First and foremost, table numbers are for a functional purpose, so no judgment here if you want to go with the simplest basic numbers or stick to the house table numbers offered by your venue. BUT table numbers have the potential to be such a fun and unique detail- and a way to integrate your theme into a necessary element of your tables. (That is, if you have assigned seating.) If you do opt for personal table numbers that incorporate something meaningful to you or reinforce the feel of your wedding style, make sure to do it on the cheap! For us, this is not something we would want to spend large (or even medium) amounts of money on. Here are some tips for scoring those fundamental elements of your creative table numbers for very low prices!

1.       Ask your venue staff if they have table numbers they typically use for events. Usually if they do, the venue will let you use them free of charge. Even if you want to be more creative than just standard numbers in black ink, you could use the holders or frames that the venue has, saving you $1 to $5+ per table and shopping time and energy.

2.       Putting your table number in a frame? Pick the cheap ones! You want these to look nice, but really there is no need to spend massive amounts on frames for this purpose only. Check out the Dollar Tree or Oriental Trading for very affordable versions that are perfect for this function for $1 or less each (they may surprise you!) or browse stores like Walmart and Target for sales on basic frames.

3.       Be completely basic. Some of the easiest and cheapest ways to make those table numbers a little more interesting? Instead of numbers, choose the names of places or attractions that are meaningful to you (i.e. buildings on your college campus, places you had your favorite dates, cities you’ve lived in) print them on cardstock on your computer or have an artsy friend write them in fun handwriting, and attach to a piece of colorful or patterned cardstock to the back to make it stand. The paper will add some pop and you can find that perfect pattern to go with your wedding theme. And hey- go ahead and splurge by hitting a sale at your local paper store or craft store, since you’ll only need a handful of sheets for the backgrounds. Simple, easy and interesting.

4.       Don’t forget to get a good deal on basic supplies. Like….paper. You are going to need that basic cardstock for several things if you make these wedding details yourself, so keep your eyes open for deals at office supply stores like Office Depot or Staples. Make sure to sign up for their rewards programs, since they often offer deals with full rebates to rewards members. How great would it be to score some of these supplies for free?!? We’ll let you know about any deals we see on the Belles Blog.

5.       Make them visual with pictures. If you use photographs for your table numbers for pictures of you as a couple or your favorite destinations, etc., make sure to take advantage of the deals at places like Snapfish or Shutterfly. They typically give you 50 free prints for signing up, which should get you pretty far!

6.       Want an easy way to spice up table numbers? Use stamps! Grab an ink pad and either a wedding-y stamp or a stamp that reinforces your theme from your local craft store, and strategically stamp the cards with your table numbers! This will accomplish the same idea of having your wedding motif printed on your table numbers for much, much less. Plus, you can use the stamps for other small details throughout your ceremony and reception for a cohesive look.  And trust us- that ink pad will last you through quite a few table numbers/programs/favors/thank you cards, etc.

7.       Get creative! Can you tell our heads are exploding with ideas right now? Channel that inner creativity to come up with some fab table numbers. The nice part about this is it is a low commitment project- since you won’t have too many tables, the table numbers are a good place to start if you aren’t sure about do-it-yourself projects or want one personalized touch on your tables.  So think about the themes of your weddings and go at it! Oh the possibilities… quirky environmentally-friendly wedding? Numbers made out of folded recycled magazines and wrappers. Winery soiree? Printed numbers made to look like wine labels. Nautical luncheon? Numbers made out of white rope. Carnival themed party? Numbers created out of colorful M&Ms. Reception with a vintage feel? Numbers cut out of antique lace glued to a dark background.  Seriously, we could go on all night….