Escort Cards vs. Place Cards: What’s the Difference & Do You Need Both?
When planning your wedding reception, one of the details that often causes confusion is the difference between escort cards and place cards. While both help guests find their seats, they serve distinct purposes—and depending on your wedding style, you may need one, the other, or both!
At Daydream Paper Studio, we love crafting beautifully designed wedding stationery that not only enhances your celebration but also ensures everything runs smoothly. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between escort cards and place cards, when to use them, and how they can add an elegant, organized touch to your reception.
What Are Escort Cards?
Escort cards are individual cards that direct guests to their assigned table but do not specify an exact seat. Guests pick up their escort card from a central display and then find their seat at the assigned table.
Why Use Escort Cards?They allow for flexibility – Guests can choose their own seat at their designated table, making for a more relaxed reception.
They create a beautiful display – Escort card arrangements can become a stunning focal point at your wedding.
They’re practical for larger weddings – If you’re inviting a large number of guests, escort cards make the seating process smoother.
Creative Escort Card Display IdeasFloral-Inspired – Attach escort cards to petite bouquets, greenery, or floral arrangements.
Champagne Wall – Display escort cards on the rims of champagne glasses for a celebratory touch.
Personalized Favors – Attach escort cards to small keepsakes like candles, macarons, or olive oil bottles.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrange escort cards alphabetically rather than by table number to make it easier for guests to find their names.
Petal Collection
What Are Place Cards?
Place cards are set at each table at an individual place setting, indicating the exact seat where each guest should sit. They are typically used for formal or plated dinner receptions where meal choices are pre-selected.
Why Use Place Cards?They create an elegant, organized look – Place cards add a refined touch to your tablescape.
They help caterers – If guests have pre-selected meals, place cards can include meal indicators to assist the catering team.
They ensure a thoughtful seating arrangement – If you want to seat specific guests together, place cards allow for assigned seating at each table.
Beautiful Place Card IdeasHandwritten Calligraphy – Elegant and timeless, perfect for a sophisticated reception.
Deckled-Edge Paper – Adds an artisanal, romantic touch to your tablescape.
Acrylic or Velvet Cards – A modern, luxurious option for contemporary weddings.
💡 Pro Tip: If your wedding is plated, consider using symbols or small illustrations on place cards to indicate meal choices (e.g., a fish icon for seafood, a leaf for vegetarian options).
Fleur Collection
Escort Cards vs. Place Cards: Do You Need Both?
The short answer: It depends on your seating style and wedding aesthetic. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Scenario | Escort Cards | Place Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Casual or family-style dining | Yes | No |
| Formal plated dinner | Yes | Yes |
| Guests choosing their own seats at assigned tables | Yes | No |
| Assigned seating with designated meal choices | Optional | Yes |
| Smaller weddings with intimate seating | No | Yes |
💡Pro Tip: If your wedding is more relaxed and you’re not concerned with specific seating arrangements, escort cards alone are often enough!
Astrid Collection
Poppy Collection
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose escort cards, place cards, or both, these small but meaningful details help your reception flow smoothly while adding a refined, thoughtful touch to your décor. From classic calligraphy on handmade paper to modern acrylic designs, wedding seating cards are a beautiful way to personalize your celebration.
At Daydream Paper Studio, we specialize in designing elegant escort and place cards that match your wedding aesthetic seamlessly. No matter your vision, we’ll create a design that complements your invitations and enhances your tablescape beautifully.
Love what you’re reading? Get our free guide, Wedding Invitations, Simplified. Your thoughtfully designed roadmap to what you need, when to order, and how to make your stationery unforgettable.
