Seating chart vs escort cards vs place cards: Everything you need to know

As you start thinking of your wedding stationery needs, such as save the dates, invitations, and signage, it is a good time to consider whether you want to do a seating chart, escort cards or place cards for your guest seating.  We always recommend assigned seating for your wedding guests as it limits chaos, which creates a better guest experience and makes seating for dinner faster and more efficient.  With that said, by doing assigned seating, you will need have an easy way for guests to find their table or seat, whether it is by a seating chart, escort cards or place cards.  Below we break down the difference between each in order to help you make the best decision for the flow of your wedding day.

Seating Chart

Seating charts are typically a larger sign that have all guest’s names and table number/name clearly written out.  Seating charts should always be organized alphabetically by last name, NOT by table name/number.  By organizing the chart by last name, it is much quicker and easier for guests to find their name and therefore their seating assignment.  Seating charts can be as simple as a sign displayed on an easel or a statement piece with calligraphy on a mirror or displayed on a greenery wall.  The possibilities are truly endless!  If you do a seating chart, we recommend displaying it during cocktail hour which allows guests plenty of time to find their name and table.  This creates less bottleneck when guests are asked to find their seats for dinner as they will all be looking at the same sign.

Escort Cards

Escort Cards are individual cards that have your guest’s names, table number/name, and guest’s food choice if you are doing a plated meal. Escort cards are a must have if you are doing a plated meal where guests have a choice of entrée. They will be displayed either during cocktail hour or the entrance to the dinner space, allowing guests to pick up their individual card and take it to their seat. If you are having a plated meal with a choice of entrée, your guest will then place their card at their seat so that their server knows what meal choice they have previously selected. This allows for a more efficient dinner service and keeps servers from having to “auction off” meals to each table. Escort cards don’t have to simply be folded cards set on a table! You can get creative with how you display the cards and they can even double as favors! See some creative ideas our clients have done below.

Place Cards

Did you know there is a difference between escort cards and place cards?  Often these two terms get used interchangeably; however, escort cards direct your guests to a specific table and place cards direct your guests to a specific seat at that table.  Place cards are set at each guest’s placesetting at the table (hence the name “place” card).  They do require more planning time as you have to not just place a guest at a table, but decide where each guest is sitting and the table and by whom they are sitting.  They are typically synonymous with more formal weddings; however, are useful if you want to encourage guests to interact with a specific individual  by seating them next to him/her. 

So which one is right for you?  It really comes down to personal choice as well as what fits best with your venue, catering choices, and overall aesthetic of your wedding day.  Pro tip:  Make your RSVP’s due 45 days out from your wedding so that you have plenty of time to finalize your seating arrangements and get a seating chart, escort cards, or place cards printed.  You don’t want to be scrambling last minute and have to pay extra for rushed printing or shipping.  Happy planning!  If you decide you could use some additional planning help, reach out as we would love to help you in your planning journey!