Card box, do I really need one?

You should! And it should have a lock so nothing gets stolen (sad to say that sometimes happens). Seems like a treasurechest with the label "Cards" on it would be a simple project to add to that table. Plus - if cards are just being laid down, etc. it is going to be much easier for them to get lost. Having a designated spot for them is best.

I would get or make a card box. Like Susan said it is easy for them to be knocked of and then go unnoticed at the end of the wedding. I also think a simple treasure chest with a Cards sign would do the trick.

As a guest, I would feel very conflicted about leaving an envelope containing cash or a significant check on a table top. I probably wouldn't. I'd hand it to you as I was saying goodnight. Envelopes do get lifted at weddings -- it really does happen. Don't make it easier for someone with bad intentions. Imagine a guest not receiving a thank you card because you never received their envelope. You won't ask them about it, and they won't ask you. You'll both be thinking the wrong thing about each other.

Making a card box is an easy project. When brides post their finished card boxes on this forum, I am always reminded that they are the one DIY project that consistently look really good. In keeping with your theme, cover the box in blue paper (representing the sea) and attach tiny boats, starfish, lighthouses etc, with hot glue (craft stores have these types of things. You could even use nautically themed refrigerator magnets). Something like this:

http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1R6nhJFXXXXcIXFXXq6xXFXXXy/House-Scenery-font-b-Fish-b-font-Sea-Ocean-Magnetic-Sea-Mew-Anchor-Ship-Buoy-1.jpg

Oh, one last thing...you might want to rethink the use of live fish. Sometimes they die and that's not an element you want in your centerpieces.

I would absolutely have a card box. Guests needs to know where to place the cards and may not be comfortable with cards just scattered on a table.

How much do you care about losing your cards?

Also, please reconsider your use of live fish in your centerpieces. It can be really traumatic for them.

ETA: http://nippyfish.net/2011/03/31/bettas-as-wedding-centerpieces-a-rant/

Aw poor fish in the centerpieces. What are you doing with them after the wedding? That seems cruel

I read a while back about fish pooping and/or dying in centerpieces. I wouldn't recommend it. Also, they have those vases at Walmart.

Definitely get/make a card box. I was just at a wedding this weekend and after getting a drink, finding the card box was #1 priority. I would never feel comfortable leaving a card on the table.

Oriental Trading has Cardbox really cheap or you can buy one from Michaels & paint it.

A fish bowl vase would fit your theme well.

But yeah, no fishies in the centerpieces.

I'm actually doing a card mailbox! It is different.

I got my card box from Hobby Lobby for a good price. I used a 40% off one item coupon that helped bring it down. The coupon is still good until the 16th. I am planning on putting a lock on the box and having my FH make a slit in the top for cards. You should go check out there stuff they have some really nice boxes that I think would go great with your theme.

I would absolutely have a card box as a guest I would feel better putting my card in a box versus just laying it on a table with a bunch of other stuff someone could just walk by and grab a card and no one would notice

Card box - 100% YES

Live fish - 100% NO

I think I'm skipping the card box. However, I am also skipping the gift table so guests do not lay cards on a table and risk them being taken. I am hoping guests will give them to me or my fiancé since we will not have a designated place for them.

Yes. It's not required that you spend a lot on it, but you should absolutely have something for the cards to go in so it's less awkward for the guests.

Or you could be like my brother and forget all about it until the last minute and pass around the brides' shoebox and collect cards that way.

Also, NO to the live fish. Even if you don't care that it's animal abuse, when they die (and they will since they are fragile creatures), how is that going to look? Are your guests going to be looking at a dead fish while they eat dinner?

SDC - Where do you plan on placing your cards after your guests give them to you???

Oh yes! As a guest, the #1 thing I will want to see on your wedding day is the #2 of your fish. Gag.

You know they're live animals, right? How would you like it if someone put YOU on their table to be stared at for their wedding, then discarded afterward?

So cruel and wrong.

I went to a wedding where there was no box and everything was just tossed in a flat basket. Awkward...