Wedding Planning Basics: Escort Cards vs. Place Cards

  

(Photo courtesy of Brad Howe Photography, Display by Williamsburg Wedding Design, Flowers by The Flower Cupboard)
 

Did you know that there is a difference between Escort Cards and Place Cards at a wedding? How do you know if you need one or the other (or both)? The distinction is easy!

Escort Cards:

Escort cards are generally displayed on a table (or in some super-creative configuration like hanging on a tree) as guests enter a reception room. The cards more often carry the name of a couple or family as opposed to an individual and they direct guests to the table at which they are expected to sit. The table may be numbered or even named. Just remember: escort cards indicate table assignments.

Sometimes a seating chart is used in place of escort cards. Guests scan lists of tables and find their names to determine seating assignments.

At formal events, guests will be assigned to a table and to a specific seat. When this is the case, a place card is also needed.

Place Cards:

Place cards are created for each individual guest (sometimes they are made for couples, but that can get confusing - if you are assigning specific seats, it's better to have a card for each guest). Place cards indicate individual seating assignments and may also be coded to assist wait staff in determing which guest receives which meal item. You can color code the ink on the place cards (i.e. brown ink = beef, pink ink = chicken), create different color inserts on certain styles or even affix a symbol that indicates the meal selection. 

Of course, if you are planning to allow open seating at your reception you can forego cards altogether! This is appropriate for more casual events, and parties where the meal is served buffet or stations-style. 

What kind of cards will you use?

The following advice comes from this seasoned wedding professional - take this humorous list to heart. It could save you multiple embarrassments and a lot of heartache on your wedding day:

Happy Planning!

Shayna Walker

Williamsburg Wedding Design

Comments

[DIY wedding]

The packing list is a great idea. You might want to add things like, slippers to dance in, matches for the candles and something to keep all the cards in that the guests will e giving you. Very informative list...

[Shayna Walker]

@DIY Wedding Thanks - yes, the card box is actually on the list. There is a whole other, much more extensive list that I would recommend as an emergency kit - all of your ideas are great reminders. Thanks for reading!

Shayna

[Claire]

Great information on the place cards and escort cards. It helps clear up any confusion people may have.