DEAL OF THE DAY: Here are the 21 best products from Walmart's spring deals
Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Place Cards

Last updated on June 23, 2023

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

If you’ve ever planned an event, such as a banquet, wedding, conference or fancy dinner at home, then you know how important place cards can be. A place card is really simple but provides a lot of functionality. Place cards contain the name of the guest, and sometimes also contain vital information about where they are sitting, such as a table number or section. Some also include design elements to tie into the overall design or theme of the event.

When choosing place cards, one important element you’ll need to decide is whether you want a flat style or a tent style of card. A flat style, as the name suggests, is flat. It’s a rectangular card stock that is often used with a place card holder, because the card cannot stand on its own. Tent cards form a tent, like the name says, because they are a rectangular card stock folded in half. They are not used with a place card holder as they can stand on their own. Is one better than the other? It all depends on your style and budget. Tent cards may be slightly more costly per card than flat cards, however, you don’t need to purchase card holders to go with them. On the other hand, place card holders can add another element of design to the table, so they work well in certain types of events.

Be sure to think about whether you’re going to be writing the names on the cards or whether you will be having them printed. Check to see what the finish is like on the place cards so that the ink won’t smudge. Typically, it’s best to go with a matte card finish if you’re having them printed.

Our Picks For The Top Place Cards

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

AZAZA Textured Matte Finish Place Cards, 50-Count

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

AZAZA

Textured Matte Finish Place Cards, 50-Count

These simple place cards are plain white. They are folded tent style and stay in place. The cards can also be used as buffet food labels and greeting cards.

Overall Take

Simple ChoiceThese place cards are plain white.

 Runner Up

Toncoo Textured Printer Friendly Place Cards, 100-Count

Toncoo

Textured Printer Friendly Place Cards, 100-Count

These elegant place cards have a sophisticated gold foil frame. They feature a raised textured feel. The cards have a matte surface so ink won’t smudge.

Overall Take

Elegant DesignThese place cards have a sophisticated gold foil frame.

 We Also Like

JABINCO Gold Foil Border Place Cards, 100-Count

JABINCO

Gold Foil Border Place Cards, 100-Count

These luxurious place cards have high-end appeal. The gold foil has a classic look that works with many event themes. The cards can only be written on by hand. They are not printer friendly.

Overall Take

Luxurious LookThese place cards have high-end appeal.

 Strong Contender

Supla Pre-Folded Kraft Paper Place Cards, 100-Count

Supla

Pre-Folded Kraft Paper Place Cards, 100-Count

These rustic place cards feature white laurel leaves. They are made with kraft card stock. The cards are ideal for country weddings, bridal showers, Christmas parties and more.

Overall Take

Rustic OptionThese place cards feature white laurel leaves.

What to Look For

  • When it comes to place card sizes, there are a few different options. However, the most common ones you will find are 2.5” x 3.75” or 2” x 3.5”. This is very similar to the size of a business card, for reference. If you’re looking for something much bigger, it’s likely you will need to have custom place cards made and cut for your needs.
  • Place cards come blank, which provides you with a lot of flexibility in their use. While they are certain primarily used for place cards at events, many people also use the leftover cards for other things. They make great small greeting cards to attach to gifts such as a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine. They can also be used for arts and crafts for kids. Some people also use place cards as label cards for buffet dinners or dessert tables.
  • Consider the type of font used on the place card and how it corresponds with the design theme at the event. For example, while many people choose calligraphy for the place cards, it may not be suitable for a modern or contemporary event. Those types of events may work better with a sans serif font that is simple and has clean lines.

More to Explore

Where did place cards originate? While it’s likely they may have been used in different parts of the world, there was a very specific social reason they were used in old England. A few hundred years ago, society was highly structured in England and every person had a social rank. During formal events, it was imperative that people enter a dining room with their partner in the order of their rank, and sit in a specific spot at the table that was based on their rank. Place cards were used to specify in what order people should enter the dining room, as they were placed in that order at an entrance table. They also ensured that no one walked in out of order or took a wrong seat.

More to explore