What to write on wedding place cards
A place card has one job: help each guest find their seat. Here’s how to word the names, with examples.
First names or full names?
Match the tone of your wedding and stay consistent across every card.
- First name and surname (Emily Nguyen) is the safest choice and avoids mix-ups when two guests share a first name.
- First name only (Emily) feels relaxed and suits small weddings where everyone knows each other.
- Title and surname (Mr and Mrs Patel) suits a formal reception. Use one card per guest, so “Mr Raj Patel” and “Mrs Priya Patel”.
If two guests share a first name, add the surname or an initial to both cards (Sam K. and Sam T.) so nobody sits in the wrong seat.
Couples
Give each person their own card, even if they’re seated side by side. It marks two seats, and it means nobody is left as “and partner”. Use the name each person goes by.
Families and children
- Give children their own card with their first name. Kids love finding their own name.
- Babies who will sit on a lap or in a high chair don’t need a card, but let the venue know about the high chair.
- A kids’ table can use first names only, even if the adults’ cards use full names.
Plus-ones
Ask for the guest’s name when they RSVP so you can print it. If you don’t know it in time, print a card that reads “Guest of Daniel Smith”, or print a few blank cards and handwrite the name on the day.
Titles and honours
Keep titles if you’re using them for everyone, or if a guest strongly prefers one (Dr, Reverend, a military rank). Otherwise, plain names read warmer and fit better on a small card.
Extra details on the card
- Table number: useful if place cards double as escort cards that guests collect at the entrance.
- Meal choice: a small icon or word helps catering staff serve the right plate without asking.
- A personal line: a short note or a memory makes a lovely keepsake, if you have time to write one for each guest.
Before you print
- Check spelling against how each guest writes their own name, including accents, hyphens and capitals.
- Print one test page on plain paper and read every card out loud.
- Print a few spare blank cards for last-minute changes.
Make your cards
Place Card Studio prints a different name on every card from your guest list, so you only type each name once. You can make matching table numbers and a seating chart from the same list, and the printing guide covers home printing, Officeworks and professional printers.