High tea and low tea refer to the size of the table you will be serving around. For a traditional high tea, guests would be seated at a dinning table as opposed to the low tea served from a coffee table. Heartier fares and more substantial desserts are usually served for high tea and this is the format most bridal couples choose.
If you will be using tiered serving pieces on each table, menu cards can be placed on each level to inform guests of their choices. For example, place theme-based menu cards behind each section of foods. A larger menu card can be attached to the top of individual serving dished to denote meatless, sweet and savory sandwich options. Dessert plates can be artfully arranged with a menu card for each tier or a larger card on the top layer decorated with flowers and ribbons.
While a buffet may be easier if you will be hosting a large group, menu cards are still appropriate. Place cards in front of serving dishes or beside each item. Attach your cards to lace doilies and hang them from a delicate flower garland over your buffet. Vintage china plates can become charming menu holders. Attach your menu cards with a dab of glue and place them in plate holders behind each dish. If you will be serving off large platters, cover a block of floral foam in lacy fabric. Place a single flower into the foam and attach a menu card to the stem. Stack your sandwiches or delicate desserts around the foam to the base of the menu card. As the platters become empty, all that will show is your lace and flower.
Creating your own menu cards is fun and easy. Clip art, available online, will allow you to create personal and beautiful menu cards which highlight your wedding flowers and colors. Plan to play around arranging the images and choosing different wording to get the exact look you want. The great thing about online clipart is you can print out one copy and then make changes until you have matched your personal taste. Below are some examples:
- Lilac Garland: Can be used to accent tops and bottoms of ivory menu cards for a vintage look. Also a nice detail paired with other images to separate hearty menu items from sweet desserts on a single card.
- Baby's Breath Spring Background: A wonderful accent for your entire menu card. Perfect for a simple, elegant menu card, this image can be used for a wedding of any season.
- Victorian Wedding Dress: Try this detailed figure for creating a vintage tone to your menu cards. As a border accent or main backdrop, this stately lady adds charm and whimsy.
- Oak Leaves and Lace Frame Border Art: Perfect for an outdoor tea. An artful blending of nature and lace to keep your menu cards from becoming too frilly. Pair this image with clear green lettering for high impact or mossy green for a more subtle look.
- Peach Lace Doilies: Simple yet sophisticated, this design can be used as a top or bottom accent. It would also work well as a central backdrop for a spring, summer or fall wedding.
