Planning your wedding and suddenly in the world of “What’s an escort card?” and “Wait! Do I need place cards too?” I’ve got you. These two little wedding stationery details may seem super similar, but they do different jobs—and they can totally change how your reception flows.
Here’s the quick-and-clear breakdown of what they are, how they’re different, and when you actually need them. Plus, I’ve included some fun and modern ideas for both.
Wedding Escort Cards = Find Your Table
Think of escort cards as your guests’ mini VIP passes to the reception. These are the cards that tell people which table they’re sitting at. You’ll usually display them near the entrance to your wedding reception.
- Lists guest names + table number or table name
- Helps guests find their table (but not their seat)
- Makes your life way easier if you want structured seating without assigning exact seats at each table
Wedding Place Cards = Find Your Seat
Place cards go on the table itself—right at each guests’ place setting. If you want to assign exact seats (like where each guest should sit at the table), place cards are the way to go. These are clutch for formal dinners or when your caterer needs to know who’s getting what meal.
- Lists guest name at each spot on the table
- Helps guests find their seat and provides a personalized moment
- Works great for plated dinners to include meal choices (super helpful for caterers!)
3 Pro Tips to Level Up Your Wedding Reception Seating
1. Alphabetize Your Escort Cards by Last Name
Guests don’t want to hunt through 120 cards arranged by table. Alphabetize them by last name to make life easier (and avoid crowding at your display).
2. Coordinate with Your Caterer Early
If you’re assigning seats and meal choices, talk to your caterer about how they’d like the cards marked—icons, colors, initials, etc. A little coordination equals a lot less stress on wedding day.
3. Make It Memorable for Your Favorite People
Your seating display is one of the first things guests will interact with—so make it thoughtful. Whether it’s personalized notes on the back of place cards, a sweet message tucked into each escort card, or a creative display that reflects your love story, this is a chance to surprise and delight the people who mean the most to you.
Do You Really Need Both?
Not always! Here’s the cheat sheet:
Formal event with specific seats? You’ll want both escort cards + place cards.
Formal, yet flexible event with assigned tables? You only need escort cards (or a seating chart).
Casual event with open seating? You can skip both—but just know, it can get chaotic fast.
Wedding Escort Card and Place Card Inspiration
Today’s wedding stationery is anything but boring. If you want to make a stylish statement, here are some fun ways to upgrade the classics:
Escort Card Moments
- Hang envelopes on a wall with love notes inside
- Display cards in unique card holders or flower arrangements
- Die cut shaped cards to coordinate with themed tables… think fave cities, cocktails, or animals
Place Card Vibes
- Name cutouts or engraved gifts for guests to take home
- Letterpress cards on colored paper—maybe attached to your menus with a ribbon or wax seal
- Names handwritten on different materials to add texture to the table design… think vellum, leather or silk ribbon
Whether you go full glam or keep it chill and cheeky, these little pieces of paper pull your whole wedding day experience together. They’re a design moment, yet a practical one—and your guests will definitely appreciate the extra thought.
Want help making your seating setup as cool as the rest of your wedding? Let’s design something custom that’s actually you—and totally unforgettable.
