DIY Wedding Seating Cards and Displays

Your guests are arguably one of the biggest parts of your wedding day. So why shouldn't every piece of your wedding décor that will ultimately end up in their hands be as creative, personal, and beautiful as possible? Though achieving this trifecta while choosing escort cards may seem daunting, we're here to reassure you. There are plenty of ways to create inspired seating cards and displays with your own two hands—and at minimal cost to you. The best part? We've rounded up a few of our favorite DIY crafts that you can recreate at home, with a little bit of help from your bridal party.

We weren't kidding when we said creative. From tagged taper candlesticks and bow ties to decoupage-printed notes and edible options, there are so many ways to make your seating cards one of the most delightful elements of the big day. We're all for the didn't-see-that-coming option, but if you're throwing a traditional black-tie occasion and want to stick to classic paper escort cards, we've included a few options for you, too. You'll find plenty of paper-based projects here that simply elevate the plain card stock types we've seen so much of throughout the years.

If you're brand new to the DIY scene, it's easy to be intimidated by creating such a major detail at home. But these cute ideas were designed with beginners in mind. You'll find step-by-step directions for most of these projects, so you (and hopefully your bridesmaids!) will be able to tackle them without a struggle. Click through to discover all of these inspired escort cards and displays—and get ready to craft!

Mini bundles of preserved roses—which last for years—make sweet escort cards and favors in one. Since they need no water, they can be assembled well ahead of your big day. Fashion a cone out of thick paper, slip blooms inside (we got ours from Save On Crafts), then add a table assignment and attach a ribbon for hanging on a display board. Best of all, they'll keep your day fresh in your guests' minds for months to come.

Lock in a fun display with retro keychains turned escort cards. This style can be personalized on both sides, so get creative with hashtags, monograms, or wedding-related sayings. (Three Potato Four offers opaque and translucent tags in a variety of colors, so no matter your palette, there's an option for you.) We added small cards printed with table assignments and attached a colored tassel (we got ours from M&J Trimming) to each. To display, wrap a piece of foam core in neutral- colored linen, then poke cup hooks into the board and hang—no tools necessary.

What better way to bring a favorite image into your special day than to give it a large role: helping seat your guests? Start by choosing a picture that captures the spirit of the day, from your camera roll or a stock-photo website. Look for something with repeated details (like the windows above) or, say, a tree or large heart to which you can attach leaves or hearts like those shown here. Print an oversize version at a FedEx Office, and use spray adhesive to mount it onto one-inch-thick foam board. Cut escort cards to fit the display when they're folded in half, write names on the outsides and table numbers on the insides, and attach them to the photo with low-tack Glue Dots. 

Your friends will think you're a DIY queen after seeing this impressive escort card wall display. You don't have to tell them that all you needed was paper and tape to create it!

These adorable pouches are both a colorful escort-card display and sweet guest takeaways. Inside each sheer pouch is a mini notebook, boasting a bold, bright, and fun pattern.

Having a rustic, outdoor, or natural-themed wedding? Welcome your guests to your reception with adorable nature images from BioDiversityLibrary.com.

You don't even need to be a painter to get this project done in a cinch. Just fold, dip, and let dry!

These velvet bows are so cute, your guests will want to take them home! Plus they add an extra dashing element to your reception décor. 

These escort cards do double duty, serving as seat assignments and reception décor. When your guests slide off their personalized papers, the ribbons remain as cheery party streamers. To hang them, loop one end over a dowel suspended from the ceiling; secure with a dot of glue. You can also drape them from tree branches or tack them to a wall. Pro tip: Make sure the slits in the cards are a little bit wider than the ribbon so that they can slide off the ribbon without tearing it down.

Use a basic paintbrush caddy—we stenciled ours with this slogan—to transform your escort-card display. Tie your seat assignments to tall candles in the colors of your choice and simply place them in the pockets of the caddy. Yes, DIYing can really be that simple!

If you know how to tie a shoe, you'll be a pro at this DIY project. All you need is paper in your color of choice, a pen, and a steady hand. Cut card stock into 2-by-16 1/2-inch strips. Calligraph guests' names on one end, flip over the paper, and write their table number on the other end. Finish by folding paper into a basic knot.

In Japanese legend, cranes are thought to live 1,000 years, and to mate for life, making them a powerful symbol of fidelity. Don't be intimidated by the amount of steps in this how-to. Once you get the rhythm down, you'll have this project done in no time!

This DIY project is super simple, and adds just the right amount of glam to your wedding reception. Plus our name tag template makes it even easier to customize each flower.

In keeping with her wedding's nautical theme, this bride hand-calligraphed each sailboat-shaped escort card, which featured laurels designed by Brown Tree. 

These three-dimensional escort cards are as easy to make as they are refreshing to look at.

Choose fabrics that match your palette for these hand-sewn escort flags.

Don't be afraid to be an exhibitionist. Display calligraphed names, grouped according to table, in frames that form a blueprint of the reception. The effect is altogether showstopping.

The half-silhouettes of these cards make the butterflies seem to flutter over the table.

Pinned to a linen board, each escort card at this real wedding features fabric that matches the napkins at that table.

Perch a dainty paper bird on the rim of each glass so guests can identify their seats. The pretty die-cut cards (available from Tiffy New York) come in pastel colors that are just right for spring. With a utility knife, make a slim, 1/4-inch-long notch at the bottom of each card. For the eyes, use a 1/16-inch hole punch. Print or calligraph guests' names on cards.

Write seating assignments on glass-paned doors to show off your reception scenery.

For cute place settings that will grow and grow on your guests, fill tiny packets with the seeds of your favorite flower, and stitch them onto simply printed seating cards.

In the winter, when seasonal flowers are more difficult to come by, fabric flowers make a pretty, wilt-proof solution. These help guests find their seats, then become corsages or boutonnieres.

Let guests know exactly where they're sitting by putting personalized correspondence cards, which pull double duty as favors, at each setting.

Everything for these smart escort drinks can be made in advance, making them ideal for a destination wedding.

The design of this seating-card display is inspired by Plinko from "The Price Is Right."

For a preppy spring or summer wedding, a length of grosgrain drawn through a notched card resembles a ribbon belts with monogrammed buckle.

These charming place cards were printed on pre-perforated card stock.

These escort cards get their antique feel from a design reminiscent of a telegram.

Miniature envelopes holding stamped table assignments are pinned to a fabric-covered board and propped on an easel.

These purses and briefcases may not hold guests' belongings, but they're a charming way to designate their seats (table numbers are written inside).

To make, use 3 1/2-by-5-inch folded seating cards (we used pink for women, brown for men). Unfold cards. With a utility knife, cut 2 slits wide enough for ribbon in the fold, 1 inch from each edge. Insert ends of 3-inch-long ribbon into slits; it will stay in place without gluing or tying.

Guests of a feather will flock together—and easily spot their proper places—with these beautiful avian-themed escort cards and table markers.  

Stamps can be used to create seating and table cards so guests can find their places. Instead of labeling each table with a number, give each a constellation (for instance, Orion). Stamp it on a card, and place in a holder. Then guide your guests to their tables by making them seating cards with their table's constellation inside. Stamp the card and fold it; on the bottom half of the outside, hand-write the names and stamp a few stars in silver ink.

Create a simple, natural display that's rich in color by propping seating cards atop beautiful pomegranates.

We love how elegant and crisp the navy bow-tie motif looks on these retro-inspired escort cards.

A vibrant display of gem shapes cut from clear Lucite shows guests where they are seated. Cover them with calligraphed photography gels cut to fit, then hang with fishing line from a rod near your reception space—the closer the better, so loved ones don't forget where to sit.

What appears to be colorful confetti at first glance is actually a jaunty take on place cards. Tossed out on a table, a smattering of color-coordinated circles announces guests' names and table numbers with flair. To ensure that your palette is as elegant as it is effervescent, make sure to mix in muted shades with neon brights. Or just follow our lead and temper tangerine and shocking pink with moody midnight blue, gold, and bright white.