Small But Valuable: Making Escort Cards and Table Numbers
When embarking on a large scale project that will involve countless choices and decisions, it helps to have an easily applied litmus test to decide what’s in and what’s out. Ideally, this barometer will help us to see the big picture, again and again, and keeps us from getting bogged down in the details. I have a new such test when it comes to making decisions about an upcoming wedding. I answer a question with a question: Will it affect the marriage?
Should we have a calligraphy wedding certificate? Should the rehearsal dinner be a buffet? Well, will it affect the marriage? If the answer is no, I’m inclined to take the most economical route possible. There, question answered. A greater woman than I, one who excels at details and delegation would probably weigh each of these considerations carefully. But I’m keeping my eye on the prize: the next morning, I will wake up having pledged to be with someone else through good times and in bad. That is big. Much bigger than splurging on letterpress escort cards and table numbers.
I hope there will be day months from now when we will look back, so glad we had this event with all our friends and family. We will appreciate the big picture for what it hopefully will be: a really unique and meaningful night spent with people we love. But the truth so often is, with a wedding as in life, it’s the smallest things that mean the most. Like encircling the bride’s wrist with an antique bracelet while she’s getting ready, the advice an older relative gives about a long and happy marriage, and what the couple whisper into each other’s ears while they’re dancing. You can’t plan those moments, and you certainly can’t pay for them.
So far, my favorite wedding moments have been sort of smallish in the grand scheme of the event, capital E: finding the dress, trying on wedding rings, and sitting at the kitchen table with my little brother for a few hours making escort cards and table numbers. He is a young guy, usually flitting here and there in his exciting life. But for three hours, I held him captive, cutting out print-outs of 20-point Georgia numbers to make homemade stencils. And because there were no distractions — no waiter interrupting us, no parking space to find — we got to talk about all topics great and small. Not only what’s happening in our lives, but how it’s happening, and what that means and how we feel about it.
It’s a feeling that women must have had in quilting circles. Focused on the task at hand, the background of life drifts out of focus and you’re left with needle and thread, a piece of fabric, and the company of those around you. Time feels forgiving; you can really talk. It’s a couple of hours I never would have had with store-bought cards and numbers. The cost was less, but it was worth infinitely more.
Cordelia: I love your thought-process behind your decision making–I imagine it leads to much more satisfying results. Also, it’s totally about family and using them for their scissor-cutting skills. I’m really loving the color palette…I know you don’t want to turn POP into a wedding blog (understandably) but I am curious to see your stylish ways put into action…
2 years ago
Ha! Yes, use your family’s scissor-wielding abilities as much as possible! Not sure how much more wedding stuff you’ll see here on the blog since this was my big craft project, but if something else seems relevant I’ll be sure to share. PS I am totally obsessed with red and aqua right now.2 years ago
Sara Rose: Amen, soul sister. The only vaguely crafy thing we did was get some of those really small photo albums that hold 10 photos, make copies of our fave photos of us as a couple and a family, stick them in and wrap them in pretty paper as favors. Done and done. Luckily there were only like 12 people to do this for. I think we spent $30 tops on that.2 years ago
That is such a sweet idea!2 years ago
Rebecca: Wonderful post! And, um, I for one will be dying to see at least a few wedding photos! I’m loving your colour choices and DIY-ness.2 years ago
Rebecca, Surely after the fact I’ll have some pics to share of the day. I am planning on doing one other DIY project for my Unofficial Bridal Party, but I can’t decide if I should post it or not — I don’t want to ruin the surprise! That one might have to wait till after, too.2 years ago
Margaret: That’s great! I had a similar experience recently- I visited my brother in Tokyo (using my precious week of vacation to fly around the world) and on the hour-plus train ride to the airport when I was about to leave, he was a captive audience. And this time he didn’t try to sleep like everyone on every train seems to do. We had a get-at-the-grits conversation about his job, about our relationship with our parents, etc, and it left me feeling hopeful about his growing-up process (he’s also a little brother). Glad you got to pin yours down to help you in a special moment.
2 years ago
Julia (Color Me Green): you put that feeling of heartfelt talking that can happen during work into just the right words. and i think a lot of us would be happy to see more about your wedding on here if you want to share.2 years ago
Lisa (dinner party): Well-put–these are the things you will remember. And yours look just as good as anything store-bought!2 years ago
Margaret, “Get-at-the-grits” is officially my new favorite expression.
Julia and Lisa, Thanks and thanks!2 years ago
Avril: Hey Sarah, its been a while since I chked in, but everytime I do I find myself getting lost in your beautiful choice of words and use of language!
Just wanted to hop by and say all the best with your wedding planning, looking forward to lotsa pics 
xxooxx2 years ago
Julia: I think that’s lovely. I cannot imagine being able to speak to my brother like that, let alone get him to help with a project like that… Glad you both enjoyed it. I love the principles you are applying to your wedding, (I hope to take a similar view if the time ever comes) and would love to hear more snippets as and when you deem appropriate. Much love and good luck with all the wedding plans x Julia2 years ago