6 Creative Ways to Seat Your Wedding Guests

A dozen round tables with assigned numbers isn’t the only way to seat wedding guests. There are so many overlooked seating options that can surprise your loved ones and create a memorable atmosphere for your reception, large or small. At AllSeated — a free collaborative event planning platform — wedding planners and newlyweds have shared their unique approaches to designing their floor plans. Here are six creative ways that couples are seating their guests:

Give Thanks: Affordable Gifts for Your Girlfriends

According to a recent Bridal Guide survey, giving your attendants a gift of jewelry tops the list (who doesn’t love a little bling to add to the jewelry box?). But finding just the right gift can be challenging. You want it to be unique, to have meaning and to fit within your budget. Here are some fantastic necklace choices from designers who are all members of The Artisan Group.

X

10 Wedding Favors You'd Never Guess Cost Under $1

You're spending a lot on your wedding, so try to save on your favors by checking out these cute ideas that barely cost a thing!

By: Emily Co for PopSugar

Enter Slideshow
  • Seeds

    Seeds

    Many people give out seeds as wedding favors because not only are they affordable, but they're also an eco-friendly gesture. However, keep in mind that not everyone has the space in their home or a yard to grow plants.

    You can make the seed packets yourself or buy customized ones online. We found these cute kraft-seed envelopes on Etsy that are selling for $90 per 100 pieces — that's $0.90 per envelope.

    Photo Credit: Red Cloud Boutique/Etsy

  • Recipes and Ingredients

    Recipes and Ingredients

    These pretty recipe cards ($8 for 12) are perfect for sharing your favorite secret or not-so-secret recipe that everyone always asks you about. You can even include one of the recipe's ingredients to go along with the wedding favor. Get cheap cloth sachets at craft stores or online from Papermart for $0.25. 

    Plus: Check out 20 more budget-friendly favor ideas on PopSugar ►

    Photo Credirt: Olive Juice Press/Etsy

  • Nuts

    Nuts

    Perhaps one of the best things about nuts as favors is the endless amount of love puns you'll be able to dream up. Buy them in bulk to save.

    Photo Credit: M & E Photography

  • Lotto Tickets

    Lotto Tickets

    There's no other favor that will give your guests a thrill like a lottery ticket. Package the lotto tickets up nicely, perhaps in a pretty envelope or paired with a small snack.

    Related: 15 Chic Bachelorette Favors Under $1

    Photo Credit: Vintage Twee/Etsy

  • Hot Cocoa

    Hot Cocoa

    There's nothing more comforting than a cup of hot cocoa. You can make the favor more visually appealing if you include different flavors and place the mixture in a clear jar you can get for cheap in bulk from specialtybottle.com.

    Photo Credit: Michelle Edgemont via Green Wedding Shoes

  • Etched Mason Jars

    Etched Mason Jars

    Mason jars cost around $0.70 to $0.80 if you buy in bulk. You can get them from specialtybottle.com for less than $1. Get an etching kit and your trusty group of bridesmaids to help with this personalized favor.

    Related: 48 Beautiful DIY Bridesmaid Gifts That are Chic and Cheap

    Photo Credit: Linda Chaja via Wedding Chicks

  • After-Meal Mints

    After-Meal Mints

    After a lovely meal, guests will appreciate the help with freshening their breath. You can find plenty of options for customized mint tins or just cute mint tins from Oriental Trading for $1 or less.

    Related: 59 Beautiful Wedding Favor Printables to Download For Free!

    Photo Credit: Rachel Osborn Photography

  • Spices

    Spices

    Spices are definitely a favor that will have a spot in every guest's pantry. We love this idea of letting guests choose sweet or spicy! Buy them in bulk for cheap at ethnic stores, bargain stores like Walmart, or the dollar store. Store them in jars you get for under $1 from specialtybottle.com.

    Photo Credit: Scott Clark Photography via 100 Layer Cake

  • Soaps

    Soaps

    Soaps are very practical favors to give out, and you can always make them look good by choosing different colors or packaging. These soaps can cost you less than $1 if you make your own.

    Related: 45 Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Use

    Photo Credit: 100 Layer Cake

  • S

    S'mores

    This might be a good treat for receptions held at night. Guests will get to bring home a quintessential late-night snack, and writing a sweet note like "S'more love" adds the perfect tie-in to your wedding.

    You can find treat bags at craft stores and bargain stores like Walmart. If you want to buy them online, I found some selling on Amazon for $10 for 100 pieces and on Papermart for around $14 for 1,000 pieces. Customize them yourself with some pretty calligraphy.

    Photo Credit: The Bird & the Bear

11 / 10
ALL PHOTOS

10 Wedding Favors You'd Never Guess Cost Under $1

X

August 26th

Photo credit: Jordan Mae

Tip of the Day: You should feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day. To achieve this, feel free to try out several different hair or makeup artists for trial sessions, and see how you feel overall with your experience. "Not only is the artist there to cater to your beauty wants and desires, but they should also make you feel comfortable and special on your big day!" says freelance bridal makeup artist Jordan Mae.

In addition to bringing photos of your beauty inspiration, she also recommends factoring in your everyday look. "If you typically don't wear much makeup, let your artist know. They will steer away from dark, heavy eyeshadows and pigments, gravitating more towards neutral, light and shimmery colors," Mae says.

Plus, check out 90+ Stunning Ideas for Your Wedding Makeup.

X

16 Fun Ideas for Your Wedding Card Box

Collect all of your guests' well-wishes and monetary gifts in a specially designated container for safe keeping and remember to appoint someone you trust to watch over it. That way, your guests aren't forced to carry around an envelope sticking out of their purse all night. (Not to mention being handed a stack of cards during a flurry of goodbyes and kisses at the end of the reception increases the risk that you'll accidentally misplace something). 

Newlyweds are turning this necessary task into yet another opportunity to personalize their big day, with card receptacles serving double-duty as décor. Get inspiration for items that you can use to drive your theme home!

By: Stefania Sainato

Enter Slideshow
  • Vintage-Themed

    Vintage-Themed

    Deck out a paper mache hatbox (available at craft stores) with fabric flowers and faux pearls for a card holder filled with vintage charm.

    Photo Credit: Sarah Michele Photography

  • Comic Book-Inspired

    Comic Book-Inspired

    A vintage suitcase plastered with NYC iconography was a memorable highlight from a wedding reception with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

    Photo Credit: Sarah Tew Photography

  • Patterned

    Patterned

    Add a fun and cheery pop of color with stacked boxes in a bold, graphic print.

    Photo Credit: Kristen Marie Photography

  • Photo Box

    Photo Box

    Put your gorgeous engagement portraits to good use with this easy multisided box idea that lends itself well to any wedding style.

    Photo Credit: Michael Chadwick Photography

  • Wine Barrel

    Wine Barrel

    Throwing your wedding at a vineyard? A miniature barrel engraved with your names and wedding date is the way to your wine-loving heart!

    Photo Credit: UkrainianSouvenir on Etsy

  • Anchors Away

    Anchors Away

    A wedding by the sea calls for a card box with a nautical twist; a gold, wrought iron anchor does the trick.

    Photo Credit: Red Heart Creations on Etsy

  • Illustrated

    Illustrated

    A shabby-chic box with an antique, weathered look is a popular choice, but this Minnie and Mickey variation stands out from the pack. We love the idea of personalizing your card box with illustrations or decals.

    Photo Credit: Crafty Witches Décor on Etsy

  • Log Card Box

    Log Card Box

    We're crushing on this rustic-themed log card box with a carved-out heart! It's one of the more advanced DIY projects we've seen — the core is hollowed out using a bandsaw, and a swivel lid allows access to inside the log. You can repurpose it as a plant container after the big day. Get the step-by-step tutorial at Instructables.com.

    Photo Credit: Instructables.com

  • Globe Holder

    Globe Holder

    Passionate about traveling? Put your wanderlust on display with this clever globe idea featuring a handy slit. Get the step-by-step tutorial at Un Beau Jour.

    Photo Credit: Un Beau Jour

  • Birdcage

    Birdcage

    A birdcage is a beautiful choice for a garden venue, especially if you dress it up with fresh blooms. Hang a sign and put a few empty decoy envelopes through the slits to help guide guests.

    Photo Credit: Kevin Le Vu Photography / Planning: Twofold LA / Florals: The Little Branch / Watercolor Sign: Anne Ewen

  • Model Home

    Model Home

    This card holder is modeled after a real-life home, with the couple's wedding date emblazoned on the front door. You can display it in your house after the big day as a special keepsake.

    Photo Credit: DoorCountyWoodworks on Etsy

  • Cake-Coordinated

    Cake-Coordinated

    For a fun DIY project, make a pretty wedding card box that mimics your cake design.

    Photo Credits: Natalie Champa Jennings

  • Church Replica

    Church Replica

    When we spotted this church card holder in our Instagram feed, we were blown away by the attention to detail! If your place of worship has special significance to you (perhaps your parents also got married there), then this sentimental décor is a must-have.

    Photo Credit: Weddings With a Twist

  • Decorated Mailbox

    Decorated Mailbox

    A painted mailbox à la the movie Up makes a wonderful addition to your gifts table — some couples choose to include their married name on the side.

    Photo Credit: Kreatid Photography on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Glass Candle Holder

    Glass Candle Holder

    A sleek, minimal glass vessel complements a modern-themed wedding.

    Photo Credit: Stephanie N. Baker Photography & Graphic Design

  • Picnic Basket

    Picnic Basket

    Hosting a country-chic celebration? A picnic basket is a unique alternative to a traditional card holder, and it fit right into this breathtaking ranch wedding overlooking mountains, pine trees and gardens.

    Photo Credit: Lynette Smith Photography

17 / 16
ALL PHOTOS

16 Fun Ideas for Your Wedding Card Box

X

Pages

Subscribe to BridalGuide RSS