Outdoor weddings are pretty much our jam! And being that most of our events are under a tent near the water, we’re constantly looking for ways to beat the elements—namely wind. One of our biggest problem areas is place cards. Unless there is virtually no breeze, traditional tented place cards just don’t work (paper + wind = lots of stress!). Fortunately for our couples, we love dreaming up place cards that not only withstand the wind but also add a pop of creativity. Here are some of our favorites from past event designs!
Oyster Shells
A fun nod to the Chesapeake Bay, they’re the perfect addition to any waterside event!
Photography: Renee Hollingshead; Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy; Florals: Floral & Bloom
Tiles
We love getting creative with tile place cards like these marble and slate options. They’re weighted enough to hold up to the wind and they add the perfect pop of texture to a place setting!
Photography: Eric Kelley (top), Elizabeth Fogarty (bottom); Calligraphy: Stephanie B Design; Florals: Amaryllis Designs (top), Crimson & Clover (bottom)
Favors
It doesn’t get any cuter than these local honey favors. We used them as “escort cards” to direct guests to their table but they could easily serve as place cards at the table as well.
Photography: Kate Headley; Tags: Stephanie B Design
Clipboards
We used this gorgeous gold clip/white board combo for a wedding where our bride and groom were both educators. Does it get any cuter?
Photography: Renee Hollingshead; Paper Goods: Susan Wilson Designs
Tags
You can stick with traditional paper tags or get creative with materials like leather—yes please! Either way, tie them around your napkin and/or menu with ribbon or string and we’re sold!
Photography: Elizabeth Fogarty (bottom); Tags: Jessica McSweeney Calligraphy (top), Surcee Calligraphy (bottom)
Placemats
A great option when you’re using raw textures like farm tables. Plus the color options are endless!
Photography: Audra Wrisley; Calligraphy: Stephanie B Design; Florals: Floral & Bloom
Sandwich Boards
We’re obsessed with these mini sandwich board place cards from one of our studio tablescapes. Can’t wait to see them in action at a wedding soon!
Photography: Renee Hollingshead; Sandwich Board Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy; Florals: Sophie Felts
Holders
If you love the look of paper place cards, using holders rather than tenting them is a fun way to beat the wind. We love these adorable geometric holders but there are so many cute options for every style.
Photography: Lauren Swann; Calligraphy: Surcee Calligraphy; Florals: Monteray Farms
We love a perfectly coordinated welcome bag! It sets the tone for the entire wedding weekend and is a fun treat for guests upon arrival. But we know it can be a headache for a lot of couples—one more detail to think through after already making so many logistical and décor decisions. Fortunately, we’re here to help! We’ve crafted three wedding gifts perfect for an Eastern Shore wedding (as featured on My Eastern Shore Wedding). Whether you want to keep it simple with snacks, crab mallets and Rise Up Coffee in a cute canvas bag, or up your game with champagne, custom oyster knives and fresh blueberries in a wire basket that gives off all the water vibes—we’ve got you covered! Happy gifting!
Vendors:
Photography: Renee Hollingshead Photography
Planning, Design & Styling: Kari Rider Events
Canvas Bag: My Eastern Shore Wedding
Custom Crab Mallets, Oyster Knives & Cocktail Muddlers: Brine Hound via Bay Imprint
Tags: Surcee Calligraphy
Sweets: Steve Konopelski, Patissier
Coffee: Rise Up Coffee
Rum: Lyon Distilling
Candle & Matches: Dwelling & Design
We’re channeling all the spring vibes with this fun tablescape perfect for indoor or outdoor entertaining this season! Being on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we love a place setting that’s relaxed enough for outdoor entertainment but still delivers a punch. Enter these dusty blue plates and two-toned flatware from White Glove Rentals. We layered our focal elements with varying textures, including a water hyacinth placemat from Ikea, classic summer striped table runners from World Market (which we laid width-wise for some added intrigue), linen napkins with a knotted tie, and a modern meets casual vellum + white wood menu. Tying everything together were whitewash sandwich board place cards and the most gorgeous spring arraignments we’ve ever seen from Blossom + Vine! We hope this inspires your next gathering!
Vendors:
Photography: Renee Hollingshead Photography
Design & Styling: Kari Rider Events
Florals: Blossom + Vine
Rentals: White Glove Rentals
Placemats: Ikea
Table Runners: World Market
Farm Table: Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Menu: Stephanie B Design
Place Cards: Surcee Calligraphy
Kari Rider Events is a boutique event planning and design company crafting elegant, individually styled celebrations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and beyond. Our blog features real weddings designed by our team, shoots we've styled for magazines and other blogs, and lots of wedding tips and inspiration. Thanks for stopping by and we look forward to hearing from you!
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