Seating Charts vs. Escort Cards

Photo by Nate Heckenberger Photography

There are so many options now when it comes to providing your guests with directions on where to sit at your wedding reception. Years ago, escort cards were the only way to go. But nowadays, the possibilities with seating charts and escort card displays are endless! And I am here for it!

Seating Charts

First, let's talk seating charts! Seating Charts are usually a list on one or two large surfaces, which includes all your guests' names in alphabetical order and their table numbers all in one place. Seating charts make it easy for your guests to be able to come back and check the chart throughout the night in case they forget where they are seated. Plus, it makes a beautiful statement and can really add to the look and feel of your wedding décor! These can be a simple yet fun, creative way to help your guests find their table! I am loving the mirror option right now but you can do so many different things including both printed and hand calligraphed options! It's A gorgeous, eye-catching way for your friends and family to find their way to their seats. With an easy set up this tends to be a little less stress in the planning process and can often be much easier to setup and tear down at the end of the night. Organizing your seating chart by guest names in alphabetical order by their last name will make it easy for your guests to find their names quickly! I would definitely recommend this option for a larger guest count.

Escort Cards

Now let's talk escort card! Escort Cards are individual cards that usually include each guest's names individually or their family unit and their planned table number, arranged alphabetically on a table, shelf, or unique and beautiful display outside your reception space. Your guests can take them with them and place their cards at their place setting at the table to mark their spot as well. Plus, they can be displayed in really fun ways now, like hanging them from an old shutter, placing them nicely on a bed of moss and ferns, dangling from a tree, or simply laid out in an intricate pattern on a table. They can also be written out on things like acrylic or glass, metal, stones, or other unique materials. I like to get creative with these! Like seating charts, there are so many directions you can go in! If your guest list tends to be on the smaller side, this could be a fun way to go so as not to have to get too many individual cards that you will then have to line up alphabetically. Don’t make it too stressful or difficult on yourself.

With escort cards, a great idea would be to double it as your party favor! Having your escort cards double as a favor can help cut down on costs and can also help cut down on needed space for setup. Finding a common area for guest to retrieve their escort cards is essential! A great way you could do this would be to place them near the bar or even as a Champagne Welcome Wall or Shelf as the guests arrive. A little calligraphy on a champagne flute tag or mason jar is a fun way to not only help guests find their seats but also send them off with their champagne to toast with, in hand.

The seating chart and escort cards are a great way to incorporate your couples style, wedding theme, and color palette so get creative and have fun with it. Either way you go, make it fun and make it your own!

P.S. Creamery Hill is a great calligraphy artist if you are looking for someone to create stunning seating chart/escort cards. I highly recommend Kelsey from Creamery Hill for all your signage and calligraphy needs! She is fantastic!

Happy Planning!

Love,

Naticia