for or would just like to speak to someone, you can call 1.314.753.8089 or email tom@placecards.com and we can directly help you. Also check out our blog Tips & Tricks. Plus Everything Else Awesome for more ideas, inspiration, and our place card etiquette series. 

 

General Questions and Answers

Who orders our place cards?

How our calligraphy printing is done.

Color display on computer screen versus printed color.

What Happens When I Order My Place Cards?

 

Guests List

Preparing your guests list for printing.

Sending your guest list.

Completing you guest list in a timely manner.

 

Place Cards

Adding personalization to your place cards.

Printing table numbers or name on your place cards.

Printing on the inside of tented place cards & pricing.

Food choices printed on your place cards.

Printing extra place cards for last minute additions (after order has been shipped).

Sorting and printing your place cards in alphabetical order.

Worried about long names?

Using roman numerals?

List contains foreign characters?

Place cards for guests who have not RSVP’ed yet.

Place cards for guests’ date or escort.

The size, paper, and thickness of our place cards.

The size, paper, and thickness of our table cards.

General Questions and Answers

Who orders our place cards?

Many of our customers have never purchased personalized place cards for their wedding or special event and have many questions and concerns. 

Generally our customers consist of the bride or groom, an event planner, or a family member or friend helping to get things ready for the special occasion. Many have already tried to put something together themselves and find it is a major hassle with little time to spare; they call Placecards.com. Read some of our past customers reviews about Placecards.com.

 

Placecards.com is always just a phone call or email way for any questions you may have.  We have also put together this extensive Advice page to help answer any questions.

Return to Top of Page

How our calligraphy printing is done.

The first step for us is to import your guest list into our place card printing program. We can automatically convert lists from the most common formats (e.g. Word, Excel) and have file conversion utilities to handle many other formats.

Once your list is imported, we begin the font sizing and layout process. Based upon the font you select and the average length of the names on your list, we determine the font size that is most appropriate for your list. We then check to see if any of your guests' names would be too long to print on a place card at the selected size. If there are some long names, their font size will be reduced enough to fit on the place card. If any of the long names are so long that we cannot get a decent print size, we may contact you with recommendations on resolving this problem.

After the print size is determined, the place cards are laid out. We center every name both vertically and horizontally on every place card. Depending on the print size, we will adjust the leading (the space between each line) on the place cards to the accurate distance. If you select options such as place card personalization (e.g., printing your first names and wedding date on the back of the card), the placement of that text is determined. Once the layout is complete, we will send you a proof via e-mail to be reviewed for any changes or missed spelling errors. The proof would be sent to you in a PDF format (readable in Adobe Acrobat).

After layout and proof approval, the cards are printed. Our place cards are printed using solid ink technology, guaranteeing the finest print quality.

After printing the place cards, the place cards are scored so you can easily fold them before placement. Then we cut the place cards down to the correct size and stack them up like a deck of cards. The place cards are now ready to be packed and shipped.

Note: "Our place cards are cut with a professional cutting machine providing a smooth cut eliminating any jagged or perforated edges.

Return to Top of Page

Color display on computer screen versus printed color.

The way a computer screen displays color may vary from the final printed color, and these color variations can even range from one computer screen to the next. If matching a color exactly to your event colors it is best to order a sample of the color.

A short explanation regarding why the colors can vary, first when viewing colors on a computer monitor, the screen and images have light emitting through the image, where as an image on paper there is not light illuminating the image the same way the computer screen. Second, moving from computers some colors may look different as well because each screen is calibrated differently which can affect the way the colors look.

Return to Top of Page

Guests List

Preparing your guests list for printing.

We require the list in an electronic file, such as a spreadsheet or word processing file. 90% of the lists we receive are provided to us in either Microsoft Excel or Word. We do not accept printed copies or handwritten files.

Our basic place card (no design) can hold up to 2 lines for the names on the place card and an additional line for the table information.

The additional line for the table information is optional. This line can be for a table number or name, or a “Table _____”, if you need more time to finish the seating arrangements.

Word Processing and Text Editor Files

If you are entering your list in a word processor or text editor, we suggest you use one line for each place card. If the place card is to have names on a second line, separate them with double slashes ( // ).

Example 1:

Mr. Arthur Fisch // Ms. Lucille Demartino <---- 1st place card with names on 2 lines

Mr. and Dr. Bernard Brandle <-------- 2nd place card with names on 1 lines

Mr. Jason Strum <------- 3rd place card, etc.

If you plan to include the optional table numbers, simply enter the table numbers before the names and place a double slash after the number.

 

Example 2:

13 // Ms. Dailan Swann // Mr. Terrence Golden <---- 1st card with Table Number 13

9 // Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Peterson <------ 2nd card with Table Number 9

6 // Mr. Stephen Van Elslander <------ 3rd card, Table Number 6, etc.

Spreadsheet Lists

If you use a spreadsheet for the place card list, create two columns in the spreadsheet for the names on the place cards. Column 1 would be line 1 on the place card and column 2 would be the second line on the place card. If you only need one line for the names on a particular place card, leave column 2 blank.

If you plan on including table numbers, create a third column for the table numbers.

For example:

Column 1

Column 2

Table Number (optional)

Ms. Dailan Swann

Mr. Terrence Golden

13

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Peterson

.

9

Mr. Stephen Van Elslander

.

6

Return to Top of Page

Sending your guest list.

When you fill out our online Order Form, it will have a place for you to attach the file that contains your guest list. You can click on the "Browse" button and it will pop-up a Windows "Choose File" dialog box. Your computer's folders will be displayed. You can click on the folder that contains your file (probably in My Documents). Once you are in the correct folder, simply click on your guest list file and close the dialog box. Your file’s name should then appear on the place card order form. When you submit your order, a copy of your guest list file will attach itself to our order form. We will receive both your order form and guest list together.

Return to Top of Page

Completing your guest list in a timely manner.

We have found that one of the biggest concerns our customers are having is completing their guest list in a timely manner. You may not have all the RSVP's back or you need more time to complete seating arrangements. Even children's names or the name of a guest's date can be difficult to determine. We are well aware of these concerns.

Some suggestions on this:

1. We have set up a 24 and 48-hour rush service in order to print your place cards in the shortest time possible. So it is possible to order on Tuesday and have the place cards on their printed and shipped on Wednesday or Thursday. This gives you as much time as possible to assemble your guest list.

2. If you run out of time and you have not received all your RSVP's back, we suggest you go ahead and include these guests on your list and we will print a place card for them. If you find out later that they are not going to attend the reception, you can simply throw their place card away. It is easier for you to throw away a few place cards than to reorder additional ones later.

3. If you're uncertain about the spelling of a guest's name, include the name on your guest list with several different spellings. We will make a place card for each of these spellings. Again you can throw away the incorrect ones later (when you determine the correct spelling).

4. If you are not certain if a guest is bringing a date/escort/friend, include the guest's name twice. One place card would include the guest ("and Guest") and the other would not. Again you can throw away the one you don’t use.

5. If you are providing us with the table numbers and you're uncertain at which table you want to place a certain guest, include the name several times on your list with the different possible table numbers you might seat them at. Here again, you can throw away the incorrect ones later. Another possibility is to not include a table number for that guest and we can print "Table ___" on the last line of that place card. You can then fill in the table number later.

Return to Top of Page

Place Cards

Adding personalization to your place cards.

Placecards.com can personalize the back of the place card with an event name and date. It is a really nice touch! We have received so many compliments on it that we strongly recommend it. There is no additional cost to have us print the personalization for the place cards.

Return to Top of Page

Printing table numbers or name on your place cards.

We can print your place cards with or without a table line (“Table _____”). How do you decide? It depends on how you are using your place cards. If you plan on having an entrance table where all the place cards are displayed, you would then want a table number line. The guests would find their place card and proceed to the table indicated. You can include more than one person on these cards.

If you plan on having place cards right at the table setting, you will not need the table number line printed (since your guest will already be at their table when they find their place card). We would recommend one place card for each person.

If you choose to have the table number line, it can be printed with an underscore ("Table ___"). You can then write in the table numbers at the last minute. If you already have your guests seating arrangement complete, we can also print the actual table number on the place card (Ex: "Table 16"). Just add the table numbers next to the guests' names in your guest list file. If you would prefer to name your tables rather than number them, we can print your table names (Ex: West Palm Beach or West Palm Beach Table).

If you wish to have place cards at the entrance table directing the guests to the correct table and you also wish to have a second place card awaiting each guest at their dinner place. We can simply print a second set without the table numbers/names on the cards. Discounted pricing is available for the second set of place cards.

Return to Top of Page

Printing on the inside of tented place cards and pricing.

If you would like the table number/names or a "Table __" printed on the inside of the tented style place cards please contact the office or include in the comments section. We currently do not have an option on our ordering form, additional charge applies for inside printing and will be applied to the order after it is received. In order to print the table numbers on the inside involves additional setup and a second run through the printer. 

Printing the table number or name on the inside is an additional charge of $25.00.

Printing only "Table __" on the inside is an additional charge of $7.50. 

Return to Top of Page

Food choices printed on your place cards.

We can print a food choice on your place cards, which are usually designated by a single letter. An example of the use of a single letter might be "B" for beef, "C" for chicken and "V" for vegetarian. These letters would be positioned in the lower right corner of the place card, where the food servers can easily see them.

Some customers prefer to have a full description of the food choice printed on the second line of the place card instead of a table number or name. For example: "Blackened Chicken" or "Filet Mignon".

Another unique option for designating food choices (if using a design) is to simply change the design color for each food choice. For example: Merlot Design color for Beef and a Navy Design color for “Fish”. This is best with only a few food choices and choosing clearly different colors to ensure that the servers do not get the colors mixed up. *Additional Cost*

Return to Top of Page

Printing extra place cards for last minute additions (after order has been shipped).

To have extra cards printed after the original order has shipped, there is a $10 charge plus the shipping expense (limit of 20 cards). Please contact us for pricing if you need more than 20 additional place cards.

Please note that we normally provide 10 extra blank place cards with your original shipment. If you have any last minute additions, you could also use these cards to hand write in the guest's name. We can also provide more blank place cards with the original shipment, if you request them.

Return to Top of Page

Sorting and printing your place cards in alphabetical order.

If you are going to place your cards on an entrance table, you will probably want to display them in alphabetical order. The guests will have an easier time finding their place card if they are in alphabetical order. We can alphabetize your list for you (at no extra charge) this service will save you the time and effort of shuffling the place cards around to get them in order.

If you plan on locating the place cards at the place settings, you might consider having the list sorted by table number. All the guests at the same table would be together in the stack. It seems that most lists are sent to us in this order and we are happy to keep it in that same order.

Return to Top of Page

Worried about long names?

Based upon the font you select and the average length of the names on your list, we calculate the font size that is most appropriate for your list. We then check to see if any of your guests' names would be too long to print on a place card at the selected size. If there are some long names, their size will be individually modified enough to fit on a place card. If any of the long names are so long that we end up with font size that is too hard to read, we may contact you with recommendation on resolving this problem.

Some suggestions on how to avoid long lines:

Rather than on one line:
"Mr. John Smith and Miss Susan Jackson"

You could make it two lines:
"Mr. John Smith"
”Miss Susan Jackson"

Use abbreviations for titles rather than full spelling.

Use "Rev." rather than "Reverend"
Use "Dr." rather than "Doctor"
Use "Lt. Col." rather than "Lieutenant Colonel"

It is perfectly acceptable to use abbreviations for titles.

Rather than on one line:
"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams and Family"

You could make it:
"The Thomas Williams Family"

Or on two lines:
"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams"
"and Family"

Or on two lines using children’s names:
"Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Williams"
"James, Susan and Christy"

Another possibility is to use an "&" rather than "and":
"Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family"
"Mr. & Mrs. John Smith & Family"

Return to Top of Page

Using roman numerals?

Not all the fonts available have Roman Numerals in their character set. If you select such a font and have roman numerals in your guest list, we will use the font "CHA" to print the roman numerals. All other printing on your card would be in the font you selected.

We are often asked why we can't use the capital letter "I". We can, but the capital "I" may be very cursive. In this case the capital "I" does not look like a Roman numeral at all.

Return to Top of Page

List contains foreign characters?

We can print letters with accents. We do not remove the accents. We cannot print in some character sets (Example: Chinese).

Return to Top of Page

Place cards for guests who have not RSVP’ed yet.

You may have some RSVP's that haven't been returned. So you are unsure about whether some guests are coming or not. When in doubt, assume they are coming. Include them on your place card list and we will print a place card for them. If you find out later that they are not coming, you can remove their place card from the stack. This is a lot easier and less costly than having to come back and have us print additional cards.

Return to Top of Page

Place cards for guests’ date or escort.

What if you are unsure about whether a guest is bringing an escort? You can have us print two or more cards that handle all possibilities. For example, the first card might only have your guest's name (Mr. John Smith). The second card could be printed with your guest's name plus "and Guest" (Mr. John Smith and Guest).. You could even make a separate card for your guest's escort ("Mr. John Smith's Guest" or "Guest of Mr. John Smith").

Card 1 "Mr. John Smith"

Card 2 "Mr. John Smith and Guest"

Card 3 "Mr. John Smith's Guest" or "Guest of Mr. John Smith"

Return to Top of Page

The size, paper, and thickness of our place cards.

Size:
Front Panel: 4-1/4" wide by 1-13/16" high.
Back Panel: 4-1/4" wide by 1-13/16" high.

Our standard place cards tented cards that are scored between the front and back panel. This will ensures that the place cards fold easily.

If you need custom size flat place cards please contact the office at 1-800-279-1989 or send us an email sales@placecards.com and we will send you a quote.

Paper and Thickness:

Domtar, Cougar, 80# Cover, Natural Smooth Finish, Grain Long (P/N 2985)

http://www.domtar.com/en/paper-products/cougar.asp

Return to Top of Page

The size, paper, and thickness of our table cards.

Dimensions: 5” wide by 7” high.

Our table cards are not tented and require a stand or holder.

If you need custom size table cards please contact the office at 1-800-279-1989 or send us an email sales@placecards.com and we will send you a quote.

Paper and Thickness:

Weyerhaeuser, Cougar Opaque, 80# Cover, Natural Smooth Finish, Grain Long

Return to Top of Page