Short answer: Acrylic place cards are usually 3.5 × 2 in. cut from 1/8 in. clear, frosted, or mirror acrylic, with names engraved or printed. Table numbers are typically 4 × 6 or 5 × 7 in. in 1/8 or 3/16 in. acrylic, standing in a slotted base or with a bent foot.
Place cards
Size and thickness
The most common size is 3.5 × 2 in., about the size of a business card. 4 × 2.5 in. gives room for a name and a meal choice or table number. 1/8 in. is ideal: crisp, light, and cheap to ship in a batch of 150.
Ways to stand them up
- Lay flat on the plate or napkin. Simplest and nothing to tip over.
- Small wood or acrylic stands with a slot. A 1/8 in. wide slot holds a 1/8 in. card snugly.
- Bent tent cards: one bend makes a card that stands on its own. See acrylic bending.
- Escort cards on a display board: a hole at the top for a hook or ribbon.
Names
Engraved names show up frosted white on clear, which reads well on most tables. On mirror gold or rose gold, the engraving shows as a frosted name over the mirror. Use a script with letters that touch and a height of at least 0.25 in. Send us the guest list as a spreadsheet or text list with your chosen font, and we lay them out.
Table numbers
Size and thickness
| Size | Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in. | 1/8 in. | Small round tables, low centerpieces |
| 5 × 7 in. | 1/8 or 3/16 in. | The most common size |
| Cut-out numbers, 5 to 6 in. tall | 1/4 in. | Freestanding numbers in mirror silver or color |
Make sure the number is visible over the centerpiece. If the flowers are tall, go with 5 × 7 in. on a stand, or a number on a stick that sits in the arrangement.
Stands that don't tip
A slotted acrylic or wood base at least 3 in. deep holds a 5 × 7 in. sign steadily. Another option is a bent foot at the bottom of the sign itself, which saves you a separate part. Light, top-heavy signs on round tables get bumped, so wider bases are better.
Colors and finishes
- Clear: the classic modern look, works with any color scheme.
- Frosted: softer, hides fingerprints, and pairs well with greenery.
- Mirror gold and rose gold: glam and metallic, 1/8 in. only.
- Reverse-engraved or back-painted clear: engrave the back, then paint it, for a color fill you can't scratch off. More on reverse engraving.
Tip: order your place cards, table numbers, and a welcome sign together so the font and finish match. See our acrylic wedding signs for the big pieces.
Using them after the event
Guests often take place cards home, so many couples use them as the favor: a name card that doubles as a magnet, a bookmark, or a small ornament with a hole at the top. Table numbers reuse well for anniversaries or a family business, and frosted or clear acrylic cleans up with mild soap and water. Avoid full-strength alcohol wipes and Windex-type glass cleaners, which can craze acrylic.
Questions
Can names be printed in color instead of engraved?
We engrave; engraved names are permanent and don't smudge. For a colored look, reverse-engrave and fill the letters with paint, or use a paint pen in the engraving.
How far ahead should I order?
Order once your guest list is final, and leave a buffer for shipping and any last-minute name changes. Order a few blanks for surprise guests.
Price your set in the instant quote, or upload a design with your guest list.