Do-It-Yourself Wedding Ideas: Reception Chair Labels

With the average cost of weddings in the U.S. at approximately $20,000, it is no wonder that many brides-to-be are choosing to handle some of the details on their own. One easily handcrafted item is the reception chair label. A reception chair label gives guests a little something extra. It can be a decorative piece, adding to the formal ambience of the room, but also lets your guests know that you have spent the time it takes to thoughtfully consider those who are joining you to celebrate your special day.

There are several different ways to make reception chair labels. You can choose to make a simple placard out of folded card stock with the guests name printed on one side. This card may be placed on the seat of the chair or on the table next to the chair. These uncomplicated reception chair labels are likely to take the least amount of time for the busy bride and can also be created during a pre-wedding get together with bridesmaids; each bridesmaid trying her hand at calligraphy, printing, or hand stamping the guests name on each label.

To add a dash of fun, place a home printed photograph on each label. You can choose various pictures of the happy couple, from their childhood to the present, or you can make a game of it by placing baby pictures of each member of the bridal party on different labels. This not only gives guests something out of the norm to enjoy during the reception, but also gives them entertainment - it is likely that guests will spend much of the reception seeking out labels so that they might see all of the pictures that you have decided to share.

Yet another way to spice up reception chair labels that you can do on your own is to turn the labels into party favors. You can choose to print miniature or full-sized candy bar wrappers with your guests name as well as details about the wedding, then wrap the candy bars with just a piece of tape. If candy bars are not your style, you can also use the wrappers on rolled breath mints or other chocolate free treats. For a more flexible approach, you may print guests names on shipping labels and affix those to whatever items you see fit; from bottled water to decks of playing cards. There are many free programs online that can help with this project. Some brides may choose to make a mixed CD of the couple's favorite wedding songs with personalized CD cover labels.

In the end, the most important aspect of your wedding is that you are happily married, and the guests should see that you appreciate them in joining you on your wedding day; but you do not have to spend a lot of money to show this appreciation.