Eco Friendly Place Cards

Eco Friendly Printer prints custom place cards for weddings, galas, fundraisers and corporate dinners on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Place cards show each guest where to sit and help the catering staff serve the right meal at each seat. We can print every guest name for you from an Excel list, and we print matching escort cards, table numbers and menu cards so the whole table looks consistent.

Place card types

• Folded tent place cards that stand on their own at each setting
• Flat escort cards, set out at the entrance so guests can find their table
• Table numbers that stand on each table or fit a holder
• Menu cards placed on each plate or shared at each table
• Plantable seed paper place cards that guests can take home and plant

Place cards and escort cards are often confused. A place card sits at a specific seat and shows the guest name. An escort card is picked up at the entrance and tells the guest which table to go to, and the guest then chooses a seat at that table. Some events use both.

Place card sizes

A folded tent place card is commonly 3.5 x 2 in when folded, printed on a 3.5 x 4 in flat card and scored so it stands straight. Flat escort cards are usually 3.5 x 2 in or 3.5 x 5 in. Table numbers are commonly 4 x 6 in or 5 x 7 in, and menu cards are often 4 x 9 in or 5 x 7 in. We can print custom sizes to fit a holder or a table design. For larger standing cards with promotions or sponsor messages, see table tents.

Guest names from your Excel list

Send your guest list as an Excel file with one row per guest. Include a column for each name exactly as it should appear, a column for the table number, and a column for the meal choice if you want a small note on each card for the catering staff. We print each card from the list, so you do not need to write names by hand or set up a separate file for every guest. Check spelling and titles carefully before you send the list, because the cards print exactly as the file reads. Sort the rows in the order you want the cards packed, such as by table or alphabetically by last name.

Paper and finishes

Place cards and table numbers are printed on 100 lb to 130 lb cover so they stand without bending. Our recycled cover stocks come in white and natural shades with smooth, felt and linen finishes, with 30% to 100% post-consumer content depending on the sheet. Many couples use 110 lb cotton to match their wedding invitations, and recycled kraft suits rustic and outdoor events. Ask about foil stamping or letterpress for table numbers and menu cards at formal dinners.

How the eco choices apply

Place cards are small, so several fit on each press sheet and very little paper is used. An uncoated recycled stock without lamination or glitter can go into paper recycling after the event. Seed paper place cards double as a favor, since guests can soak and plant them at home. Seed paper suits bold type and simple layouts, so it works well for names and table numbers.

Planning tips for events

Place cards are usually the last piece of stationery to print, because they depend on final replies and the seating chart. Set a firm date for the final guest list and leave time for proofs and delivery before the event. Order a few extra cards for last-minute guests and changes. For corporate dinners and galas, include titles or company names in a separate column if they should appear on the card. Menu cards can be printed on the same paper and design, and our menu printing page covers restaurant and event menus.

How ordering works

Send your design or a copy of your invitation, your guest list in Excel, and the quantity of each piece through our quote form. We will confirm the paper, the sizes and a price, and send a proof of the cards before printing. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. Tell us your event date when you request a quote.

Common questions about place cards

What size are place cards?

Folded tent place cards are commonly 3.5 x 2 inches when folded. Flat escort cards are usually 3.5 x 2 inches or 3.5 x 5 inches.

Can you print guest names on place cards?

Yes. Send your guest list as an Excel file and we will print each name on its own card, along with a table number if you need one.

What is the difference between place cards and escort cards?

A place card sits at a specific seat and shows the guest name. An escort card is picked up at the entrance and tells the guest which table to sit at.

Can place cards be printed on seed paper?

Yes. We print plantable seed paper place cards, which work best with bold type and simple designs.

Do you print table numbers and menu cards to match?

Yes. Table numbers and menu cards can be printed on the same paper and in the same design as your place cards.

• Tent place cards, escort cards, table numbers and menu cards
• Guest names printed from your Excel list
• Recycled, cotton, kraft and seed paper
• Scored to stand straight at each setting
• For weddings, galas and corporate dinners
• Custom sizes to fit holders