One, None, or Both?

Escort cards and place cards are often mentioned interchangeably, but they're actually two different things with distinct purposes. This guide will break down for you the reasons for each, why you may or may not need one or the other, as well as seating charts, meal indicators, and a few bonus tips for your guest’s place settings.

Escort Cards

While escort cards and place cards are generally not interchangeable, escort cards and seating charts are. Escort cards direct — or ‘escort’— your guests to a table rather than a particular seat. They may be labelled individually per guest, or with couples and family groups (when seated together) on a single card. If you choose only escort cards for your event guests will typically assume to choose their own seats at each table.

Escort cards function as a more organised version of a seating chart, with formats ranging from tented cards guests pick up and take with them (eg. combined escort/place cards, explained below), or grand displays to complement your event styling for guests to refer to for directions to their specific table. Regardless which format you choose, the ideal spot for escort cards or an escort board/display is in or at the entrance to your event’s dining area.

Point to Note: Arrange your escort cards or display alphabetically rather than by table to make name-finding quick and easy.

Place Cards

More specific and formal, a place card is used to direct guests to a specific seat at the table they have been assigned to. Place cards are essential for sit-down receptions, in particular where your guests have chosen menu options ahead of time. These days the format of your ‘cards’ is only is limited by your imagination, however for best practice make sure names and meal indicators are easy to identify.

Assigned seating generally makes things easier for your guests, is saves time without the need for them to play musical chairs finding a place at their table, and it negates the added risk of couples or families being unable to sit together. It’s easier for caterers when meal choices and food allergies are indicated at each place setting (more on that later). You can also make sure your solo guests are seated with like-minded people you know they’ll fit in well with. Place cards are provided for every guest, including young adults and children (babies/infants are the exception), and to follow good etiquette make the effort to find out the names of any ‘plus-one’s accompanying your invited guests.

Point to Note: Escort cards are always your first choice, with place cards being optional depending on the type of reception being held.

Combined Escort + Place Cards

Breaking with tradition there’s also the option to combine both your escort and place cards. There are pros and cons to this option however, noting that your guests should be encouraged to take their card to their table, and if meal indicators are being used placing it in an obvious spot for caterers to see.

Meal Indicators

The importance of a meal indicator depends entirely on the type of reception you’re holding. When serving plated meals your cards should indicate each guests' meal selection in addition to their name, whether via a symbol, initial, or variation on colour (eg. card colour, calligraphy, coloured ribbon, etc.). This indicator should also be easily visible for your servers, as while your venue will have an overview of tables, meal choices, and guest allergies, the indicator is a helpful detail allowing servers to easily identify and match each place setting to a guests meal choice.

Getting creative

From a design stand-point these types of additions to your day-of wedding suite are a great way to bring in additional styling to your decor and tablescape. Your ‘cards’ aren’t by any means restricted to paper, and thinking outside the box can give your guests a unique and memorable reception experience. Interesting materials such as tile or wood, calligraphy tags tied to potted succulents, cards displayed on antique trays amongst an abundance of florals, or combining your place cards with individual menus in an interesting way can give guests an ice-breaker and potential keepsake to take away with them.

So which is it, one, none, or both?

For simplicity take a look at the quick-reference guide below, and consider the size and style of your event (and of course your own personal preference!) — a black-tie weddding with upwards of 200+ guests requires precise organisation to run smoothly, whereas an intimate destination gathering of 20-30 of your nearest and dearest can benefit from the notion that seating is social and dynamic. We’re always thrilled to work with couples, planners, and stylists on day-of event goods to match the overall design of an upcoming event, whether it’s traditional calligraphy place cards or unique, over-sized escort displays!

Looking for ideas? Check out our Pinterest boards for inspiration!