I want to create my own menu cards for my reception. What is the proper format for that? Can I include a subtle border on the cards? What is the text that should be included on them?
I can tell you that the printed manu cards that are placed on the reception tables are not bound by the same kinds of etiquette rules as invitations. You're free to design your own menu cards according to your own preferences and the style and formality of your wedding (as in ecru-colored paper with formal, italic black ink print for a formal wedding.) You can choose any type of border you like -- whether it be the simple one- or two-lined borders that come standard with most graphics programs on your home computer, or you can have some fun with a line of daisies or seashells to match the theme of your wedding. Some couples use rubber ink stamps to inexpensively stamp their initials or a fun bridal/theme design at the top of each card.
Use colored papers or parchment paper to give some color to your table's look (check a crafts or office supply store for great papers), and you can choose a decorative font in a readable size for the wording. When I design printed items for my book promotions, I like to type out the whole document, and then select it and play with the different fonts on my computer until I find something that's appropriate and still legible to my guests. When a lot of elderly people are on the guest list, you might want to make the print a bit larger to accommodate their eyesight.
Top the card with an introductory saying, like 'The Wedding Feast of ______ and ____, united in marriage on (date)' and then list the course options with a smaller description of each course underneath. Some couples like to alert their guests ahead of time that a vast selection of desserts will be served, as will exotic coffees and after-dinner drinks. This card allows you to include any information you'd like -- you can be fun, you can be quirky, you can name courses or drinks after yourselves or your family members (some couples have a *lot* of fun with this, using reminders of fun family anecdotes like the time Dad burned the heck out of a salmon on the backyard grill....the couple called the salmon entree 'Dad Had Nothing To Do With This Salmon.) It's these kinds of personal touches that make a wedding unique and unforgettable.
When you've designed the menu card, you might print it on sturdier card stock -- I like what's called 110 lb paper, found in Staples or Office Max in a range of colors. Or, frame your cards in great, inexpensive frames to be given as the favors (I like Pier 1's range of designs and price levels, but you can find great, great options at crafts store and negotiate for a bulk purchase).
