The Charm and Precautions of the Surprise Element: "Hiding Messages Under Plates" for Place Card Messages♡
2020.03.06 published
Already a classic! A message display on the back of the place card♡
A display of messages on place cards has become a popular little surprise for weddings.
It has become popular for the newlyweds to write handwritten messages on the back of folded card-type place cards, allowing them to convey their gratitude to each guest♡
Nowadays, it has spread so widely that it can hardly be considered a surprise anymore, becoming a standard display.
While many brides want to convey a message to each guest, some may think that the "message on the back of the place card" is too commonplace...
There must be brides who think this way.
A popular little surprise display: hiding message cards under the plates♡
For such brides, I recommend hiding the message card under the plate instead of on the back of the place card!
It's a little surprise display where the message card appears when the staff removes the plates from the table♡
Guests are surprised to see a message card suddenly appear from under the plate!
Many guests may have received a message on the back of a place card before, but this display seems to be a first for them.
Brides who have actually done this unanimously say, "It was well received!" and "They were surprised!"♡
What is the charm of the message card surprise?
The charm of hiding a message card under the plate goes beyond just being rare and a surprise.
Since you can choose the size and design of the card, you can write a longer and more substantial message compared to a message on the back of a place card.
It's easy to get creative by adding photos or making it a pop-up card♡
It seems that some brides fold and hide a note filled with writing.
Also, an enjoyable point is that the variety of available place card designs increases.
Recently, there has been a trend towards place cards that are not card types, like tiles or candles, but the downside is that they can't have messages written on them.
By preparing a message card separately and hiding it under the plate, you can elegantly coordinate the table with stylish place card designs while clearly conveying your gratitude to the guests.
This wonderful message card little surprise display.
To ensure its success, there are a few points to keep in mind!
Note #1: Timing for removing the plates
When hiding the message card under the plate, it’s crucial to clearly discuss with your planner or master of ceremonies about when the plates will be removed.
If you plan to hide it under a large decorative plate, you need to verify when that plate will be removed (after the toast? Before the main course? Before dessert?).
A common scenario is having "the plate of a fast-eating guest removed first, accidentally discovering the message card too early."
It can turn into a rather dull surprise with guests saying, "Oh, there’s something here," and "Oh, really."
Ideally, all plates should be removed at the intended time, with the MC immediately announcing, "The newlyweds have prepared message cards to express their gratitude to everyone," right after.
To avoid missing capturing the surprised expressions of the guests, make sure to coordinate with the photographer as well.
Note #2: Size of the plates
It's also essential to confirm the size of the plates beforehand.
If you have a large message card, there is a risk it may stick out from the plate!
If it is quickly discovered by guests sitting at the table, it won’t be a surprise anymore.
Be sure to check the size of the plates before preparing the message cards.
There’s also the regretful incident of the plate you planned to hide the message card under being "transparent."
You certainly want to avoid the trouble of the message card showing through and ruining the surprise…
Although there’s no need to see the actual plates, it’s reassuring to explain the kind of display you want and double-check that the plates aren't transparent or uniquely shaped.
What kind of cards do brides who actually hid message cards under plates prepare?
Here are some examples♩
What kind of message cards are everyone preparing?
This bride purchased different colored postcard-sized mimeograph paper from a stationery store. She printed names in calligraphy on the front and then traced them with a gold pen for a finishing touch.
For the message part, she printed "Your first impression," "Best memory," and "Message."
By framing it as a question, it made it easier for the groom to write! Nice idea♡
This bride prepared a handmade card with a written message and memorable photos attached.
Attaching photos vividly brings back memories of the bride, deepening the emotional impact♡
Instead of directly writing on the card, she wrote on a memo and attached it to the card, allowing for corrections without having to redo the entire card.