Escort cards and Place cards
What is the difference?
We get this question all the time, so what is the difference between Escort cards and Place cards? While they both designate where guests are going to be seated, they do serve different purposes. Allow us to walk you through the difference and how you can utilize them for your wedding.
Escort cards
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Escort cards are utilized to “escort” guests to their seats. These are the less formal version of a place card and can be used in lieu of a traditional framed seating chart if wanted. Escort cards should be placed outside the reception space generally located next to the guest book table. Escort cards are generally placed alphabetically by the person’s last name. Each card should include the guest’s full name, their table number and food choice if applicable. If you are having a buffet or only serving one meal then you can omit the food choice.
Tip: Have the escort card table a few feet before the guest book table. This way while guests are waiting for their turn to sign the guest book they can locate their escort card in the meantime.
Place cards
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Place cards are more specific, and therefore considered more formal. Place cards are placed on the tables before guests arrive to indicate where that guest will be seated at the table. With this particular method you would indicate the guest’s name and meal choice if applicable. You do not need to include the table number.
With this method you still require a traditional seating chart to guide guests to the right tables. Using place cards is a great way to add more detail and colour to your table and it also insures your key guests get the best view from each table (you can dictate who is facing you).
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How do you know what’s best for your event?
We recommend using place cards if you are doing harvest style seating where tables are larger than 10 guests. Having place cards will eliminate people scrambling for seats and having to shuffle down if not enough room was left for a couple or family. It will also allow guests to take their seats faster and avoid musical chairs. Escort cards are the way to go if you have smaller tables of 8 and a more casual feel. Both methods are great and aesthetically pleasing displayed on or off the guest tables, so in the end it’s really based on personal preference and what suits your event theme and style.
If you found this post about Escort cards and Place cards helpful you will enjoy some of our other planning advice such as How to manage the A and B wedding guest list or How to choose your Winnipeg wedding venue. Another favourite resource of ours is our Pinterest board! We have loads of great information for you on there as well.
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