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
Nothing says “summer wedding” like a palette of coastal blues, colorful blooms, hand-dipped ice cream, and endless sailboat views. Fortunately for guests at Amy & Ben’s Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum wedding, that was exactly the scene! With both the bride and groom working as principals at schools in D.C., we wanted to incorporate some subtle nods to their careers in education—coming in the form of adorable white “clipboard” menus with the cutest little gold clips. We carried that theme into the escort display, as well, using wooden clipboards to create contrast with the white board, blue lettering and vibrant blooms. The maritime setting inspired the rest of the décor—layers of coastal blues, scalloped gold-rimmed chargers, a self-service beer boat, and a gorgeous sailcloth tent, to name a few details. The result was a relaxed and intimate celebration with perfect personalization and even more perfect weather (80 and sunny with a fabulous breeze—will we ever get that in July again?!).
Vendors:
Photography: Renee Hollingshead Photography
Planning, Design & Styling: Kari Rider Events
Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Florist: Monteray Farms
Catering: Gourmet by the Bay
Tent & Rentals: Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Rentals: DC Rental
Invitation & Paper Goods: Susan Wilson Designs
Cake: Bay Country Bakery
Ice Cream Cart: Scottish Highland Creamery
Hair: PSC Hair Artistry
Makeup: Natural Makeup Chic
DJ: Mixing Maryland, Kyle Moore
Ceremony Musicians: Bay Strings
Transportation: Extroardinar Limousine
Capitol Hill staffers Lindley Kratovil and Dustin Shearer like nothing more than to escape the hustle and bustle of D.C. and relax by the water. So naturally they headed to Maryland’s Eastern Shore for their elegant yet laid-back wedding at the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels. Joined by 175 of their closest family members and friends, Lindley and Dustin said “I Do” overlooking the sailboat-flanked waters of the inn’s scenic point. Following a waterfront cocktail hour, guests made their way through the lush gardens to the sailcloth reception tent. Inside, they found layers of whites and taupe accented by bright florals and a pop of maritime blue. A hand-selected cigar bar and lounge lured guests outside, where they took full advantage of the inn’s bocce pit. Before the newlyweds made their grand exit at the wheel of Lindley’s grandmother’s 1940 Ford Deluxe convertible, the sky lit up with fireworks—a sparkling ending to a heartfelt celebration. See more from this gorgeous celebration captured by Bonnie Sen Photography on Inside Weddings!
Vendors:
Photographer: Bonnie Sen Photography
Planning & Design: Kari Rider Events
Florals: Amaryllis Inc.
Venue: Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond
Tent: Eastern Shore Tents & Events
Rentals: DC Rental & White Glove Rentals
Linens: La Tavola
Invitation: Dandelion Patch
Day-of Paper: Surcee Calligraphy
Cake: Steve Konopelski
Hair: Alison Harper & Co.
Makeup: Natural Makeup Chic
Dress: Manuel Mota
Dress Shop: Fabulous Frocks
Band: Highway Star
Ceremony Music: Bay Strings
Cigars: The Cigar Box
Fireworks: Digital Lighting
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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