February 17th

Photo Credit: Smith Studios Photography

Tip of the Day: According to traditional etiquette, you should shop for your mom's dress first, then make plans to get your mother-in-law's dress. Don't let schedules shuffle this important etiquette order, or feelings could get hurt! We'd also advise against shopping for your wedding gown and mom's dress at the same time, which could cause too much stress. Besides, it's more fun to make it into two separate trips. 

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50 Memorable Ideas for Your Table Numbers

Sure, standard table numbers will get wedding guests to their seats, but why be ordinary? Express your personality with creative table names, or upgrade your style with unique ways to display the classic numbers. These 50 innovative table number ideas will inspire you to take your table décor from mundane to memorable. 

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Gatsby-Inspired

    Gatsby-Inspired

    For a glamorous Art Deco look, go for the gold. These freestanding wooden numerals can also be styled modern, rustic, or covered in sparkling glitter.

    Photo Credit: Z Create Design/Etsy

  • Painted Plate

    Painted Plate

    Search thrift shops and antique stores for pretty vintage china. Next stop: the crafts store, for stencils and acrylic paint to complete this easy DIY idea from Perfectly Disheveled.

    Photo Credit: Leah Lee Photography

  • Scrabble

    Scrabble

    Can you spell C-R-E-A-T-I-V-E? Scrabble tiles make up fun and novel table numbers.

  • Birds Nests

    Birds Nests

    Perch these handmade bird cutouts atop a dried floral nest for a charming rustic look.

  • Agate

    Agate

    Unique Brazilian agate rocks are hand-painted with elegant calligraphy.

    Photo Credit: Pippity Pow/Etsy

  • Sailboat

    Sailboat

    Driftwood sailboats complement the seaside décor for a nautical or beach wedding.

    Photo Credit: Katelyn James

  • Fantasy Locations

    Fantasy Locations

    Name your tables with references from a favorite movie, book, or television show. These fantasy fiction destinations are paired with vintage maps by Imbue You.

    Photo Credit: Imbue You

  • Fairy Tales

    Fairy Tales

    Fairytale-themed tables tell the story of your romance. And they lived happily ever after…

    Photo Credit: The Little Touches

  • Comics

    Comics

    Pow! Splat! Express yourself with quirky comic book table names, a fun and offbeat choice.

  • Maps

    Maps

    Where in the world are you sitting? Upcycled maps display your favorite destinations.

    Photo Credit: TINE Designs/Etsy

  • Movie Characters

    Movie Characters

    Tag tables with your favorite movie characters. This beautifully styled table combines a sophisticated look with a fun Star Wars theme.

    Photo Credit: Caca Santoro Weddings

  • Cassettes

    Cassettes

    Cassette tapes with names of your favorite artists are perfect for a retro wedding.

    Photo Credit: Wedfest

  • Baseball Stadiums

    Baseball Stadiums

    Take me out to the ball game! Stadium seating is a fun choice for the sports-loving couple.

  • The Periodic Table

    The Periodic Table

    When two scientists fell in love, it was instant chemistry! Cibi Events labelled each table with chemical formulas like H2O for a clever addition to an elegant table setting.

  • Movies

    Movies

    Add a bit of Hollywood romance with quotes from your favorite movies.

    Photo Credit: Wedding Monograms/Etsy

  • Winter Themes

    Winter Themes

    Sleighbells, snowflakes, mistletoe, and holly — for a winter wedding, the Documents and Designs Snowflake collection includes table names that salute the season.

    Photo Credit: Documents and Designs

  • Flowers

    Flowers

    Choose your favorite spring flowers for table names. A pretty seed packet design is a sweet choice for an outdoor wedding.

    Photo Credit: Leaf Decor/Etsy

  • Photo Adventures

    Photo Adventures

    Relive memorable moments as a couple with photos of your favorite adventures.

  • Italian Foods

    Italian Foods

    Foodie couples will adore this elegant design by Nora Belle Designs, celebrating a passion for fine food and travel with classic Italian ingredients and inspiring quotes.

    Photo Credit: Nora Belle Designs

  • Airport Names

    Airport Names

    Love to travel? Take a flight of fancy with airport code table names.

  • Vintage Trunk

    Vintage Trunk

    Add this handmade wooden trunk to your table decorations for a vintage-inspired centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: An Artsy Affair/Etsy

  • Buoys

    Buoys

    Imagine your summer beach wedding with these colorful buoy table numbers, handmade from reclaimed wood.

  • Books

    Books

    Vintage books can be stenciled with table numbers. For a special touch, select your favorite romantic novels or books of poetry. 

  • Library Card

    Library Card

    Retro library cards add a vintage feel to your table. Pair with some classic books for a novel centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: Black Lab Studio/Etsy

  • Illuminated Heart

    Illuminated Heart

    Engraved acrylic hearts are illuminated by LED lights matched to your wedding colors.

    Photo Credit: Even Table Decor/Etsy

  • Lamp Shade

    Lamp Shade

    Light up your table décor with luminaries. The vellum shades fit over a wine glass or champagne glass.  

    Photo Credit: Paper Pixie/Etsy

  • Book Folds

    Book Folds

    Create your own amazing folded book art with downloadable patterns by Jelly Bean Book Art.

  • Child

    Child's Work

    Is there an artist in the family? Take a cue from these adorable drawings by the happy couple’s son.

  • Rustic Chalkboards

    Rustic Chalkboards

    Download lovely floral chalkboard cards for a trendy rustic look.

    Photo Credit: Paper Bear Print/Etsy

  • Watercolor

    Watercolor

    A swath of bright color and elegant gold lettering transforms ordinary table number cards.

  • Peacock

    Peacock

    Add glamour to your table number cards with a peacock print Art Deco design.

    Photo Credit: Tinsel and Flair/Etsy

  • Photo Numbers

    Photo Numbers

    Let your personality shine. This clever couple incorporated super-sized number props in their engagement photos.

    Photo Credit: Luminaire Foto

  • Han and Leia

    Han and Leia

    “I love you… I know.” Download this sweet and subtle Han and Leia design.

  • Birds

    Birds

    Enhance your table number cards with delightful artwork, like these vintage bird illustrations.

    Photo Credit: Leaf Decor/Etsy

  • Math

    Math

    You do the math: a clever twist on table numbers features simple arithmetic on chalkboards.

  • Flappers

    Flappers

    These delightful table number cards feature vintage-inspired flapper girls.

    Photo Credit: GoGo Snap/Etsy

  • Bicycles

    Bicycles

    Handmade wire sculpture bicycles hold your table number cards. Order a tandem bike for the head table!

    Photo Credit: Wirebicycle/Etsy

  • Knots

    Knots

    Handmade “monkey fist” rope knot holders are perfect for your nautical-themed wedding reception.

    Photo Credit: O-Y-Knot/Etsy

  • Gold Shells

    Gold Shells

    Shell holders add sophisticated gold style to your beach wedding.

    Photo Credit: Gallery 360 Designs

  • Pine Holders

    Pine Holders

    Rustic pine holders are carved with your initials for a bit of old-fashioned romance.

  • Moss

    Moss

    Pretty DIY flower pot centerpieces hold moss-covered numbers by Spotted Leopard.

  • Salt & Pepper

    Salt & Pepper

    Vintage salt and pepper shakers have a charming shabby-chic look.

  • Gold

    Gold

    Opt for some serious bling with gold crystal wrapped table number holders from Gallery 360 Designs.

    Photo Credit: Gallery 360 Designs

  • Constellations

    Constellations

    Your love is written in the stars. Guide your guests to the nearest constellation.

  • Rustic Frames

    Rustic Frames

    Rustic frames carved with your initials are a lasting memento of the day you say “I do!”

    Photo Credit: Prince Whitaker/Etsy

  • Moss Frames

    Moss Frames

    Moss covered frames are ideal for an outdoor or garden reception.

  • Embellished Frames

    Embellished Frames

    Silver and pearl embellishments frame your table numbers with opulence.

  • Gold Frames

    Gold Frames

    A simple gold frame elevates your table number cards from plain white to classic elegance.

  • Perler Beads

    Perler Beads

    An innovative DIY project from Intimate Weddings features a lacy heart handmade from perler beads.

    Photo Credit: Intimate Weddings

  • Vintage Door Knobs

    Vintage Door Knobs

    Antique-look key plates and crystal doorknobs adorn these gorgeous custom table numbers.

50 Memorable Ideas for Your Table Numbers

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Beyond the Beach: Offbeat Honeymoon Ideas

Can't picture yourself spending your honeymoon lounging on a beach? Go off-the-beaten-track at one of these otherworldly destinations teeming with awe-inspiring scenery, sightseeing galore, and romance to spare. Make your first trip as a married couple memorable with one-of-a-kind excursions; here, we've rounded up some of our favorites, from soaring up, up, and away in a hot air balloon to spotting the Big Five on safari to sailing around European islands and more.

Enter Slideshow
  • The Galapagos Islands

    The Galapagos Islands

    Set on the equator, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands is the crown jewel of the nature world. Visitors — limited in number by Ecuadorian law — can get up close and personal with uber-rare animal species including red- and blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, marine-land iguana hybrids, and renowned giant tortoises. There are endless opportunities for adventure, including swimming with sea lions, scuba diving among hammerhead sharks, and horseback riding on Santa Cruz Island.

    Stop at the Charles Darwin Research Center in Puerto Ayora to learn about the restoration efforts taking place. Also, don't miss a visit to Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, which was set up by British whalers to send letters home via passing ships (to this day, people leave postcards in the barrel with only an address and no stamp).

    Photo Credit: Ecuador Ministry of Travel

  • Cappadocia, Turkey

    Cappadocia, Turkey

    Just a short flight from Istanbul, Cappadocia, Turkey has a surreal lunar landscape that's best explored by air. Clamber into a hot-air balloon at sunrise for a spellbinding spectacle of craters and valleys aglow under the first rays of light. There are many hot-air balloon operators to choose from, like Sultan Balloons, but the experience is stunning no matter which one you choose.

    To truly appreciate the whimsical rocks and caves carved through millennia of erosion, marvel at them up close on a hike. The three-hour Rose Valley Walking Trail leads through fairy chimneys, ancient cave churches, and orchards, with a café that seems to pop up along the way just when you’re ready for a break. 

    Photo courtesy of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey

  • Norway

    Norway

    Visiting Norway feels like stepping into a fairy tale, thanks to steep-sided fjords, medieval wooden stave churches, and citizens who believe in trolls (and are most likely to live happily ever after, according to numerous studies). Go between December and March for best Aurora Borealis viewing. Amp up the adventure with the help of bespoke tour company Black Tomato, which can outfit you with dogs and sleds, tricked-out campsites and guided snowmobile rides.

    The capital city of Oslo woos honeymooners who like to couple outdoorsy adventure with cultural touring. Highlights include a museum dedicated to nautical exploration (containing the best-preserved Viking ships), an 80-acre sculpture park featuring Gustav Vigeland’s works, and the Nobel Peace Center.

    Photo Credit: Gaute Bruvik-visitnorway.com

  • New Zealand

    New Zealand

    With its glacial cascades, primeval rainforests, and turquoise pools, New Zealand is a real-world fantasyland on earth. Take in the dazzling scenery while touring the country by campervan. Must-sees include Waikato (a volcanic hiking area), Rotorua (kaleidoscopic fields of bubbling geo-fabulousness), and Lake Taupo’s hot springs. Milford Sound — the most famous fjord in the South Island’s Fiordland National Park — is also said to be the wettest inhabited place in the country. Translation — it’s waterfall central.

    Adrenaline junkies, don't miss the iconic sky tower in Auckland. You can do the SkyWalk on the 53rd floor, where you'll circumnavigate the building’s exterior sans handrail in a harness. If you're feeling even more daring, the SkyJump (the country's highest bungee) will send you down to street level at almost 53 miles per hour.

    Photo Credit: Rob Suiste

  • Ireland

    Ireland

    Ireland’s scenic beauty is the stuff of legend. The world-famous 702 foot-high Cliffs of Moher extend for nearly five miles and can be viewed from a walkway atop the cliffs, a sea-level cruise or by helicopter. The immense limestone plateau, Burren, features a variety of unique foliage such as purple orchids and wild thyme due to its unusually temperate climate. Take a trip to another era and tour the 15th-century Bunratty Castle filled with medieval furnishings. You can also golf, hike, bike, or horseback ride in the countryside.

    As you explore the country, you’ll revel in all it has to offer — from luxe accommodations to mouthwatering meals — and be charmed by the warmth of its people, who will invite you to feel right at home and share a pint or two. 

    Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland

  • Scotland

    Scotland

    Scotland’s turreted castles and romantic ruins make it a dream honeymoon destination. The capital city of Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Mile to the dark closes (alleyways), has a rich and fascinating history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with New Town on the opposite hill. Stroll the picturesque gardens at Cawdor Castle near Inverness and look for the pasture of adorable shaggy-haired Highland cattle. 

    En route to the Isle of Skye, tour haunting Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and postcard-perfect Eilean Donan Castle near Kyle of Lochalsh. And once you’re on Skye, you won’t want to leave. Its panoramas are seductive, especially from late July to early September when its hills of heather are colored dusty purple for as far as the eye can see.

    Photo courtesy of Kinloch Lodge

  • India

    India

    With an awesome array of cuisine, colors, and cultural experiences, India offers an intoxicating adventure for every traveler. Start with a rickshaw tour in Old Delhi. New Delhi is the perfect introduction to the Rajasthan region since it’s home to Humayun’s Tomb, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal.

    In Jaipur, visit the City Palace, the Observatory (a sprawling collection of ancient astrological instruments), and the marquee Amber Fort’s geometric gardens. Unlike other areas of India where sightseeing is all about the temples, Rajasthan and Agra are known for expansive forts.

    Last but not least, few world sites compare to the majesty of the Taj Mahal. Walk across the river to Moonlight Gardens and watch the sun set over the great monument.

    Photo courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

  • Tanzania, Africa

    Tanzania, Africa

    Tanzania has a plethora of wildlife, cultural sites, and hotels. At the fabled Serengeti plains, look out for the Big Five — rhino, lion, buffalo, elephant and leopard. Tanzania is also home to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera — a volcano that collapsed into itself. The 100-square-mile area boasts flamingos, hippos, and the elusive black rhino. (The one exception: giraffe — their long necks have made it impossible for them to descend.)

    Zanzibar, an Indian Ocean archipelago located off the eastern coastline of Tanzania, is a boon for history buffs and shoppers. Once the center of both the ancient spice route and the colonial slave trade, the island has a variety of sites from churches and palaces to traditional markets in the capital, Stone Town.

    Photo courtesy of AndBeyond

  • Morocco

    Morocco

    Morocco's blend of east and west and old and new is alluring to visitors. The topography is just as varied, with the desert extending from the ocean to the snowy Atlas Mountains. Temperatures range from 100 degrees and higher in summer to the comfortable mid-60s in winter, so get your sightseeing done early with a guided morning tour of the medina (old city): the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, bustling Djemaa el Fna square and the colorful Jardin Majorelle (a botanical garden once owned by Yves St. Laurent). 

    Shoppers love the fabled souk, a labyrinthine market overflowing with handcrafted goods. An authentic Moroccan spa experience awaits at a beautifully tiled hammam (traditional steam bath), while adventure calls just outside Marrakesh in the snow-capped Atlas Mountains or on a camel trek through the desert’s endless sands.

    Photo Credit: Dave Lewis

  • Guatemala

    Guatemala

    Guatemala boasts cool colonial sites, visitor-friendly lakeside towns and some of the best coffee on the planet. Just two-and-a-half hours from the States, this Latin American country feels totally untouristy while still being so welcoming to visitors. Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the country’s highlands, is an untapped treasure trove for antiques. Mexico may get all the press, but Guatemala is just as robust with its own Mayan ruins, the most famous of which is Tikal in the north. Iximche is another sprawling site set on the route to Lake Atitlan from Antigua.

    Dedicate a day in your honeymoon itinerary to exploring the area towns. Hop on a boat and zip across the lake to San Antonio Palopó, where many of the families are potters. One of the country’s most recognized sites is Lake Atitlan, which is actually a caldera — a volcano that collapsed into itself.

    Photo Credit: Jenna Mahoney

  • Chile

    Chile

    Chile features a spectacularly varied landscape that includes a European-esque capital city, the driest desert in the world, verdant wine regions, endless coastline and the Andes mountain. The best times to visit are spring (November) and fall (April). Skiers can swish down the slopes in July.

    One of our favorite parts is Lastarria, an upscale bohemian neighborhood in the capital city of Santiago, with art galleries, interesting restaurants, and bars set along leafy streets. Valparaíso is a seemingly endless maze of brightly colored buildings set into a mountainside. There are pedestrian pathways that lead to nowhere, and art galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants and boutique hotels among private homes in this UNESCO site. The Casa Blanca region, nestled in a valley between Santiago and Valparaíso, excels in the production of white wines. Hire a driver and spend the day touring the vineyards.

    Photo courtesy of Turisimo Chile

  • Uluru, Australia

    Uluru, Australia

    Australians call the heart of the Northern Territory the “Red Centre” and after just a single sunset you’ll understand why. Monolithic Ayers Rock, known as sacred Uluru to the local Aboriginal people, glows an almost unearthly shade of crimson that when juxtaposed against the twilight sky is nothing less than magical.

    Take hikes around the base of Uluru with a local guide or sightsee larger areas via jeep, motorcycle or even camel. For a bird’s-eye view, you can book a scenic helicopter flight. The region’s culture comes alive on day tours: See indigenous rock paintings at Cave Hill and learn about traditional crafts such as dot painting and didgeridoo carving.

    Photo courtesy of Australia's Coral Coast

  • New Orleans, Louisiana

    New Orleans, Louisiana

    The creole city of New Orleans has long been celebrated for its good eats, great music, and year-round party atmosphere. Add to the mix the recent city-wide resurgence ripe with new hotels and hip restaurants coupled with that famous Southern hospitality and you’ve got an awesome destination for any type of romance-related getaway. 

    Hands down, the best way to explore the city is on a bike tour. The three-hour Creole & Crescent ride with Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours provides an awesome overview to nearly every historic NOLA neighborhood from the French Quarter to the Marigny and Treme. There are plenty of stops to snap pictures of historic homes. A repose at the sprawling City Park is an opportunity to savor chicory coffee and beignets (fried dough smothered in powdered sugar). To try your hand at local cuisine, take an interactive class, complete with tastings, at Langlois Culinary Crossroads.

    Photo Credit: Richard Nowitz

  • Hvar, Croatia

    Hvar, Croatia

    A 16th-century fortress stands watch over the crystalline Adriatic Sea in the charming town of Hvar, the central town of the Croatian island of the same name. A popular holiday spot along the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar’s got plenty to do on land, from touring Greek ruins and medieval villages to hanging out in one of the prettiest town squares in the country.

    Rent a sailboat or hop a water taxi to the nearby Pakleni Islands and don’t forget to bring a picnic and a bottle of crisp Croatian Malvasia white wine. Pick up some famous Hvar lavender — fresh, dried or as a pure oil — as a fragrant reminder of the sunny days.

    Photo Credit: Juraj Kopac/ Croatian National Tourist Board

  • Hungary, Budapest

    Hungary, Budapest

    Elegant but edgy, historic but vibrant, Budapest is a mainstay on lists of the Most Beautiful Cities in Europe. The Grande Dame city is separated into two unique sections — Buda and Pest — by the Danube River, with islands floating in between the two sides. Spread throughout are UNESCO World Heritage sites, notable museums, authentic food, and over 80 geothermal hot springs, making there plenty to experience in this jewel of a city.

    Pedestrian-friendly Budapest is a great place for walking tours, which can be tailored to your interests and will help reveal some hidden gems. Tour operator Unique Budapest features some outings covering topics like architecture, design, music, castles, nightlife, and more. Catch a performance at one of the city’s top attractions, the stunning opera house. 

    Photo courtesy of Hungarian National Tourist Office

  • Portugal

    Portugal

    Like the soulful, heart-stirring sounds of its famous Fado music, Portugal evokes old-world mystery and is poetry come to life. It features cliffside castles, elaborate monasteries, and treasures dating back to its storied "Age of Discovery." A trip by highly regarded outfitter Backroads combines land and sea for an unforgettable experience. Beginning in Spain and ending in Porto, the tour has you cycle across sunbaked terrain by day and lounge in cruise ship comfort by night.

    The Portuguese love their eye candy. Lisbon alone has more than 16 official viewpoints. A few scenic spots include Miradouro Nossa Senhora de Monte, poised at the highest point in the city, and Penedo de Saudade, which faces astonishing vistas of the eastern part of town and the Mondego river.

    Photo Credit: Turismo de Lisboa/visitlisboa.com

  • Berlin, Germany

    Berlin, Germany

    Without a doubt, the capital city of Germany is currently one of the most art-focused cities in the world. Attracted by low rent and an exciting, progressive atmosphere, contemporary artists have been flocking to the city ever since the fall of the berlin Wall in 1989. The European city is currently home to over 400 galleries and at least 20,000 working artists.

    The ninth Berlin Biennale, a series of art events held in various locations, will take place in early summer 2016. Don’t miss the East Side Gallery, where you can see an almost mile-long section of what was the Berlin Wall, which, soon after it fell, was painted by 118 artists from 21 different countries. It is officially the world’s longest outdoor mural.

    Photo Credit: ©VisitBerlin, Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Beyond the Beach: Offbeat Honeymoon Ideas

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February 16th

Photo Credit: Two One Photography

Tip of the Day: Invite your wedding officiant and a plus-one to your reception guest list. Many engaged couples forget to extend the plus-one or don't include their officiant altogether, but it's a nice gesture of gratitude. They'll appreciate the offer to share in your celebration, and so will their spouse or partner!

February 15th

Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Tip of the Day: Don't forget that the scenery around you will be in your wedding photos, so choose a pretty comforter for the bed and pressed curtains (if you're getting ready in your bedroom). Declutter your bookshelves, clear off dresses, and check mirrors or other reflective surfaces for streaks or splatters. The camera captures every detail in the room, so have a bridesmaid help you make sure that everything looks tidy and neat. For example, you should close closet doors and move any empty water bottles out of the frame.

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