Place card holders

Place card holders are an easy way to label seats and tables for guests during holidays, parties, weddings, and other large-scale events. Some place name holders are free-standing, while others use place card stands to display the name of the guest clearly. Menu card holders can also be placed in front of catered dishes or trays at parties and in large venues where a buffet menu is being served. This eliminates the need for staff members to be present serving or describing the food to guests. Menu card holders may also appear in the center of the table at a catered event or restaurant for all the guests to see.

What are place card holders and name cards made of?

Place name holders and name cards can be made from various materials depending on the event. The holders themselves can be made of various materials, including metal, wood, and other decorative materials.

They may showcase designs, logos, initials, or other pictures, depending on the event or theme. Slots or grooves in the place card holders or forked prongs at the top of the stand work to keep the name cards in place.

Most name cards are usually made of thick paper or cardstock. These thick materials stand up well and are easily visible once on display. Name cards can be any color, but lighter shades of white, ivory, or tan are most popular. These colors make it easy to view the font or label printed on the place card holders. For special occasions, the name cards may be made of etched or engraved glass, carved wood, or specially crafted metal.

How and where to use place cards and place card holders

Place card holders and name cards are commonly found in large venues or establishments that host numerous parties and events. Marble place card holders and silver or gold place card holders are suitable for upscale events or special occasions like weddings, Sweet 16 parties, and proms. These can be placed near the entrance of the venue when guests first arrive and display both the person's name and table number. The entire place card is then taken to the table. Other venues put the name cards directly on the table. In this case, the holder should be positioned at the top of the place setting in clear view.

Holiday place card holders are more commonly found at small, intimate gatherings or dinner parties around Christmas time. These decorative place card holders may feature characters or other themed pictures like snowflakes, holly, champagne glasses, or birthday cakes.