Special Event Network / Finger Lakes Weddings & Events

• Place cards, containing the guest's name and table number, are put in alphabetical order on a table just outside or just inside the room, with the tables numbered so that the guests can find their table.
  
  
• If all of the guests at the table do not know each other, putting the name on both sides of the card will allow the names to be seen by all and will help them remember names.
  
  
• When you have assigned seating, place cards let guests know where they should be seated. They also allow you to seat guests with similar interests or certain groups together (relatives, business associates, singles, or teenagers).
  
  
• If there were meal choices on your response cards, the cards can be used to help the caterer know which type of meal the guest has requested. The cards can be color-coded in the bottom left hand corner, or you may wish to use c - for chicken, f - for fish, and b - for beef.
  
  
• If you do not wish to use assigned seating, but you had meal choices on your response cards, you may wish to use place cards with just the guest's name and meal choice. The cards would be put in alphabetical order on a table just outside or just inside the room, and guests would pick up their cards and place them where they wish to be seated.

• Table cards are larger cards, placed in the center of the tables, listing the table number and the names of the guests seated at that table. They may be a folded card or a single card placed in a table number card holder. The names and table number should be printed on both sides of the card.
  
  
• When using table cards, guests names are listed alphabetically on a board just outside or just inside the room with the table number next to their name.

• Table numbers are placed in the center of the tables and may be either a tent type card with the table number on both sides, or may be a single card with the table number on both sides placed in a table number card holder.
  
  
• Depending upon the event, instead of table numbers you may wish to label the tables with names of songs, different dances, birds, or anything to go along with your theme if you are having a themed event.

Menu Cards

• Menu cards are used to inform guests of the food being served at each stage of the dinner and should be visible to everyone at the table.
   
  
• You may choose to use menu cards to be shared by 2 guests, or just use 2 cards per table. We recommend that you put a title and date on the cards so that they can be used as a keepsake.

• Buffet cards are similar to menu cards. They are also designed to let guests know what is being served. Buffet cards, with the name of the food being served, are placed directly beside each dish on the buffet table.
  
  
• Cards should also be used next to punch bowls when serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic punches.

• Save-the-date cards are informal notices sent to invited guests to give them advance notice of an upcoming event so that they can put the date on their calendar and make arrangements to attend.
  
  
• The notice can be created on your computer, or you may wish to use decorative post cards or blank greeting cards.
  
  
• Generally, save-the-date cards are sent for events that are 4-6 months out. Use the cards for:
  * weddings
  * family reunions
  * class reunions
  * company events
  * community events
  * events with limited seating
  * events requiring advance reservations
  * monthly or annual events
  
  
• The advance notice is especially good if the event is being held around a major event in the area, such as a graduation or sporting event, around a busy holiday weekend, or during summer vacation months.

• Save-the-date cards are especially helpful for out-of-town guests as it gives them a chance to get a head start on making their travel and lodging arrangements and to get time off from work if needed.
  
• It is also helpful to include a list of nearby hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, area attractions and other events your guests might be interested in attending while they are in the area.
  
• Add Special Event Network's website, www.specialeventnetwork.net, on your cards as it contains helpful information for your guests.

• Save-the-date cards or letters have recently become popular for weddings as invitation which are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding may not allow enough time for out-of-town guests to search for airfare deals and accommodations.
  
• The card or letter should include information on any hotel or motel rooms you may have blocked off for your guests and any special rates. Information about area attractions and other events going on that weekend is also helpful. Special Event Network's site, www.specialeventnetwork.net, contains a lot of this information.
  
• Save-the-date cards are not a formal invitation to your wedding, but rather an informal way to let your invited guests know to reserve the date and make arrangements to attend.