The Best Table Number Holders

Buying Guide for Table Number Holders

Why buy table number holders?

Wedding tables, in particular, tend to be full of various items, such as wine glasses and centerpieces, which makes it all too easy for table numbers to get lost or swallowed up in a crowded table setting. And even if the table number is placed at the edge of the table, it’ll likely be hard for people to spot from certain sides or angles. If the number is printed on a simple slip of paper, it may not stand upright on its own, either. This is where table number holders come in. They grip or hold the table number upright so it doesn’t fall over, fall off the table, or get lost in the shuffle. Extra-tall models can elevate the numbers over top of the other table settings and decorations so anyone can see them from any side or angle. Some even provide a sleeve or frame with a glass or acrylic cover to prevent the number from getting dirty, stained or ripped. Table number holders can also be as simple or elaborate, monochromatic or colorful as you like to fit a wedding or event’s theme, adding to the table settings’ overall look and decoration.

What should you look for in table number holders?

• Size: Table numbers cards are usually relatively small, 3×5 inches or 4×6 inches or 5×7 inches, and most holders will be able to support these standard sizes. Still, if you have tiny table numbers, you may want to opt for smaller holders, so everything is proportionate, or find something larger if you have extra-large number cards. And if you opt for frame-style holders, you’ll have to make sure the dimensions fit the number cards perfectly. Also, keep in mind how tall the holders are, especially if you want to ensure they can be seen over the table settings and decorations. Most will be somewhere between 8 to 12 inches tall, but shorter and taller models are also available.
• Design: The standard model is a tall, slim, usually metal holder with a rounded clip at the end to hold the number. These simple models will serve their purpose wonderfully, and they can be mounted on a base for further decoration or come in many different metallic colors. There are plenty of picture frame-style holders, which are nice because they offer an extra layer of protection and can be reused for actual photos after the wedding. If your wedding has rustic or farmhouse-style decorations, there are wooden and metal options to better fit your theme.
• Quantity: While they’re almost always sold in packs, keep in mind that, depending on the set of holders in question, the number of holders per set may not align perfectly with however many you need. They’re often sold in packs of 10, 12, and 16, but smaller sets aren’t unheard of either. You may buy more than one set and thus end up with, say, 24 holders when you only need 22– though having a few extra on hand, just in case, isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Where should you use table number holders other than weddings?

Though they’re commonly featured at weddings, there are plenty of other places where table number holders come in handy. Any event, such as charity dinners, that involves a big, fancy meal will tend to have table numbers and holders so guests can easily find their seats. They’re especially useful if the meal is served buffet-style– guests can be called up to serve themselves by table number. If you often entertain at home, you may also be able to find uses for table number holders at dinner parties or get-togethers as well– you can always use them to hold cards that label certain dishes or your guests’ names if you want everyone to sit in an assigned seat. If you tend to be the family host for the holidays, you’ll likely find holders useful for these same purposes at big family dinners.

Our Picks for the Best Table Number Holders

Pros: If you’re planning on smaller wedding table numbers or want holders that are aesthetically pleasing but won’t take up too much space, you can’t go wrong with these miniature table number holders. They have the classic table number holder shape, with double loops and a cute, swirled base design for a little bit of a fancier, more decorative look. The base is also nice and wide to provide greater stability for each holder. And despite their small size, you will be surprised at how sturdy they are—both the wider base and the metal wire material of the holders contribute to this factor. On top of all of this, you get 20 pieces for a single inexpensive price for more bang for your buck, which is always a helpful factor when wedding planning.

Cons: Nice-looking as they are, these are miniature holders. They’re recommended for 4×6-inch table number cards and smaller—they probably won’t be able to support anything larger, and they aren’t especially tall or long-necked.

Bottom Line: This cute little golden set will look great with any classic wedding decor with a slightly updated design of the traditional table number holder shape. They’ll do their job admirably and with surprising sturdiness for their size, without taking up any undue room on the wedding tables.

 

Pros: From the swirled wire heads to the bases made from 100% real dried wood and bark, sanded to resemble tree stumps, they’re excellent for rustic, farmhouse, and other similarly themed weddings. In addition to their considerably cute and natural appearance, these holders provide an amazing bang for your buck. Not only do you receive 30 holders per set, more than enough to cover all the tables at most weddings, but 30 kraft paper cards with a laurel leaf print also come included. This means that you not only have to pay less for your table numbers, but you know that the cards will fit the table holders and match their look—and, by extension, match the rest of your wedding decorations as well.

Cons:  They’re pretty lightweight and thus easily knocked over, so these may be best for indoor receptions.

Bottom Line: Rustic and farmhouse-style weddings are an extremely popular trend, and if you plan on decorating your special day with such a theme, you’ll want table number holders that match the rest of your decor. Thankfully, these adorable tree-like holders were designed specifically to pair with these sorts of wedding themes.

 

Pros: Simply designed yet incredibly beautiful, you’ll love the way these diamond-like table number holders catch and reflect the glow from lighting, candles, and sunlight for a more brilliant display. If you want a set of elegant, unique, and decorative yet still functional table number holders, this set will be great for your wedding reception. They’re not only beautiful but practical since they’re much heavier than you’d expect and thus incredibly sturdy. No wind will blow over these holders, nor will an accidental bump to the table send them tumbling to the ground. You can also buy them in sets of 12 or 24, depending on your needs and the number of tables at your reception.

Cons: The slots of these holders are on the thin side. Thus these aren’t a great choice for extra-thick number cards. They’re also a bit on the short side so they won’t elevate your table numbers very high off the table.

Bottom Line: Weddings are often elaborate, highly decorative affairs, even to the most minute details. If you want your wedding day to have extra glitz and glam from head to toe (so to speak), these gem-like table number holders should be right up your alley.

 

Pros: At 12 inches tall, these traditionally shaped table number holders are the choice for ensuring that your table numbers will be easy to spot over top of and amongst table settings, centerpieces, and any other decorative items. Non-fussy and no-nonsense, the classic shape and the solid, single metallic color can match any wedding theme or style– especially since these holders come in 4 possible colors that match most classic wedding hues. There’s even a matte silver option if you want something less shiny and metallic, or you can easily spray paint them to whichever color you want. And since these holders are made entirely of stainless steel, from the top loop to the wide rounded base, you know they’re incredibly durable, strong, and sturdy. They’ll work equally well in indoor and outdoor venues alike.

Cons: These holders are a touch on the simple side, so even with the different color options, and though you get 16 holders per set, they are a bit more expensive.

Bottom Line: If ensuring that your table numbers are clearly visible is the most important factor to you, this set of classic table number holders will suit your needs admirably. Though simple, they’re shiny and metallic so they’ll look sleek and aesthetically pleasing no matter which color you pick.

 

Pros: Frame-style table number holders are great for protective purposes but do come with a few drawbacks. This set, however, lacks most of the usual downsides associated with frame holders. They’re available in several different sizes, two standard options and one slightly larger, rather than a single size, making it easier to find a set that can hold your table numbers. Even more noteworthy is that they’re double-sided—if you want to print the table number on both sides of the paper or card, or display the menu, drink options, or a message for your guests on the back of the table number, you can do so with this frame. The acrylic screen and a stabilizing base come with your purchase for greater protection and sturdiness, and the frame is available in gold or silver to boot.

Cons: These frames table number holders are a bit pricier, especially since you only get 6 frames per set, which is definitely on the lower quantity side. Also be sure not to wait until the day of these wedding to set up these table numbers, as they do require some assembly.

Bottom Line: If you’re concerned about your table numbers becoming damaged or ripped or bent by mistake, a set of frame-style table number holders tend to be good option since they provide a bit of extra protection. These gold-finished frames are an excellent choice especially since they’ll make even cheap table numbers look more elegant.

Final Thoughts

Though they’re one small piece in the wedding planning puzzle, a good set of table number holders will be a boon to both your guests and any servers working the wedding. Nor are they restricted solely for weddings—if you work at a restaurant or entertain often at home, you can use your new holders on a more daily or regular basis as well.