We have to admit: we think the wedding world could use more creative ways of presenting escort cards. There's nothing wrong with a traditional tented card display (especially one with gorgeous calligraphy) but there are so many creative ways to spice it up a bit!
This post is sponsored by Michaels®.
When Michaels® asked us to check out all the creative and crafty new items in their wedding department, and come up with a project to share with you, we were more than a little excited... and both Becca and I were so inspired by what we found! We both gravitated towards the adorably chic items in their BRIDES® Wedding Collection and came up with two different spins on a hanging escort card display. The bonus? They're easy and totally DIY-budget affordable.
Message in a Bottle escort card display
Becca: When I saw the boxes of these teeny glass bottles, I knew I had to use them - they were just too cute! Wouldn't they be perfect for an intimate beach wedding, with escort card bottles hanging from a tree with a guest name tied on and a little thank you message for each guest inside?
Materials:
- Gartner Studios Jar with Cork Favor Kit
- BRIDES® Black and White Twine
- Ivory Printable Favor Tags
- Paper (on the thin side) for the guest messages
- Ivory ribbon for hanging
Directions:
- Using a printer (or your own lovely handwriting!) create a tag for each guest or couple, with their name(s) on one side and table assignment on the other.
- Cut the inside paper down to a width that will fit inside the bottle, add your thank you note / personal message and roll it up tightly.
- Using a length of twine, wrap the message and secure with a single knot, then place the bundle in the bottle, keeping one (longer) end of the twine outside.
- Close the jar with the cork lid, then string on the escort card and knot to secure.
- You're then ready to hang them from a tree with lengths of ivory ribbon. They also look pretty cute just sitting on a table!
Chalkboard Tags escort card display
Laura: I love the chalkboard trend that we're seeing in weddings everywhere lately, especially the adorable chalkboard seating charts. I thought it'd be fun to think up a less labor intensive (and error-prone!) method that still has that rustic, casual feel. When I saw the cute little BRIDES® fabric buttons, I knew they'd be the perfect touch to make it all just a little more elegant.
Materials:
- BRIDES® Chalk Tags
- BRIDES® Chalk Marker - Chisel Tip
- BRIDES® Black and White Fabric Buttons
- Silver t-pins
- Foam core and fabric for the board(s)
- Thin silver cording
Directions:
First, you'll need to decide if you're going to do one big board or one board per table. Either way, for each board: using a piece of foam core that fits your frame, cut a piece of neutral, rustic-feeling fabric (I used a natural-colored linen) a few inches wider than your board in all dimensions. Using pins, staples, or glue, secure your fabric to your board and insert into the frame. Then:
- For the tags: Using the chalk marker, write the name of each guest on one side of the tag and the table number of each guest on the other side. Remove the existing black string on the tag, and string on a length of silver cord, then tie in a knot.
- For the pins: Using a small pair of pliers, bend the head of a t-pin over 90 degrees, so that it forms a corner. Drop a bead of hot glue to the back of a fabric button, then add the t-pin; let sit until cool.
- Putting it all together: Push your pins into the board, being careful not to break through the back; then just hang your tags on the pins. (I also added a table number sign to mine.)
So there you have it - two easy ways to do something a little different with your escort card display. If you'd like to try one of these projects - or dream up your own - Michaels® is offering Floridian Weddings readers 20% off your entire regular price wedding purchase, valid now through June 30, 2012. Get the discount coupon here!
Two easy escort card #DIY projects with super cute items from @MichaelsStores – come take a peek & grab a coupon! http://t.co/S8FpwTjx
my frame is famous :) This turned out great you two!! Twenty bucks says a bunch of my brides use this sweet coupon code – way cool! (ahem….I may even use it!)