In this article, you will learn how to print and assemble your own contemporary layered place cards like the ones shown here using any combination of paper you choose.
To make this project convenient for you, this article includes step by step instructions and downloadable Word templates.
Note: The instructions and templates included in the following article work best with our 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch place cards.
1 – Choose a Pre Scored Single Place Card
Begin by choosing a blank place card. Since you will not have to worry about printing on this card, you can choose one of any color or finish.
2 – Choose 8 1/2 x 11 Paper for Printable Top Layer
Next, choose 8 1/2 x 11 paper for the top layer of your place cards. Because you will be printing on this paper, be sure to choose one that is a weight, finish, and texture that your printer can handle.
You will be printing on both sides of the 8 1/2 x 11 sheets
- Name and table number text on one side
- Cutting guidelines on the reverse
Note: Guidelines are printed on the reverse side of the paper to eliminate any line traces that may remain after cutting. You will be downloading a separate Word document for each side.
3 – Download & Print Cutting Guidelines
Click on the following link to download your cutting guidelines:
The cutting guideline document will look like the following:
Simply load your 8 1/2 x 11 paper into your printer, and print the document as is. No custom document set up is necessary as this is a standard 8 1/2 x 11 sized document.
4- Download Word Template for Name & Table Number Text
Next, download the Word template for entering guests’ names and table numbers:
Download Place Card Word Template
Upon opening, the document will look like this:
Note: Although this document has lines in it, they are there for visual purposes only. They will not print out onto your paper.
5 – Customize Place Card Wording, Then Print
Experiment with various fonts, font sizes, layouts, and graphics to customize your place cards.
After your place card design is complete, you will be ready to print. Remember, you will be printing on the opposite side of your previously printed cutting guidelines.
Important Printing Note: For the cutting guidelines and text to align correctly, you must reload your paper in the correct position. If you are unfamiliar with how your printer feeds paper, it is recommended you test a sample sheet prior to printing all of your place cards.
6 – Cut Along Guidelines to Yield Individual Top Layers
Cut along the printed guidelines to yield individual place card layers.
7 – Assemble Place Cards
Adhere printed layers to place cards with double sided tape or glue, whichever you prefer.
Create a simple design like this, or add some decorative flare. You can find some decorative suggestions below.
Ideas for Decorating Place Cards
Layer In A Chiyogami Strip
Here’s How We Did It
A Stardream Ruby place card was paired with printable ecru paper. Before adhering the Ecru top layer, the card was embellished with a 1 1/2 x 9 inch band of Purple Plum Bough Chiyogami (Yuzen) Paper, and secured in the back with double sided tape.
Here’s How We Did It
A Stardream Lagoon place card was paired with printable Radiant White paper. A 7/8 x 7 inch strip of Blue Flower Tree Chiyogami was then adhered to the insides of the place card with double sided tape. Last, the printed white layer was placed below the chiyogami strip and secured to the card.
Note: This design requires the text in the Word template to be placed off-center.
Embellish with Ribbon
This design is a combination of a Stardream Onyx place card, white top layer, and black satin invitation-ribbon. A ribbon stitch punch was used to create the holes in which the ribbon was tied through.
do you offer custom cutting?
Hi Tammie,
Yes, we do offer a custom cutting service. Please see our video, Do you offer custom paper and card sizes? for an overview of the service. Then call us if you would like to place a custom cutting order or if you have any further questions.
I would like to print the names and table numbers on vellum and am concerned that the cutting guidelines will show through. Is it possible to change the color of the lines from black to the color of the vellum? Thanks.
Hi Janette,
You can certainly change the color of the cutting guidelines to be very faint. To do this, go to the Table Properties menu by right clicking on the table or using the top menu. Within the properties select Borders & Shading. Within this menu you will find options to change the color of the lines, or make them not appear at all.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I am trying to use the placecard word template, but the names don’t line up. In the sample, it shows Michael Connelly and next to it is Sarah Connelly, but her name is lower. I tried to fix it, but it never lines up. Any help?
Hi Jennifer,
I have found that when using the columns and tables features in Word, sometimes the text does not appear to line up in the document, but when you print the document out, it does line up. I have also found that on occasion, text that appears to be centered from top to bottom within a document prints out slightly off center. These occurrence vary with the fonts, sizes, and spacing you have set up within your document, and unfortunately there is no way of remedying this.
Although frustrating, layout can usually be fixed by playing around with the document a bit and test printing on plain 8 1/2 x 11 paper, so as to not waste your card stock. For example, if your text looks ok in your document but is printing too low, you can move it up so it appears too high in your document, but prints just right.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Is it better to buy 8 1/2×11 paper and cut it to size or to buy blank business cards and print them? Not sure about the whole cutting thing. Which would you recommend?
Thank you!
Hi Vicki,
Most printers are not able to print on cards as small as pre-cut business cards, so unless you are hand writing the cards, I would not recommend it.
This tutorial includes cutting guidelines, and if you use paper trimmer with very a very sharp blade, cutting is not so much difficult as it is daunting. If you take a few practice runs and keep some extras on hand, you should be just fine.
If you are still not comfortable with cutting, you can also take your printed 8 1/2 x 11 sheet to a local printer who will likely cut it for you.
Hi, I am going to be buying the silver blank metallic cards and I want to layer them with white pearl paper. I was wondering if the cutting guidelines are too big for layering for the cardstock? Like will there be enough silver showing through with the white over it ?
Thank you very much
Hi Lauren,
The cutting guidelines in this post are made to cut pieces that fit on our pre-cut place cards, the final product appearing as it does on the blog. If you want more of a silver border, you can edit the tables/guidelines in Word.
For further instruction on this, please consult the following article, which discusses how to create, edit, and manipulate tables:
Print Wedding Stationery with Microsoft Word Tables
If you run into trouble, get in touch with us!