Escort cards vs place cards: which do you need?

Guide · 4 minute read

The two get mixed up all the time, and many weddings only need one of them.

Escort cards: "which table am I at?"

Escort cards (or a single seating chart display) sit near the entrance to the reception. Each one shows a guest's name and table. Guests pick theirs up, find the table and sit wherever they like. A large printed sign listing everyone alphabetically does the same job, and it's cheaper and easier to update at the last minute.

Place cards: "which seat is mine?"

Place cards sit on the table, one at each setting, showing who sits exactly where. You need them if you're assigning specific seats, which is common at formal dinners, smaller weddings and plated meals with several entrée choices. Adding a small meal icon or note helps servers deliver the right plate.

Do I need both?

• Assigned tables only: escort cards or a seating display. No place cards needed.
• Assigned seats: escort cards or a display (to find the table) plus place cards (to find the seat).
• Small wedding (one or two tables): place cards alone work fine.

What to print

• Escort card or display: guest name, table name or number. Sort alphabetically by last name so people find themselves fast.
• Place card: guest name, and optionally the table and meal choice for the catering team.

The fast way

SeatCharm prints an alphabetical "find your seat" list for your display or calligrapher, and Pro prints place cards eight to a page with cut lines, each with the guest's name, table and meal.