Telling guests where to sit at a wedding can be done in a few different ways, one of which is by using escort cards. Escort cards are small cards that are typically displayed near the entrance of the reception, usually in alphabetical order. These cards serve the purpose of directing guests to their assigned tables.
The first step in using escort cards is to create a list of all the guests attending the wedding. This list should include each guest’s name and their corresponding table number. Once the list is complete, the escort cards can be prepared.
To create the escort cards, you can use small pieces of cardstock or pre-made escort card templates. Each card should include the guest’s name and their assigned table number. It’s helpful to use clear and legible handwriting or consider using printed labels to ensure that the information is easily readable.
After the escort cards are prepared, they can be displayed near the entrance of the reception. This can be done by placing them on a table or using a creative display, such as hanging them from a string or attaching them to a decorative board. It’s important to arrange the cards in alphabetical order to make it easy for guests to find their names.
When guests arrive at the reception, they can locate their names on the escort cards and find their assigned table. This allows guests to select their own seats at the table, providing a more flexible and comfortable seating arrangement. However, if you prefer to have a more structured seating plan, you can also use place cards in addition to the escort cards. Place cards are typically placed at each individual seat and indicate the specific seat assignment for each guest.
Using escort cards alongside place cards can provide a clear and organized seating arrangement. This can be particularly useful if you have specific seating arrangements in mind, such as ensuring that certain guests are seated together or separating certain groups of guests.
In my personal experience, I attended a wedding where escort cards were used to direct guests to their assigned tables. The cards were displayed on a large vintage mirror near the entrance of the reception. The mirror added an elegant touch to the overall decor and made it easy for guests to find their names. Once at the table, there were also place cards indicating the specific seat assignment for each guest. This combination of escort cards and place cards ensured a smooth and organized seating process for all the guests.
To summarize, using escort cards is a popular and practical way to tell guests where to sit at a wedding. These cards are displayed near the entrance of the reception in alphabetical order and typically include each guest’s name and table number. Guests can then locate their names on the escort cards and find their assigned tables, allowing them to select their own seats. Escort cards can be used in conjunction with place cards to provide a more structured seating arrangement if desired.