| Usually arranged on a special
table near the entrance to the reception, seating
cards display guests’ names along with their table
numbers. |
 |
Size and
Style
Traditionally, seating cards were presented in diminutive
envelopes. Now, most stationers favor tented cards,
which are often embossed or edged in silver or gold
for a more formal look. |
|
Calligraphy
Many brides assign the task of writing the cards
to the person doing their calligraphy, whereas others
write their own. If you prefer, you can have the
cards printed. |
|
Wording
When addressing married couples, it is traditional
to use the husband’s first name, but a simple “Mr.
and Mrs.” preceding the surname is equally correct;
if more than one couple share the same last name,
include the first names of the men to avoid confusion.
Using each person’s full name without a title is
another option; it is customary to start with the
wife’s name. |
|
| Unmarried couples are typically
listed with the woman’s name first in the United
States and the man’s name first in Europe. If you
leave off titles, this format will work for either
an unmarried couple or a married couple with different
last names. Single women may be addressed with or
without titles, depending on your preference—but
be consistent. Don’t address male guests as “Mr.”
if female guests won’t have titles. |
|
| Single women of any age can
be called “Miss,” although it is also common to
use that title for girls under 13. Addressing boys
as “Master” until their thirteenth birthday is appropriate
for a formal reception. It is always acceptable,
however, to use children’s names without titles. |
|
| A common question is how to
address friends who bring guests you don’t know.
It is surely easier to write “John Smith and Guest,”
and while some argue that it is more proper, because
it avoids implying a relationship that may not exist,
others disagree. “ If you can find out what the
guest’s name is, it’s nicer to do it that way,”
says Joy Lewis, owner of Mrs. John L. Strong Fine
Stationery in New York City. “It just makes people
feel more welcome to see their names on the cards.” |
|
Displaying
the Cards
Arrange your seating cards—either tented cards or
flat cards with envelopes—on the table in alphabetical
order, in rows that are short enough for guests
to scan. |
|
