The Wild Table Number Trend You Didn't Know You Needed

Tap into your animal instincts

by Heather Lee
i
Heather Lee is the managing editor for Minted's lifestyle blog, Julep, and a former Brides editor. She has written for Bon Appétit, Sunset, and Shape.
Updated 10/03/17

Photo by TPoz Photo

Love animals? Having your dog serve as ring bearer isn’t the only way to include your pet or other animals in your wedding. Incorporate a favorite animal motif on your wedding stationery, like the save-the-dates or the actual invitation. You could also feature a pair of critters—foxes, squirrels, deer, birds—as your wedding-cake toppers, or pass out packages of animal crackers as a fun, edible wedding favor. If you’re tying the knot at an animal-centric venue like a zoo or farm, be sure to pose with some animals for a memorable photo op. And if you’ve booked a photo booth, a supply of animal party masks for some photo booth fun is an absolute necessity!

Another one of our favorite ideas? Name your reception tables after a different animal or critter. Whether you opt for vintage bird illustrations, safari animals, or woodland creatures, your guests will be delighted by the animal theme as they’re making their way to their seat. Need some inspiration? Keep reading for our favorite takes on animal-themed table numbers.

01 of 08

Bird Illustrations

Photo by Red Ribbon Studios

These chic table-numbers cards by stationer Fourteen Forty were designed to resemble vintage bird illustrations. Designs by Fourteen Forty.

02 of 08

Hand-Painted Birds

Photo by Meg Smith Photography

Instead of traditional numerals, prints of hand-painted birds were displayed on reception tables and served as identifiers for the corresponding escort cards given to each guest. The illustrations (done by the bride’s aunt) were of species often seen on Martha’s Vineyard, where the wedding was held. The original paintings were framed and hung in the newlyweds’ home.

03 of 08

Animal Table-Number Holders

Photo by Sean Griffin

These DIY table-number stands were made using resin animal figures from a craft store that were spray-painted gold.

04 of 08

Woodland Creatures

Photo by Two Birds Photography

To celebrate their love of woodland wildlife, this couple named each table after a group of animals (a scurry of squirrels, a parliament of owls, a gaze of raccoons).

05 of 08

Zoo Animals

Photo by TPoz Photo

Safari-themed table numbers complemented this couple’s venue—the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. As favors, they passed out animal crackers and during cocktail hour, zoo employees brought over a penguin and alligator to entertain guests.

06 of 08

Your Pooch

Photo by Sarah Jayne Photography

Love this idea: Take photos of your dog wearing each table number (chalkboard signs are an easy way to pull this off). Frame each photo and display them in the middle of each reception table.

07 of 08

Illustrated Birds

Photo by Melissa Beattie

This couple’s wedding featured a bird theme—the cake toppers were a pair of handmade felt birds and reception tables featured avian-themed table numbers.

08 of 08

Wooden Fish

Photo by Ashley Largesse Photography

These wooden fish figurines are a great way to add some ocean-inspired vibes to your reception tablescape.

Related Stories