Wedding Reception – Escort Cards Ideas

There are so any components to a wedding reception and one of those important items is the escort card.  The purpose of an escort card is to help the guests find which table they will be seating at for the duration of the event and will directly correspond with that troublesome seating chart that many brides spend time agonizing over.  The seating chart is determined after the wedding guests list is finalized, the invitations are sent and the RSVPs have been returned, but as many brides know there are almost always last minute changes and this can result in a problem shifting guests to appropriate tables.

It is important to note that there is a difference between an escort card and place card since both are stationery items used for a wedding reception.  An escort card has the guest’s name and the assigned table number; the cards are customarily placed on a table located at the entrance to the wedding reception. In contrast, a place card has only the guest’s name and is placed at the corresponding place setting at the guest table.    

Once the final guest list is determined escort cards are normally made in heavy cardstock with the guest’s name and table number either printed or written in calligraphy.  The most classic version of an escort card is a white or ivory cardstock with black ink but any color combination can be selected to coordinate with the wedding color scheme or theme.

When purchasing escort cards, be sure to order an amount according to the quest list.  The general rule is that cards are used for individuals or one per couple or family.  Also, be sure to order extra cards for printing or calligraphy errors and late additions to the wedding reception.

Escort cards are usually set out on a table near the entrance to the wedding reception; the table could be round, square or rectangular in shape.  A tablecloth can be used to the cover the table, either white/ivory or a color that coordinates with the wedding color scheme or theme.  In addition, a floral arrangement or candles can be placed on the table, the bridal couple’s engagement photos or parent/grandparents wedding photos can also be used to add a personal element to the escort card display.   (Please click on the link to Wedding Escort Table Display for ideas and suggestions)  

WEDDING TIP: Escort cards should be arranged in alphabetical order to make is easier for the wedding guests to find.     

Shown below is the classic escort card displayed in a small frame

Shown below are two examples of escort cards displayed on flowers
white roses and pink carnations

Shown below are several examples that could be used for a garden wedding reception
escort cards can be displayed on moss and a birch branch

Shown below are several examples of escort cards display
using crystal pebbles and sea glass (to match the wedding color/theme)

Shown below are two examples for a beach wedding
the first is a wooden bow filled with sand and scattered with seashells

The second beach theme idea uses seashells with the escort cards attached

The next examples uses wooden boxes filled with
coffee beans, cranberries and lavender

Shown below are two examples fruit with escort cards
made to look like leaves attached to apples and lemons
(artificial fruit would be a more practical substitute for real fruit)

Shown below is a great idea for escort cards
using wine glasses in an unusual way for a winery/vineyard theme reception

As this post shows, there are numerous ideas for displaying escort cards for any style or theme for a wedding reception.  For additional ideas and suggestions, please click on the link to Escort Card Table Displays.