How to Decide Between Place Cards and Escort Cards
When it comes to event planning, there are numerous seemingly small details that can have a large impact on how seamlessly your event is executed and the impression your guests will have after your event. One such detail is helping your guests easily find their seats. Two great options for seating your guests are using place cards and escort cards. At first glance, the two types of cards can seem to be interchangeable, but they actually serve very different purposes in guiding guests throughout your event. How do you decide between using place cards vs escort cards for your event? In this blog post I’ll be breaking down the differences between the two and when to use each one.
Place Cards: Setting the Stage
Place cards are helpful in dictating where each guest should be seated during an event or dinner. They are typically small cards, carefully crafted with calligraphed names, placed directly at the table setting where the guest will be seated. To decide if you want to use place cards, first determine if your guests need to have assigned seats. Does a specific guest need to be seated at the head of the table or seated facing a certain direction? Does someone need to be seated as close to or far away from another guest as possible? These are all decisions to make before assigning seats. If assigned seats are needed, place cards are the way to go since their primary purpose is to establish a sense of order, elegance, and organization in the dining area.
Different styles and designs can be implemented to enhance the overall decor and theme of the event, making place cards not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. These cards are often positioned at the center of each table setting or delicately positioned atop the plate or napkin. By clearly indicating the assigned seat, place cards ensure that guests can smoothly locate their designated spot. Unique ideas for place cards include personalized luggage tags, hand-engraved candles, or engraved hors d'oeuvres shot glasses that can all double as wedding favors.
Escort Cards: Guiding Guests
If you decide that guests only need to know where to sit but don’t need assigned seats, then escort cards should be your choice. Escort cards are used for guiding guests to their respective tables. Unlike place cards, escort cards are typically arranged and located at the entry to your event space so guests can “escort” themselves to their assigned tables. They are laid out in an organized manner, typically alphabetically or numerically, making it easier for guests to find and identify their respective name or table assignment. They are often used instead of seating charts. We recommend escort cards to be displayed so they can be easily read by guests as they enter the event venue to avoid a bottleneck at the entrance of the venue.
Escort cards can take various forms and designs, ranging from individual cards with guest names and table numbers to more creative and personalized choices such as unique personalized tokens or themed items associated with the event. This thoughtful addition can add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the guests as they embark on their journey to find their designated tables. Table numbers also don’t have to be numbers. They can be names of cities the event hosts love to visit, the hosts favorite dishes, or even NFL football teams! Unique ideas for escort cards include personalized hand-written notes in envelopes for each guest, a glass of champagne with hand-written flag labels, or hand-calligraphed tent cards with the table assignment as a wax seal.
Ultimately, the main difference between place cards and escort cards lies in their purpose and function. Place cards are used to signify where guests are seated at the table, whereas escort cards serve as an initial guide for guests to find their assigned tables and guests can choose where to sit once they arrive at their tables. Although these two elements are distinct, they work in harmony to ensure a smooth and organized event experience, allowing guests to seamlessly navigate their way through carefully curated seating arrangements.
As an experienced calligrapher and event artist, I understand the importance of detail and precision in creating a memorable event. Whether it's crafting elegant place cards or designing eye-catching escort cards, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional service that enhances the ambiance and aesthetic of any occasion.
Pro tip: If you decide on place cards, you will need someone or something to guide your guests to their seats. This might be in the form of a member of your planning team or a seating chart.
Pro tip: If you decide to use a seating chart, consider going the more sustainable route and renting a mirror instead of using a one-time-use acrylic sign.
There are so many options when it comes to helping your guests find their seats, the possibilities are endless. If you’d like to explore how to incorporate using place cards or escort cards for your wedding or next event, please complete this contact form. I’m so excited to work with you!
🖤 Sanique
Gallery
