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Weddings are full of little touches that guests remember long after the big day is over. Personalised scratch cards are one of those touches that people do not expect, which is exactly why they work so well. Whether you use them as a fun addition to your favours, an interactive way to reveal your table plan, or a novel spin on the traditional guest book, scratch cards bring a bit of playfulness to proceedings that photo booths and disposable cameras simply cannot match.
At Northstar Design, we have printed scratch cards for all sorts of occasions, and weddings are becoming one of our favourite briefs to work on. Here is how to go about creating your own.
Start with a clear purpose
Before you get into design and wording, decide what the card is actually for. Popular wedding uses include:
- A fun favour for each guest, with a small prize such as a bottle of prosecco, a chocolate treat or a voucher for the couple’s favourite local shop
- A creative way to reveal the seating plan, where guests scratch off their table number
- An interactive save the date or invitation, where the scratch panel reveals the wedding date or venue
- A quirky guest book alternative, where each card reveals a message or memory guests can keep
Knowing the purpose shapes everything else, from the size of the card to how many you will need printed.
Get the design right
Wedding scratch cards should feel like an extension of your overall theme, so keep your colour palette, fonts and any motifs consistent with your invitations and stationery. A few things worth thinking about:
Card shape and size. Standard scratch cards work brilliantly, but you could also consider a shape that fits your theme, such as a heart or a card designed to slot neatly into a favour box.
Wording. Keep it warm and personal. Something like “Scratch to reveal your table” or “Scratch here for a little surprise from us” sets the right tone without overcomplicating things.
The reveal itself. This is the fun part. It might be a table number, a short thank you message, a photo, or a small prize. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something guests will enjoy uncovering.
If you are not sure where to start, our team can help pull ideas together based on similar projects we have worked on. Have a look through some of our scratch card examples for inspiration.
Choose the right print finish
Scratch cards need to feel substantial in the hand, particularly for something as memorable as a wedding. A good quality card stock with a smooth laminate finish gives a lovely tactile feel and makes sure the printed design looks crisp and vibrant. If you want each card to be genuinely unique, whether that is a different message for each guest or a numbered card for a prize draw, you will want variable data printing, which allows every single card to be personalised individually rather than printed as one repeated design.
Decide on quantity and budget
Wedding guest lists vary enormously, so quantity is worth thinking through early. If you are ordering a large batch, our mix and match scratch cards option can be a cost effective way to get variety without a huge minimum order. It is worth ordering a handful extra too, just in case any get damaged in the run up to the big day or you gain a few last minute guests.
Think about presentation
How the cards are presented matters almost as much as the cards themselves. Popular options include:
- Tucking them into place settings alongside the menu card
- Adding them to a favour box or small gift bag
- Displaying them on a dedicated table near the entrance, so guests pick one up as they arrive
- Attaching them to the invitation itself for an early surprise
A little presentation goes a long way towards making the experience feel special rather than an afterthought.
Getting your cards made
Personalised scratch cards are a lovely way to add a moment of surprise and delight to a wedding day, and they do not need to be complicated or expensive to make an impact. The key is starting with a clear idea of how you want to use them, then working with a printer who understands how to get the design, wording and finish right.
If you are planning a wedding and fancy something a little different from the usual favours, take a look at our bespoke scratch card options, or get in touch with our team and we will help bring your ideas to life.