{In February 2008, I wrote a post about the differences between an Escort and Place card. Being such a topic that continually comes up each season, I wanted to repost it here:}
Often times, a bride will come to me and ask for ideas for her "place cards". Or for her "place card table". Of course I know what "card" she is actually referring to...but it's come to my attention that a lot of brides (and even vendors!) don't know the difference between the escort and the place card.
When a guest walks into a reception, finds a table with lots of little cards (usually in an envelope, or set up in some amazing way never seen by the guest before, of course), what they are looking at is the Escort Card. This card, after looking at the Amazingly Efficient Seating Diagram (more about that later), will direct, or escort your guest to their table. These cards should be easy to follow ( Mr. & Mrs. Bestguest, Table 2. Or, Miss Bestguest, Table 2) and to the point. Then, once the guest has successfully found their way to their designated table, they should be looking at their place card, with their name, spelled out (Beatrice Bestguest). Now these place cards can be simply placed on the table, or you can get creative with something like a menu, tucked into the napkin, with the name on top. Of course, each of your tables should have their prospective numbers clearly marked.
Tips for your Amazingly Efficient Seating Diagram:
One thing I always tell my brides when designing your seating diagram, is to design it in the most logical fashion possible. When a guest first walks into your Breathtaking Reception, there is a lot they they will have to take in. Not only will they not be able to keep their eyes off of your gorgeous centerpieces, or your chic table set ups, but they are also going to immediately get a "Deer In Headlights" (Read= Confused Guest) look on their face once they realize they have assigned seating. They are going to look out into the sea of tables and pray that you've implemented a system that will get them to their destination without a fist fight.
So, always try to think in the way a guest would think. Logically, a guest will automatically look left to right, thinking that Table Number 1 will be the first on the left. If it is really Table Number 24, and you have 32 tables, you will inevitably experience what I like to call, Organized Chaos. So, instead of assigning Table Number 1 to your immediate family or your bridal party, why not start the table numbers with Table Number 1 on the left, and simply work to the right, ending with the last table as Table Number 32. Who cares if your bridal party ends up at Table Number 12...you will have succeeded in producing a smooth, seamless transition for your guests.
And I promise your guests will thank you!!
Escort Cards, Place Cards {Revisited}
DIY Contest
Both the Blogosphere and Wedding World are jumping with excitement over a too-good-to-pass-up DIY contest happening over at Classic Bride....a contest that will showcase to the world what a crafty gal you really are!
With over $1000.00 worth of prizes to win, here's the lowdown:
If you're a DIY goddess, get your sewing shears and scissors out because we're looking for the crème de la crème of creativity! I want to see your BEST DIY project(s) . . . they can be big or small, elaborate or simple, so long as they are unique and original!!
Did you stage and style your own engagement photos (what a feat that would be!)? Make a music video montage to show at your reception? Create killer save-the-dates or invitations? Work tirelessly on constructing your own photobooth?
We want to see your efforts and ultimately, we want to see projects that make our jaws drop and have us saying WOW!!
To submit:Send a step-by-step tutorial of your DIY project to theclassicbride{at}gmail.com. You will need to include written steps AND a series of low-res photos that walk us through your steps to be considered. Deadline is August 20, 2009 at midnight CST.
Happy planning!
PS- Let us know about your DIY project you're entering for the contest!
Wedding Day Timeline Tips To Live By
Over the course of the past wedding seasons, I've learned a few tips for creating a timeline that is virtually flawless and will ensure a smooth day:
* Mapquest the distances from location to location. Then, take factors such as how busy of a street you'll be travelling on into consideration and plan accordingly for drive time. You may take pictures in a location that is only 5 minutes walking distance from your ceremony location, but when you add in traffic, time it takes to get you (and your dress) in the car, etc, you can easily rack up 20 minutes.
* End your pre-ceremony pictures at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start; an hour is even better. This will give you the necessary time for touch ups and just for some breathing room before the big moment arrives.
* Plan for early guests. In today's society, it's normal to expect someone to arrive about 10 minutes early to an appointment. In Wedding-World, please expect at least one person to show up 30 minutes early. So make sure all set up is ready by this time- I like to see everything done and ready to go 1 hour prior to the ceremony start.
* Pad, Pad, Pad. This is one instance where a little extra padding does good. You may be appalled at the idea of it taking an hour to get into your dress...but is it everyday that you put on a 30 pound, tiered, ball of fabric?
The moral of the story is this: Only in a perfect world would everything go, well, perfectly. So the more padding of time you incorporate into your timeline the better your chances of getting right back on track without even missing a beat when something does end up taking longer than expected on the wedding day.
Any other tips you found to be super helpful on your Big Day?
Happy Planning!
Lovely Lazy Sunday: Raspberry Appetizer
Bon Appetit { New Party Recipe To Try} on your Lovely Lazy Sunday:
Easy Crostini With Marscapone And Raspberries
This was a super easy appetizer I recently found- it was simple and delicious. Crostini is a fancy word for small {baguette} toasts. Marscapone cheese is an Italian cheese with a creamy texture and taste similar to cream cheese, just not quite as strong. In the picture above, it also features honey drizzled on top, which would be lovely as well.
* 1 baguette sliced into round crostini- toasted if preferred
* 1 container of Marscapone cheese (specialty grocers and deli sections- Fred Meyer here in Boise carries it)
* Fresh raspberries
Spread desired amount of Marscapone on crostini, top with raspberries and serve.
We used this appetizer at the baby shower a couple of weeks ago- it was the perfect light, summer snack.
Happy Sunday!
A Summer Social {Online}
Alyson Graves, graphic artist and the creator of her super inspiring blog, Unruly Things, has announced the Summer Social....she and a handful of other Make-Us-Jealous-With-Talent people have started this online store full of goodies for us small folk.
From prints to textiles, papier (yes, that's French) to jewelry, the store is slightly Indie, a little Martha Stewart, and a lot of wow.
The sale is out of a private residence in Portland, but you can buy to your heart's desire right online. Be sure to check out the website to view all the items.
Happy Shopping!
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