Event Tip: Table Cards: Names v. Numbers

In previous "event tip" posts, we offered some ways to reduce chaos at your event (see our previous posts on Seating Charts HERE and place cards HERE). In this post, we will discuss table cards, their benefits, and ways to make yours absolutely unique!

We can all agree that assigned seating has many benefits including the quick seating of guests, and ensuring that your invited guests are seated in the event that uninvited persons show up to your function. In our opinion, assignments are a must have at larger weddings/dinners. Some people opt to assign tables and allow guests to determine their seat at a particular table, while some people opt to assign specific seats (this is where our place cards come into play).

A table card is a necessary tool for events where there is assigned seating. After you have already advised your guests of the table where they will be seated (using a customized Seating Chart from Absolutely Inviting of course :) you will need to clearly identify each table. This is where the table card comes in.

For table cards you can keep it traditional and use numbers, or you can get creative and "name" your tables (some of our table numbers have combined numbers with names also). The name option is excellent as it eliminates any perception of hierarchy such as being placed at table 20 when other colleagues are placed at table 8...The main reason we prefer table names is that it allows the couple/host of an event to express their personality, or to execute the theme. Here are some suggestions for table names:

• Having a beach themed wedding? Why not use names of your favorite beaches? or sealife - think seahorse/starfish etc.
• If you attended the same college you can use the names of various dorms/buildings etc.
• You can use places you have been as a couple or would like to visit
• Names of flowers
• Movies if you are movie buffs
• Songs if you are a walking jukebox :)
• Sports teams
• and this list can go on and on..

There are tons of other ways table cards can be incorporated into your event...contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons today!!! Here are a few pics from past posts with table cards.

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.
Please note that copying, downloading, reproducing, or printing of any of our material is strictly prohibited without our express written permission.

On the 4th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a way to show our personality (Event Tip: Monograms)

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.
Please note that copying, downloading, reproducing, or printing of any of our material is strictly prohibited without our express written permission.

A monogram is a simple way to add some personalization to your event stationery. In the traditional sense, a monogram is made by overlapping or combining two or more letters to form one symbol. A standard monogram has the initial of the individual's last name set larger or standing out in some way or the other, with the first initial appearing to the left and the middle initial appearing to the right. An example would be for an individual with the name John Andrew Doe to have the following monogram: jDa. The word "mono" is derived from the Greek "monos" meaning single, alone, or only. Thus, a monogram consists of the letters from a single person (source: PenDance Calligraphy & Engraving).

Married or engaged couples may use two-letter monograms or their entwined initials, or they may even opt to use three-letter monograms incorporating the initial of their shared surname. This is referred to as a duogram. An example would be the duogram jDj for John and Jane Doe.

Wedding Etiquette:

• As the vows have not been said, it is improper to use the bride's married monogram on the wedding program. The wedding program is the last opportunity for the bride to use her maiden monogram.

At Absolutely Inviting, we can customize your monogram/duogram to coordinate with your theme, colors etc. We have seen our customized pieces used on invitations/programs/thank you cards/seating charts/unity candles/favor tags/envelope seals/aisle runners and much more.
Whether it's traditional, hip, chic, or fun we can create your monogram - contact us today!


A few of our designs which have been used on various stationery pieces from past events:

On the 2nd day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a useful tool to help my guests find their seats (Event Tip: Seating Charts)

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.
Please note that copying, downloading, reproducing, or printing of any of our material is strictly prohibited without our express written permission.

A seating chart is an excellent way to reduce chaos at your event. It indicates to each guest the table at which he or she will be seated and can be used in conjunction with OR in lieu of the place card. This of course is a personal preference.

Seating charts offer several benefits:

1. A seating chart is easy to display
2. It can add an elegant touch to any event
3. Guests have some control over who they are seated with
4. Most importantly, it is much less work than place cards, so it's easier for the organizer!

The seating chart can either list guests alphabetically by name or by table. Listing by name makes it much easier for guests to find their seat, and is excellent for large functions. Listing by table shows at a glance who else is at the same table. At Absolutely Inviting, you can have the best of both worlds by having both alphabetical AND table listings.

Once again, in order for organized seating to be effective, guest MUST RSVP within the time frame stated on the invitation so that there is sufficient time to produce place cards/seating charts etc., and so that the various pieces will, most importantly, be as accurate as possible!

Contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons such as seating chart (with frame rental) today!!!

Here is the seating chart and frame used at a recent wedding:

Event Tip: Contact To Have & To Hold for your linen rental needs: See samples & book your event today!

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.
Please note that copying, downloading, reproducing, or printing of any of our material is strictly prohibited without our express written permission.

Linens such as table overlays and chair covers provide an easy AND - more importantly - affordable way to spruce up your reception venue. Before hand, chair covers were deemed as being just an option; however, more and more persons are realizing that chair covers form an important part of their overall wedding décor.

"Why linens?" you ask:

• They add elegance, formality, and they give your event a “finished” look.
• They can transform any room and allow you to incorporate your colors/theme without clashing with the chairs/etc. at your reception venue.
• They do an awesome job at covering otherwise unattractive tables and chairs that may be provided by your reception venue.

How linens can impact your event budget:

• Linens can actually be quite affordable. To Have and To Hold’s chair cover and sash combinations can be rented starting at around $5 per set (compare this to the cost of other options such as renting Chiavari chairs). Table runners/overlays start at: $3 each!!! Tip: Save even more when booking together with an Absolutely Inviting event stationery package!
• Because of the affordability of our linens, you can actually book a less expensive venue and spruce it up. Tip: Think an outdoor fiesta or a hall at a fraction of the cost of renting a high end location.
  
• Because of the added effect of linens, you can actually spend less on other areas of the event décor. Tip: Think simpler center pieces/foregoing drapery.

To Have & To Hold's Linen options:

Chair Covers: Spandex: These give a sleek look and are the top choice for a more formal event. Because of the stretch fabric, they cover the entire chair with a fitted look. These form to fit many chairs (arm chairs not included). Click HERE to see a sample of our spandex covers along with our taffeta sashes in olive and chocolate. Chair Covers are currently available in White & Ivory

Chair Sashes:
Chair Sashes are currently available in:

• Organza: offers a light look and is a very popular choice
• Satin: perhaps the most common; versatile – can be used in both formal and more relaxed settings
• Taffeta: the heavier material provides a rich look and adds texture

Table Linens:
Overlay and runners can be provided in fabrics/colors matching those of your selected chair sashes.
Napkins can also be provided in coordinating colors

See some of our fabrics/colors below:

Chair Covers & Tie Backs • Table Cloths, Overlays & Runners • Much More...

Contact To Have & To Hold today to see samples and to book your event!

242-676-2544 (Bahamas) 954-759-2637 (US) tohaveandtoholdbahamas@gmail.com

***We offer special discounts for wedding packages which include both linen and stationery***

Event Tip: Unity Candles

According to wikipedia.com, "The lighting of a unity candle is a relatively recent addition to the traditional wedding ceremony, most popular in the United States. The unity candle ceremony uses two taper candles with a large pillar candle (called the "unity candle") in the center. At the beginning of the wedding ceremony, a representative from each family (usually the mothers of the bride and groom) light the two taper candles. Later in the ceremony (usually after the formal vows), the bride and groom use the two taper candles to light the large pillar (unity) candle together... When the ceremony is alternatively performed to symbolize simply the joining together of the bride and groom, the tapers may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they may leave them lit beside the central candle, symbolizing that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality."

At Absolutely Inviting, we can customize your unity candle set to suit your wedding. Whether you are performing a unity candle service during your ceremony, or would simply like the candles to add to your wedding decor, a unity candle would fit in beautifully. We can also customize memorial candles to pay tribute to loved ones.

Contact us today about customizing your unity candle set!

Event Tip: Place Cards

A place card in the traditional sense is a small card bearing the name of your guest; it is placed at the space that each of your guest will occupy at a table. In addition to being functional, a place card can be used to add an elegant touch and a finished look to any function from an intimate dinner to the largest wedding. At the intimate dinner, the place card can make your guest feel welcomed, and at the large wedding reception, the place card along with a seating chart can go a long way in reducing chaos. Of course, in order for organized seating to be effective, guest MUST RSVP within the time frame stated on the invitation so that there is sufficient time to produce place cards/seating charts etc., and so that the various pieces will most importantly be as accurate as possible!


There are many creative ways of using place cards:

• Traditional: The traditional table card of course suits any event; however, for more casual events think fun fonts and funky colors to lighten the feel. The cards can be flat or tented.
• Use your theme: Place card holders can be used to coordinate with your wedding theme...think leaf motifs and beach themes. Theme specific frames can also be used.
• Using everyday (and not so everyday) items: Place card holders can take the form of wine bottle corks and sea shells just to name a few.

There are tons of other ways place cards can be incorporated into your event...contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons such as place cards today!!!

Tented place cards done for St. George's Anglican Church's 60th anniversary ball held last fall:

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.

Event Tip: Menu Cards

Menu cards can add the finishing touch to your special event. They let your guests know what's in store! Since menu cards make a nice addition to your table décor, consider getting creative...mix and match, stick to tradition, or get bold with color.

Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your absolutely unique style.

Whether it's the wedding of the year or an intimate dinner party, contact us today for your personally designed menu cards.