I went into my neighborhood AC Moore over the weekend looking to quickly pick up some mini-clothes pins for my escort card display (I’ll have to post about that project some day), and they were having a sale on gift bags, three for $1. I had given up on doing bags for out-of-town guests and was just going to do a newsletter…but for $.33 each, I figured I could give my peeps a bag.
While there, I came across this handy item I plan on using for cards on the gift table. Before finding this, I had grand illusions of making something crafty with some beach grass and/or adirondack chairs, but it was very difficult to come up with something that wasn’t over the top beach theme-y and quite frankly, I am running out of time and energy for DIY projects. I think this basket is understated enough to get the feeling across without being too arts-and-crafty….and it also means I don’t have figure out when/how I am going make something. 
Sadly, the reason that people generally don’t use open baskets like that for cards is the theft issue. Since people know that there is often large amounts of cash in the cards, staff and even (how sad it this) guests frequently steal cards.
Just FYI!
just make sure you have your gift attendant watching it like a hawk. or even immediately putting the cards away in a safer place. i’ve seen another attendant carry a backpack with her at all times. not the most aesthetic with her pretty dress on, but very functional. you get the idea.
I say go with it, depending on your venue. I’ve never actually heard of or known of a card/gift going missing from any wedding I’ve attended. I’m wondering if this is one of those things that just get blown a bit out of proportion. If not, I feel sort of sad that people have guests and venues they can’t trust.
Huh…I am sufficiently spooked. Maybe we should just have people bring us cards and I will keep them under my dress 
Or better yet, I will have my dad walk up to people and demand they give their gifts/cards over to himl
In all seriousness…I guess we will just have to have someone watch it.
At a friend of a friends wedding the couple got ALL their cards and money stollen by the venue, and of course they claimed no responsibilty. I would say better to err on the side of caution.
my sister got married 7 years ago and to this day she’s not sure if one of her friends either didn’t give her a gift, or if it got stolen. they’re still friends and have never mentioned it, but it’s still that awkward back-of-the-mind thing.
I simply use a small Tiffany bag
Mrs. Corn, Newport, RI
Age and Occupation in '07: 31, HR for public accounting firm
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Consultant for public accounting firm
Engagement Date: October 7, 2006
Wedding Date: September, 2007
Blogging Since: June 1, 2007
Venue: North Lawn of Fort Adams State Park
About Me: I am a lazy scrapbooker who loves the instant gratification of making cards and I am very easily distracted by all things shiny. In honor of my childhood nights spent hibachi BBQing on the beach with my family, we are hosting a traditional New England Clambake for our reception.
For .33 I would stock up for the future ie. gifts, showers, holidays!
The basket is very cool. I like how textured it is and the mixture of colors. It will go great with your theme. And it’s the perfect shape and size to hold programs securely.