Tent Cards for Events: Name Cards, Table Numbers, Signage

The tent card format — folded, self-standing, double-sided — is one of the most useful formats for events because no installation is required. Here's how to use them effectively for the four main event use-cases.

1. Place card name tents (assigned seating)

For weddings, gala dinners, formal corporate events with assigned seating:

• Size: 4×3 inch folded — small enough not to crowd the table setting
• Content: guest's name (large), table number (small), event name on the back
• Material: 350 GSM card with foil-stamped or letterpress name — premium feel matters for formal events
• Quantity: exact count of confirmed attendees + 5% buffer

2. Table number tents

For events with assigned seating but where guests find their own tables:

• Size: A5 (5×8 inch) folded — readable from across the room
• Content: table number (very large, occupying 70% of the visible side), brand or event name (small, bottom)
• Design: high contrast — black number on white or coloured background
• Material: 300 GSM card with matte lamination — survives accidental drink spills

3. Information / wayfinding tents

For reception desks, food stations, registration counters:

• Size: A5 or 5×7 inch folded
• Content examples:
• "Registration — please show your invite QR"
• "Veg ↑ | Non-veg ↓"
• "Photo booth open from 7 PM"
• "Wifi: EventGuest / Password: Welcome2026"
• Reusable across events: design with neutral palette so they work for multiple occasions

4. Speaker / panellist tents (conferences)

Placed in front of each speaker on a panel discussion stage:

• Size: 8×4 inch (long horizontal) folded
• Content: speaker name (large, bold), their organisation/role (smaller)
• Two-sided rule: same content both sides — audience reads one, livestream camera reads the other
• Material: heavy 350 GSM with matte lamination — withstands handling, photographs well under stage lights

Quantity planning

For a typical 100-person corporate event:

• Place card tents: 100 (one per attendee)
• Table number tents: 12–15 (one per table)
• Wayfinding tents: 8–12 (reception, food stations, photo booth, restrooms direction)
• Speaker tents (if applicable): 4–8

Total: ~125–135 tent cards for an event of this size. Plan and order 2 weeks ahead.

What to skip

• Heavy graphic design on place cards. The name is what matters; ornate borders distract.
• Speaker tents with photos. Names only — photos make the audience focus on the card, not the speaker.
• Wayfinding tents with mascot characters. Information should be functional, not whimsical.