Hi, loves! Today we’re talking about personalized napkins with our latest Ask Emmaline question. Kate asks us about custom cocktail napkins for weddings: how many does she need to get? Where does she put them? We’ll tell you all of that — and more — in today’s blog post. Read on for the details!

“I have a question about napkins. I want to get cocktail napkins for my wedding with our names and wedding date on them. How many personalized napkins do I need to buy, one per person? Where do I put them? Thanks so much!”

Hi Kate! Great question. Personalized napkins, especially cocktail napkins (the smallest size, also known as beverage napkins), are a fun detail to add to your wedding reception decor, as you can customize them and use as an accent on reception tables or the bar. Some couples use cocktail napkins to add a pop of color to their decor, as personalized napkins are available in ANY color you can imagine.

Here are three tips to keep in mind when buying wedding napkins.

1. Place your cocktail napkins at the bar.

It is recommended to place cocktail napkins at the bar, or anywhere you plan to have drinks / cups / ice / etc. If you’re having hors d’oeuvres / strolling cocktail hour, give half to the caterer to use when serving and place the other half at the bar.

2. Plan to order two cocktail napkin per person.

We’re heard before that 2 to 3 cocktail napkins per person per hour is recommended; however, that seems a bit much, especially if these are solely used for cocktails. Instead, plan to order approximately two napkins per guest total. Not everyone will take a cocktail napkin, and most won’t take more than one, so you won’t run out.

3. Order more napkins if planning hors d’oeuvres.

If you’re planning hors d’oeuvres, add one more cocktail napkin per person to this amount (total: order 3 napkins per person).

As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to have slightly more than needed rather than not enough. And cocktail napkins are a useful item to have at home if you end up having slightly more than needed. Make sure to tell your caterer to please leave the remainder on the side for you to take home after the wedding (if you wish to keep any personalized napkins that are unused).

Fun Ideas for Personalized Napkins

Now that you know where to put your napkins and how many you’ll need, it’s time to talk about the fun wedding cocktail napkins we’ve found.

For starters, did you know you can get your Bitmoji on a napkin?! It’s true!

And how about a Prince Harry and Meghan Markle inspired set, with your own names on personalized napkins like these? I love ’em!

Another fun idea is these fun facts napkins from Sip Hip Hooray. This was designed for an anniversary party, but you could have personalized cocktail napkins designed for your wedding instead.

Planning a state themed wedding? Opt for these fun napkins which feature your home state and a heart over your town.

Get personalized napkins in your choice of colors, fonts, phrases — even marble textured or cute polka dot napkins in rose gold.

I love these gold foil napkins from SipHipHooray:

And these, in silver foil:

Here’s an example of the marble textured napkins (as marble is such a huge trend this year):

I love these chic monogram napkins in black and gold.

Planning a beach wedding or nautical wedding? Choose wedding napkins with a starfish, bold aqua color, and your personalized names and date. They’ll look amazing with your sea glass place cards and driftwood chair signs.

And if you want to order napkins but don’t necessarily need personalized napkins (which cost slightly more), here are some alternatives.

These “forever & always” napkins work great for weddings, engagement parties, and wedding showers.

These gold splash cocktail napkins are another popular choice.

And these beverage napkins feature “love” in gold foil with a heart design. They go with any wedding inspired party including engagement parties, weddings, showers, and anniversary parties.

You can also get this pack of mix-and-match gold foil designs. They’re not personalized, but they’re cute nonetheless (+ cheap!) Via Blue Panda.

And last but not least, if you want wedding napkins with a pop of color (and you don’t care if they’re not personalized), here’s a great resource: Sparkles Make It Special. You can find beautiful beverage napkins (5×5 size) in a wide array of colors. It will add just the right pop of color to your bar or candy buffet and is a super cheap option (yet still good quality).

Where to Buy Personalized Napkins for Weddings

You can buy napkins from these resources, which had the best product reviews, selection, and price:

o Sip Hip Hooray (personalized napkins)
o For Your Party (personalized napkins)
o Beau-coup (custom napkins)
o Blue Panda (gold foil mix-and-match napkins)
o Sparkles Make It Special (bulk color only napkins)

Discuss: Are you buying personalized napkins for your bar?

Yay or nay? Tell us in the comment box below!

♥

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma