PLACE CARDS AND ESCORT CARDS - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Wedding Day Paper 101

You’ve heard the terms “place cards” and “escort cards” and you’re not quite sure if they’re the same thing. You’re wondering if there is a difference and which one you will need for your guests. I’m here to sort it all out for you. There is a difference between place cards and escort cards and I will explain their purposes below.

ESCORT CARDS:

Think of escort cards as escorting or directing your guests to their tables on your wedding day. Unlike place cards, escort cards include the table number (or table name) of where your guests will be seated during your reception. These pretty little pieces of paper take the place of a seating chart. They’re stationed at the entrance to your reception, usually on a table, so guests can grab them on their way in. Then all they have to do is find their table and sit down! Note: Make sure you display them alphabetically so your guests can easily find theirs.

There are so many ways that escort cards can be designed. They can be flat or folded, you can color code them or add an element, like a chicken icon, to indicate a meal selection. Incorporating different materials other than paper is really up to you. One of my favorites is adding a pretty ribbon like the crinkle silk (below left). You can also make escort cards out of something other than paper. Think favors like luggage tags (wedding favors & escort cards in one!) The design is really only limited by your imagination.

PLACE CARDS:

Place cards are located at the table where your guests sit. They are exactly what the name implies – they are intentionally placed where you would like a guest to sit at a table for your reception. There are a few things to consider with place cards:

• If you are having a large wedding with more than a couple of tables (over 25 guests) you’ll need a seating chart or escort cards. This eliminates having your guests wandering around for too long looking for their table. Personally, I don’t recommend escort cards and place cards together since it’s a little bit of overkill…but it’s totally your decision.

• How will your place cards be situated on the table? Flat, on top of the place setting like the image below left? Folded like a tent and off to the side? Or incorporated as a part of the menu (my favorite!). There are other ways…the below photos are just a few examples.

• Place cards are definitely a more formal option. Consider having your guest’s names written out in pretty calligraphy. If a calligrapher is not in your budget, then you certainly can have them printed in a pretty font.

Regardless of which you choose, place cards and escort cards will add an extra special branded touch to your wedding. Working with a stationer (someone like me!) will ensure that they match your invitation suite.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDREW JADE PHOTOGRAPHY & SAJE PHOTOGRAPHY