Events Wedding

All About Menu Cards

Here’s a secret to creating an elevated event for very little cost… menu cards!

Why

Menu Cards are such a great to level up your event! If you’re having a sit-down dinner (or any meal), setting a menu card at each place setting takes your event up a notch. It makes it feel fancy and special for guests, even if it’s not.

We’re nosy as humans and we want to know what’s for dinner. Menu cards tell guests what’s coming up later and gets them excited for the delicious meal you’ve worked so hard to plan!

A wedding tablescape showing place setting with a menu card and napkin folded at each seat.
Photo by Rose from Pexels

What

Your menu cards can be fancy to match your event, stating the different courses ahead and what’s to be expected. Or they can just be the simple menu in a relaxed font. You can state out the key ingredients or just give the headline and leave some surprises for later. It’s up to you and how you’d like to do it.

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Design

The design of your menu card can be simple and classic, or you can include some designs that tie in with your event such as florals or a pattern. I like to match the theme and colors of the event so everything ties in together. Just keep in mind the rest of your table décor so everything looks good together!

Menu cards are a great way to elevate your tablescape without spending a lot of money. They’re also a great option if you’re having a charger set on the table, but the dinner plates will be on the buffet. The Menu card gives the visual of a plate in the middle of the charger to tie in your design.

You can make your menu cards in all different shapes and sizes. You could make a round one to go on top of your charger or a floral shape for a more decorative, feminine look. If you’re going with a more modern event, you can use square or rectangle menu cards. The sky’s the limit! Choose what you love the most and go from there. Most printers will cut them out to the shape you want or you can purchase a press or stamp. I like to use a thicker cardstock to have these printed on. They’re a bit heavier and not much more expensive, but feel a lot nicer. Ask your printer for the different options they have.

Thoughtful

To add a thoughtful touch, write a thank you note to your guests on the back side of the card. This is such a special way to thank your family and friends for all of their support and for traveling for your big day!

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Place Cards

If you’re doing assigned seats, you can use a separate name card or add it to the top of the menu card so it’s all one. Just keeping in mind everything else that’s going on the table and your overall design. If you’re having greenery or lots of candles, a charger, flatware, and 2 glasses at each place setting, there’s not a lot of room or place cards or favors at each setting.

picture of tri-fold menu cards showing a dinner and drink menu sitting on a table.
Pearly Paper Design on Etsy

Alternatives

If you don’t want to do a menu card at each place setting, you can use these cute tri-fold cards for each table instead. You can do the menu on one side, a thank you on one side, and fun facts about the couple or the night’s itinerary on the last side. Or you can also put menus in a frame for each table or have a large menu near the buffet instead.

You don’t have to put out a menu for your event if you don’t want to. It’s just a nice added touch if you want to offer it to your guests.

I hope this gives you some ideas of how to elevate your event simply. Happy Planning!

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