After all of the wedding invitation responses have been sent back it's up to the bride and groom to determine where each confirmed guest should be seated. This may look like an easy task, but it usually isn't. Before long, the bride is remembering that Uncle Bill refuses to speak to Grandpa Joe, and two[/spin of the groom's friends have fight over a girl. Then there's the group of ten friends that you want to seat together, but your reception tables only seat eight people. Obviously you can't allow guests to drift into the reception area and choose where they want to sit, so the fun job begins of sorting everyone into fairly amicable groups where preferably no one's feelings will be hurt.

Wedding place card holders can be very useful at weddings, especially for larger celebrations. They can be helpful in several different ways, depending on your preferences. Place card holders can be set at the entrance to the reception hall where guests can find them as they enter. In this instance, the cards should include the guest's name and their table name or number. The guest can then carry their place card holder to their chair and use the holder to reserve their place.

Another option is to already have each place card holder positioned at each individual place setting. This does not allow the guests the option of picking their seat at their assigned table, but it does allow you the opportunity to more easily keep some distance between guests who may may have a conflict. One disadvantage to this method is that earlier guests who want a different seat may start to rearrange the place card holders to suit their own preference. If you're worried this might occur, ask a member of the wedding party to be aware of this as guests enter the hall.

If you have a more intimate wedding and aren't as worried with where your guests are sitting, or if you have a table guide showing each guest and their assigned table number, you can still have place card holders as whimsical favors for your guests to take home. Instead of using them for names, you can include a thank-you message on the cards, or even a line or two of your favorite song. By using them in an unexpected way, you can a bit of fun and whimsy to your wedding day.

The wonderful thing about place card holders is that they can be found in a huge variety of colors, shapes and themes. You can select the more traditional looking miniature frame, or you can opt for luggage tags, coasters, tealights or keychains just to mention a few. Whatever your theme, you're sure to find the perfect place card holders for your special day.

Oh, and once you get the seating arrangements figured out, don't forget to include an extra place or two for guests who show up even though they said they wouldn't be. Every wedding has a surprise or two, and it's better to be prepared.