Designing Your Escort Cards
Escort cards are something that need to be done very last minute since they can’t be completed until your RSVP’s are in and you've figured out your seating layout. That doesn't mean you should wait until the end to select them. In advance, you'll want to come up with a plan for your seating chart or escort cards. There are a lot of design options from very simple to very elaborate escort card displays so it's never too early to start thinking about what you envision for yours.
Seating Charts
Recently we have seen a lot of seating charts instead of escort cards. If you go with a seating chart, there are a few things to keep in mind:
If you have a wedding over 150 guests, it may take guests a while to find their names, if the listing is by tables. One way to avoid this is by listing each guests name in alphabetical order by last name, followed by their table number for a quick reference.
· Keep the print large so that people can quickly find their names and seats
Styles of Seating Charts
Seating charts can be done for a minimal cost when printed on a large poster board and displayed on an easel. If it is outside though, you'll need to secure it to the easel. You can also search for a nice frame for your seating chart and display it on a table or easel. A little pricier, we really love the large wooden seating charts and mirrored seating charts. Below are some ideas we love!
Our bride, Tricia, created these herself! We love the texture she added to the edges and the beautiful water color at the bottom. [Photo by Emily Wren Associates]
The display piece below came from Michaels and the stationary matched the wedding invitations. [Photo by Idalia Photography]
Jessica & Bill displayed their seating chart on netting to go with the rest of their nautical setting. [Photo by Havana Photography]
These wooden seating charts are available through The Local Line in Red Bank. [Photo by Ashley Mac Photographs]
These creative designs are from The Jess Press! The first photo is of acrylic boxes, second a large wooden seating chart and third a mirrored display. Check out her instagram for more seating chart ideas! [Photo one; Molly Sue Photography, Planner Copper & Chloe; Photo two by Ann Coen, Photo three Jon Pivco ]
Traditional Cards
For traditional escort cards, you can get them printed or done in calligraphy. Some couples like to put a creative twist on escort cards by attaching them to things related to their wedding theme/decor or even a favor. Keep in mind that unless you are attaching it to something that people will want to take home, it will likely get thrown away so don’t blow your budget here! For weddings taking place outside, be sure to factor in wind! If this is the case, a seating chart might make more sense for you. Below are some ideas we love!
Carolyn and Ed used mini tree stumps to add to their rustic decor. [Photo by Jessa Schifilliti Associates.]
Kylie and Chrisitan displayed their cards in corks from the vineyard where their wedding was taking place. [Photo by Caroline Rocchetta Photography]
Gina & Ryan went with a traditional escort card, displayed on a table with a glitter linen. [Photo by Jackie Averill Photography]
Robin and Doug displayed their traditional cards on a bed of seaglass. [Photo by Endless Wave Studios]
These sand dollar and sea glass escort cards were created by The Jess Press for a wedding with beach decor. [First Photo: Prima Photographic; Second Photo: Holtz Photography]
What to write on them
We recommend putting couples on the same card (or line if seating chart). You can make the escort cards more casual than the wedding envelopes or you can choose to address couples as you did on the envelopes for a more formal approach.
Organizing Your Cards & Charts
Alphabetizing by last name is the best approach. If you have an unmarried couple listed together, you can put the person you invited (vs their date) first and order by their last name.
Provide a print out
Remember to provide your wedding planner or venue coordinator with a printout of each guest and their table assignment.. This helps if a card gets lost or someone is unsure of where they are supposed to be seated.
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