It’s happened to everyone:  You are attending the wedding of a friend that you know through work, your spouse or even a networking group.  Because you aren’t extremely close with this couple, you are seated at the “random” table, with all of the other people that don’t really know anyone else.  An awkward round of introductions happens and then silence prevails until the drinks start flowing.

I have the perfect solution to wedding seating chart awkwardness, and the best part?  It’s a DIY project that will cost you next to nothing!  These Topic Table Conversation Place Cards will get your guests laughing and chatting in no time:

What You’ll Need:

Computer Printable Place Cards (enough so each guest gets one!)

Your own creative mind

A computer and a printer

Instructions:

The idea is simple.  Simply buy your printable place cards and follow the instructions for running them through your home printer.  The creative part comes in with what’s actually on the cards!  Instead of just printing your guests name and table number, why not add challenging or thought provoking questions to get your guests chatting?  Some examples:

• If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?  Why?
• If you had to choose one meal to eat over and over for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• If you could re-do your wedding, what would you change?  What would you keep the same?

What guests will be talking up a storm in no time!

As if dessert tables weren’t already scrumptious enough, New York-based event planner Amy Atlas has turned the act of arranging sweets into a true art form. One of our own stylish Wedding Paper Divas staffers found her website while searching for design inspiration, and all of us in the office have been oohing and aahing over her work ever since!

If you aren’t lucky enough to live in the New York area, check out Amy’s website to glean some inspiration from her spectacular photos. The next time you have a bridal shower, birthday party or other big event to plan, stick with one primary color scheme and arrange your desserts in varying layers to approximate Amy’s super chic look.