Place Cards

Best Place Cards & Party Supplies: Top US Stores, Tips, and Trends

Why place cards still matter in modern parties

Place cards might seem like a small detail, but they punch above their weight when it comes to creating a polished event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a holiday dinner, or a corporate luncheon, place cards guide guests, reduce awkward moments, and add personality to each table setting. Think of them as tiny welcome notes—little signposts that say “you belong here” while helping the evening flow smoothly. They’re the unsung heroes of seating arrangements, and the right set can set the tone from the moment guests sit down.

Common place card types and when to use them

Tent-fold place cards

Tent-fold cards are the classic option: they fold in half and stand on their own like a little tent. They’re sturdy, readable from across the table, and work well for formal and casual settings alike. Typical dimensions are often around 3.5 inches by 2 inches when folded, making them compact without being tiny.

Flat place cards

Flat place cards lie flush on the table and are ideal when you want a minimal, low-profile look. They’re perfect for layered place settings—slip one on top of a charger or napkin. Flat cards are easy to print at home or customize online and often measure about 3.5 inches by 2 inches, the same as business-card size.

Acrylic and clear place cards

Acrylic place cards add a modern, upscale vibe. Clear or frosted acrylic pieces with engraved names reflect light beautifully, particularly under candlelight. Sizes vary, but a popular format is a 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch square or a 3.5-inch by 2-inch rectangle. They’re durable and reusable—an investment if you host frequently.

Wooden place cards

Wooden place cards bring warmth and rustic charm to tables. Small rounds or slices of wood, typically 1.5 to 3 inches across, can be engraved with names or paired with a tiny stand. They’re great for outdoor events, barn weddings, or any party leaning toward a natural aesthetic.

Chalkboard and reusable cards

Reusable chalkboard place cards are fun for casual events and kid-friendly parties. Guests or hosts can write names with chalk or liquid chalk markers and erase them afterward. These usually come in sizes around 2 to 3 inches, making them easy to tuck into mini easels or holders.

Photo and personalized cards

Photo place cards double as keepsakes. They often feature a small 2-inch by 3-inch photo with the guest’s name printed below. These are memorable for family events and milestone celebrations, and they make great conversation starters.

Top US stores to buy place cards (and what each does best)

Party City

Party City is a go-to for last-minute shoppers and hosts who need a broad selection under one roof. They offer tent cards, themed place cards, and basic holders at accessible prices. If you’re buying by the dozen or need matching party tableware, Party City’s one-stop-shop appeal is hard to beat.

Michaels

Michaels caters to the crafty crowd. You’ll find a wide assortment of place card blanks, calligraphy pens, stamps, and embellishments for DIY projects. Michaels often stocks specialty materials like metallic cardstock and laser-cut designs, making it a great option if you want to personalize every detail.

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby blends craft supplies with affordable decor. Their selection includes wooden and paper place cards, ornate holders, and seasonal designs. If you prefer browsing in-store to match colors and textures by eye, Hobby Lobby’s generous aisles are ideal.

Etsy

Etsy is the place for handmade and highly personalized options. Small sellers offer custom calligraphy, unique materials like leather or reclaimed wood, and bespoke designs you won’t find on mass-market shelves. Lead times vary, so plan ahead—many Etsy shops will personalize names and fonts for a small fee.

Amazon

Amazon offers enormous variety and fast shipping options for Prime members. From budget multipacks of tent cards to premium acrylic sets, you can compare styles, read thousands of reviews, and get items quickly. Amazon is perfect for hosts who need convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide selection from multiple brands.

Walmart

Walmart provides low-cost place cards and bulk options that suit large gatherings and community events. While the selection may be more basic than specialty retailers, Walmart’s value pricing and in-store pickup make it a practical choice for tight budgets or quick turnaround.

Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading is great for parties that need tons of small details—think kids’ events, school functions, and large community dinners. They sell bulk place cards, themed options, and playful designs at low per-piece prices. If you’re outfitting many tables and want coordinated party favors, this store is worth a look.

Shindigz

Shindigz focuses on event professionals and hosts seeking custom-branded items. They offer elegant printed place cards and table numbers, and they can handle larger orders with consistent printing quality. If you need matching signage, backdrops, or tableware, Shindigz provides an integrated solution.

Zazzle

Zazzle is ideal for customization aficionados. With an easy online editor, you can personalize fonts, colors, and even add logos or photos. Zazzle produces both ready-made templates and fully custom designs, making it a strong fit for weddings and corporate events that require on-brand details.

Paper Source

Paper Source is the boutique paper-lovers’ store. They provide high-quality cardstocks, letterpress options, and artisanal finishes like deckle edges and metallic foiling. If tactile quality and upscale presentation are priorities, Paper Source delivers premium place cards that look as good as they feel.

How to choose the right material and size

Picking the material and size depends on your event style and practical needs. For seating visibility, a tent card around 3.5 inches by 2 inches works well. If you want a subtle look, go with a flat 3.5-inch by 2-inch card. Choose acrylic or wooden pieces if you expect reuse; paper and cardstock are best for budget-friendly or single-use events. Factor in how the cards will interact with lighting—reflective acrylic can shimmer under candles, while matte cardstock reduces glare and is easier to photograph.

Design tips that elevate your place cards

Small design choices make a big difference. Pick a readable font with enough contrast against the card color—dark ink on light cardstock is classic for a reason. Consider hierarchy: guest name in larger type, table number in smaller type. Add a small icon or motif that matches your theme—like a leaf for autumn or a tiny anchor for nautical events. Texture matters, too: embossed or letterpress prints catch light and add a tactile sense of luxury.

Accessories that complete the table look

Place card holders

Holders come in many forms: clips, mini easels, wooden slits, and metal stands. Clips are playful and work well for photos or paper strips, while mini easels give a picture-frame vibe. If your place cards are thicker—like acrylic or wood—look for sturdy metal or wooden holders that support the weight. Measurements for slots often range from 0.1 to 0.2 inches wide, so check compatibility.

Table numbers and matching signage

Coordinating your place cards with table numbers and menus creates a cohesive look. Table numbers should be easily visible from a few feet away—aim for at least 3 inches tall numerals on your signs. Pairing styles (same font, border, or material) ties the whole table together and helps guests locate their tables quickly.

Budget-friendly strategies for unique place cards

Want stunning place cards without breaking the bank? Printable templates are a lifesaver—download a template, print on 80 to 110 lb cardstock, and cut to size. Use software or free online editors to customize names and colors. Repurpose materials: small pinecones with name tags, dried orange slices, or simple folded kraft-paper cards can look charming without costing much. Buying holders in bulk and swapping out simple paper cards each event keeps the look fresh while amortizing the cost of reusable elements.

Trends: what’s hot in place card design right now

Modern trends lean toward personalization and sustainability. Expect to see more seed-paper place cards that guests can plant afterward, and eco-friendly recycled papers with earthy textures. Acrylic and mirrored cards remain popular for upscale galas, while minimalist monochrome designs suit contemporary weddings. Interactive place cards—those that double as a party favor, a small game, or a photo holder—are also catching on because they create memorable moments and double as keepsakes.

DIY tips for first-time hosts

If you’re new to making place cards, start simple. Buy printable templates and a good shear or guillotine cutter for clean edges. Use a black ink pen with a fine tip for hand-lettered names, or try transfer lettering if you want a polished look without hiring a calligrapher. Test one or two designs before committing to an entire set—lighting, napkin color, and table textures can affect how a design reads in real life.

Ordering and personalization checklist

When ordering custom place cards online, keep a checklist to avoid last-minute headaches: confirm the spelling of each name, choose a font that’s legible at the chosen size, verify materials (matte vs. glossy), and check proof times. Plan for a small overage—order 10% extra to cover last-minute attendees or misprints. If you’re working with a vendor, ask about rush production times and whether sample pieces are available to judge color and weight before the full run.

Mix-and-match ideas for multiple event types

Different events call for different approaches. For formal weddings, match place cards to invitations—same paper stock and font family for a cohesive suite. For casual backyard parties, playful shapes or handwritten tags feel authentic and relaxed. Corporate events benefit from clear, professional typography and branded accents like logos or color bands. Don’t be afraid to mix materials: a wooden holder with a crisp paper card can balance rustic and refined elements beautifully.

Where to save and where to splurge

Spend where guests will notice texture and detail—paperweight, embossing, or metallic foil. These tactile elements feel luxurious and photograph well. Save on extras like ornate holders if you can achieve the same look with simple props—small stones, sprigs of greenery, or folded napkins can lift a simple card. Bulk paper cards are cheap, so invest in one standout item, like a custom calligraphy header or an engraved acrylic table number, and let the eye focus there.

Final checklist before the event

Before the door opens, run through a short checklist: ensure all names are spelled correctly, place cards are arranged by table and order of seating, holders are positioned so cards face guests, and any accompanying items (menus, favors) are aligned. Double-check lighting—if your place cards are dark, add extra table lighting or choose reflective ink to keep names readable in photos and low light. With a few minutes of prep, those tiny cards will help your event run like clockwork.

Conclusion

Place cards are small but mighty: they guide guests, express your style, and can become keepsakes long after the party ends. Whether you prefer the convenience of Party City, the crafty options at Michaels and Hobby Lobby, handmade charm from Etsy, or the convenience of Amazon and Walmart, there’s a perfect place card solution for every budget and aesthetic. Think about material, size, and the overall table story you want to tell, and choose accessories that reinforce that vision. With a little planning, your place cards will do more than hold names—they’ll help create moments people remember.