All About Wedding Escort Cards

So, you’ve sent out your Save The Dates, and then received all your RSVPs back from your Wedding Invitations. With your official wedding guest list confirmed, now comes one of the most daunting tasks: where to seat your guests. From family dynamics to making sure friend groups get to sit together, this can be one of the hardest parts of wedding planning. Every detail counts, and wedding escort cards are a traditional and functional way to showcase your efforts and lead your guests to which table they are seated at. Additionally, they can be presented in several different ways to showcase your wedding design and aesthetic.

What Are Wedding Escort Cards?

Nowadays, wedding escort cards are typically small cards (either flat or folded/tented) that are displayed at your cocktail hour, or near the entrance of your reception area. Each card will have your guest’s name and their assigned table on it, taking the place of ushers or assistants with printed out seating lists. They literally act to “escort” your guests to their table. Pro tip: Like wedding invitations, you can group the names of couples and families together on escort cards if they are seated at the same table. This can easily cut down the quantity needed by 30%!

It may be a bit pedantic, but escort cards are not the same as place cards. Wedding place cards are used to assign specific seats to each guest. Think of it as escort cards escort your guests to their table, and place cards are placed at their assigned seat. There are scenarios where the functions of these two cards are combined, and we’ll get into that later.

Are Escort Cards Necessary?

While not all weddings may require the use of place cards for assigned seats, the majority of events stand to benefit from having assigned tables at a bare minimum. One exception can be small and intimate events, such as micro weddings, where all guests may fit at one or two tables max. Here are some reasons to consider assigning tables and using wedding escort cards:

• Scrambling For Seats
  • It’s sort of an expectation for most weddings in the San Francisco Bay Area to have a seating plan. However, we do understand that in some cultures or different parts of the world, assigned tables are not necessarily the norm. Here, guests will most likely look around to see where the escort cards or seating chart display is to find out where they are sitting. Without one, it may feel a bit awkward, and guests may end up rushing to grab seats with their friends or family.
• Unbalanced Tables
  • When guests are left to find their own tables, some tables can end up too crowded, and others, too empty. There can also be some social discomfort for guests who may not know each other, whereas if you assign tables, you can optimize and seat people together who you think would get along or that have common interests. You may also consider adding an extra table or two due to the non-optimal seating.
• Separated VIPs
  • The most important people, such as parents, close family, or wedding party, may end up scattered around the room. Consider this if it is important to you for them to get a closer view of things like the first dance, speeches, and cake cutting.

Examples of Wedding Escort Cards

And here is our favorite part when sharing these blog posts: photos! We’ve put together examples of wedding escort cards with photos for your easy reference. We can personalize your ink color, paper type, design, and more.

Traditional Crane Escort Envelopes and Escort Cards

One of the most traditional methods of displaying your escort cards is to pair them with an escort envelope. You can personalize the front of the envelopes with each guest’s name (or group them by couples and families). When they open the envelope, there is a flat escort card inside that states which table they are seated at. A major benefit of this approach is that you can always switch out the escort cards at the last second, making it extremely easy for those last minute table changes.

Classic Tented Escort Cards

A common display for wedding escort cards is using tented cards, which can be folded in half and are self-standing. We recommend sorting the cards alphabetically by last name, and then displaying them on a table or two. Choose from different ink colors, font styles, design options, and more; you can even dress up the escort card table with fresh florals or other decor. By far, our most popular style is the beaded border design by William Arthur. The design is elegant, embossed, and complementary to all wedding styles.

Flat Escort Cards

Sometimes, our clients opt for flat escort cards instead of tented escort cards for a different display. They may be using a holder or stand (like cute wine corks!) or presenting them on an heirloom silver tray. Another consideration is the wind factor if you are having an al fresco wedding.

Combining Escort Cards with Place Cards

Combining your escort cards with place cards is a common practice, especially if you do not need to assign seats at the table, but you do have assigned meal choices. With these, you would have each individual guest’s name printed, and then add on their assigned table, and a meal choice indicator of your choice (such as a letter, word, symbol, icon, or even different colors). Display these the same way as any other escort card, but guests will grab these and take with them to set at their place setting at their assigned table. Your guests will still be able to choose their own seat at their assigned table, and waitstaff will know where to serve each meal.

Wedding Seating Charts

Instead of paper escort cards, wedding seating charts are becoming increasingly more popular. You can place them on an easel, in a frame, or lean them against a wall. For extra large options, add adhesive stands on the back for extra support. Seating charts are also a great option to incorporate a cherished photo, or incorporate your wedding design and colors to add to the vibes. Our most requested type is a 24″ x 36″ sign printed on foam core, but we can also do posters, acrylic, and even fabric!

Personalized Wedding Escort Cards in the San Francisco Bay Area

Our services at Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy are often requested for assistance with wedding escort cards, place cards, and seating charts. Make a FREE appointment and visit us at our Financial District brick and mortar stationery store, located in Three Embarcadero Center on the Street Level. We look forward to assisting you!