Assigned seating – place cards, escort cards, seating charts

If your reception is going to have assigned seating, there are several ways to display the information so your guests know exactly where to sit!  The three most popular ways to do this are with place cards, escort cards, or seating charts.  So what’s the difference?  Let’s talk about it!

Place Cards

Place cards are the most traditional and formal assigned seating option.  They are typically a card or object with the guest’s name written on it.  Not only do they designate which table they are assigned to, but also which seat.  These are also most helpful if serving a plated meal – you can have a symbol displayed on it to communicate which meal that guest is eating.  One note – make sure your wedding planner has a master list of where the guests are assigned seating.  This could avoid guests wandering around trying to find their table and seat.

               

Escort Cards

Similar to place cards, these are items that have the guest’s name on it, and can be anything from a paper card, to something unique like a cactus paddle or oyster shell, or even a bud vase wall.  Escort cards not only display the guest’s name, but also the table number of their assigned seating.   Displayed somewhere in cocktail hour, guests can pick it up and take it to their seat (and can even double as a wedding favor) .  One thing to remember, just like place cards, be sure your wedding planner has a master list of where the guests are assigned seating.  If your reception has over 200 guests, it could cause a little back up at the escort table.

                                 

Seating Charts

The most popular and least stressful way to display your guests assigned seating is a seating chart. They include the guests name and table number and organized by last name or table number.  We have seen so many creative ways to display seating charts, from mirrors, to signs, to hanging installations. Venue tip – if you have more than 100 guests, organize your seating chart by last name so your guests have an easier time finding their assigned table.

                               

 

So what are YOU going to do for assigned seating at your wedding?  Or will you forgo it altogether and let guests sit where they want?  It’s YOUR DAY – so do whatever you want!