Escort Cards v. Place Cards…What’s the Difference?
Among the many thoughtful details that shape a wedding, Escort Cards and Place Cards are often misunderstood. While subtle, the distinction between them brings both elegance and order to your guests’ experience. Let’s break down each:
ESCORT CARDS act as a way to ‘escort’ you to your seat. Most of the time, this card is displayed at a cocktail reception between ceremony and reception. While they are traditionally a small folded card, within recent years they have evolved into much more elaborate items such as tags on champagne glasses, elaborate acrylic walls and even something as fun as a display of oyster shells.
The escort card has key details for the guest: their name and table number. Escort cards are typically displayed in alphabetical order according to last name to make it easier for guests to find their names, but in some cases (for larger displays) can be organized according to table.
PLACE CARDS are exactly what they sound like. They are a small card that is at your place setting. While an escort card is more broad (example: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith, Table 2), a place card is for one person and sits at their setting (example: Mrs. Sarah Smith). The place card also serves as a way for the dinner server to know which entrée should be placed in front of the guest. There is typically a key indicator such as a simple word like “beef” or a color wax seal that would guide each of the service staff.
Some couples choose to have only escort cards if they want to assign tables only and some choose to have both escort cards and place cards if they want to be specific of where a guest is seated. No matter your style, seating your guests with grace is both an art and a courtesy. However, escort cards and place cards each carry their own role in creating a seamless flow from arrival to celebration.
Pro tip: Love the idea of a place cards but don’t love the idea of assigning ALL of your guests’ seats? Place cards for the Head Table is a great way to ensure you and your bridal party are seated exactly where you want them to be for dinner!
